119 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

**Chapter 119: Comfort in a Wasteland - Bonus Update** While the children tidied up, Ye Lan had already steamed the rice. Tonight, it was Jiang Zhao Yuan's turn to cook. He opened a few cans of tuna, and the aroma filled the air immediately. Cai Cai, who had been energetically running around, became rooted to the spot, her short legs unable to take another step, as she clung to Jiang Zhao Yuan's leg, pleading. "Grandpa, what is that? It smells so good," Cai Cai said, her chubby fingers pointing towards the cans. "It's canned tuna. Are you hungry? Let me give you a taste," Jiang Zhao Yuan replied, placing a piece of fish in Cai Cai's designated small bowl. He set her child-sized chopsticks and bowl on the table, then lifted Cai Cai onto the sofa, instructing her to eat for now. After just one bite, her eyes sparkled with delight. "Delicious!" Jiang Zhao Yuan chuckled at her appetite. "Later, Grandpa will make stir-fried rice with this. It'll be even tastier when heated." Cai Cai nodded eagerly, her tiny face full of anticipation. "Yes~" He poured the tuna into the pan, sautéing it with some pickled vegetables. As the can already contained plenty of oil, he didn't add any more. The fragrance of the fish enveloped the room as he mixed in the rice, the savory smell permeating the RV. Cai Cai's eyes were glued to the pan, eagerly watching the stir-fry. She felt she could eat a whole bowl! Chen Wan and Jiang Yan Xin emerged from their showers, drawn by the savory scents. Nothing beats the taste of carbs with meat, especially since they had expended so much energy that weight gain was not a concern. After their meal, Yi Yi took the wheel, with Shen Ming Yan offering directions. In the small county town, Chen Wan and her friends refueled. Fortunately, the town was small, but the gas station had ample reserves to fill the RV’s tank completely. With their supplies replenished, they set out again, this time heading to the river village mentioned by Shen Ming Yan. Following the winding mountain roads, after about 40 minutes, they caught sight of the village houses. Yi Yi pointed towards the white walls and black tiles of the village. "Look, we’re almost there." Chen Wan lowered the steel panels on the RV and peered out the window. A tranquil village lay ahead, cut off from the outside by a river. Vehicles and pedestrians could only enter via a bridge not far off. As they neared the bridge, Chen Wan noticed barricades and some four or five adult male alphas standing guard. Shen Ming Yan, surprised to see familiar faces, lowered the window slightly. "Han Qi, remember me? It's Shen Ming Yan." "Why are you back? Isn't it chaotic outside?" The man, identified as Han Qi, was momentarily stunned, then smiled as he spoke. "It is chaotic outside. My friends and I thought of staying here for a while, surprised to find no issues here," Shen Ming Yan responded in surprise. "Our place is rather secluded, about an hour’s drive from the county. With only one road into the village, unless you cross several mountains, we haven’t been affected. We set up checkpoints right after the apocalypse started, with regular patrols to keep out zombies," Han Qi explained. "May we enter the village?" Shen Ming Yan inquired. "Of course. We'd just need to confirm none of your companions are infected with the zombie virus, so we’ll need you all to get off the RV for a brief check," Han Qi said with a smile. Shen Ming Yan looked towards Chen Wan for confirmation. "Should we go in? I originally thought the village would be empty." Chen Wan pondered briefly and nodded. After traveling through so many places, if the village genuinely hadn't been touched by the apocalypse, staying a while could be beneficial. With nine people altogether, they disembarked. Han Qi and his team were surprised by their numbers, including a small child, but smiled as Han Qi remarked, "You've brought quite a crowd, even a baby. It's fine, no issue." "Brother Qi, we need to check the RV too," Li Ze Nan reminded him. "Oh, right. It’s routine. Can we check the RV if possible?" Han Qi asked politely. "You can see inside from outside; there’s no hiding. The RV can’t be inspected," Chen Wan stated coldly, looking at Han Qi. Sensing the tension, Han Qi eased the situation, "Shen Ming Yan’s grandparents are from our village. No need to be strangers among family. If the RV is inconvenient to inspect, you all can go in." Shen Ming Yan nodded, waiting for Chen Wan's decision. The choice rested on Chen Wan, and she nodded at last, her gaze coolly sweeping over Han Qi. "Thanks. We’re tired. Let’s drive in." "Alright." With Chen