170 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

# Chapter 170: Wandering the First District "Are you girls new here? Why haven't I seen you around before? Need a tour to get familiar with the First District?" the man called Night Brother was the first to speak up. Chen Wan and her group had anticipated this kind of encounter, so they weren't surprised at all. Chen Wan glanced at the men, sneering, "No need, we've pretty much seen everything already." "You must have missed some sights. Let us show you around, maybe grab a meal together. Oh, you’re carrying a little baby there? Hey kid, want to come with uncle? I’ll buy you some candy," the Jacket Guy persisted, refusing to step aside. The little one in Chen Wan’s arms pouted, pointing his chubby finger at Jacket Guy, "You're bad! I don't want to go with you." "Wow, what a tough little guy! It'd be as easy to squash you as an ant," another thug chimed in. Chen Wan looked at them with a faint smirk. Just then, a patrol team approached, noticing the ten people gathered around Chen Wan’s group. The squad leader took a look at the five male alphas opposite and approached proactively. "Excuse me, do you ladies need assistance?" the patrol officer asked politely. "Yes, there is something," Chen Wan replied calmly. "These fellows insist we go with them and even said crushing my child would be as easy as crushing an ant. I suspect they have ill intentions towards us." The little one in her arms pointed his tiny hand at the men and declared, "Beat the baddies!" "Ah, officers, don’t listen to their nonsense. We're just passing citizens trying to help newcomers get oriented, that's all. These ladies misunderstood us," Jacket Guy quickly tried to explain, not expecting the First District patrol to actually intervene. The patrol officer turned to Jacket Guy and said, "In that case, please accompany us back. There are surveillance cameras all over here. We'll easily find out the truth by reviewing the footage." "Ah? No need for all that trouble, officers. We didn't do anything," Jacket Guy protested, reluctant to leave. Yet, surrounded by armed patrol, he didn't dare act as recklessly as he might outside nor dared to flee with his comrades. "Whether or not you did will be clear once you come with us. Ladies, you’ll need to come too for a written report," the squad leader added. "Alright, we’re happy to cooperate," Chen Wan said, bouncing her little one in her arms and following the patrol team back to their office. It didn’t take long for the staff to pull up the surveillance footage, confirming that Jacket Guy and his group had indeed tailed Chen Wan’s group and deliberately blocked them on the street, establishing their wrongdoing. A female officer, charmed by the little one, brought over a lollipop and handed it to him. The little guy licked his lips and thanked her sweetly, "Thank you, auntie~" "No need to thank me, you’re so adorable. What's your name, sweetheart?" the officer asked, amused by the cuteness of the child, an unusual sight in the First District. "My name’s Yang Yang~" he replied, as he buried his face into his mom’s arms, a bit shy from the praise. Chen Wan gazed at her bashful little one, kissed his forehead, and chuckled, "Feeling shy, aren't we?" He nuzzled against Chen Wan, indicating his shyness, amusing the onlooking adults. Minutes later, two other patrol members arrived to ask Chen Wan’s group about the incident before letting them go. Jacket Guy and his comrades were taken to the First District's temporary holding cell. Their intent to commit a crime, although unsuccessful, earned them a 30-day detention, marked on their records so they would be monitored during future assignments for the base. Seeing the patrol officers' black-mouthed weapons silenced the men’s protests, they were led away obediently by the officers. Chen Wan carried her little one outside, unwrapping the lollipop and placing it in his mouth. Yang Yang joyfully kicked his little legs, enjoying the peach-flavored lollipop. With the sun shining, candy in his mouth, and mom serving as his personal reclining chair, he was utterly content. The adults couldn’t help but smile at his bliss. "This place really is well-regulated, isn’t it? They actually take action if people cause trouble," remarked Qin Ke, somewhat incredulous. "Indeed. It seems reliable enough to take a few days to see if there's a chance to obtain a level 3 zombie crystal core," Chen Wan said while holding Yang Yang. "Sounds good. We could certainly use the respite after finally making it out of the capital," agreed Qin Ke. As they made their way back, armored vehicles drove past, sparking conversations among bystanders. "See that? Those are the people who go out with the military to deal with zombies. I heard some of them have abilities." "Apparently, you can earn a lot of points from just one trip. If only I were an ability user." "Being a doctor or architect is useful too; the military needs people who can produce things." Chen Wan, holding Yang Yang, stood with Qin Ke and watched. In one military vehicle, she spotted a familiar face and called out, "Wei Si Yu!" As an ability user, Wei Si Yu was sensitive and immediately heard her name. Glancing out, she was first shocked to see Chen Wan, then broke into a wide smile. She pulled her vehicle over to the side of the road. The other occupants also recognized Chen Wan’s group. Li Yue excitedly rolled down the window, waving, "Sis! You’re in the First District too? How have you been these past few months?" Seeing these young ones safe put a smile on Chen Wan’s face, "We’re alright, surviving." After parking, Wei Si Yu and the others got out and jogged over, delighted to find familiar faces in the district. "Chen Wan, I’m so glad you’re safe," Wei Si Yu said, her eyes glistening. Despite their brief time together, they were bonded by shared hardships. Reuniting after the extreme weather was certainly a joy. "Yes, it’s been quite a time for us too. How’ve you been? Did you encounter the floods?" Chen Wan inquired. "We did, but thanks to your warning, we had large boats ready. Without those, we wouldn’t have known what to do." Wei Si Yu still shuddered at the thought, knowing the vulnerability of people against nature. "It’s good you’re alright," Chen Wan chuckled, looking at Zhao Jing Jing among them, asking, "How is Jing Jing doing?" "She’s much better now. Still a bit shy around strangers but at least not with us anymore. She can manage daily tasks now. Thank you," Qiao Shi Rui said, eyes welling with gratitude. Chen Wan waved it off with a smile, "No need to thank us. It's your courage and kindness that saved your friend. We’re staying at No. 76, Unit 1, Apartment 301. Let’s not stand here, come to ours and catch up properly." Wei Si Yu nodded and said, "Alright, we’ll return the vehicle to the military and exchange our points. We’ll come over afterward." "Great, let’s gather and have a meal. It’s been a while," Chen Wan beamed. "Deal, we’ll come right after," said Wei Si Yu, as they returned to their vehicle and drove back into the base. Watching them leave, Chen Wan felt inexplicably lighthearted. In the apocalypse, friendships often feel fleeting. Their last farewell left Chen Wan with little hope of reunion, given the harsh environment and extreme climate. Surviving alone required extraordinary effort, let alone meeting again. "Everyone’s coming over; what should we have for lunch? How about hot pot? We still have plenty of mutant pork, canned luncheon meat, and mountain delicacies like wood ears and daylilies. Plus, there's sweet potato noodles, and we can pick more vegetables and fruits from the sunroom," Jiang Yan Xin suggested, her face lit up with joy at the thought of reuniting in these apocalyptic times. "Let's not forget some beer and drinks. We’ll grab some things from the RV," Chen Wan added with a smile. The group, taking the little one with them, returned to the RV. To avoid drawing attention, they packed everything in large tote bags—meat in one, veggies, fruits, and canned goods in another. They also carried plenty of beer, wine, and soft drinks, each of them hauling three big bags back. The little one had finished his candy and was now sleepy from the warm sun, dozing off in Chen Wan's arms. Chen Wan carefully cradled him as she walked, ensuring he wasn't disturbed. Back home, they discussed the visit from Wei Si Yu’s group, and Ye Lan and the others came to 301 to help with preparations. Having more people around made the meal more lively, even the four pets followed them to 301, playfully rolling around and frolicking among Chen Wan and her friends.