Chapter 78

Chapter 78

After leaving the apartment, the group first found a printing shop to look for a printer.

Cheng Zhiyu inspected the printer, confirmed it was in good condition, and stored it in his spatial inventory. As for the other items in the shop, like computers, he took them all along.

What if they could be used once electricity was restored? At the very least, they could be used to make a clock or something.

There was also some printing paper in the shop, so he took it all. Before coming, he had cleared out his inventory, so there was plenty of room now. Besides, these items didn’t take up much space at all.

Next, they needed to find solar panels.

"Building supply stores usually have solar panels. Let’s go there and look," Tian Qiao said.

Cheng Zhiyu nodded.

There weren’t many zombies here, probably because the area was close to Dongyang Base. Many people came here on missions and would clear out the zombies.

After all, zombie crystals could be exchanged for supplies and even enhance powers.

So, along the way, they encountered very few zombies. Those without powers had been holed up, relying on the Han siblings to get by. They had grown so dependent on others that without someone to lean on, they didn't even dare to step outside the door.

They never would have thought that there were hardly any zombies out there.

Although Cheng Zhiyu had a map, it was only a rough one and not very detailed. They didn’t know where the building supply market was, so they headed toward the outskirts of the city, as such markets were usually located there.

After searching around for over two hours, they finally found a large building material market.

Perhaps because there was no food or water here, superhumans rarely came to this area. After entering the market, they encountered more zombies.

The group took care of the zombies, burned the corpses, and made sure the area was clear before starting to search for useful items.

The first thing they looked for was solar panels. These were easy to find—the first shop had them. After confirming they were new and usable, Cheng Zhiyu stored them away directly.

As for other items, like cement, glass, tiles, and such, they could be useful. They would definitely be useful for expanding the base in the future, but Cheng Zhiyu was worried his space might not have enough room, so he didn’t take them.

After all, they still needed to go to the research institute later to gather some lab equipment.

If they needed these items later, they could just haul them from nearby towns. There was no need to carry them all the way from the city.

"Should we go to the research institute today or tomorrow?" Zhou Min asked.

Cheng Zhiyu checked the time. It was already past 3 p.m.—getting late. "Let’s go tomorrow. We’ll rest well today and set out early tomorrow morning."

He estimated that there would likely be more zombies at the research institute, so it was better not to rush there.

Everyone agreed it made sense, so they decided to return to the apartment and rest.

When they got back to the apartment, they found it completely spotless—the Han siblings had tidied everything up.

Both of them had also taken showers and must have found clean clothes to change into.

Now they could finally see what they looked like without the grime on their faces.

They looked thin and worn, likely having suffered a lot along the way.

Han Tingting’s hair looked like it had been chopped by a dog. She said, "Don’t even ask. I originally planned to wash it slowly, but it was so tangled I couldn’t deal with it. I had no patience to untangle it, so I just had my brother cut it. And he cut it like a dog chewed it!"

Han Ping rubbed his nose. "I told you I don’t know how to cut hair."

"Even if you don’t know how, at least have some patience. I can't believe you—just cutting randomly here and there." Han Tingting wasn't bothered anymore, though. After being dirty and smelly for so long, she was just glad to be clean. Otherwise, she would have cried over this dog-chewed hairstyle.

Now everyone had time to talk. Han Tingting was an ordinary person, while Han Ping’s power was teleportation.

"Teleportation? Is that similar to Manman’s?" Tian Qiao asked curiously. "Manman is a speed type and can run really fast."

Han Ping shook his head. "It’s not the same. It's not just about speed."

Cheng Zhiyu asked, "You go directly from one place to another?"

Han Ping nodded. "But I’m only level two right now, so the farthest I can teleport is about 200 meters away."

Zhou Min looked intrigued. "I’d love to see it, but you’re still injured… Must be tough to manage, right?"

Han Ping nodded. "I can show you once my injuries are healed."

Zhou Min rubbed his hands together. "Let me give you another treatment."

Han Tingting peeked in. "Haven’t you used up all your energy? Maybe we should wait."

"It’s fine, it’s fine. The meal today restored plenty of my energy." Zhou Min didn’t mind at all. He was more eager to see teleportation and immediately started healing Han Ping.

He had already healed him once, and Han Ping was mostly healed. After Zhou Min channeled his power again, Han Ping was fully healed, though Zhou Min’s face went pale.

