Before entering Qing City, the armored transport was once again stored away, replaced with a temporary, old, second-hand vehicle. To make space for the transport in her Star House storage, Yu Xi had previously found a secluded forested area in the fallen zone, where she unloaded an RV from the vehicle storage space. She filled the RV with surplus supplies that wouldn’t be immediately needed and stored it all back into the Star House.
The RV, being smaller in overall size than the armored transport, fit well in the 512-cubic-meter Star House. This freed up a vehicle slot, allowing her to store and retrieve the armored transport as needed.
Qing City was the last non-fallen zone city requiring blood tests for entry. Beyond it lay the famous Da Feng River. The river, with its broad surface and rapid currents, was unsuitable for boats. The only way across was the Da Feng River Bridge, which had a checkpoint at its entry. Once across, further western cities required no testing due to the relative safety provided by geographical factors.
The group arrived in Qing City at dusk. The city, once bustling and vibrant, now appeared desolate. Although the blood ghoul infection hadn’t reached here, the fear of such a devastating and untreatable disease had heavily impacted society. Over half the businesses were closed, prices had soared, and people’s conversations revolved around the fallen zones. News about the fallen zones had stopped airing on TV, and with no internet in the zones, there were no new videos or photos being uploaded.
While the city hadn’t entirely shut down after dark, with some residents venturing out in protective gear, the group had no intention of wandering. They found a nearby five-star hotel, booked adjacent suites, and planned to rest for two days while resupplying.
By 7 PM, after showers and fresh clothes, all six gathered in the suite shared by Yu Xi and Yu Zhengqing, ordering room service. The server arrived with a cart full of food, including Qing City specialties like spicy fish head, boiled beef tripe, and sour soup beef, as well as nutritious dishes like vegetable soup, stir-fried mixed greens, and fruit-and-vegetable salads. Nutrient-rich options like M12 Wagyu beef, abalone rice, rock sugar bird’s nest, and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall were also included.
As the food filled two coffee tables, Min Chong stared wide-eyed, swallowing his saliva uncontrollably. Despite having decent meals on the road since their escape, this spread was extravagant.
Since leaving the isolation zone, Yu Xi had been open about her storage ability, frequently taking out snacks and meals. Boredom during travel was alleviated with treats like pearl milk tea, pizzas, pancakes, fried dumplings, fresh fruits, chips, chocolates, vacuum-sealed duck tongues, beef jerky, boxed cocoa milk, sodas, and bottled soy milk. Meals were even more indulgent, with hot lamb and rice dishes appearing as if fresh from the kitchen.
For the group, who had once subsisted on cold bread and vacuum-sealed meats during their escape, this felt like heaven.
These comforts also symbolized Yu Xi’s trust. She shared her secrets openly, something none of them would have done so readily, even with close family.
While enjoying a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Fang Lei sighed about the rising costs and suggested cutting back after this rare indulgence. Despite the money Yu Xi and Min Min had acquired earlier, Qing City was just a stopover, and they would need more resources for their journey westward.
Yu Xi reassured them, “Tomorrow, we’ll stock up quickly and head out. Once we cross the Da Feng River, it’ll be safer.” She marked several supply points on her phone and noted that, although bulk purchases weren’t restricted, it was better to spread out purchases across multiple stores to avoid drawing attention.
The next morning, the six set off in the battered second-hand car, with Yu Xi driving, to a large dealership specializing in RVs. Having researched the available models online and confirmed stock, she planned to pick up the vehicle directly.
She chose an off-road RV with a truck cab, a larger body, and higher clearance. It featured military-grade tires and combined ruggedness for extreme conditions with luxurious comforts. The rear section was split into two levels, both equipped with beds. When the sofa was converted into a bed, it could comfortably sleep six.
Designed for survival in harsh environments, the RV’s reinforced frame and windows rivaled the strength of the armored transport. Yu Xi had ordered two of these: one available immediately in Qing City and the other reserved for later.
Yu Xi used the RV as collateral, paid the down payment in cash, and registered the villa under four names: hers, Yu Zhengqing, Min Min, and Fang Lei.
Having endured hardships together, their personalities complemented each other well, and they decided to continue living as a family.
Afterward, Min Chong and Min Min resumed their studies, Fang Lei found a job at a nearby hospital, and Yu Zhengqing received ongoing treatment there. None of them knew how long the peace in Capital City would last, but before the nightmares of their memories returned, they intended to live each day fully and happily. Having lost so much, they cherished the present even more.
The system departed on the 15th day after they settled in Capital City, prompted by Yu Xi’s persistent urging. She knew that the system endured the same physical ailments as this body, consuming energy daily.
“Even if you leave, I can still call you if I need you.” To Yu Xi, this wasn’t a farewell. Since they were bound, the system would always be present, whether in her original world or in apocalyptic missions—it just occasionally chose to ignore her calls.
The man stood before her, quietly watching for a moment before leaning down to gently embrace her. “It’s been a pleasure to ‘meet’ you. Until we ‘meet’ again, Yu Xi.”
Yu Xi smiled. “Until next time, Xing Min.”
Moments later, his arms loosened, but then suddenly tightened again, holding her firmly. “Yu Xi!”
“Ge, you’re back! Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything…”
Four months later, Yu Xi laid Yu Zhengqing to rest in the cemetery of Capital City.
At the same moment, the system’s voice echoed in her mind.
[World Task 2: Accompany your only relative and ensure their safety during the last months of their life. Task completed. Host awarded 400 Star Coins. Total Star Coins: 1020.]
With 1020 Star Coins, she now had enough to perform the third upgrade of the Star House. Yet, Yu Xi felt no joy.
Over the past few months, several towns and cities across C country had fallen. The blood ghoul infection had spread worldwide. While some countries still held strong, it seemed inevitable that they, too, would eventually succumb.
Perhaps it would take years. Perhaps it would happen after she left. Or perhaps it was only a month away. This planet would ultimately meet its demise.
In Yu Zhengqing’s final days, Yu Xi couldn’t help but think of Lou Rui, recalling the silence in his gaze before his death.
For the first time, she understood something: Lin Wu, Ya Tong, and even herself—none of them could confidently claim what choices they would make if placed in Lou Rui’s position.
Her current thoughts and choices were shaped by her circumstances. If she had been bound to a system like the System Tower instead of the Star House, who knew what she might have become?
Who could say? It was all hypothetical, and since it didn’t exist, there would never be an answer.
Standing before the gravestone, Yu Xi silently asked:
You once told me, when warning that my original world might turn into an apocalyptic one, to grow stronger so I could protect my family and survive better. But what comes after growing strong?
Do you remember my question before my first mission? I wanted to know what the point of traveling through these apocalyptic worlds was.
I’m becoming stronger, so… is there something I need to do here? Beyond just surviving?
[Your task is to successfully complete each mission. That is what matters most.]
The system paused briefly before continuing.
[This is not meaningless. It absolutely has meaning.]
Yu Xi thought for a moment and rephrased her question:
So, as long as I keep completing missions, will there come a day when I can truly grasp something and change something?
[Yes. As long as you grow strong enough and visit enough worlds.]
Yu Xi: Alright, I understand. Let’s keep working hard together.
One month later, on a quiet morning, the familiar voice returned.
[World Task 1: Survive for six months. Task completed. Host awarded 300 Star Coins. Total Star Coins: 1320.]
[Would you like to leave the current apocalyptic world?]
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