218 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Chapter 218 Throughout the journey, Jiang Yan Xin hardly paid any attention to Chen Wan. Meanwhile, Chen Wan maintained a well-behaved demeanor, fearing she might unintentionally provoke Jiang Yan Xin further. Finally, they arrived back in District One by armored vehicle just as the sky was beginning to lighten. Chen Wan and Qin Ke, both eager to display their obedience, returned to their residence at 301. Upon their return, the house was empty since Zai Zai had been taken across the street by Ye Lan and her group for some sleep. Trailing closely behind Jiang Yan Xin, Chen Wan was eager to appear compliant. Jiang Yan Xin found Chen Wan's behavior somewhat endearing yet felt a pang of jealousy in her heart—her Alpha had only been away for a day, and already someone else had tried to cozy up, nearly enticing Chen Wan to drink with them, something they hadn't even done together. "Why are you following me?" Jiang Yan Xin asked as she went to the kitchen to pour water, with Chen Wan obediently shadowing her. "I'm not doing anything, just missed you. Please don't be upset, honey. I really didn't do anything wrong. Don't ignore me," Chen Wan pleaded, hugging Jiang Yan Xin from behind. Jiang Yan Xin let out a small huff, but she didn't push Chen Wan away. Her tone was tinged with jealousy as she said, "You've never drunk with me, and yet you want to drink with someone else?" "I didn't drink with anyone else. Honey, if you want, I can drink with you right now," Chen Wan coaxed, wrapping her arms around Jiang Yan Xin and planting a kiss on her ear to appease her. "We can have a drink together tonight. I'm a bit tired right now. Why don't you let go? It's like you're glued to me," Jiang Yan Xin said with a mix of exasperation and amusement as she glanced at Chen Wan, who was clinging to her like an octopus. "No way, I can hold onto you all the way back," Chen Wan cheekily replied, tightening her hold as Jiang Yan Xin's attitude softened. Jiang Yan Xin had no choice but to head back to the bedroom with the large, affectionate octopus clinging to her. Having spent the night at Canglong Bar without any sleep, both Jiang Yan Xin and Chen Wan were exhausted. It wasn't long before Chen Wan fell asleep while holding onto Jiang Yan Xin. On the other side, Shen Ming Yan initially intended to give Qin Ke a good talking-to, but upon seeing Qin Ke's dark circles, she softened and urged her to rest first, suggesting they discuss the matter once she'd had some sleep. Around nine in the morning, the little one in 302 awoke and was washed up by Ye Lan in the bathroom. Ye Lan then set her down on the floor. Zai Zai waddled around, waiting for Ye Lan to prepare breakfast, while Hua Hua joyously bounced around Zai Zai, who blended in perfectly with the dogs, showing no hint of awkwardness. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast, the little one declared her intent to return to the other side to pick up her tablet and watch cartoons. Ye Lan accompanied her back. Upon entering the bedroom to retrieve her tablet, the little one saw that mommy and mama had returned and were fast asleep, delight brightening her face. "Grandma, mommy and mama are back! I want to join them," she chirped happily, removing her shoes to climb onto the big bed, determined to snuggle in with Chen Wan and Jiang Yan Xin. Chen Wan was sound asleep when she felt something wriggle its way onto her. Opening her eyes, she saw Zai Zai nestled in her arms. Overcome with weariness, she pulled the little one closer, ensuring she was tucked in snugly before closing her eyes again. Zai Zai, warm like a little heater, lay contentedly in Chen Wan's embrace and soon drifted off. Watching the family of three, Ye Lan couldn't help but chuckle as she got up to prepare meals. When Chen Wan awoke, the sun was already high in the sky, and the little one in her arms was still sleeping soundly. Ye Lan knocked lightly on the door, calling them for a meal. "Chen Wan, wake up Yan Xin and Yang Yang, it's time to eat. You can sleep again afterwards." Hearing the commotion, the little one woke up on her own, rubbing her eyes with tiny hands and snuggling into Chen Wan for comfort. With one arm around the little one, Chen Wan gently shook Jiang Yan Xin. "Honey, lunch is ready. How about we eat first and then rest some more?" Reluctantly waking, Jiang Yan Xin sat up in bed, looking a bit disgruntled. Zai Zai, seeing her mom's expression, couldn't help but giggle. Jiang Yan Xin leaned over, gently pinching Zai Zai's little hand, chuckling, "You little rascal, are you laughing at mommy? Watch out, or I'll spank your little bottom." "Mama, save me!" Zai Zai laughed, burrowing into Chen Wan's arms while Jiang Yan Xin playfully pretended to reach for her, filling the room with joyful peals of laughter. Ye Lan, overhearing their playful exchange, entered the room. "Alright, you three, it's time to eat. Stop playing with Yang Yang and come out now." Reluctantly, Chen Wan and the others made their way down with the little one. After dressing Zai Zai, Chen Wan let her walk on her own. She and Jiang Yan Xin refreshed themselves, feeling much better after their nap. Chen Wan went to the other room to call Qin Ke for lunch, who groggily got up to wash and join the meal. Jiang Wan Ning and Yi Yi soon arrived as well. Although Yi Yi and Shen Ming Yan didn't partake in the meal, they chatted leisurely with the others, occasionally teasing Hua Hua. Understanding the toll the outing must have taken, Ye Lan had thoughtfully prepared several nutritious meat dishes like braised pork and beef stew with tomatoes to replenish their energy. The little one savored