Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Seeing Cheng Zhiyu’s wide-eyed expression, Cheng Mo grew nervous. His forehead was beaded with sweat from the pain, but he kept asking, “Is it ugly?”

Cheng Zhiyu: “...It’s beautiful.”

It was really beautiful. Cheng Mo’s wings were pure black, not at all like what Cheng Zhiyu had described earlier—small and featherless when they first started growing.

It was magical—the wings were large, with full-grown, thick feathers as dark as ink, giving Cheng Mo an almost divine yet sinister aura.

After hearing Cheng Zhiyu’s words and confirming that he wasn’t just trying to comfort him, Cheng Mo went to look at himself in the mirror.

Things clattered in the bathroom as Cheng Mo, still struggling to control his wings, accidentally knocked over bottles and stuff.

When Cheng Zhiyu came in, Cheng Mo rubbed his nose sheepishly.

Cheng Zhiyu chuckled, “It’s fine. You go out first, I’ll clean up.”

Cheng Mo nodded. He tried to retract his wings but couldn’t. Still, he wasn’t worried—it was normal to lack control when the wings had just grown.

After cleaning up, Cheng Zhiyu’s heart was racing. He stepped out of the bathroom only to find Cheng Mo sitting by the bed, his wings were already gone.

Feeling disappointed, Cheng Zhiyu walked over and touched his back, asking, “Where are the wings?”

Cheng Mo: “I was practicing control and managed to retract them.”

But seeing Cheng Zhiyu’s expression, he caught on immediately. He released his wings again, wrapping them around Cheng Zhiyu and pulling him into his embrace.

Cheng Zhiyu’s heart was pounding rapidly. Gazing at Cheng Mo’s flawless face, he changed the subject, “Um... why aren’t your clothes torn?”

“Not sure. The wings probably go through clothing. Otherwise, if my clothes tore every time I summoned them, wouldn’t I end up running around naked?” Cheng Mo replied.

Cheng Zhiyu thought it made sense and blinked. “...Oh.”

Cheng Mo’s ears popped out.

Cheng Zhiyu: “!!!”

Cheng Mo kissed him and said, “Take out the chest chain. Later... I won’t retract my wings.”

Having been with Cheng Zhiyu for so long, he’d be a fool not to notice how much Cheng Zhiyu liked him with wings.

Cheng Mo felt proud—great, now he had a new way to seduce Cheng Zhiyu.

Sure enough, Cheng Zhiyu’s heart raced wildly as he took the chest chain out from his spatial storage.

Cheng Mo: “Help me put it on.”

Cheng Zhiyu blushed. For some reason, ever since Cheng Mo grew wings, he felt oddly shy around him.

Maybe it was the divine aura... The thought of what they were about to do made Cheng Zhiyu’s limbs go weak.

He fastened the chain onto Cheng Mo, and the next moment, Cheng Mo kissed him possessively.

Nervous, Cheng Zhiyu grabbed Cheng Mo’s ears...

Finally, the wings wrapped around him, their soft feathers brushing against his skin, sending tingles throughout his body.

Cheng Zhiyu gripped the warm wings, his fingers tightening.

When he came to his senses, he realized he was holding a few feathers in his hand.

Cheng Zhiyu: “...”

He glanced at Cheng Mo’s wings—thankfully, there were no bald spots. He quietly tucked the feathers into his spatial storage.

Cheng Zhiyu was almost impressed by his own adaptability. After they finished, his eyes sparkled as he asked, “Can you fly now?”

Cheng Mo dressed him, kissed his forehead, and said, “We can try tonight when no one’s around.”

Cheng Zhiyu nodded, full of anticipation.

Cheng Mo carried him outside and started flying.

Then, with a sudden wobble, Cheng Zhiyu: “...”

Am I going to fall to my death?

Cheng Mo’s ears turned red. He coughed lightly and defended himself, “I just grew these wings—I’m still not very skilled at flying.”

Cheng Zhiyu nodded in understanding.

Fortunately, Cheng Mo soon flew more steadily. Held in his embrace, Cheng Zhiyu felt both nervous and exhilarated—it was a completely different experience from riding in a small aircraft, far more thrilling.

Moreover, Cheng Mo flew extremely high. Cheng Zhiyu could talk as loudly as he wanted, since they were so far from the ground, with no fear of being overheard.