Cheng Zhiyu sighed. "Do you have to be so curious?"

He’d rather make himself uncomfortable just to see teleportation. It was pretty ridiculous.

Zhou Min wiped his sweat. "It’s fine… I can handle it."

Cheng Zhiyu shook his head and tossed him a mutant tomato. Zhou Min took a bite and felt much better.

Han Ping tested his movements and felt much lighter, as if he could run a kilometer.

He said sincerely, "Thank you."

Zhou Min waved his hand. "No need to thank me. Just show me already."

He was dying of curiosity.

Han Ping smiled. "Sure. Let’s find an open space. It’s too cramped in here."

Tian Qiao said, "Okay, okay, let’s go outside and test it."

So, everyone went outside.

Zhou Min remarked, "Hmm, I wonder if Han Ping is more powerful or Brother Black."

Cheng Mo’s newly awakened power was also teleportation.

But nobody dared ask Cheng Mo to demonstrate, so they had to let Han Ping do it.

Zhou Min pointed to a tree about a hundred meters out. "Manman, you both go at the same time. Let’s see who’s faster."

Tian Manman also wanted to compare, so he nodded.

The two stood at the same starting point. Zhou Min said, "Go," and then Tian Manman took off toward the tree like the wind.

His speed was already very fast—he was at the tree in an instant. But by the time he got there, Han Ping was already there.

Tian Manman said dejectedly, "I lost."

Han Ping had a complicated expression: "You're already very fast. I can only teleport short distances."

Zhou Min saw them return, finding it amusing, then boldly asked Cheng Mo: "Brother Black, how far can you teleport?"

Cheng Mo said with a cool demeanor, "Oh, I don't know."

Damn, that was so dismissive.

Zhou Min glanced at Cheng Zhiyu: "Ah, Brother Cheng seems quite interested in teleportation. He glanced at Han Ping several times just now."

Han Ping suddenly felt a chill down his neck. Zhou Min really knew how to stir up trouble.

Cheng Mo looked at Cheng Zhiyu, sounding hurt: "What's so interesting about him? Look at me."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..." Everyone was looking.

The next moment, Cheng Mo vanished from where he stood. Everyone was stunned and instinctively looked around: "Huh? Where did he go?"

"Where did he run off to?"

Then they heard a voice from the rooftop: "Here."

Everyone looked up and saw Cheng Mo actually on the rooftop. Before they could say anything, he reappeared beside them.

Cheng Mo, preening like a peacock: "I was afraid you wouldn't see me if I went too far."

After saying that, he glanced at Cheng Zhiyu.

Seeing Cheng Zhiyu looking at him with bright eyes, he was incredibly pleased with himself.

Tsk, what's he got that I don't? Zhi Yu still thinks I'm more impressive.

"But the rooftop isn't that many meters away from here," Zhou Min boldly questioned.

Cheng Mo shot him a dark look. Zhou Min wasn't fazed at all—Brother Black might look intimidating, but he wouldn't actually do anything.

Han Ping, who understood better, explained: "It's different. He went directly to the rooftop, which means he had to pass through layers of walls. When I teleported earlier, there were no obstacles around, so it was much easier than going directly to the rooftop. Although I can teleport up to two hundred meters, I still can't do what he did—go straight to the rooftop."

Zhou Min exclaimed with sudden understanding: "So that's it! I didn't consider the obstacles in between. That means Brother Black is still more impressive, haha."

He smiled and looked at Cheng Mo, only to receive a dismissive side-eye.

Cheng Zhiyu chuckled. Cheng Mo looked at him discontentedly: "Why are you laughing at me?"

Zhou Min then eagerly turned to Han Ping: "Can you teleport with someone? How about taking me for a try?"

The others nearby heard this and curiously gathered around.

"Uh... well..." Han Ping hesitated.

Han Tingting explained from the side: "He can't take people. My brother tried before. When he teleports with something, it just gets destroyed when they arrive."

Han Ping nodded, dejected: "I don't know why. Maybe my ability is too low, or maybe it's just not possible to take people."

He had tried carrying things before because he wanted to take his sister. That way, if they encountered danger, he could escape with her. Unfortunately, he still couldn't do it, so every time they faced danger, he had to fight head-on. What else could he do? He would never abandon his sister.

