Chapter Twenty-Three: Evolution

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Everyone was moved with sympathy as they saw Mu Siqing’s pleading eyes, but none dared to let Mu Siyu become a zombie because of it. Wu Feng glanced at Mu Siqing, then at Mu Siyu, and said, “Brother Mu, this woman is indeed quite attractive, but you’re a capable man—there’s no shortage of women for you. Leave it to me, and I’ll make arrangements!” He patted his chest, putting on the posture of a big brother.

Mu Siyu gently pushed her sister aside, speaking calmly, “How long does it take from being infected to becoming a zombie?”

Wu Feng thought for a moment and replied, “It depends on each person’s constitution, but usually between two to six hours.”

“I see.” Mu Siyu nodded indifferently. “Understood. Mr. Mu, there are some things I’d like to discuss with you. Please come with me.” With that, she turned and walked toward the far end of the warehouse.

“Big sister!” Mu Siqing called out, wanting to follow, but Mu Siyu stopped her, “Be good, just wait here.”

The warehouse was Starshine City’s storage depot, housing not only food and water but all kinds of supplies, making it extremely spacious. Mu Siyu walked all the way to a remote corner, where none of the others’ voices could be heard, and stopped, her bright eyes fixed on Mu Siqing. Mu Siqing, feeling awkward under her gaze, finally asked, “What is it you want to say?”

Instead of answering, Mu Siyu asked, “Do you think I’m beautiful?”

Mu Siqing wasn’t sure what she meant, but replied, “Yes, you are.”

He wasn’t merely being polite; Mu Siyu truly was beautiful. She lacked Qiao’er’s delicate charm, but possessed a more striking allure, and her figure and bearing surpassed all the other women.

Mu Siyu gave a sorrowful smile. “But in these chaotic times, beauty can buy you a few bites of food, and nothing more.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Even my husband despises me now, as if I’m a withered flower…” Mu Siqing hurried to comfort her, “Yang Xiu told me about it. You had no choice, and it was for their sake—you didn’t deserve what your husband did to you!”

Mu Siyu sobbed silently for a moment before saying, “Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Mu. But I suppose no man could accept his wife with another man… I understand why he pushed me away earlier. Please don’t hold it against him.”

Mu Siqing nodded, and Mu Siyu continued, “I once promised you that if you found my husband, I would spend a night with you. I called you here today to keep my word, but now I don’t have much time left…” She lowered her head and began undressing, revealing her fair skin.

Mu Siqing quickly stopped her, “Don’t do this! I may have a way to help you resist the infection.”

“Really?” Mu Siyu’s head snapped up, hope shining in her bright eyes, like a drowning woman grasping at a reed.

“It may not work, but it’s worth trying!” Mu Siqing took out a syringe of the virus evolution serum, drew some blood from his own arm, and injected it into Mu Siyu.

Seeing her astonishment, he explained, “I’m immune to the virus myself, so my blood may carry immunity. If you’re lucky, not only will you avoid infection, you might even evolve.”

Overjoyed, Mu Siyu knew the odds were slim but clung to hope. In a low voice, she said, “Thank you, Mr. Mu.” In the silent space, she felt the aura around him fill her with a sense of safety. Looking up at this strong and handsome man, she felt a little dizzy, and before she knew it, she had fallen into his arms, his masculine scent making her cheeks flush.

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Mu Siqing held her lightly, savoring the warm, soft jade in his embrace, unable to contain his physical reaction. Mu Siyu blushed and asked in a low voice, “Do you want me?”

Mu Siqing smiled awkwardly, “It’s too dangerous here!” Mu Siyu realized it was not the right moment—zombies were lurking outside, and vigilance was needed at all times.

The two of them exited the warehouse. Seeing everyone on alert, Mu Siqing said with a smile, “Don’t worry. If she turns into a zombie, I’ll deal with her myself.”

Wu Feng did not want to offend someone potentially stronger than himself, so he nodded without a word.

The warehouse was large, and aside from the ventilation, it was sealed off on all sides. For now, there was no need to fear a zombie attack. The iron doors blocked the scent of humans, so even though the undead roamed the city, they did not gather at the warehouse entrance.

After observing for a while, Wu Feng relaxed and organized shifts for rest and night watch. Mu Siqing opened the capsule house for the three women to rest inside, leaving Mu Siyu outside—he wasn’t sure his method would prevent her from turning, and couldn’t risk the others.