He had never felt so close to the stars before—the night sky seemed exceptionally bright, the stars shimmering vividly.

They flew for what felt like ages. Worried that Cheng Mo might be tired from using his new wings, Cheng Zhiyu said, “Let’s go back.”

Cheng Mo nodded. “I’ll switch to my beast form.”

Cheng Zhiyu agreed, curious to see what Cheng Mo’s beast form looked like with wings.

Cheng Mo transformed mid-air, and Cheng Zhiyu found himself held in his mouth by the collar.

Cheng Zhiyu, dangling by his shirt collar: “...This position isn’t very dignified, is it?”

It felt like being lifted by the scruff of his neck.

Then, Cheng Zhiyu felt himself being tossed upward. He let out a startled cry before landing on Big Black’s back, followed by the sound of Big Black’s booming laughter in his mind.

Cheng Zhiyu gritted his teeth.

He bit Big Black’s ear hard.

Big Black wobbled mid-flight, and Cheng Zhiyu quickly let go, scratching his cheek. “You deserved that for scaring me. You’ve got some nerve.”

Big Black defended himself, “How else was I supposed to get you on my back? What did you expect me to do?”

Cheng Zhiyu rubbed his nose. “...” Well, he had a point.

He patted Big Black’s head to soothe him.

By the time they returned, the sky was beginning to lighten. Fortunately, they made it back to their room without running into anyone.

Luckily, everything in the base was running smoothly lately. Cheng Zhiyu slept for a while, went to the office to handle some matters, and after finishing, returned to sleep again.

Once he was fully rested, someone came to report: “Base residents saw an enormous bird early this morning! We’re concerned it might pose a threat to the base. Should we send Superhumans to search the area?”

After listening, Cheng Zhiyu said, "...Tell me more."

The other party added, "The resident said it had wings but didn't look like a bird. Since it was still dim, they couldn't see clearly."

Cheng Zhiyu: Confirmed, it was them.

He pressed his forehead and said, "It's fine, nothing to worry about. I know what that was."

Hearing this, the other person didn't ask further. As curious as they were, it was better not to pry.

Cheng Zhiyu sighed in relief.

While he had some free time, he sent Cheng Mo away, took out the materials he had prepared earlier from his storage space, and got to work.

To prevent Cheng Mo from suddenly returning, he sternly insisted, "Don't come back before 8 PM."

Cheng Mo was unhappy: "Why?"

Cheng Zhiyu coughed: "Stop acting cute. I've prepared a surprise for you. Just come back later, got it?"

Cheng Mo's eyes lit up, but hearing this made him eager to return sooner. Still, to avoid making Cheng Zhiyu angry, he had to restrain himself.

As soon as it hit 8 PM, Cheng Mo rushed back eagerly. The courtyard was completely dark, and he frowned, assuming the surprise was indoors.

Just as he stepped in, a candle flickered to life. Cheng Zhiyu approached carrying a cake he had worked hard to make: "Happy birthday."

Cheng Mo stared at him without blinking.

Cheng Zhiyu felt embarrassed. Well... he thought it was a little tacky too, but he couldn't think of any other way.

Luckily, Cheng Mo wasn't very worldly and was utterly delighted. When Cheng Zhiyu told him he could make a wish, he made one seriously. He had no other wishes—only hoping for Cheng Zhiyu's happiness and that they would always be together.

After blowing out the candles, Cheng Mo felt his hand being held, and then something was slid onto his finger.

Someone turned on the light, and Cheng Mo looked down to see a ring on his finger. He smiled, knowing what the ring symbolized.

Birthday wishes really do come true.

Cheng Zhiyu cleared his throat: "Let's cut the cake. The whole table has your favorite dishes... including rabbit head."

Cheng Mo: I'm so happy.

Tian Qiao and others came over and said, "No wonder Cheng Zhiyu was busy preparing such a feast today. It's Brother Black's birthday, huh?"

Actually, it was a coming-of-age ceremony. But explaining it would be too complicated, so they played it off as a birthday.

Cheng Mo was overjoyed, a huge grin spreading across his face: "It's because Zhi Yu really likes me."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..."

He blushed a little, especially since his parents and elders were present. He coughed lightly: "Hurry and cut the cake to share with everyone."

