171 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Chen Wan prepared meals for the dogs, making sure they stayed obediently in their designated spots without causing trouble before she and everyone else began their preparations. Jiang Yan Xin even invited Qi Jing and her two companions from upstairs in Room 401 to join them. They were all friends, and it was good to gather and get to know each other. Qin Ke busily sliced mutated pork and luncheon meat, while Chen Wan soaked ingredients like wood ear mushrooms, daylilies, and dried beancurd sticks that needed soaking. Jiang Wan Ning chopped up cabbage and lettuce. Everyone was in charge of their task, and soon, the essentials for their meal were ready. On the other end, Wei Si Yu and her group quickly exchanged their points and rushed over to Chen Wan's. Even the somewhat puzzled-looking Zhao Jing Jing picked up on the excitement of her companions and started to feel happy too. On their way, they passed the point exchange station. Wei Si Yu used her points to get 10 pounds of mutated lamb meat, intending for everyone to share the meal together. Five minutes later, there was a knock at Chen Wan's door. She hurried to open it, greeting her visitors, "Come in, we're almost ready." “Let's cut up this lamb meat too since we have so many people; we can enjoy it together.” Wei Si Yu handed over the meat with a smile. “Sure, we were planning to make hot pot anyway.” Chen Wan took the meat inside, and Qin Ke resumed slicing. Chen Wan introduced her new friends from the capital to Wei Si Yu, “This is Qi Jing and her two companions, friends we met in the capital. This is Wei Si Yu and her team.” “Hello,” Qi Jing smiled in greeting. “We're all friends of Chen Wan, so we can consider each other friends too in the future,” Wei Si Yu replied with a smile. “Exactly. Let's get acquainted so we can support each other. Come, find a seat.” There were around twenty people in total, plus four dogs, and though it was a suite, it felt a bit cramped. The dogs were excited by the new arrivals, wagging their tails like propellers as they bounced between Wei Si Yu and Qiao Shi Rui. Children adore animals, and before long, they were playing happily with the dogs on the bedroom floor. Meanwhile, a little one was awakened by the commotion, thrilled by the visitors in the house. Jiang Wan Ning carried her around for a tour of the rooms. Wei Si Yu and Qi Jing found the little one adorable and playfully took her from Jiang Wan Ning’s arms. The little tyke wasn’t fazed being in the arms of two somewhat unfamiliar aunties, and she nestled comfortably, playing with them. During the meal, Chen Wan set up two pots, ready to cook the meat separately, with one group in the dining area and the other in the living room. In the living room, Chen Wan continuously added meat and vegetables to the pot. Qin Ke was doing the same in the dining area, ensuring the pot stayed filled with ingredients. Shen Ming Yan and Yi Yi, who didn't need to eat, took the dogs to play in the bedroom, keeping the numbers down to prevent chaos. It was a bit chaotic, but also bustling with lively energy. While adding sweet potato noodles to the pot, Chen Wan called over to Jiang Yan Xin, “Yan Xin, could you pass me the meat?” “Sure.” Jiang Yan Xin brought over the sliced lamb, and with a few deft moves, Chen Wan had nearly half of it in the pot, which caught the eager eyes of Qiao Shi Rui and the others. They had been following Wei Si Yu all along, heading straight to District One after the floods without encountering the snowy conditions like Chen Wan and her group. They also accompanied Wei Si Yu on military missions after arriving at the base, so food was not in short supply. However, enjoying a hot pot like this was a first for them at the base, even bringing a smile to Zhao Jing Jing's usually blank face. Though she was somewhat resistant to unfamiliar people, she didn't react strongly and wasn't against those who traveled with her like Qiao Shi Rui. Amused at the filled pot, Qiao Shi Rui served substantial portions of meat and vegetables to Li Jing Jing, who smiled back at her. Seeing that Qi Jing and her companions were at the back, Chen Wan hurriedly called out, “Qi Jing, come here. A hot pot is about crowding together; you three are about to step out of the room if you move any farther back.” Wei Si Yu turned her gaze towards Qi Jing, inviting her warmly, “Come on over. I'll serve you.” Wei Si Yu presumed the Omega individuals were more reserved, unlike the Alphas, whose eyes were set on their choice from the outset. If late, there’d be nothing left. Qi Jing, not knowing Wei Si Yu well, was too shy to let Wei Si Yu serve her and quickly said, “No need, I can do it myself.” “Leave it to me; you've hardly had a bite,” Wei Si Yu smiled and took Qi Jing’s bowl. With her bowl taken, Qi Jing glanced at Wei Si Yu, her ear tips turning slightly rosy. Chen Wan watched the exchange, her eyes dancing with mischief, “Hey, Wei Si Yu, did you count how many bites I've had from the beginning? How come you remember exactly how much Qi Jing has eaten?” Qi Jing blushed at Chen Wan’s comment, her ears turning pink, and she shyly said nothing more. Wei Si Yu understood Chen Wan's playful jibe and replied with a chuckle, “It’s easy when