her rice with beef-tomato stew, the delicious aroma filling the air. Chen Wan, truly famished, polished off two bowls of rice before she felt satisfied. "Being home feels great. You wouldn't believe how twisted Canglong Bar is. The first round made us fight zombies, the second was a haunted house dripping with malice, where the living NPCs tormented us. In the third round, we had to navigate a mirror maze packed with mirrors, creating an oppressive atmosphere. We almost didn't make it out. The fourth round pitted us against three Level 3 mutated lions. Luckily, I had some system perks, or we might not have come back," Chen Wan recounted as she sipped watermelon juice, venting her frustration. Hearing this, Jiang Yan Xin couldn't help but feel distressed. "You all better not play heroes like that again. This time you were lucky, but it won't always be the case." "Don't worry about it. We have quite the survival streak, right, Yang Yang?" Chen Wan playfully included the little one. The little one nodded earnestly, responding with her tiny voice, "Yes~" "Our little one is truly adorable," Chen Wan said, picking up Zai Zai to play with. After a day of not seeing her, she had missed the little one dearly. Zai Zai nestled her small face into Chen Wan's shoulder, cooing, "Mama, play with me." "Alright, I'll play with my little rascal," Chen Wan agreed, setting Zai Zai on a mat laid out on the floor, tossing a small ball for Hua Hua and Zai Zai to catch. The little one's legs were too short to catch the ball most of the time, and sometimes she found herself lost amidst the puppies, enveloped in their fluffy fur. The little one's antics brought laughter and joy to the adults around her. Meanwhile, Cao Wei had successfully reached Xiao Zhen Ting through a satellite phone. At the apocalypse's onset, the senior military officials had been relocated to Voyager Island for safety. Being an isolated island, Voyager Island remained unscathed by zombies or mutant animals and was extremely secure. The island was well-equipped with comprehensive infrastructure, boasting ample food and water reserves, ensuring the safety of everyone there. Commander Xiao was initially delighted to receive news of his daughter but was soon in disbelief upon hearing about her alleged actions. Prior to the apocalypse, she had been his pride—a top student at a prestigious domestic university and a computer genius. Nothing in her character suggested she would engage in such activities. Consequently, upon receiving the news, Commander Xiao immediately flew to District One with a few personal guards, arriving by afternoon. Cao Wei awaited Xiao Zhen Ting at the airport, and upon seeing him, it felt surreal. "Cao Wei, you've managed District One admirably. Just from the helicopter, I noticed how organized everything is here. We really are getting old," Xiao Zhen Ting remarked, a sense of pride for his protégé's accomplishments filling his heart. "It's all thanks to your teachings," Cao Wei replied with a smile that slightly faded as she recalled the matter with Xiao Yu. Sighing, Xiao Zhen Ting assured her, "Don't worry, Cao Wei. I won't make things difficult for you. Xiao Yu made a mistake, and she must face the consequences. But I want to hear it from her. I wish to see her." "Of course, Commander, I'll take you to her immediately," Cao Wei replied. "No need to call me 'Commander'; I retired long ago. Now, you're the real commander, the pillar for the ordinary people here in District One. Keep up the good work and protect your district well," Xiao Zhen Ting encouraged. Cao Wei led Xiao Zhen Ting to the detention center in District One, where Xiao Yu was held in a solitary cell. As someone entered, Xiao Yu didn't initially react, having grown used to visitors. But upon seeing her father, she momentarily froze. "What are you doing here?" "And why can't I be here? Xiao Yu, what were you thinking? Tell me—is it true what they say about Canglong Bar? Did you really orchestrate that? Why?" Xiao Zhen Ting's eyes reddened at the sight of his daughter. After the apocalypse, it had been a long time since they last met. The scenario of their reunion was beyond what he had anticipated. "Why? I've always believed that the useless have no place in this world. Before the apocalypse, I couldn't do anything about it, but now I can. What purpose do they serve by being alive? They only waste resources. I'm merely doing what needs to be done. Life itself is just a game, isn't it? All those people in Canglong Bar came because they admired my games, which clearly means they enjoy what I've created. There's nothing wrong with it. Dad, you're old now, and the world isn't what it used to be before the apocalypse. What's wrong with living as I do, where everyone has to listen to me? They're just pawns in my hands, which makes everything more interesting," Xiao Yu responded with a bright smile, completely oblivious to the inappropriateness of her words. "How did you turn out like this? How can you harm those who can't defend themselves? They're innocent," Xiao Zhen Ting fumed, his blood boiling with anger, his face flushed. "Innocent? The weak aren't innocent. It's survival of the fittest. Those useless individuals don't deserve to live in the apocalypse; they're just burdens to others. I only rid the world of a few useless ones. What did I do wrong?" Xiao Yu's expression grew fierce, still convinced she'd done nothing wrong. Xiao Zhen Ting glanced at Cao Wei behind him, sighed, and said, "Cao Wei, may I have a moment with Xiao Yu alone? Could you please step outside?" "Of course," Cao Wei nodded. She trusted Xiao Zhen Ting's integrity, so she immediately led her team outside to stand guard.