Doomsday 08

At that very moment, the sound of helicopters echoed overhead. Everyone looked up to see someone aboard gesturing before the deafening roar of heavy machine guns cut through the air. Waves of infected collapsed as the aerial assault coordinated with ground forces quickly brought the situation under control. The next challenge would be clearing out the remaining stragglers house by house.

The military personnel soon met with Fang Zhiyi.

A middle-aged man was visibly astonished—how could such a young-looking boy lead so many people in retaking the city?

The man saluted and said, "Hello, I’m the commander of the First Division of the Tianxiong Army. We were sent to investigate the survivor situation here but ended up encountering you... engaged in combat with the infected."

Fang Zhiyi corrected him, "Not just combat—we’re reclaiming our territory." As he spoke, two jeeps sped past behind him, carrying half-naked men cheering and brandishing rifles, some even firing celebratory shots into the air in excitement.

Fang Zhiyi’s expression darkened, and the commander frowned. "Are you really just civilians?"

"Well... yes. They’ve just had some training. Maybe they’re a little too overjoyed..."

The handover with the military was swift, given the extraordinary circumstances. All weapons held by the Fang Corporation were registered and handed over, only to be reissued later. Soon, a contingent of troops was stationed in Binghai City, establishing a survivor base. In recognition of the Fang Corporation’s contributions, they were granted some administrative authority, and the mountain villa was directly given to Fang Zhiyi and his father.

There was one condition, however: Fang Zhiyi had to participate in all future reclamation operations. After conducting their own investigation, the military discovered that everything hinged on Fang Zhiyi—his combat prowess, leadership, and, most crucially, the fact that he was a reincarnator, as accidentally revealed by a child.

Several high-ranking officials met with Fang Zhiyi. One of them questioned why he hadn’t warned anyone in advance about the apocalypse.

His answer left no room for rebuttal: "If you were lounging at home, watching TV with takeout on the table, and I called to tell you the apocalypse was coming—would you have believed me?"

They quickly moved past that point and pressed him for other information. Fang Zhiyi admitted he had been focused solely on survival and didn’t know the ultimate outcome, but there was one thing he was certain of.

"The infected have a massive population base, and among them, a new intelligent variant has emerged. These smart infected can suppress their instincts, use human-like tactics to control others of their kind, and organize coordinated attacks on our bases." He added grimly, "And they have firearms."

"No wonder Nan City has been so hard to retake. Those infected were dodging and setting traps," muttered an elderly man, stubbing out his cigarette. "We’ve been considering this possibility, but it was still speculative. Your intel is invaluable."

"If even the Jiyong Army was completely overrun..." Another official looked uneasy. "This war is far from over."

With survivors and the military working together, city after city was reclaimed, eventually escalating into a full-scale war between the infected and humanity. By now, nearly all remaining infected were led by these intelligent variants.

Communication and networks gradually resumed across human society.

Yet, Lin Nuan and Zhou Yue remained oblivious to all of this, still hiding in their remote courtyard. Lin Nuan’s belly had begun to swell, and Zhou Yue’s treatment of her had worsened—berating her at the slightest provocation, even resorting to violence when in a foul mood.

They had considered leaving, but every attempt was met with sightings of infected, sending them scrambling back in terror.

Of course, this was no coincidence. Fang Zhiyi, through Little Hei, knew of their intentions and would deliberately send a few infected their way—close enough to scare them, but never too close.

However, by the mid-phase of the war, for the sake of stability, all infected within military-controlled zones were eradicated.

One day, Lin Nuan, heavily pregnant, sneaked out. This time, she encountered no infected—only a quiet mountain path. Following it downhill, she was stunned to see people working in the fields.

She sprinted madly into the village, where the locals, assuming she had escaped from an infected zone, offered her food, water, and even showed her recent news reports.

"Victory! Under Fang Zhiyi’s leadership, the vanguard has broken through the northern infected stronghold and reclaimed the heavy weapons depot!"

"Local hospitals have resumed normal operations! Citizens in need are welcome to seek treatment!"

"Fang Corporation donates ten breeding pigs! Meat supplies expected to return soon!"

"Trial concludes in case of imprisoned female infected! Defendant sentenced to 15 years!"

Lin Nuan stared blankly at everything. "Fang Zhiyi... Fang Zhiyi again..." But why was everything different? In her past life, hadn’t the Fang family established their own base? Why were cities being reclaimed now? Some had even already fallen?

She clutched her head. Had it all been a dream? It must have been! The villagers, noticing her distress, quickly helped her onto a tricycle and took her toward the city.

On the way, she suddenly saw a face she never wanted to see again—a live interview broadcast on a massive screen. Even the man driving her couldn’t resist stopping to watch.

Wu Mengmeng, dressed sharply, sat before the camera.

"Minister Wu, is it true that you stayed behind to ensure Fang Zhiyi’s logistical support?"

Wu Mengmeng smiled at the camera. "Let me clarify—it’s not a rumor. It’s the truth."

"Minister Wu, does that mean you have feelings for Fang Zhiyi?"

She nodded. "Even if he doesn’t return them, I’ll keep trying! Go, me!" She even pumped her fist for emphasis.

"Minister Wu, regarding the establishment of supply warehouses—"

Lin Nuan let out a shriek, grabbed a nearby counterweight, and hurled it at the screen. The glass shattered, and every head in the crowd turned toward her.

"Why does this bitch get to live so well?!" Lin Nuan screamed, her eyes bloodshot. The memories of hiding in that wretched courtyard, enduring Zhou Yue’s abuse and assault, eating tasteless rations—it all overwhelmed her. "You bitch! You killed me, and now you’re living it up!" She lunged forward, determined to smash the screen, but several people restrained her.

"Patrol team! Hold her!" one of them barked.

Hearing that familiar voice, Lin Nuan froze. Slowly, she turned her head and met a face she knew all too well.

"Yang Tian?"

Yang Tian studied the disheveled woman—her tangled hair, gaunt face, and swollen belly. "Do I know you? ...Lin Nuan?" Finally, recognition dawned.