Chapter 60 Ants At least have homes, but he... has no home...
At this moment, on the first floor of Xiaoming Building, the Sheng family members gathered together.
Their eyes were all focused on Ling Shu in the center of the living room.
Ling Shu stood ramrod straight, her hands behind her back, her expression more solemn than ever before, her heavy gaze sweeping over every face.
"Madam, elder brother and sister-in-law, Junjun, Uncle Wang, I have called you here today because I have something very, very important to tell you."
Her seriousness affected the Sheng family, and everyone's expression became serious.
Especially Sheng Zhujun, who loves to overthink things, her face turned slightly pale, and her voice trembled almost imperceptibly: "No, could it be that the end of the world is coming early? I knew the rain had suddenly stopped, there was definitely something fishy going on!"
Su Ruomeng raised her hand to cover her mouth, her eyes instantly filled with unease, and her breathing became rapid.
Sheng Yunqi, who had been frowning, immediately reached out and pulled her into his arms, gently patting her shoulder to comfort her.
The calmest one was Qin Hong. She sat upright on the sofa, her back straight, her chin slightly raised, and her voice steady: "There's nothing to be afraid of. The Sheng family has made thorough preparations."
Ling Shu looked at them intently, without speaking immediately, her eyes seemingly filled with complex emotions.
The atmosphere at the scene became even more tense and uneasy.
One second, two seconds...
Time seemed to stretch out infinitely.
Even the most composed Qin Hong had a hint of uncertainty in her eyes, wondering if something unexpected had happened and the Sheng family hadn't had time to prepare.
The atmosphere inside Xiaoming Building seemed to freeze; everyone breathed softly, awaiting Ling Shu's answer.
Ling Shu twitched the corner of her mouth, and with lightning speed pulled out a firework tube from behind her back and snapped it open.
With a "bang," countless colorful ribbons and gold foil pieces flew out, fluttering down like snowflakes and landing on the stunned Sheng family members.
"So, family members, are you surprised? Unexpected?!"
"ah?!"
Sheng Zhujun was the first to jump up, her head covered in colorful paper scraps, "Really? That's great! Ahhh, Ling Shu, that's great!"
She rushed over without any regard for her image, grabbed Ling Shu's hand, and jumped and made a ruckus.
Su Ruomeng and Sheng Yunqi exchanged a glance, and both saw tears of emotion welling up in each other's eyes.
That's wonderful. Their child can be born safely, grow up healthy and happy, and embrace a truly hopeful future.
Even the usually composed Qin Hong could no longer hide her excitement. She suddenly stood up, a smile playing on her lips: "Old Wang, we have to make something delicious to celebrate today!"
Butler Wang's smile was brighter than fireworks, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were brimming with joy: "Alright, Madam, how about I go to Moon Lake and pick out two of the strongest free-range chickens, and two freshly caught live fish?"
Qin Hong waved her hand: "Do as you please. Prepare plenty of dishes, and let the whole Sheng family celebrate together!"
"I'll arrange it right away!"
The delighted housekeeper, Wang, hummed a song as he walked away.
The heavy and oppressive atmosphere from before was swept away, and the entire Xiaoming Building was filled with a cheerful mood.
Although Sheng Yunshen couldn't see, he could hear the joyful voices of his family members, and he felt as if he were experiencing the same joy, so he couldn't help but want to laugh along with them.
This moment is the entire meaning of his struggle and perseverance.
After celebrating happily for a while, Ling Shu suddenly remembered something and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Since the apocalypse isn't coming, shouldn't the vegetable garden downstairs, the fishpond in Moon Lake, and the aquaculture farm be changed back to their original state...?"
In order to stockpile goods, the beautiful gardens and lakes were completely transformed, which was out of place with the opulent style of the Sheng family manor.
"Why change it?" Qin Hong asked, puzzled. "Now I can pick the freshest fruits and vegetables as soon as I step out of my door, and I can eat free-range chickens and spring fish anytime. I feel like my quality of life has improved."