"Can't take people?" Zhou Min was disappointed. He had wanted to see what teleportation felt like. Too bad... He encouraged Han Ping sincerely: "Keep working hard. Maybe you'll be able to take people when your level improves?"

Tian Qiao then looked at Cheng Mo: "Brother Black, can you take people?"

Cheng Mo was about to say "How childish," but when he turned and saw Cheng Zhiyu also looking at him curiously, he swallowed his words and nodded arrogantly: "We can try."

Then he cleared his throat lightly and sneaked a glance at Cheng Zhiyu as if it were nothing.

Cheng Zhiyu: "..." Your intentions are written all over your face. Do you think I can't tell?

But he did want to experience it.

So, he reached out and grabbed Cheng Mo's arm, but the latter objected: "This won't work. I might lose you."

Saying this, he pulled him close by the waist, a smirk playing on his lips: "Hmm... this should work."

The others: "..." Do you have to be so unaware of your audience?

Cheng Zhiyu's ears flushed red as he glared angrily at Cheng Mo. The latter let out a pleased laugh: "Hold on tight. We're teleporting."

Cheng Zhiyu instinctively held Cheng Mo tighter. The next moment, everything went blurry. When he looked again, the surroundings had changed. He and Cheng Mo were on the rooftop again, with the others looking up at them from below.

Zhou Min exclaimed: "Wow, so cool! I want to try too!"

Cheng Zhiyu also thought it was cool and exciting, though his head felt a bit dizzy. He shook his head to clear it.

Tian Qiao raised his hand like a primary school student: "Ahhh, Brother Black, give me a turn!"

Even Tian Manman spoke up unexpectedly: "I also want to try..."

Han Ping, meanwhile, was full of envy. If only his ability were this powerful, he could get his sister to safety instantly.

Han Tingting noticed Han Ping's mood and quickly said: "Brother, you're already amazing. You got me this far and protected so many people."

Han Ping smiled: "It's fine. I just wish I could improve my ability faster."

He wasn't particularly combative, but in the apocalypse, it was a world where the strong call the shots. He had people he wanted to protect.

Cheng Zhiyu patted Cheng Mo: "It's too difficult to talk from so far away. Quickly take me back."

Cheng Mo crossed his arms, looking especially cool: "No."

Cheng Zhiyu was incredulous, his eyes widening: "Big Black, you're getting bold?"

Cheng Mo mumbled: "Then give me a kiss."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..."

Cheng Mo said matter-of-factly: "Why should I work for free?"

Cheng Zhiyu glanced downstairs, took a slight step back to make sure they couldn't be seen, and gave Cheng Mo a quick kiss on the cheek, his ears reddening: "Is this okay?"

Although they had done everything except the final step and technically shouldn't feel embarrassed, doing this in broad daylight and outdoors... well, it felt kind of awkward.

Cheng Mo pressed further: "Just like that? The kiss I want isn't like this..."

Before he could finish, Cheng Zhiyu's expression turned dangerous, as if saying: "Keep talking, I dare you."

Cheng Mo: "..."

He scratched his nose, grudgingly: "Alright, alright, that's enough. Cheng Zhiyu, what's your problem? You're so reluctant to even give me a kiss. Do you even like me?"

Cheng Zhiyu chuckled, "No, I don't like it."

Cheng Mo: "...Why do you always spout nonsense? That's a bad habit—you need to change it."

He complained, "Hold me tighter."

Cheng Zhiyu smothered a laugh and hugged Cheng Mo tightly. During the teleportation just now, he realized Cheng Mo hadn't lied—there really was a feeling like they were being torn apart. Thankfully, he held on firmly.

Then, everything went blurry again, and he was back on the ground.

The others were extremely curious and crowded around, all eager.

Zhou Min: "Brother Cheng, tell us, how did it feel?"

Cheng Zhiyu shook his head, "...Kinda dizzy."

It was interesting, sure, but also dizzying. He needed a minute to recover.

"Brother Black, let me try it too," Tian Qiao rubbed his hands together eagerly, his face full of anticipation.

Seeing this, Zhou Min was quietly watching. If Cheng Mo agreed, he could experience it too!

Cheng Mo: "No."

To take someone along, they had to hug him, and he didn't want that. He only wanted Zhi Yu to hold him.