Cheng Zhiyu warned him, worried he might not get it.

As it turned out, Cheng Mo really didn't get it. Hearing that he had to share his cake with everyone, he secretly whispered telepathically to Cheng Zhiyu: "Do we have to share it?"

Cheng Zhiyu gave him a look: Of course not.

Cheng Mo understood and felt a bit sad: "You shouldn't have invited so many people today."

With more people, his cake was all gone.

Cheng Zhiyu whispered: "Just cut it already. Do you want to get fat eating it all alone?"

Cheng Mo muttered: "I didn't plan to eat it all by myself."

He started cutting the cake, first for the elders, then for Tian Qiao, Zhou Min, and the others.

Tian Manman was shameless, holding out both hands with a grin: "Brother Black, cut me a bigger piece. It looks delicious."

Cheng Mo: "..." Don't I know it's delicious?

This was made by Zhi Yu for him.

Cheng Mo cut the cake, his heart aching.

Luckily, the cake was big enough, and there was plenty left. Cheng Mo smiled and cut an extra-large piece for Cheng Zhiyu.

Cheng Zhiyu: "...I can't finish this."

The first bite of the cake was amazing, but too much would surely make it sickeningly sweet.

Cheng Mo said: "It's fine. If you can't finish, I'll have it."

Cheng Zhiyu: Alright then.

Everyone ate together. Cheng Mo took a bite of the cream cake and was genuinely impressed. He glanced at the cake slices beside each person.

Cheng Zhiyu: "..."

It was obvious what Cheng Mo was thinking.

The table was filled with dishes, so there was no worry about not having enough to eat.

Han Tingting was touched by the gesture and exclaimed: "Brother Black, can you have a birthday every day?"

Cheng Mo said: "No, or Zhi Yu would be exhausted."

Han Tingting: "..." What a mouthful of dog food.

The meal was enjoyable. After it ended, Cheng Mo pulled Cheng Zhiyu aside and showed him the ring on his finger: "When you put the ring on my finger earlier, why were you so secretive about it?"

Cheng Zhiyu flushed: "What nonsense? I wasn't sneaky at all."

Cheng Mo didn't argue, just looked at the ring on his finger. Though it was a simple, plain ring, he adored it: "Zhi Yu, do you know what a ring represents?"

Cheng Zhiyu, feeling embarrassed, played dumb: "No, I don't."

Cheng Mo didn't mind. He gripped Cheng Zhiyu's shoulders and said: "It means a proposal."

Cheng Zhiyu coughed lightly, avoiding eye contact: "Well... not necessarily, right? You're still learning about human culture."

Cheng Mo raised his hand, turned Cheng Zhiyu's face toward him, and met his gaze: "But I think that's exactly what you meant."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..." So you understand me better than I do?

Cheng Mo grinned dreamily: "So, Zhi Yu proposed to me."

Cheng Zhiyu rubbed his nose.

Cheng Mo said, "I agree."

He rested his head on Cheng Zhiyu's shoulder and asked, "So when are you going to marry me?"

Cheng Zhiyu replied, "Before we go to your hometown."

Cheng Mo lifted his head, his eyes lit up as he looked at Cheng Zhiyu. He hadn't expected an answer.

Before going to Cheng Mo's hometown—by then, the post-apocalyptic situation would likely have stabilized. They... ahem, getting married would be appropriate.

Cheng Mo's gaze deepened as he looked into Cheng Zhiyu's eyes. Both were momentarily dazed, unconsciously leaning closer.

Just as their lips were about to meet, Cheng Zhiyu snapped back to reality, turning his head away to remind him, "We're outside."

Cheng Mo turned Cheng Zhiyu's head back. "So what if we're outside?"

At this point, who cared whether it was outside or inside?

Besides, their spot was quite hidden—what was there to worry about?

After they pulled apart, Cheng Zhiyu's lips were noticeably red. Frowning, he scolded, "Cheng Mo, you're such a dog."

His lips had gone numb from being bitten.

Cheng Mo said, "Yeah, I am."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..." So he really was.

A dog with wings was still a dog.

—

Following the release of Zombie Virus Vaccine 1.0, Zombie Virus Vaccine 2.0 was also announced.