"yes."
Su Ruomeng replied somewhat embarrassedly, "I was only able to eat thanks to Uncle Wang's fresh fish soup. Otherwise, I would throw up everything I eat, and it would be so uncomfortable."
Caviar, blue bream, and tuna won't work; it has to be fresh fish caught and killed by Butler Wang.
Raising fish in Moon Lake is a fantastic idea!
Sheng Yunqi nodded in agreement: "I've been digging around outside Xiaoming Building a lot lately, and I've lost several pounds. I'm sure I won't have fatty liver in my physical exam this year. Xiaoshu, my health depends on these vegetables!"
Those are lettuce and tomatoes that he painstakingly grew; they're so delicious they'd make a great diet.
Ling Shu: "..."
Unexpectedly, everyone's reaction was even stronger than hers.
Sheng Zhujun looked at her pitifully, "Shushu, I love the newly built restaurant by Moon Lake the most. It's so delicious when the whole family eats there. Please don't tear it down, waaaah!"
Ling Shu: "…………"
She immediately changed her tune, saying, "I was just joking, don't take it seriously."
Actually, she really likes the Sheng family now. She feels that they have everything and lack nothing. She can enjoy the idyllic rural life she longs for without leaving the house.
"Yay!"
Sheng Zhujun was the first to cheer, and Qin Hong and the others followed suit.
Ling Shu thought for a moment and decided to pour cold water on Sheng Zhujun's enthusiasm: "But, Zhujun, you like the restaurant by Moon Lake because it's summer now and the restaurant is cool when the rain curtains are open. But when it's winter and there's a strong wind and heavy snow on Moon Lake, it won't be so beautiful."
"That's right!"
Sheng Zhujun seemed to have been struck by lightning, and stood there stunned for several seconds.
The light in her eyes gradually faded.
Oh no, what are we going to do? Where will they have their family meals in winter? Will they go back to that cold, impersonal banquet hall in the main building?
No, that will affect her appetite!
"A hearth?!"
Sheng Zhujun's eyes lit up immediately.
Even Sheng Yunqi and Su Ruomeng showed their approval.
A fire pit restaurant sounds so warm and cozy, where the whole family can sit together by the fire pit, grill meat, and drink beer!
Qin Hong immediately took out her phone and called Butler Wang: "Old Wang, there's something else..."
The group huddled around the phone, eagerly sharing their wonderful visions of the fire pit restaurant. With Butler Wang around, everything would be perfectly arranged for them!
Ling Shu, the only one not glued to her phone: "..."
It's really good.
Suddenly I have so many expectations for this winter.
After discussing the fire pit restaurant with Butler Wang, Qin Hong remembered something else and turned to ask Ling Shu for her opinion: "Shu, when we were preparing for the apocalypse, in addition to the supplies stockpiled at the Sheng family manor, the headquarters and branches of the Shengshi Group were also secretly stockpiling supplies to cope with unforeseen needs. Now that the apocalypse is not coming, I want to donate these supplies in Yun Shen's name to help those who are still suffering from the disaster and in urgent need of help."
Without a moment's hesitation, Ling Shu immediately nodded: "Okay."
She had already seen the disaster situation in various places on the news that morning and knew that there were still many people in the world who needed help. At this time, the supplies stockpiled by Shengshi Group could provide great support.
A smile appeared on Qin Hong's lips, and her gaze towards Ling Shu was full of pride, everything was understood without words.
Having made her decision, she left Xiaominglou to arrange the donation of supplies.
Su Ruomeng's emotions were fluctuating too much, and she was clutching her chest, feeling quite uncomfortable. Sheng Yunqi decided to take her back to rest and then took his leave.
Only Sheng Zhujun and Ling Shu remained, slumped on the sofa, one on each side.
After the initial excitement wore off, Sheng Zhujun belatedly realized what was happening and asked, "Shushu, why won't the apocalypse come?"
