Jiang Mo’s voice grew weaker and weaker, until she went completely silent in the man’s arms.
“Yaoyao.”
Lu Yanci panicked, his whole body trembling. It felt as though knives were twisting through his heart as he urgently shook the motionless girl in his arms. “Yaoyao…”
It was as if the entire world had plunged into darkness in that instant.
Guilt crushed him, grinding him down bit by bit.
Fortunately, there was a doctor on the team.
Lu Yanci kicked open a relatively clean room, laid Jiang Mo on the bed, and had the doctor perform a full examination. While they worked, his gaze fixed on the bandage wrapped around her hand. His chest tightened, his expression turning cold and stormy.
Qi Yuanyuan shrank back under the overwhelming killing intent radiating from him. Under his dark, oppressive stare, she recounted everything that had happened to Jiang Mo over the past few days.
Only then did she realize how wrong her first impression had been.
It wasn’t that Jiang Mo couldn’t control this man—it was that he couldn’t live without her.
Lu Min arrived to discuss matters and immediately sensed that Lu Yanci’s presence was interfering with the doctor. He quickly pulled him outside.
Leaning against the hotel wall, Lu Yanci looked utterly worn down.
“There are forty-three survivors left,” Lu Min reported. “One of them is an ability user.”
Research on ability users was still in its infancy. Every new one could bring unpredictable changes.
But—
Lu Min had also heard about the conflict between that ability user and Jiang Mo. Given Lu Yanci’s personality, there was no way he would let that person reach the base unharmed.
Carefully, Lu Min tried to remind him, “The higher-ups said—”
Lu Yanci shot him a cold glance. “Captain Lu, are you afraid I’ll take matters into my own hands?”
Lu Min quickly shook his head.
Lu Yanci had promised the base commander he would deliver the ability user. But whether they arrived intact… or missing a few limbs—that was another matter.
A faint smile tugged at his lips, but his eyes were filled with bloodthirsty intent.
“She hurt Yaoyao.”
Anything could be tolerated—except that.
Yaoyao was his treasure. No one was allowed to touch her.
Lu Min opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but one look at those cold, ruthless eyes made him swallow his words.
Outside, the rain gradually stopped. The thick green mist began to thin.
From above, what had once been hidden beneath the fog was now visible—lush, overgrown vegetation. Even the most ordinary roadside weeds had shot up to over two meters tall.
The entire world had turned into a dense, primeval forest.
Seeing this, everyone’s mood sank.
Qi Yuanyuan stood by the window, sighing. “Who would’ve thought… in just the blink of an eye, everything outside would turn into a jungle.”
She thought of all the past news about environmental disasters, and the government’s repeated calls to protect nature.
Humans, immersed in digital life, had long forgotten its importance.
“Lu Yanci—!”
Jiang Mo suddenly woke from a nightmare, sitting up in panic.
“Yaoyao!”
Lu Yanci rushed inside. Seeing her frightened and scrambling to get up, he hurried to the bed. Jiang Mo threw herself into his arms, her voice trembling.
“I almost died…”
“Why did you come so late…”
All the grievances she had endured burst out at once. Her face was wet with tears.
Lu Yanci held her tightly, gently patting her back. “It’s my fault. I came too late. I’m sorry, Yaoyao.”
Qi Yuanyuan, quick to notice the moment, pulled the doctor out and shut the door behind them.
Hearing his familiar voice, feeling his warmth, Jiang Mo finally lifted her head. Her eyes met his—full of guilt and tenderness.
She blinked, as if confirming he was real.
“I’m really here,” he murmured, brushing away her tears.
“…If I’d known, I wouldn’t have let you come.”
In just half a month, his carefree girl had been reduced to someone living in fear.
Jiang Mo buried herself in his chest, muttering, “Who could’ve known…”
If she had known the apocalypse would actually happen, she would never have come for archaeology in the first place.
Survival mattered most.
He gently smoothed her hair, saying nothing.
A knock came at the door.
“Jiang Mo, assemble!” called Yan Ting from outside.
“Assemble?” Jiang Mo looked at Lu Yanci.
“We’re leaving. Heading to the Third Military District Hospital.”
Leaving?
Jiang Mo scrambled to get up. “I haven’t packed yet!”
She had snacks. Clothes. Things she might never be able to get again.
“No rush. I already packed for you.”
He crouched down, helping her put on her shoes.
“My stash under the bed too?”
He nodded.
“And the bathroom, bedside table, cabinet top?”
He nodded again.
She stared at him suspiciously. “How do you know all that?”
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. Instead of answering, he lightly bit her lip.
“Because we’re connected.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Smooth talker.”
He chuckled, eyes gleaming. “Don’t forget your promise.”
She froze, remembering—
A week.A whole week spent with him.
Her face burned. “What promise?”
He pinched her cheek teasingly. “If you don’t admit it, then none of our agreements count.”
“Lu Yanci, how can you—!”
Before she could protest further, he took her hand and led her out. “Time to assemble.”
Outside, the crowd gathered.
Lu Min briefed everyone: “No shouting. Don’t touch plants. Report any mutated animals. Keep your belongings and IDs safe.”
Jiang Mo slapped away the wandering hand at her waist and glared at him. “Behave.”
He laughed softly, pulling her closer. “Can’t I touch my future wife?”
Her face turned bright red.
“I’m not walking with you anymore!”
She ran to Qi Yuanyuan’s side.
Qi Yuanyuan leaned in, whispering excitedly, “You two are so sweet.”
Jiang Mo huffed, deliberately avoiding his gaze. “He’s just a pervert.”
Qi Yuanyuan’s eyes sparkled.
Oh?
So he’s that kind of capable.
At the back, Lu Yanci watched them.
Expression dark.
Mood: jealous.
Very jealous.
Extremely jealous.
The soldier beside him: …
Who understands this? The commander might actually be a lovestruck fool.