Zhang Xiaomei quickly opened the car door and carried him inside.

Shi Lan nodded, and a moment later, the sound of an engine approached from afar.

Shi Lan pursed her lips and said in a low voice, "Follow them."

Tao Jinrao glanced dejectedly at the Land Rover parked to the side, then reluctantly started the rattling old car and drove off into the distance.

"I'm telling you, this car is so dilapidated, it's no joke if it gets caught by zombies later."

Shi Lan was also helpless. It wasn't that she didn't want to find a better car, but since it was the only one around, she had no choice but to make do so so as not to miss Liu Hui.

"Stop complaining. We'll find another car when we get to the city later," Zhang Xiaomei said, glaring at Tao Jinrao as she tried to smooth things over for Shi Lan.

Tao Jinrao felt obligated to help Zhang Xiaomei, so even though Zhang Xiaomei had scolded him, he didn't dare complain. He could only try not to brake, for fear that if he pressed too hard, he would stall the engine.

Zhang Xiaomei affectionately patted his head and handed him a piece of candy.

Zhou Bin chuckled with delight when he saw Tao Jinrao get the short end of the stick.

Zhou Bin mumbled something, his face full of happiness.

Tao Jinrao sniffed and said without turning her head, "Nougat, give me a piece too."

Zhang Xiaomei rolled her eyes and said reproachfully, "Why are you acting like a child?"

That's what she said, but her fingers deftly peeled back the candy wrapper, and just as he was about to retort, she shoved it inside.

The rich, milky flavor, combined with the sweetness of peanuts, exploded in her mouth. Tao Jinrao squinted her eyes with delight and said, "Little sister, your nougat is really delicious."

Shi Lan pursed her lips, watching the interaction between the three, and suddenly felt a sense of comfort.

She used to worry about what would happen to Zhang Xiaomei and Zhou Bin after she completed her mission. Now she wasn't worried anymore. Tao Jinrao, who always politely called her Ms. Shi, was obviously the best candidate to replace her. She just didn't know if Zhang Xiaomei, who had been deeply hurt and had a slight resistance to men, could accept him.

Zhang Xiaomei peeled off another piece and held it to Shi Lan's lips. "Sister Shi, this time I've readjusted the ratio of milk to sugar. Try it and see if it suits your taste."

Shi Lan lowered her head, put the candy in her mouth, nodded, and said, "The taste is indeed quite good." It's slightly inferior to sweet fruit, but it's already much better than others.

Zhang Xiaomei happily took a piece and put it in her mouth, a contented smile spreading across her pretty face. (To be continued.)