The corridor was silent as Ye Zhu and Bai Long waited quietly. The stillness was almost tangible. Bai Long, unable to bear the oppressive silence, initiated a conversation. "Is that man really your brother?"
Ye Zhu gave him a peculiar glance. "Of course, he is."
Bai Long exaggerated a sigh. "It's just that you two look nothing alike. He's like an ice block—completely devoid of emotion. He saw me in such a pitiful state and didn't even lend a hand. You're much kinder than he is."
Ye Zhu chuckled. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell him what you just said?"
Bai Long shook his head nonchalantly. "A girl as adorable, beautiful, and kind-hearted as you wouldn't stoop to something so petty and despicable."
Ye Zhu shot him a glare, her tone teasing. "Don't think flattery will get you anywhere. You simply don't understand my brother."
Before Bai Long could respond, a low growl interrupted them. A zombie emerged from a slightly ajar door nearby, clearly drawn by their voices. With a guttural snarl, it charged straight at them.
Bai Long froze in fright. He knew all too well the ferocity of these creatures—an encounter meant certain death. Instinctively, he stepped back, ready to flee. But as he retreated, a faint, floral fragrance reached him. It was then he remembered—the delicate girl standing behind him.
Turning, he glanced at Ye Zhu. The beautiful girl stood there, her brows slightly furrowed, but there was no panic on her face. Her serene expression and the familiar contours of her features stirred a memory in his heart.
Yi'er...
Grinding his teeth, Bai Long's eyes hardened. He snatched the watermelon knife from Ye Zhu's hand, placing himself between her and the zombie. "I'll hold it off. Run!" he commanded.
A breeze swept through the corridor, tousling their hair.
Ye Zhu stared at his back in astonishment. For a moment, her gaze softened, a glimmer of a smile forming in her eyes.
The zombie lunged at Bai Long, its claws slashing toward his shoulder, fangs bared for his throat.
There was only one knife. To block its claws meant leaving its teeth unchecked.
Bai Long's eyes burned with fierce determination, his entire being aflame with resolve. With a bellow that echoed through the corridor, he swung the knife toward the zombie's head, pouring every ounce of strength and courage into the strike.
The blade struck true. The zombie's head split open with a sickening sound, but not before its claws raked Bai Long's shoulder, tearing away flesh to reveal bone.
The knife fell from Bai Long's trembling hand, clattering to the ground. He collapsed against the wall, his face pale, his breathing labored. Blood dripped from his mangled shoulder as he let out a bitter chuckle.
Ye Zhu's expression changed drastically as she rushed to his side. "You're hurt!"
"It's just a scratch," Bai Long said with a weak smile, his voice calm despite the pain.
Ye Zhu's tone turned frantic. "You'll be infected! You'll turn into a zombie!"
Bai Long's lips grew ashen, his skin taking on an ominous bluish hue. Blood seeped from his wound, darkening from crimson to black. His eyes, bloodshot and shadowed, betrayed the unmistakable signs of zombification.
Smiling faintly, Bai Long looked at her. "When I start to turn… end it for me."
Tears welled up in Ye Zhu's eyes. "You didn't have to do this. I… I could've handled the zombie myself."
Bai Long's pride flickered in his gaze. "How could I let a girl face such a monstrous creature? Besides, your cold-hearted brother entrusted you to me. If something happened to you, wouldn't I have to answer for it?"
...
Meanwhile, Ye Chen, in another part of the building, was locked in combat with a mutated dog. Though his back bore fresh, bloody gashes from its claws, his movements remained precise and unyielding. Seizing an opening, he delivered a decisive blow with his fire axe, utilizing the "Bloodwind Technique."
As the beast fell, its entrails spilling across the floor, Ye Chen wasted no time. He hefted the carcass onto his shoulder and made his way back.
Arriving at the corridor, his sharp gaze fell upon Bai Long's rapidly deteriorating state and Ye Zhu's tear-streaked face. Without hesitation, he approached, his axe raised.
"Don't!" Ye Zhu cried out, stepping between her brother and Bai Long.
Ye Chen stopped, his brows furrowing. "He's infected. It won't be long before he turns."
"It's my fault!" Ye Zhu sobbed. "He got hurt protecting me."
Ye Chen glanced at the lifeless zombie nearby, then at Bai Long, and let out a sigh. "Take him to a room. Quickly."
Ye Zhu's eyes widened with hope. "You have a way to save him, don't you?"
Ye Chen hesitated briefly. "I'll try."
Bai Long, barely conscious, heard the cold, commanding voice of Ye Chen as he drifted into a haze of pain. "Boil water to clean the wound. Bring strong liquor. And prepare the specialized meat for treatment."
Though confused, Bai Long couldn't help but marvel at the man's composure, even as the world blurred into darkness.
...