Unlike 1.0, which could only be used after being bitten by a zombie and was useless if taken preemptively, 2.0 addressed this flaw. Additionally, 2.0 remains effective for half a month, meaning that getting vaccinated every two weeks eliminates the worry of zombie bites.

Thanks to the release of 1.0, the number of zombies in the post-apocalyptic world no longer increases as rapidly as before. With the promotion of 2.0, the zombie population is expected to shrink further.

Since they’ve been continuously eliminating zombies and no new people are turning into zombies, the number of zombies will naturally decrease.

Chi Hongyi and others were still not entirely satisfied with 2.0: "Some vaccines can provide lifelong immunity with just one dose. While it’s difficult for the zombie virus vaccine to achieve that, we hope to make it effective for a year with a single dose."

In reality, requiring a dose every half-month would be more profitable, since people would have to get vaccinated frequently. But Chi Hongyi and the team clearly weren’t thinking about that—they were solely focused on creating the best vaccine possible.

"You’ve already done an amazing job," Cheng Zhiyu said. "But since you have even higher aspirations, of course I support you."

Chi Hongyi smiled. "Then we’ll get back to our research."

Previously, they had been respectful and polite toward Cheng Zhiyu, but over time, they realized he was different from other leaders—he disliked empty formalities. To earn his respect, flattery wasn’t enough; improving one’s skills was what mattered.

Sure enough, Cheng Zhiyu didn’t feel slighted. Isn’t this how researchers are? Their Small River Base needed dedicated researchers like them.

Cheng Zhiyu picked up the research report on Vaccine 2.0 and skimmed through it. After a while, he felt a headache coming on—he only had an undergraduate degree, so how could he possibly understand it?

Fortunately, no one said anything like, "Let me test you on this."

However, Cheng Zhiyu had a mischievous streak. He handed the document to Cheng Mo, asking, "Can you understand this?"

As expected, Cheng Mo frowned and said, "What is this? I can’t understand it."

Cheng Zhiyu laughed.

Cheng Mo pinched his cheek. "What are you laughing at? You definitely don’t understand it either. We’re a perfect match."

Cheng Zhiyu: "..."

Sometimes, having a partner who knows you too well isn’t always a good thing.

They set the document aside and decided not to read it. After all, leaders don’t need to understand the details—just the results.

"Let’s go eat. There’s a new dish at the cafeteria today," Cheng Zhiyu said.

At the mention of food, Cheng Mo perked up. "Sure."

Cheng Zhiyu pulled him along. "Let’s go, hurry up, before another base calls again."

Luckily, they left quickly. Right after they stepped out, the communicator rang. A subordinate answered and apologetically said, "Sorry, Captain Cheng is on a field assignment."

The subordinate was quite tactful—though Cheng Zhiyu had just gone to eat, he made it sound like official business.

The caller asked, "When will he be back?"

Subordinate: "I’m sorry, I’m not sure. When he returns, I’ll have him call you back, okay?"

After hanging up, another call came in. By the end, the subordinate’s voice was hoarse, but he was quite pleased. Their Small River Base was too popular.

The callers were all managers from major bases, but they were polite and respectful to the subordinate.

The subordinate thought to himself, when the base is strong, their status really shoots up.

—

Meanwhile, Cheng Zhiyu and Cheng Mo were waiting in line for food.

There was a new dish today, so the cafeteria was packed.

Someone ahead said, "I rushed here so fast, how are there still so many people?"

A companion replied, "Can’t be helped. We work in formal departments with fixed schedules. They’re different—they can come whenever they want."

The first person: "That makes sense. I used to envy them, but now I’m starting to envy us."

The companion nodded: "Things are different now. Even if you don’t work in a formal department, you can live well. My neighbor runs a stall selling hand-pulled pancakes and earns a lot of contribution points every day. I heard Captain Cheng and his boyfriend go there often—his boyfriend can eat over a dozen at once."

Someone further ahead in line exclaimed, "Wow, so Captain Cheng’s boyfriend must be fat."

Cheng "Fatty" Mo: "..."

Cheng Zhiyu, seeing his frustrated expression, patted his shoulder.

The two who were talking exchanged glances and said to the person ahead, "You must be new here, right?"

The person ahead: "Yeah, I just joined the base a month ago. How did you know?"

