"Recipe for Minced Pork with Eggplant"

Bai Ling tied on an apron, pulled her hair back, fastened the buttons, and rolled up her sleeves.

She took eggplants from the freezer with a serious look. Washed them. Cut them into chunks, then strips. Mixed with salt. Added water and mixed again. Finally, squeezed out the moisture—her fair hands gripping the strips tightly. Her lips pursed slightly as she strained, determined to wring out every drop.

Next, she heated oil in the pan and stir-fried until soft!

She tossed in whatever she had—scallions, ginger, garlic, minced pork, cooking wine—you name it! With skilled flicks of the wok and spatula, the pork browned and smoke rose. Then she dumped in the softened eggplant strips and stir-fried wildly!

A colorful, fragrant pot of minced pork with eggplant was ready~

Just then, she opened the rice cooker. Perfectly steamed rice filled the air with aroma. Bai Ling squinted happily, scooping rice into a bowl. She flipped it onto a plate. Lifted the bowl—the rice formed a neat mound in the center. She poured the minced pork with eggplant around it…

“Perfect!”

Bai Ling admired her work inwardly. She carried the plate to the table, set it down, and called out:

“Dinner’s ready, Duan Heng!”

Then…

The very next second!

Her expression froze!

Disbelief flashed in her eyes. She yanked her hair tie off and slammed it to the ground, face twisted in fury!

pia—

“Damn it! What the hell’s wrong here!”

“Why am I cooking so seriously for him? Now I’m really his personal chef!”

Eyes wide, teeth clenched—Bai Ling wore a disillusioned scowl!

Last night, she’d schemed to make Duan Heng hate her cooking. To laze around the safe house forever…

But now, this plate of minced pork over rice was flawless. Overflowing with love for Duan Heng, who’d saved her countless times!

“Damn it, this won’t do! If this keeps up, I’ll cook for life! Nooo—”

Thud—thud—thud—thud—thud—

She cursed inwardly, banging her head against the sofa. Silky hair flew everywhere, carrying a faint sweet scent. Duan Heng stepped out of his bedroom, bewildered…

“Is Bai Ling… infected with the Zombie virus?”

“Impossible?!”

As mentioned, the Zombie virus didn’t turn you from a bite alone. Only the near-dead or weak-immunity hosts zombified.

Other survivors gained powers like fire or flight—but their bodies stayed normal. Infection meant zombification.

But Bai Ling’s skill was the body-enhancing “Perfect Body”! It pushed human limits, making her nearly immune to all viruses. Even near death, she might not turn.

Duan Heng knew this from their past life. That’s why he dared take her against Zombies.

He also knew her skill’s downside—the “Perfect Body” existed to continue strong bloodlines. Hosts developed admiration for powerful males on sight.

Yes!

Admiration!

For this, Duan Heng would do anything to become the world’s strongest man!

“I’ll never let Bai Ling go to anyone! Anyone who touches her… dies!”

“Die!!!”

Killing intent flashed in his eyes.

But he masked it fast. Smiling cheerfully, he sat at the table.

Thud—thud—thud—

“Stop banging your head. Even if you were a Zombie, I’d eat your cooking. Quit faking.”

“Who’s faking being a Zombie!”

Bai Ling whipped around, glaring fiercely. Her hair was messy from head-banging. Clothes askew. The apron strap hung off her shoulder—anyone might think she’d been roughed up.

She didn’t notice. Just clenched her teeth, shouting like a spoiled kid:

“You! So shameless! Tricking me to cook for free! Unfair!”

“No pay?” Duan Heng chuckled, picking up chopsticks. “I took you to kill Zombies. Your stats jumped—thanks to me.”

“But! But!” Bai Ling sputtered, face flushed. “What’s the point? I still can’t catch up! I don’t want to be useless┭┮﹏┭┮”

“Not catching up is normal.” Duan Heng shrugged calmly.

But seeing her puffed cheeks, near-tears face—his chest tightened. Utterly charmed!

“So! So cute!”

Like an arrow pierced his soul. The calm Duan Heng softened instantly:

“But you’ve got system functions! Use useful ones to help me!”

“Huh?” Bai Ling froze, eyes wide with confusion.

Duan Heng set down his chopsticks, explaining seriously:

“System functions unlock at level five. Mine’s ‘Scan’—shows stats. Yours? Open the system store. Buy gear for us.”

“Oh?” Bai Ling’s angry pout melted. Her eyes sparkled: “So I’m still useful!”

“Of course!” Duan Heng nodded, affection in his gaze. “You’re my precious old… ah, precious brother!”

“Hmph. As expected of me.” Bai Ling crossed her arms proudly, missing his slip.

Then she tilted her head, sighing with a pout:

“Sigh… but the neighborhood Zombies are almost gone. Where’ll I level up…”

“Gone? Dream on.”

“Huh?” Bai Ling tilted her head, puzzled.

Duan Heng’s voice turned icy:

“It’s the Apocalypse. Zombies evolve like humans. That muscular Zombie this morning? More runners and jumpers will come. Groups like theirs—uneven strength, arrogant—I bet they won’t last five days.”

His gaze was cold. He cared for no one’s safety but Bai Ling’s.

Bai Ling just shrugged. She was used to it:

“Well, I eat and live free here. He saved me. Whatever he says goes.”

Then she brightened, turning to Duan Heng:

“Right! I’ll bet they last five days. Continue our last bet! Loser calls the winner ‘Dad’!”

“Huh?” Duan Heng blinked. Bai Ling grinned, scheming inwardly—“Hmph, I can’t beat him in kills. Better bet on the unknown.”

“This way, I’ll even the score~”

Her smile grew smug.

Duan Heng stroked his chin, then agreed:

“Deal. No backing out this time.”

“Of course!” Bai Ling nodded firmly.

Duan Heng finally tasted the lunch. His eyes widened:

“Hey! This is amazing!”

Bai Ling beamed proudly:

“Know who made it? I cooked all the time back home! Tonight, I’ll make another specialty—guaranteed to blow you…”

“?”

She chattered vividly. Duan Heng listened closely.

Halfway through, Bai Ling’s face froze again…

Under his puzzled stare, she slowly turned away. Gripped the sofa back. Knelt on the cushions…

Then banged her head wildly!

Thud—thud—thud—thud—thud—

“Why’s she zombifying again!”