"City Q Morning Broadcast—"
"That said, this channel is personally run by me, Star-chan, not an official broadcast, hehe~"
"Why could I set it up so fast? Because I’m a hardcore Apocalypse enthusiast. I prepped survival supplies and tools ages ago—even after turning female, my gear and skills remain. So I’ll adapt to the Apocalypse faster than anyone!"
"Today’s report: My drone spotted military troops at Longda Plaza downtown. They’re likely setting up a temporary shelter. Check it out if interested. Dongsi Street had a parade yesterday—extra Zombies there. Don’t go if you value your life…"
"Well, that’s all for Day One! Don’t hate. Also, I’m curious—are skills unique to each person? Or are there others like me who turned female? If so, contact me on this channel. Frequency: 114514XX."
"That’s it. Hope you enjoy the Apocalypse. Off to kill Zombies!"
————
"Mmm… What?!"
Annoyed by the endless noisy broadcast, Bai Ling reluctantly opened her eyes. She wore only fluffy white pajamas, her drowsy gaze soft and listless.
Messy strands clung to her pink lips. Her pajama hem slipped below her delicate shoulder. Pale, limp feet dangled from the blanket like soft rice cakes.
In short…
Incredibly lazy!
Unambitious!
Sunlight flooded the room, yet she lazed in bed, utterly oblivious to the Apocalypse!
But soon, Bai Ling’s body inexplicably floated up.
In her daze, she felt swept into a princess carry.
Still half-asleep, mouth slack and drooling, her eyes stared blankly ahead…
Blinding sunlight hit her face. She squinted hard—
And realized! Duan Heng held her at the balcony edge! Below, Zombies crawled over the villa walls, claws reaching for her pale legs, hoarse howls rising!
"Ahhh! What’s happening!"
Bai Ling jolted awake. She grabbed Duan Heng’s neck, burrowing into his chest, shrieking:
"Hold me tight! I’m falling! What the hell are you doing!"
"Greedy for food! Lazy in bed! Loves to play!"
Duan Heng’s arms pushed her toward the edge, his face fierce:
"Pathetic combat stats. And such a bleeding heart! I’ll feed you to Zombies. I can survive the Apocalypse alone. Goodbye, Bai Ling!"
"What?! Nonsense!"
Duan Heng shoved her further out. Terrified, Bai Ling clung to his neck:
"Too dangerous, idiot! Put me down!—I was wrong! No more bleeding heart! I’ll do anything—just put me down!"
"Huh? Anything?"
Duan Heng smirked slyly:
"As agreed, you handle all chores. Breakfast should be ready at dawn. Why aren’t you up?"
"I’ll do it! I’ll do it!"
Tears streaming, Bai Ling shouted resentfully. Too scared to let go, she pleaded pitifully:
"I’ll cook all meals! Sweep floors! Okay?!"
"Not good enough!"
Duan Heng’s firm rejection made her furious:
"Why not!"
"Your apology lacks sincerity! Say: ‘Honorable Lord Duan Heng, forgive this lowly servant.’ Say it, or I drop you!"
"You! You!"
Bai Ling gritted her teeth, face flushing red.
After two seconds’ hesitation, Duan Heng stepped forward. She screamed:
"Fine! Don’t move! I’ll say it! Ugh…"
"Say it now!"
Duan Heng urged smugly. Bai Ling glared, cheeks puffed, tears of humiliation in her eyes—pitiful yet adorable.
But as she opened her mouth to repeat the words, her sharp eyes spotted something. Her hand slowly reached toward the balcony—
A semi-transparent barrier blocked it. She couldn’t fall… Ah, the sliding glass door.
………………
Deathly silence filled the room.
Bai Ling radiated murderous intent. Her neck turned like a rusty gear. Veins throbbed on her forehead, lips twitching grotesquely… Yet Duan Heng still smiled awkwardly?!
A piercing scream shattered the villa!
"Duan Heng! I’ll kill you today!"
"Just a joke! Stop! I was wrong!"
…………
…………
Five minutes later.
Duan Heng placed warmed bread and milk on the table. Bai Ling sat curled on a chair, hugging her right leg, trembling and silently crying.
Duan Heng sighed helplessly:
"I said it was a joke. You took it too seriously. Hurt your leg, didn’t you?"
"Shut up!"
Still clutching her leg, Bai Ling snapped, face full of resentment—she’d chased him to punch him, but banged her leg on exercise equipment. Excruciating pain.
To comfort her, Duan Heng made breakfast—just warmed bread.
"Look at you. So weak. A tiny bump, and you rub it for ages. The Apocalypse will eliminate you like this."
Munching bread, he spoke casually.
Bai Ling ignored him. Furious, she crumpled bread into a ball, stuffed it in her mouth, and chewed like a hamster, sulking.
Then Duan Heng’s serious voice cut in:
"Drink the milk. Precious resources. No waste."
"I know! You’re so naggy!"
She angrily gulped the warm milk. The gentle liquid slid down, carrying a refreshing aroma—her first Apocalypse breakfast, made by Duan Heng.
Yet Bai Ling was thoroughly annoyed—naggy and always teasing. She wanted to punch him!
All she craved was to finish breakfast and nap.
But the moment she drained the glass, Duan Heng put on his coat, grabbed his sidearm, and strode to the stairs:
"Breakfast over. Grab your weapon. Let’s go."
"Huh? Go where?"
Bai Ling, heading to her bedroom, looked utterly confused. Duan Heng explained patiently:
"You’re level one. Stats are pathetic. We kill Zombies to level up. Where else?"
His tone turned serious—he was always stern about survival.
Bai Ling shrank back weakly. Memories of irrational, bloodthirsty Zombies—and yesterday’s male Zombie pouncing on her—sent chills down her spine. Heart pounding, she blinked and whispered:
"Um… can I skip it?"
————
Half a minute later.
Someone was carried to the balcony edge again—the sliding door wide open.
"Ahhh! I’ll go! I’ll go, okay! Put me down first—"
