In the distance, one could see the skyline of high-rise buildings.
Nearby were rows of neat detached villas—red tiles, white walls, with lawns, and garages.
The lawns were neatly trimmed, and there were cars parked in front of some of the doors.
Asphalt driveways wound through them, and street trees were planted along the roads.
You could even hear birds chirping.
“OMG…” Candice’s legs went weak, and she almost knelt down.
Dr.
Jenner supported her, his own hands shaking as well.
The few Old Professors all had their eyes widened, mouths open wide enough to fit an egg.
“Am, am I dreaming?” Candice muttered: “Edwin, pinch me.” Dr.
Jenner pinched her.
It hurt.
It wasn’t a dream.
Leon stood behind them, watching this group of people who were shocked into speechlessness, a strange feeling rising in his heart.
When he first watched Resident Evil 5, he was even more shocked than they were.
“Welcome.” He said, spreading his arms: “Welcome to the Umbrella Corporation employee living quarters, the first level of the entire Hive.
It covers 100,000 square meters and can accommodate one thousand employees and their families for long-term living.” He pointed to the villas: “Independent housing, two hundred square meters each, three bedrooms and two living rooms, fully furnished.
Over there is the community center, with a supermarket, restaurant, gym, and swimming pool.
Further that way are the school, clinic, and a small farm—hydroponics, artificial lighting, enough to supply fresh vegetables for the entire living area.” He turned around and pointed to a patch of lush green grass in the distance: “That’s the park.
There’s an artificial lake where you can fish, as well as jogging paths, basketball courts, and tennis courts.” Finally, he pointed to the ceiling.
That “sky.” “It’s all LED screens, the same technology as in the elevator hall outside, but larger and more detailed.
It can simulate the changing seasons, day and night, and even rain, wind, thunder, and lightning—whatever you want.” Silence.
Deathly silence.
Then an Old Professor suddenly laughed.
The laughter was strange, like crying.
“We were up there researching how to save the world…” He said, tears streaming down his wrinkles: “Umbrella Corporation had already built a world down here.” Another professor squatted down and touched the “lawn” on the ground.
It was real grass.
Living grass.
“Is there soil underneath?” He looked up and asked Leon.
“Underneath are nutrient layers and drainage systems, and below that is concrete.” Leon said: “The entire floor surface has been specially designed to support plant growth.” The professor stood up, looking at this artificially created world before him, and muttered: “It’s too crazy…
too crazy…” Dr.
Jenner supported Candice, and they walked forward slowly.
They passed a villa and looked through the window to see the living room inside—sofa, TV, dining table, no different from an ordinary home.
The only difference was the red Umbrella Corporation logo on the wall.
“These houses…” Candice asked softly: “Has anyone ever lived here?” “There were.” Leon said: “But on the day of the outbreak, everyone was evacuated in an emergency.
Now, they are empty.” Candice was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned around and looked at Leon: “Can we live here?” Leon looked at her.
This woman in her thirties had fear, anticipation, and a little bit of hope in her eyes.
“Of course.” He said: “That’s the reason I brought you here.” He turned around and addressed everyone: “From now on, this is our base.
That CDC upstairs is just a cover; our true home is here.” “We need to deal with the Walkers outside and the survivors upstairs, but first, we need to survive, and here—this place can let us survive.” He paused, looking into those aged but wise eyes.
“Also, didn’t you want to research a vaccine?
There are more advanced laboratories below, but they will only be open to you once I unlock the authorization.
You can use the CDC laboratory for now!
However, you must join Umbrella Corporation.” The Old Professors looked at each other.
An old man with completely white hair stepped out and extended his hand: “I am Abraham, CDC Virology Department Director.
I was also involved in Project Wildfire.” Leon shook his hand.
“Welcome to Umbrella Corporation, Dr.
Abraham.” Dr.
Green nodded, then turned to the others and said: “What are you standing around for?
Go choose your houses.” A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.
The laughter echoed under this artificial sky, carrying the relief of having survived, and a hint of uncertainty about the future.
But at least for now, they were very satisfied with their current living space, rather than being forced to commit suicide or escape by the oppressive environment of the few hundred square meters of the CDC.
They were alive today.
Leon stood in place, watching those people walk toward the empty villas.