Tian Qiao looked disappointed.

Zhou Min came over, not giving up: "Brother Black, take me along, please! I'll do anything you want!"

Cheng Mo impatiently brushed him off, "Go away, go away."

He turned to look at Zhi Yu, who was watching the show, amused, and felt displeased. What was wrong with Zhi Yu? Why wasn't he helping him?

Zhou Min kept pushing shamelessly: "Brother Black, think about it carefully—maybe there's something you need me for? Brother Black!"

Cheng Mo was getting seriously annoyed. How could someone be so thick-skinned? He couldn't just hit him, either.

Just as he was about to shoo Zhou Min away, he suddenly thought of something while looking at Zhi Yu. He did have a problem...

With that in mind, he suddenly changed his attitude and said, "Alright."

Zhou Min: "!!!"

He had only been testing the waters, but Cheng Mo actually agreed?

Cheng Mo glanced at him, with meaning: "Remember what you said."

Zhou Min scratched his head. Whatever, he'd experience it first and worry later.

Tian Qiao sighed with regret nearby: If only he had said that earlier!

Zhi Yu, however, found it strange. He hadn't expected Cheng Mo to agree—what was this guy up to now?

He looked suspiciously at Cheng Mo, who gave him a look that said, "Why are you looking at me like that?" "If Zhi Yu is jealous, I can always refuse him."

Zhi Yu was immediately speechless: "Why would I be jealous?"

Cheng Mo looked slightly disappointed and turned to the eager Zhou Min: "Let's go."

Zhou Min immediately ran over and hugged Cheng Mo tightly. Cheng Mo's face darkened instantly. The next moment, they appeared on the rooftop. Zhou Min exclaimed excitedly, "Wow wow wow! So cool!"

As soon as he finished speaking, they were back on the ground. Cheng Mo pushed him away.

Zhou Min: "Ugh!"

The teleportation was too fast—he felt dizzy.

Tian Qiao still refused to give up: "Brother Black, you can't play favorites, right? You took Zhou Min, so give me a turn too!"

Cheng Mo refused. He had already tolerated Zhou Min hugging him—he really hated others touching him!

Of course, Zhi Yu was an exception. Zhi Yu wasn't just anyone—he was happy when Zhi Yu held him.

Seeing no hope, Tian Qiao sighed: "Alright, alright. Han Ping, hurry up and improve your power so you can take me along someday."

Han Ping smiled: "I don't know when I'll be able to take others along."

He came over to ask Cheng Mo a question: "Can I ask—at what level did your ability allow you to take others along?"

Cheng Mo obliged him with an answer: "Right after awakening."

Han Ping was incredulous. Seriously? Taking others along at level one?

Zhou Min, having recovered, patted Han Ping's shoulder: "Buddy, you asked the wrong person. Brother Black's ability is ridiculously overpowered. You can't use him as a reference."

Han Ping didn't quite understand what Zhou Min meant, but he knew he couldn't learn from Cheng Mo's experience. He nodded in disappointment.

"Let's go, let's go back. We have to go to the research institute tomorrow," Zhou Min said, perfectly satisfied now that he had experienced it. He just wondered what Brother Black would ask him to do. Oh well, he'd deal with it later.

The group returned to the apartment—it was time for dinner.

Both Han Tingting and Han Ping knew how to cook. Zhi Yu was delighted—finally, teammates who could cook!

The siblings handled the cooking while the others helped.

It was their first time eating the duo's cooking, and the style was completely different.

They prepared a pot of chicken soup, tomato beef brisket in a clay pot, minced pork with tofu, three-delicacy meatballs, pickled cabbage with pork slices, and pickled cabbage with pork belly.

The table was laden with an extravagant spread.

Han Tingting said proudly, "Good thing I love experimenting with food. Before the apocalypse, I hardly ever ordered takeout."

She also praised her brother: "My brother is such a good cook! One of my classmates tasted his cooking and even said she wanted to marry him!"

Han Ping sighed, slightly embarrassed: "Tingting, don't bring up jokes like that."

Han Tingting hummed but didn't say more. That classmate hadn't been joking—she had even asked for her brother's WeChat, which Han Tingting gave her. Later, her brother scolded her for it.

Han Ping was handsome, easygoing, rarely got angry, emotionally stable, good around the house, and a great cook—wasn't it natural that he'd be popular?