Wu Feng watched as Mu Siqing opened the capsule house, puzzled: “What is that? I’ve never seen anything like it!”

But he didn’t ask further, instead chatting idly. “Brother Mu, earlier when we tested each other’s strength, I could tell you’re a physically enhanced ability user. Do you have any special powers?”

“Physically enhanced?” Mu Siqing asked. “Are there different types of ability users?”

Wu Feng looked surprised, “You didn’t know? There are many kinds. I’m a physical enhancer—my strength and durability far surpass ordinary people, better than most other ability users. Then there are psychics, who can move objects with their minds—the closer the object, the stronger their power. The third type are awakened with special powers—some control wind, some electricity, some fire, and some mutate physically, like growing blades as hard as steel from their arms.”

Now Mu Siqing understood. He smiled calmly, “And what do you think my power is?”

Wu Feng answered, “Your fighting style looks like mine—physical enhancement. But I noticed you have a special move: you can suddenly accelerate so fast you vanish from view. It’s just like ‘Blink’ from video games!”

“Blink, huh. You have quite the imagination!” Mu Siqing laughed. “My awakened power is called ‘Swift Flash’—it lets me accelerate instantly.”

He didn’t mention he was from another plane, completing a trial mission in this world. Even if he tried to explain, they’d think him mad.

“What do you plan to do next?” Wu Feng asked. “Join me! With our abilities and these supplies, we could gather a group and not only survive, but live well—wine and women aplenty.”

“Sorry, I have to go to Bio City,” Mu Siqing replied. “Do you know where I could find a good vehicle? I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“Bio City?” Wu Feng was surprised. “That’s the virus’s ground zero—a dead zone, from what I’ve heard. Why would you go there?”

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Mu Siqing replied coolly, “Personal reasons. I must go.”

Hearing this, Wu Feng actually felt relieved. Two strong men cannot share the same mountain; Mu Siqing’s strength was formidable and his origins mysterious. If he stayed, there’d be no telling who would end up in charge. Learning that he was leaving for Bio City, Wu Feng was both happy and a little disappointed—he had hoped to recruit Mu Siqing for extra security.

But without conflicting interests, Wu Feng didn’t want to offend a powerful ally. He helpfully pointed out, “There’s an automobile city in the southern part of town, with all sorts of vehicles. Since you have a big group and a long road ahead, you’d best pick something sturdy. The new ‘Puma’ model is good—they call it a six-wheeled armored car.”

Mu Siqing then asked about the route to Bio City, and Wu Feng explained in detail. The local transportation network was excellent, with highways connecting cities; barring obstacles, they could reach their destination in two days.

While they chatted, suddenly Mu Siyu groaned. The two men turned to see her drenched in sweat, face pale, body trembling and barely able to stand.

Wu Feng’s face changed. “She’s turning!” he called, glancing at Mu Siqing; he remembered Mu Siqing had promised to handle it if she changed.

A pang of sorrow struck Mu Siqing as he accepted the handgun Wu Feng handed over and leveled it at her head—but he couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger.

Wu Feng urged, “Come on, man! You can’t hesitate at a time like this!” He reached for the gun, but Mu Siqing stopped him. “Let me do it.”

He approached Mu Siyu, who looked back at him pleadingly—she clearly didn’t want to die. Despite the symptoms, her mind remained clear, her eyes unchanged, though she couldn’t speak. Mu Siqing realized there might still be hope. “I’ll take her out to deal with her and fetch a car while I’m at it. Wu Feng, I’ll leave things here to you.” He turned to Old Kong, “Take care of everyone. I’ll be back soon.”

He wasn’t afraid Wu Feng would harm Old Kong and the others—Wu Feng had seen his strength and wouldn’t dare try anything until Mu Siqing returned.

No one wanted a disgusting zombie corpse inside, so they quickly opened the iron door to let Mu Siqing and Mu Siyu out.

It was the middle of the night. Moonlight bathed the city, making everything faintly visible. Since Mu Siqing had completed his foundation, his eyes could see in the dark, though moonlight improved his vision.

Zombies in the city caught the scent of humans and surged forth, but Mu Siqing was blindingly fast. He pulled Mu Siyu with him and quickly escaped the city, finding a sedan at the gate and driving south.

In the car, Mu Siyu curled up, her sweat-soaked clothes clinging to her alluring figure, her appearance enough to stir any man’s desires—if not for her ghastly pale face…