Ling Shu rolled her eyes and answered in her mind, "Because your good second brother is very powerful. He rang the bell every day and chased away the apocalypse."
She wanted to see if Sheng Zhujun could hear her thoughts.
To be on the safe side, Ling Shu thought about it several times in her mind.
Sheng Zhujun looked at her with clear eyes, her face full of curiosity.
Ling Shu forcefully "connected" with her: "Your good second brother is amazing! Don't let his vegetative state fool you, he's conscious!"
"If you're a vegetable for a day, you'll still be ringing the bell for a day. I admire your second brother the most in the whole world."
"Did you hear that? It was your second brother who knocked the apocalypse away."
The two remained silent, gazing at each other in silence.
Sheng Zhujun blinked in confusion: "Shushu? What's with that look you're giving me? I don't understand. There's no one else here, just say what you want to say."
Ling Shu raised her hand and rubbed her eyes to make sure that Sheng Zhujun couldn't hear anything.
It seems that the restrictions have not been completely loosened. There are certain facts that involve the most basic operational logic that only she and Sheng Yun Shen can discuss, such as the main storyline, the Doomsday Clock, and the Disruptors.
She changed her mind and muttered to herself without any emotion.
I'm so thirsty, is there any fairy who could bring me a glass of water?
This time, Sheng Zhujun finally responded.
She looked around, got up and walked to the tea cabinet, poured herself a glass of water, handed it to Ling Shu, and continued to press, "Tell me quickly, what exactly happened?"
Ling Shu took the water and drank a sip, unable to suppress the smile on her face.
It feels like I've discovered a new world!
She'll be able to have her own Doraemon in the future, without even having to open her mouth!
Temporarily setting aside the idea of teasing Sheng Zhujun, Ling Shu thought for a moment and gave a seemingly reasonable reason: "Maybe it's because a kind person saved the world."
Sheng Zhujun glanced at her sideways: "The kind person you're talking about isn't yourself, is it?"
Ling Shu shook her head: "Uh, this time it really isn't."
Sheng Zhujun's face was full of disbelief: "I think it's you."
Ling Shu shook her head again: "It wasn't me."
Sheng Zhujun persisted: "It's you."
Ling Shu: "..."
The two of them were arguing like elementary school students; it was a bit childish.
Even Sheng Yun Shen couldn't stand it anymore and advised her in her mind: "Since there's no way to tell the truth anyway, why don't you just admit it was you? After all, we're husband and wife, so my business is your business."
Since Sheng Yun Shen himself had spoken, Ling Shu shamelessly admitted, "Okay, it's me."
Rounding up, she did contribute to the bell-ringing ceremony, so it can't be considered that she completely claimed credit for it.
Sheng Zhujun was finally satisfied: "I told you it was you, but you wouldn't admit it. Shushu, you're even being modest with me."
Just as she was happily reminiscing, Sheng Zhujun suddenly froze, remembering some unpleasant things, and her eyes widened abruptly.
"Wait! If the apocalypse doesn't come, does that mean I'll have to go back to work?!"
"Aaaaaah! Why?!"
"Waaaaah, I hate going to work!"
Niu Majun let out a wail of despair, realizing she had to go to work.
Ling Shu covered her mouth and chuckled, not letting out a sound; that was her greatest sympathy at that moment.
Fortunately, Sheng Zhujun has a very strong self-healing ability, and she quickly accepted the fact that she had to go back to work.
She lay flat on her back numbly, her eyes devoid of light: "Even the biggest problems can wait until tomorrow. I haven't finished my five-day vacation yet..."
Just then, Ling Shu's phone rang; it was a call from the police.
She answered the phone: "Hello... You've found them? Okay, okay, they're still at the Sheng family's house. Please come over, we'll fully cooperate."
After putting down her phone, Ling Shu stood up, sighed deeply, and turned to say goodbye to Sheng Zhujun: "I have something to do and need to go out for a bit."
