What exactly was that mystical space hidden in? Ruyi pounded her fist on the bed in frustration. A ring, an earring, a necklace? She couldn't recall.
Once discharged and back at the Wen residence, she barely spared a glance at the lavish decor—far more luxurious than her reality—before making her move. Claiming she needed jewelry for a "class reunion," she insisted on borrowing rings, necklaces, anything she could get her hands on.
Ignoring Qiao Huixin's scolding, she nagged and whined, wearing down Wen Xinyu's patience until Xinyu finally retrieved her jewelry box and brought it to Ruyi's room. Once she locked the door, Ruyi searched through her drawers, finally finding a utility knife.
She spread everything out on the floor, closed her eyes, and, gritting her teeth, sliced a small cut on her finger, then winced as she tried each piece one by one. Blood dripped onto each item, but none activated the space.
Exhausted and aching, Ruyi's legs went numb as she sank to the floor. Her finger throbbed, the room was in disarray, and the faint scent of blood lingered in the air. She felt utterly foolish and, somehow, strangely heartbroken. What kind of absurd situation is this?
After a quick, half-hearted cleanup, she trudged downstairs.
It was then that she realized the hall was bustling with activity. Tomorrow was Wen Xinyu's birthday, and her friends were busy planning the celebration.
"Ruyi, you should join us! You can meet some new friends; after all, you've never had many." Xinyu extended a "friendly" invitation.
"No thanks, you guys enjoy." Ruyi's interest was non-existent. She was already burdened with her own worries, and joining her soon-to-be foe's birthday celebration—watching Xinyu bask in the glow of a happy, perfect life—was the last thing she needed. The thought was almost unbearably ironic.
After eating a quick snack, Ruyi retreated to her room, shutting the door behind her to gather her thoughts and make plans.
First, she needed to keep close watch on Wen Xinyu. That mystical space was essential for stocking up on supplies. An apocalypse would bring inevitable food shortages—even without having seen Resident Evil, anyone could guess that much.
Second, she needed a solid self-defense plan. Thanks to her father's rough influence, she'd never lost a fight in her life, but she had never received formal training. She'd need to enroll in a martial arts class and build up her current, somewhat frail body.
And since this world mirrored reality, any books and films that existed there should be available here too.
Ruyi opened her laptop and searched. Just as she expected, all the classic apocalypse movies, including Resident Evil, were there. But there was no trace of her "little cousin" Tong Yinyin's infamous novel. Had she not written it yet? Or did Tong Yinyin not exist in this version of the world? It was possible.
Although much of her surroundings matched reality, this world was still fiction. There were characters she'd never encountered before, like Dr. An, and the Wen family seemed significantly wealthier than they had been in her reality. And, of course, the story's events ran counter to what she had known.
The next morning, a sleepless Ruyi—with heavy dark circles under her eyes—gave Qiao Huixin quite a scare. But at least there was some good news: Tong Yinyin did exist in this world.
However, the mere mention of Tong Yinyin earned Ruyi a stern lecture from Qiao Huixin.
Apparently, it was Tong Yinyin who had tried to save "her" when she jumped from the steps. Ruyi was unscathed, but Tong Yinyin had remained comatose since that day.
Ruyi immediately offered to visit her, but Qiao Huixin stopped her with a single line.
"Are you out of your mind? Yinyin's parents have been at the hospital day and night. I got shouted out of there; if you go, don't come crying to me if they hit you! What kind of trouble have I brought upon myself with a daughter like you..."
Covering her ears, Ruyi dashed out.
She signed up for three martial arts classes at the city center, spread throughout the day. Time was money, and she had no idea when the apocalypse would strike. Then she rented a warehouse to stock up on supplies. With the end of the world looming, preparation was her only option.
It took the whole day. By the time she returned home, night had fallen.
Stepping into the living room, she was startled by the decorations. It dawned on her—today was Wen Xinyu's birthday, and they were hosting a party at the house.
Too exhausted to care, Ruyi ignored everyone, heading straight for her room, where she collapsed onto the bed and promptly fell asleep.
She was later awakened by the noise from the gathering below.
Feeling the pangs of hunger, Ruyi dragged herself out of bed in a foul mood, and, half-awake, shuffled downstairs to find food.
Halfway down, she spotted Qiao Huixin in the hall, holding an intricately carved redwood box. Smiling with pride, she clasped Wen Xinyu's hand, opening the box and removing its contents, preparing to slide it onto Xinyu's finger.
Wen Xinyu's eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed adoringly at Qiao Huixin.
The mother-daughter scene struck a nerve, piercing deeply. Ruyi's eyes blazed with a fierce intensity as she strode toward them.