Chapter 38: New Beginnings and Old Promises

Wang Zhen?

At the heavily guarded entrance of the Psychic Residence, Yenir looked on in surprise as Wang Zhen directed a group of workers moving furniture.

Almost reflexively, the young woman turned around; when she realized it was Yenir, her face lit up with delight.

Before she could speak, she rushed over, and Yenir, smiling warmly yet puzzled, pointed at the massive cart of furniture:

“What’s all this for?”

Seeing Yenir’s questioning gaze, Wang Zhen’s eyes flashed with a hint of panic. After a brief hesitation, she began to explain in a low voice:

“Ah…”

“Yenir… um… I noticed that among the items Auntie had brought over, there wasn’t much furniture.”

“So I used part of my bonus to help Auntie buy some things…”

“After you bought the apartment last time, the management awarded me quite a hefty bonus.”

Watching the young woman’s awkward explanation, Yenir felt his heart warm slightly.

“Well, thank you then.”

“How about coming up for a meal? I just got back.”

As he spoke, Yenir casually swung the fresh ingredients he had just purchased in his hand.

Seeing Wang Zhen’s nervous expression, Yenir couldn’t help but recall his past life. Back then, that same girl had often set aside part of her salary to help him during his toughest times. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for him to remember her forever.

“No… you don’t need to thank me.”

Waving her hands repeatedly, the young woman blushed shyly.

“It should be me thanking you… That bonus was really a lot.”

“No need to join me for dinner! I’ve got a part-time job at the restaurant tonight,” she said.

With that, Wang Zhen seemed to realize something and appeared almost reluctant to stay.

“Um, Yenir, I’ll be off then!”

She hurriedly dashed away.

Before leaving, Wang Zhen mustered her courage and turned back:

“Yenir, our old classmates’ reunion is in a few days. Will you come with me?”

Her voice trembled slightly.

In the past she would have been straightforward with Yenir, but now, facing someone who had awakened and whose power reached astronomical levels, she couldn’t help but feel inferior. As an ordinary person, she always sensed a vast chasm between them.

Chances are, in the future, she’d only ever be able to look up to Yenir.

Glancing at the slightly nervous Wang Zhen, Yenir paused for a moment before smiling and replying:

“If I have time, sure.”

Given that Wang Zhen had helped him before, Yenir didn’t mind agreeing to her request.

Upon hearing his response, Wang Zhen’s face brightened as if her eyes were sparkling with joy.

……

“Mom, little sister. I’m home!”

Swiping his card to enter his newly bought apartment, Yenir couldn’t help but wear a gentle smile.

Seeing his mother busy cooking in the kitchen, he felt all the day’s weariness melt away.

“Big brother! You’re home!”

Bounding with energy, An Xiaoxia dashed out of the living room like a deer and leaped straight into his arms.

Glancing at the groceries Yenir had just brought home, her small face immediately lit up with delight.

As if remembering something, An Xiaoxia grabbed Yenir’s hand and eagerly began showing him around, pointing out the room’s decor.

“Big brother! This is your bedroom! And this is mine!”

“Look, there’s even hot water for showers—and electric lights too!”

Patting the refrigerator in the living room, An Xiaoxia, as if unveiling a treasure, flung the door open:

“Big brother! Now that we’ve got a refrigerator, we’ll never have to worry about our food spoiling in the summer again!”

Ruffling his little sister’s hair affectionately, Yenir glanced around his new home with a touch of emotion.

In his previous life, even though he had been nurtured to the fullest by the Capital, he hardly ever experienced a day of real living. Those were times of scarcity and intense pressure, with every day consumed by battle. Now, savoring this moment of tranquility, Yenir silently vowed:

He would protect this warmth and calm until the very end.

From the kitchen, his mother took the items from him in a slightly reproachful tone, her voice gentle with concern:

“Don’t spend money recklessly. Save some up—you’ll need it when you get married someday…”

As she spoke, Mother seemed to recall something:

“Yenir, is that Wang Zhen one of your classmates? I think that little girl is really something. She’s been bustling around here all day—it must be hard work for her.”

“Yeah, big brother! Doesn’t Sister Wang Zhen have a crush on you? She’s so beautiful—could she be your girlfriend?”

Glancing at his gossiping little sister, Yenir sighed and picked up An Xiaoxia.

“Don’t say such things. She’s just one of my classmates.”

“You’re too young to know what a girlfriend really is.”

…….

The next day, outside Tianfeng City.

Watching the awakened troops march out in orderly fashion, a flicker of doubt crossed Yenir’s eyes.

For some reason, ever since two days ago, the Safe Zone had tightened security, scouring the surrounding areas for something.

Even the Psychic Warplanes, which rarely took off before, had been launching continuously over the past two days.

Could a powerful mutant be lurking nearby?

He furrowed his brow.

Recalling his memories, Yenir realized there had been no record of any mutant attacks. The earliest signs of the catastrophe wouldn’t appear for another seven months.

Shaking off his doubts, Yenir decided not to dwell on it.

Accompanied by the rumble of vehicles, he sped toward the Wasteland like an arrow loosed from a bow.

His destination: Tianfeng Zoo, also known among survivors as… the Cemetery of Corpses.