"Huh? Where are we going?"
Sheng Zhujun looked at her curiously.
Ling Shu pinched the bridge of her nose, her expression not happy: "I guess I'm going to...do justice on behalf of Heaven."
Now that the apocalypse is over, it's time to wrap things up on the other side.
However, she needed to think carefully about how to tell Chen Zui this fact.
Having not experienced the brutality of the apocalypse, he is now just a calm and composed young man. Is the truth... something he can bear in his current state?
-
He sat in the garden outside the main building, staring blankly at the ground.
A line of ants snaked past his feet, each carrying something of various sizes. Perhaps it was because the rain had stopped and the sun had come out, that even the ants had come out to move.
His gaze unconsciously fell on these little lives. After a moment, he chuckled softly, full of self-mockery.
Even ants have homes, but what about him?
Was that place really his home?
Now he is somewhat afraid to see his parents, but he also remembers Ling Shu's instructions to stay with them and not leave.
Chen Zui chose to keep watch from a distance, glancing up every now and then. From a window on the second floor, she could vaguely see the figures of Chen's parents.
They sent him down to find something to eat, but he never came back. His parents are probably scolding him right now.
It doesn't matter anymore.
After estimating that another ten minutes had passed, Chenzui moved slightly and looked up at the second floor.
As his gaze swept across the gate, he saw a group of people rushing straight into the main building. His eyes paused, and he took a few more glances.
These people were dressed in black, each with a solemn expression, exuding an aura of imposing power and ruthlessness.
This is not the kind of demeanor a security guard should have.
He sat up straighter, his brows slightly furrowed.
Are they police?
How could the police have entered the Sheng family's residence without anyone noticing?
Could they be after the Sheng family?
Thinking of this, he stood up somewhat uneasily, took a few steps forward, and wanted to see more clearly.
Just as he took a step, Ling Shu's voice came from behind him: "Chen Zui, don't go over there."
Her voice was cold and clear, like melting ice floes, carrying an endless chill.
Chen Zui immediately stopped walking.
He turned to look at her: "Sister Ling, these people aren't here for the Sheng family, are they? Is there anything I can do for you?"
Ling Shu shook her head, her face devoid of a smile: "Ignore those people, come with me."
After saying that, she turned around and walked outside.
He glanced back hesitantly, then finally chose to listen to Ling Shu and quickly followed her.
The two walked out to the parking lot and got into an SUV.
The driver was already waiting in the car. As soon as they got in, the car started and drove away from the Sheng family manor.
In the car, Ling Shu turned her head and asked Chen Zui, who was sitting next to her, "I asked you to look carefully today, how do you feel?"
After a moment of silence, he uttered the thoughts that had been agonizing him: "My father... is he already dead? This man isn't my father at all, is he?"
"Hmm? Go on."
Ling Shu looked up at him, somewhat surprised.
Unexpectedly, Chen Zui was so perceptive. She had only given him a hint, trying to pique his doubts and thoughts, but he had already calculated the correct answer.
What Chen Zui said next surprised her even more: "My nominal parents... are Shen Le's biological parents, right?"
Ling Shu was silent for a few seconds, then nodded in agreement: "What you said is all correct."
The sword hanging over his head finally fell. He leaned back against the chair, silently closed his eyes, and seemed to see glistening tears in them.
His tone was as sharp and cold as a blade slicing through ice: "This man looks eight parts like my father and knows our family's ancestral boxing style... He must be my uncle."
“My grandfather had a younger brother. The two brothers learned martial arts from their great-grandfather when they were young. My grandfather was calm and steady, but his brother was rebellious and unruly. After growing up, he had a falling out with his great-grandfather and never came home again. I suppose he must have started a family outside and had a son.”
“My uncle… no, he doesn’t deserve to be called uncle, he’s a beast. This beast probably didn’t do well outside, accidentally had a child, and couldn’t raise it. He thought of my father and sent Shen Le, who was only a few months old, to my house. My father took Shen Le in because of our blood ties.”
