Two thousand short side stories, featuring the interactions between Zhuang Zhao and Yan Shi.

"Why did you suddenly decide to buy fish lately? And they're all unusual kinds of fish."

"It wasn't bought. The alien child we picked up came over today and gave us a thank-you gift."

Zhuang Zhao's eyebrows immediately furrowed.

"I thought he had simply disappeared."

"You didn't see how happy Yangyang was. She has plenty of friends, but this is the first time I've seen her so attentive."

"That's why I don't like him. Yangyang is too sensitive at this age. If she develops feelings for him that she shouldn't, hmph."

"What, are you going to break them up?"

"We need to consider whether he's good enough for our Yangyang."

"Of course, but I don't think they're interested in that kind of thing. Don't exaggerate and damage Yangyang's image in the eyes of his friends. I'll be on Yangyang's side when the time comes."

"I know what I'm doing."

Within two days, Su Yaozu replied.

You Wu came from a small village in the south. There were about eleven people from the same village in the seventh district, whose surnames were Jiang, Tang, and Chi.

"Before the apocalypse, there were still many villages unknown to the world. The authenticity of these villages needs to be verified. It is possible that they were smuggled in by foreigners. They seem to have no problems and do all sorts of jobs. But if you investigate further, there are still many mysteries surrounding them. However, we haven't found any connection with any forces."

"Okay, thanks. I'll treat you to dinner another day."

After that, You Jing would come over almost every week. At first, they would just chat briefly, but later they started going out together. Then, when Yan Nuan started school, he would go with her to see her off.

Over time, You Jing's Mandarin improved, and Yan Nuan finally learned about his situation.

They lived on a secluded island. The islanders couldn't stay away from the water for long periods due to their physical condition, and they usually relied on fishing. He was fishing with his family when they encountered bad weather, and a strong wind capsized their boat.

The people there are usually good at diving and swimming, but he was knocked unconscious by the waves and drifted to the South Island in a daze, where they found him and brought him back.

"The people from our area are a bit different from you people on land. Our ancestors have grown up in the sea, and we can't live without water."

"So, do you need fresh water or seawater?"

"Seawater is naturally the best, but fresh water can also be used; just eat more salt."

"That's really amazing. Aren't you going back? Aren't your family worried? Will you be able to get used to it?"

“We have a rule that once you leave the island, you can’t go back. Even though I was forced to leave, I can’t just go back.”

Why?

“They don’t like being disturbed, and they don’t like the outside world. They feel betrayed by those who leave.” The boy’s voice lowered.

"There's nothing we can do about it. If you really miss home, you can sneak back for a quick visit." Yan Nuan patted his back to comfort him.

"Birds always have to leave the nest, and parents aren't always there either. We all have to go through separation, it's just earlier than usual."

"You're not very old, but you've thought things through quite clearly. By the way, how old are you?"

"How old are you?"

"I just turned sixteen," Yan Nuan said proudly.

I'm seventeen.

"You're deliberately saying you're older than me, aren't you?" Yan Nuan asked suspiciously.

"No, it's just that we don't care much about age, and I don't remember how old I am right now."

"Then why did you say you were seventeen?"

I think so.

"Fine, I'll just say you're seventeen. You... never mind, let's call it a day. I have some homework to do, I'll come out another day."

"Then I'll come see you next weekend." You Jing didn't have a cell phone, so the two of them arranged their next meeting time in advance.

The two parted ways, and Yan Nuan went home alone.

The setting sun cast a long shadow over Yan Nuan, who was humming a tune with her headphones on. Although she still had homework to finish, she was in an unexpectedly good mood.

Yan Nuan didn't notice that someone was staring at her from behind, nor did she see the message that had just popped up on her phone: Urgent reminder to all residents of District 7: A dangerous individual is currently on the run. Please minimize going out and avoid traveling alone unless absolutely necessary.

Yan Shi knew that Yan Nuan had gone out with You Jing today. Yan Nuan said she would be back before dinner, so she specially cooked to help, making all the twins' favorite dishes.

Yan Nuan and Yan Han both went to live at school, and the house suddenly felt empty. She was a little unaccustomed to it, but luckily, big cities are never short of entertainment, and she still had a group of friends around, so it was quite fun to get together from time to time.

The food was ready. Yan Shi checked the time. Logically, Yan Nuan should have been back long ago. Even if she was going to be late, she should have called to let him know.

Zhuang Zhao frowned, while Yan Han stared intently at her favorite stir-fried yam, swallowing hard. "Where did you go, sister? It won't taste good if it gets cold."

"Let's eat first, we won't wait for her," Yan Shi said to Yan Han, who was also angry.

"Have you made a phone call?"

No one answered.

"Where's that kid?"

"He doesn't have a phone, we can't reach him."

"I'm going to find his uncle." Zhuang Zhao got up, grabbed his car keys, and went out.

He knew that You Jing lived with his uncle You Wu, and he also knew where You Wu's shop was; otherwise, how could he have let Yan Nuan and You Jing go out?

"No, it's just that we don't care much about age, and I don't remember how old I am right now."

"Then why did you say you were seventeen?"

I think so.

"Fine, I'll just say you're seventeen. You... never mind, let's call it a day. I have some homework to do, I'll come out another day."

"Then I'll come see you next weekend." You Jing didn't have a cell phone, so the two of them arranged their next meeting time in advance.

The two parted ways, and Yan Nuan went home alone.

The setting sun cast a long shadow over Yan Nuan, who was humming a tune with her headphones on. Although she still had homework to finish, she was in an unexpectedly good mood.

Yan Nuan didn't notice that someone was staring at her from behind, nor did she see the message that had just popped up on her phone: Urgent reminder to all residents of District 7: A dangerous individual is currently on the run. Please minimize going out and avoid traveling alone unless absolutely necessary.

Yan Shi knew that Yan Nuan had gone out with You Jing today. Yan Nuan said she would be back before dinner, so she specially cooked to help, making all the twins' favorite dishes.

Yan Nuan and Yan Han both went to live at school, and the house suddenly felt empty. She was a little unaccustomed to it, but luckily, big cities are never short of entertainment, and she still had a group of friends around, so it was quite fun to get together from time to time.

The food was ready. Yan Shi checked the time. Logically, Yan Nuan should have been back long ago. Even if she was going to be late, she should have called to let him know.

Zhuang Zhao frowned, while Yan Han stared intently at her favorite stir-fried yam, swallowing hard. "Where did you go, sister? It won't taste good if it gets cold."

"Let's eat first, we won't wait for her," Yan Shi said to Yan Han, who was also angry.

"Have you made a phone call?"

No one answered.

"Where's that kid?"

"He doesn't have a phone, we can't reach him."

"I'm going to find his uncle." Zhuang Zhao got up, grabbed his car keys, and went out.

He knew that You Jing lived with his uncle You Wu, and he also knew where You Wu's shop was; otherwise, how could he have let Yan Nuan and You Jing go out?

“I’ll go too. An’an, stay home. Call us if your sister comes back.” Yan Shi chased after her.