"Then I'll have to taste it," Zhi Yu said, feeling relaxed today. He tried a three-delicacy meatball and praised, "Delicious! I think Han Tingting wasn't exaggerating."

"Right? My brother made the three-delicacy meatballs," Han Tingting said proudly.

Cheng Mo felt a pang of jealousy—he couldn't cook.

The others tasted the food and exclaimed how delicious it was, too busy eating to look up.

Han Tingting was eating and was genuinely touched. Even though they had made the food themselves, it had been so long since she had such a hearty meal!

For a moment, she even felt as if she weren’t in the apocalypse—it was like she had returned to the time before it all began.

“It’s delicious. Forget your classmate, even I want to marry Han Ping~” Zhou Min put on a fake high voice, with zero shame.

Everyone was used to it by now. After all, Zhou Min had once tagged along with them from Chaoyang Base just for some good food.

This guy has a bottomless appetite.

But Han Ping choked hard upon hearing this, his handsome face turning bright red.

Zhou Min, egging him on, said, “Han Ping, Han Ping, what’s wrong? Come here, let me pat you on the back.”

Han Tingting, watching from the side, couldn’t hold back: “OMG this is killing me! Bro, am I getting a brother-in-law?”

She turned to Zhou Min: “Hey there, sis-in-law.”

Zhou Min smiled and nodded: “Hello, hello.”

Han Ping, having recovered, glanced at the two but said nothing.

Han Tingting was dying laughing—she had never seen her brother like this before.

The meal was rowdy and fun. After it ended, everyone went to rest.

Cheng Zhiyu pulled bedding from his storage space and gave it to them, then returned to his own room to make his bed. Lying in bed, he noticed Cheng Mo still hadn’t come in and wondered where he’d gone.

Outside, Zhou Min was asking Cheng Mo: “Brother Black, what did you want me to do?”

Cheng Mo: “Nothing much, got a question.”

Zhou Min, reading his face, guessed: “Is it about Brother Cheng?”

Cheng Mo nodded but hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. He disliked discussing such matters with others, but whenever he asked Cheng Zhiyu, the latter wouldn’t say anything.

So frustrating.

Seeing his hesitation, Zhou Min rubbed his chin and smirked: “I get it—love troubles.”

Cheng Mo thought for a moment: “You could say that.”

Zhou Min, observing his reaction, gasped: “Whoa… it’s not about *that*, is it?”

Cheng Mo looked puzzled.

Zhou Min: “Is your sex life not… harmonious?”

He thought to himself, *That can’t be right. Brother Black doesn’t seem like the type to have trouble performing.*

“What do you mean, not harmonious?” Cheng Mo frowned. “We’re fine.”

“Ah, you don’t get what I mean.” Zhou Min slapped his knee, frustrated, unsure how to explain. Cheng Mo clearly wasn’t the type to discuss such things openly, and he couldn’t be too blunt either. It made him fidgety: “I mean, in bed… is it not harmonious?”

Cheng Mo frowned: “In bed? We’re very harmonious.”

He and Zhi Yu are always kissing and cuddling—Zhi Yu loved it. How could it not be harmonious? Nonsense.

Zhou Min was getting a headache: “Then what’s the issue?”

Cheng Mo frowned: “There’s a slight problem.”

Zhou Min: “What problem?”

Cheng Mo: “…I don’t know how to say it.”

Zhou Min: “?”

Cheng Mo finally revealed something useful: “Zhi Yu said we haven’t ‘gone all the way.’ How do we ‘go all the way’? What does he mean?”

Zhou Min looked shocked: “Damn, you’ve been together this long and still haven’t gone all the way? Wow, I never knew you two were such prudes.”

Cheng Mo stared at him, frowning. *What is he talking about?*

He had never been interested in these topics before, and no one dared discuss them in front of him. Now he had to ask others for advice… Regrets!

Zhou Min pondered for a moment and realized this wasn’t something that could easily be explained with words—it was too complicated to put simply.

Then an idea struck him, and he smiled: “Wait here, I’ll get you something to study.”

Good thing he enjoyed reading erotic comics in his free time.

A moment later, Zhou Min returned with a comic book and shoved it into Cheng Mo’s hands, reluctantly saying: “This is my personal treasure. Remember to return it after you’re done.”