“When I was six years old, this beast reappeared. He probably wanted to borrow money, or he wanted my father to take him in. The two couldn’t reach an agreement, and in a fit of rage, the beast attacked and hurt my father. His hands and legs were probably injured during the attack.”
"After killing my father, he plotted to take over my father's place, so he pretended to be injured and sick, hiding at home for several months. Once he recovered, he assumed my father's identity, using his injury to conceal the difference in their appearance and voice. After establishing himself, he also brought his former lover into the picture, making her my stepmother..."
Chen Zui forced a smile, looked up at Ling Shu, his eyes filled with lifelessness, "Sister Ling, I guess this is the truth."
From the moment his doubts began, he searched every memory of his childhood, leaving no suspicious corner unexamined.
Like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, you piece together the whole story bit by bit.
That man was a beast, and he was a complete idiot, oblivious to his father's death and serving his enemy for so many years.
Chenzui raised her hand, silently examining it with a cold and disdainful gaze.
Ling Shu remained silent for a few seconds.
I originally thought I would explain the truth to him in the car so he could prepare himself. I didn't expect that Chenzui had figured everything out, and even deduced what had happened in the past.
Is this the power of a male protagonist in a post-apocalyptic story?
Even she was able to figure out the truth by relying on several paternity tests.
She sighed softly, "Chenzui, your father's remains have been found. The people you saw just now were there to arrest the murderer."
At this point, Shen's parents must have already put on their own rose gold "bracelets".
She reached out and gently took Chen Zui's arm: "You were only six years old then. What could a six-year-old understand? Promise me you won't despise yourself. Bad people will get what they deserve, and you should leave the martial arts school that has confined you for so many years and go see the outside world."
He looked up blankly, a few tears glistening in his eyes. He murmured absently, "But...do I still deserve it?"
Ling Shu smiled slightly: "If next month is the end of the world, are you willing to die with memories full of resentment?"
In the original book, Chen Zui is very strong and is Guan Mengxing's most reliable support. The two support each other and get through one life-and-death crisis after another.
Ling Shu thought he would come to his senses.
It may take some time, but he will eventually figure it out.
Just then, the SUV stopped.
Ling Shu looked out the car window, withdrew her hand, opened the door and got out of the car: "We've arrived."
Chen Zui looked up somewhat dazedly and realized that they had arrived at the place most familiar to him.
The familiar black gate, the familiar white screen wall. Beyond the screen wall, you can see a small courtyard, with a tall osmanthus tree in the corner…
At that moment, yellow police tape was put up outside the gate, and several police officers were guarding the area. When they saw Ling Shu get out of the car, they nodded and greeted her.
The rain had just stopped, the broken mountain road had not yet been repaired, and the flooded tunnel was not ready for traffic. These police officers were all brought up by helicopter arranged by Ling Shu.
His gaze, lost in admiration, swept over the yellow warning line and looked towards the depths of the martial arts school's gate.
Father... Father!
He quickly got out of the car and rushed inside without hesitation.
The martial arts school's courtyard was completely unrecognizable, with signs of digging everywhere. In the corner, under the osmanthus tree, there was a large pit containing a white skeleton that looked very old and dilapidated.
When I rushed into the courtyard, this was the scene that greeted me.
Because evidence still needed to be collected, several police officers stopped him from getting too close.
He didn't argue, but just stood blankly in another corner, his gaze seemingly losing focus for a moment.
For some reason, the image of the line of ants moving house that I had just seen flashed before my eyes again.
Even ants have homes, but he... has no home.
He has no home anymore.
Ling Shu did not go in. She stood outside the courtyard with her hands behind her back, looking up at the clear sky with her eyes full of sorrow.
After an unknown amount of time, a young man's heart-wrenching screams rang out in the courtyard, echoing in the air and startling countless birds.
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