Morning came with the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I lay in bed, savoring the calm before the inevitable chaos. My siblings' laughter echoed faintly from the living room, and I knew Mouse was probably playing along with them, his massive paws thudding gently against the carpet.
But my mind was far from the serenity of the present. I couldn't ignore the ticking clock in my head. Thirteen months. Thirteen short months before the apocalypse would upend everything.
By the time I emerged from my room, the suite was alive with energy. Nao and Bao sat on the floor building castles from colorful blocks, while Xue toddled after Mouse, her chubby hands grabbing at his tail. One of the nannies hovered nearby, ensuring the little ones were safe, but her eyes flicked to me the moment I stepped in.
"Good morning, young master," she greeted politely.
I nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for watching them. I'll take over for now."
Her expression brightened with relief as she excused herself. Once she left, I turned my attention to the kids.
"Good morning, Dàgē!" Nao chirped, her face lighting up.
"Good morning, little ones," I replied with a smile, crouching to their level. "Finish up quickly. We're going out soon."
Their eyes widened with excitement, and I couldn't help but chuckle. These innocent moments were fleeting, but I would protect them fiercely, no matter what the future held.
By 10 a.m., we were on our way to the newly acquired apartments. The Range Rover, delivered late last night, was everything I'd hoped for—military-grade armor, bulletproof glass, and a custom interior that balanced luxury and functionality. Mouse occupied most of the back seat, his massive frame sprawled lazily across the floor, while the kids were strapped securely into their seats.
When we arrived at the building, the sight of it filled me with a sense of relief. It was as secure as I'd remembered—sturdy construction, a discreet location, and, most importantly, an elevator system that could be locked and controlled by keycard access.
The contractor, Mr. Zhang, greeted us in the lobby, his clipboard in hand.
"Young Master, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, bowing slightly.
"Likewise," I replied, wasting no time. "Let's get started."
As we toured the apartments, I laid out my vision.
"The walls need to be reinforced with steel cores and soundproofing. Install secret compartments in each room for weapons and supplies. The windows should be shatterproof and fitted with emergency shutters. I want a water filtration system that can run independently of the city's supply, and solar panels installed on the roof to power these three units exclusively."
Mr. Zhang nodded along, taking notes.
"Also," I added, "the entrances need to be sealed with reinforced steel doors. Fingerprint and keycard access only. No exceptions."
He paused, glancing at me with a hint of hesitation. "This level of modification will be costly and time-consuming."
"I'm aware," I replied evenly. "Money isn't an issue. Time is. Make it happen."
He nodded briskly and promised to assemble his team immediately.
By the afternoon, we returned to the hotel. The kids were tired from all the walking, and even Mouse seemed content to flop onto the cool floor for a nap. But my work was far from over.
In my room, I pulled out a thick leather-bound journal. It was filled with notes from my past lives—maps, timelines, lists of key figures to recruit or avoid. Flipping to the section titled Allies and Enemies, I began planning my next steps.
Allies:
Jiang Mercenary Group
Known for their ruthless efficiency. Key in protecting the family when the first wave of chaos hits.
Dr. Lin Yue
A brilliant researcher who develops early-stage serums to combat infection. She needs to be recruited before the government silences her.
Lu Feng
A logistics genius. Can manage supply chains even in the worst conditions.
Enemies:
Wang Conglomerate
A powerful family that uses the apocalypse to establish a cruel dictatorship. Avoid or eliminate early.
Zhao Fei
A former ally turned traitor in a previous life. Keep him at arm's length.
The Black Hounds
A lawless group of raiders. Their leader, 'Crow,' is cunning and dangerous. Best neutralized before they gain traction.
As I wrote, a chill ran down my spine. These were the players in a deadly game, and I had no illusions about the stakes.
Dinner that night was a quiet affair. The kids were happily occupied with their meals, their chatter filling the air. I watched them, a strange mix of emotions tugging at me. They were my responsibility, my light in the darkness.
After putting them to bed, I stepped out onto the balcony. The city stretched out before me, glittering and alive. But beneath the surface, cracks were already forming. Rumors of strange illnesses were beginning to circulate, whispers of people disappearing without explanation.
The storm was closer than I wanted to admit.
In the distance, the sound of sirens pierced the air, a reminder of the chaos brewing just out of sight. I clenched the railing tightly.
This time, I wouldn't let the world destroy us.
This time, we'd rise above it all.