someone doesn’t move their chopsticks much. Unlike you, who hasn’t stopped since picking up your chopsticks.” Everyone joined in the laughter, and Chen Wan smiled, “Well then, take good care of Qi Jing for me since I’m too far away.” As she spoke, Chen Wan gave Jiang Yan Xin a wink. She thought Qi Jing and Wei Si Yu complemented each other, both being incredibly kind-hearted individuals. Chen Wan remembered how, from the start, she thought Wei Si Yu's kindness was extravagant, waving a flashlight at the roadside to warn off vehicles from "Tomorrow" Base. Yet, given Wei Si Yu was the original protagonist aiming to save the world, it seemed natural. But meeting Qi Jing surprised Chen Wan; Qi Jing’s compassion exceeded even Wei Si Yu’s—a person who near-expired from blood loss but still rescued a group of ingrates. In Chen Wan's eyes, they were remarkable good Samaritans in such desperate times. Wei Si Yu caught on to Chen Wan’s jest and nodded, “No worries, Qi Jing is a friend now too, and taking care of friends is what we do.” While talking, she filled Qi Jing’s bowl with meat and vegetables, presenting it to her with a smile, “Thank you,” Qi Jing said with reddened ear tips. With Qi Jing’s bowl filled, Wei Si Yu offered to help Qi Jing’s companions. Li Xiao Xiao, sensing the moment, smirked and dodged Wei Si Yu’s gesture, “Just serve Qi Jing. Wan Wan and I can handle ourselves; see, we already have a lot in our bowls.” “Exactly,” Kang Wan echoed, wearing an understanding smile, making Qi Jing slightly embarrassed. Qi Jing glanced at Wei Si Yu and quickly averted her gaze when Wei Si Yu noticed. Looking down at her bowl, Qi Jing shyly said, “I'll manage next time.” “Alright, but if you miss out, I'll help again. Chen Wan, Jin Can, and the others eat quickly, plus Shi Tou—look at his giant bowl; it's half the pot,” Wei Si Yu quipped, slipping in some humor to ease Qi Jing’s discomfort. Shi Tou was a large Alpha, and Chen Wan humorously matched him with an appropriately grand bowl. Enjoying his meal heartily, he seemed a far cry from the fierce warrior that battled foes and zombies, now radiating a gentle, silly vibe. He wasn't irritated by Wei Si Yu's joke, instead chuckling, “With a good mood, it's only right to eat more. We finally have a place at the base, but real belonging can't be felt without friends. Having you all in District One feels truly great; in these times, nothing is better than having friends around—it feels like home.” “True, isn’t hot pot better with more people to share with?” Chen Wan laughed as she continued laying out more meat. There was plenty of mutated lamb and pork gathered, enough to fill everyone’s bellies. Ye Lan and Jiang Zhao Yuan indulged Zai Zai for a while, then brought it over to Yi Yi and Shen Ming Yan. Age demanded more limited appetites, unlike the younger group. Freed up space allowed Li Xiao Xiao and Kang Wan to join Qin Ke's side, followed by Wei Si Yu's companions. The crowd at Chen Wan’s side considerably thinned, allowing her to bring out beer, wine, and soft drinks. She opted for beer, while Jiang Yan Xin sipped some wine. Wei Si Yu picked beer, and Qi Jing and the kids enjoyed fruit juice. When everyone had eaten their fill, almost two hours had passed. Chen Wan and Jiang Yan Xin were about to wash the pots, but Qi Jing and Wei Si Yu stopped them, stating it was only fair they handle clean-up since Chen Wan’s group prepared the meal. With that, Chen Wan and Jiang Yan Xin decided to check on Zai Zai, finding the little one playfully cradled by Qiao Shi Rui. Without any fear, the little one joyfully engaged with the surrounding brothers, sisters, and aunties, not feeling any urge to return to Chen Wan when she entered. The dinner had started late, and with playing around with Zai Zai for quite a while, time slipped by quickly, and it was nearing 10 PM. Although District One was considered safe, venturing out at night was still a bit unsettling. Wei Si Yu and her group decided to head back, planning to return the next day to discuss more details about District One with Chen Wan and the others. They lived in Building 21, Unit 2, Apartments 101 and 102, which was a little distance from Chen Wan's Building 76, roughly a ten-minute walk. Seeing the hour grow late, Chen Wan didn't keep everyone longer. She reminded them to stay safe before tidying up the house again and settling the little one into bed. Watching Zai Zai, Chen Wan gently teased, "You little rascal, you had quite the fun day, didn't you? With so many people playing with you, do you remember who everyone is?" Zai Zai shook its little head, giggling and nuzzling against Chen Wan affectionately. It cherished having so many playmates. "I know what they look like, but remembering names is too hard," Zai Zai defended itself in between bouts of cuddling. "Alright, our Yang Yang is the best, everyone loves you," Chen Wan praised Zai Zai, making it blush and nestle deeper into Chen Wan’s embrace. Jiang Yan Xin watched Chen Wan coaxing Zai Zai and shook her head with a soft laugh, "You both should settle down and get some sleep. Wei Si Yu and her team will come by tomorrow for important discussions." "Okay, whatever you say," Chen Wan replied obediently, setting down the little one and beginning to drift off into slumber.