Wan's approval, Yi Yi got back into the RV, and everyone followed suit. Chen Wan was the last, casting one more glance at the peaceful village before stepping aboard. Han Qi instructed Fatty, Er Dan, and Li Ze Nan to move the barricades and the truck blocking the bridge entrance to let the RV through. As they drove into the village, Han Qi's gaze lingered on the RV, noting their thorough defense and patrols to ensure zombies couldn't breach the village. "Brother Qi, it’s great that so many have come this time," Li Ze Nan remarked, smiling broadly. "No wasting! Among them, there are plenty of Omegas and Betas, and even the female alphas are stunning. These city folks are surely elite professionals, people unattainable before the apocalypse. We shouldn’t let the opportunity slip," Han Qi said, smiling at the three men accompanying him. "We’ll do whatever Brother Qi says," Fatty pledged, showing his loyalty immediately. "Exactly, Brother Qi knows better than us farmers, especially now that you're the village chief. We’ll follow your lead," Er Dan agreed with a smile. "Don't worry, I’ve never let my brothers down. We’ll take our time," Han Qi reassured them. Among the newcomers, the two alphas were particularly intimidating, indicating patience was necessary. Meanwhile, another vehicle approached—a rarity for this secluded village. It seemed to be another group fleeing from the city, housing two male alphas and two female Omegas, likely couples. Han Qi intercepted them, asking, "Where are you from, and how did you find He Shang Village?" A tall male alpha replied, "We escaped from the Funan City base, initially aiming for Capital City. But seeing fewer zombies here and this village, we decided to check it out. We're good people and uninjured. Could you let us in?" Han Qi smiled, "I'm the village chief, Han Qi. As long as you allow us to inspect and verify you aren’t infected with the zombie virus, we can welcome you. Thanks to the river, our village remains untouched." "No problem, no problem." The two alphas and Omegas exited the vehicle for the inspection. Residents of District B from the base, they had been middle-class before the apocalypse. After fleeing chaotically, they had narrowly escaped with their lives. Thus, hearing the village remained untainted brought unceasing joy. Han Qi briefly checked and, confirming they were uninjured, smiled, "There are several empty courtyards in the village. If you don’t mind, Fatty will guide you there for the time being." The man nearly wept with gratitude, hastily expressing thanks, "Thank you so much for taking us in at this time." "No need to be polite. We’re all family now, don’t stand on ceremony," Han Qi reassured before instructing Fatty, "Take them to settle in. We’ll handle things here." "Alright, Brother Qi. I’ll move the truck to clear the way for their car." Fatty responded. "Go ahead." Han Qi extended a courteous smile to the foursome. Once the private vehicle entered the village, Li Ze Nan noted to Han Qi, "Brother Qi, these folks don’t seem as cautious. But these two Omegas aren’t particularly attractive, so perhaps we should…" "We can deal with that later. There are plenty of bachelors in the village in their forties without wives. If nobody wants them, we'll handle it as you suggested. As for those two alphas, they’ll likely be of no use. I didn’t expect so many visitors today; our little village is about to get quite lively," Han Qi chuckled. "Indeed, it's going to be lively. But it seems like Shen Ming Yan and her group take orders from the woman in the military green shirt. Her gaze is chilling; she doesn't look easy to handle," Er Dan cautioned. "No rush, it's like boiling a frog in warm water. They've had a hard time surviving outside, and our village offers such tranquility. They’ll let their guard down eventually. Let’s start with those four we met today," Han Qi mused, fully aware of the difficulties Chen Wan and her group might pose. "Er Dan, inform the night watch to stay vigilant, and ensure the newcomers don’t leave just like that. We haven’t properly extended our hospitality. We need to make sure guests are well taken care of," Han Qi instructed with a smile. "Don't worry, Brother Qi. You're the pillar we all rely on," Er Dan responded immediately, setting off to notify the night guards as Han Qi had directed. In their village, alphas and betas are typically responsible for guarding the village entrance. During the day, there are two shifts—one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each with four personnel. At night, there are two shifts as well, with six guards each. Thanks to the river, zombies rarely appear in the area.