The other smiled: "Because we’ve all seen Captain Cheng’s boyfriend. He’s not fat—he’s really handsome. He’s a Superhuman, and I heard he’s incredibly powerful. Probably uses up a lot of energy, so he eats more."

The new person nodded: "Oh, I see. Superhumans do tend to eat more than ordinary people."

The companion coughed lightly: "Let’s not talk about that. By the way, you just joined a month ago and you’re already eating at the cafeteria?"

The man in front smiled: "I work at the construction site, where meals and accommodation are provided. I’ve been saving up my contribution points since I arrived. I’ve heard about the cafeteria food for over half a month, so I finally decided to treat myself and give it a try."

The construction site he mentioned was the building being built outside.

Newcomers didn’t have to worry about finding work because the construction site was severely understaffed. They were given work immediately after joining.

What’s more, meals were provided. Though the workers were exhausted, they had all put on weight.

After all, before coming here, life was tough, and they were often hungry.

In just one month, these workers had already felt at home in Small River Base.

His companion said, "Then your visit is definitely worth it. The cafeteria has braised pork today. It’s a bit more expensive than eating on your own, but it’s totally worth it."

The man in front was already swallowing hard—he could smell the aroma.

Cheng Mo’s mood had cheered up again, his frustration at being called a big fatty completely gone.

But it seemed like everyone at the base knew he had a big appetite...

Cheng Mo looked at Cheng Zhiyu: "Zhi Yu, you won’t find me bothersome, will you?"

Cheng Zhiyu: "Of course not. You’ve always had a big appetite."

Cheng Mo: "..." Why did that sound a bit off?

Perhaps because the two were chatting behind them, the people in front turned around and immediately tensed up: "Cheng... Captain Cheng..."

Cheng Zhiyu gave an easygoing smile: "It’s after hours—just treat me as an ordinary resident."

The other person nodded stiffly, especially upon seeing Cheng Mo, looking even more rigid. Rumor had it that Cheng Mo could be quite fierce.

Cheng Mo: But I’m actually very friendly too.

"By the way, I heard the cafeteria is going to open another serving window," Cheng Zhiyu asked.

The other person quickly nodded: "Yes, it seems they’ve hired a few more cooks who are really good. Probably in a couple of days, we won’t have to line up like this anymore."

Cheng Zhiyu nodded.

Now, most people at the base, except for the newest residents, came to the cafeteria every few days.

The continuous development of Small River Base filled them with hope. They no longer hoarded food frantically like before, afraid to eat their fill.

Now, as long as they had contribution points, they were set. As for food, buying and storing it would just go to waste—better to hold onto the points.

After all, with contribution points, they could always buy from the official grain store, where prices were stable and even slowly dropping.

The base had expanded its farmland, producing more and more grain, along with vegetables.

Now the grain store even sold vegetables—freshly picked daily, crisp and fresh with dew.

Though meat wasn’t at every meal, at least there were vegetables and steamed buns. Oh, and for those who preferred rice, there was rice too.

The good life at Small River Base had spread far and wide, and everyone wanted to join.

However, Small River Base only recruited new members occasionally, and the spots were limited—each time, it was a fierce competition.

Before, Cheng Zhiyu could recognize every person at the base, since it was originally a village. But now, when walking around, others recognized him, while he no longer knew everyone.

There were many new faces.

In fact, Small River Base was still a small base with relatively few people, but its strength wasn't to be underestimated.

They had vaccines, variant seeds, and everyone had enough to eat—something only Small River Base had achieved, while other bases still struggled.

Not to mention, the Superhumans at Small River Base all participated in training. Though individually, they might not match the top Superhumans from other bases,

when they fought together, even those powerful Superhumans might not be able to defeat them.

Superhumans in other bases emphasized individual freedom. Unless they had extremely close bonds and trusted each other completely, they remained wary of others.

After all, no one knew when someone might stab them in the back.

There was an incident at another base where a group was fighting zombies together. Two Superhumans had a minor argument a couple of days earlier.

One of them held a grudge and, at a critical moment during the zombie fight, attacked his companion, severely injuring him.

But it backfired—with one less fighter, the situation quickly turned against them, and the zombies gained the upper hand. In the end, the backstabber was killed by the zombies.

The others, seeing they couldn’t win, took the chance to escape. Even the severely injured companion survived—only the backstabber died.