Role Playing

"How should I address you?" Shen Yiyue asked a question that sounded quite strange.

In fact, she knew this little girl was called Ning Yu, and just two days ago, she had sweetly called her "big sister."

Ning Yu also realized that the little girl she had transmigrated into shared the same name as her previous life.

The reason Shen Yiyue asked this was because she already understood:

The little girl before her was likely far more complex than she appeared on the surface, and her true identity was unknown.

At such a young age, she possessed terrifying abilities and struck with ruthless decisiveness.

She even said she would take Shen Yiyue under her wing and train her.

This left Shen Yiyue unsure of how to interact with Ning Yu or what kind of relationship they should have.

Hearing Shen Yiyue's confusion, Ning Yu decided to take this opportunity to explain her plan:

"You probably realize that for a little girl like me, traveling alone in this apocalyptic world would draw a lot of unwanted attention."

"I'd look like a defenseless walking treasure chest."

"Anyone who saw me would want to 'open me up' to see what goodies I have, what remaining value I could offer them."

"Although I could kill as many troublemakers as come my way, constantly dealing with annoying flies would be a nuisance."

"So I need an identity, a backstory."

"From now on when we travel together, I'll be your little sister."

"You'll pretend to be my older sister. Whether we're blood-related or cousins can depend on the situation."

Shen Yiyue looked at Ning Yu's expressionless little face, listening to her calm and methodical voice.

She pondered seriously for a moment, then slowly nodded in agreement.

But immediately she raised another concern:

"But even if we travel together, won't two girls in this apocalyptic world still look like easy targets for bullying?"

"You're very perceptive," Ning Yu nodded approvingly, then continued:

"What I just explained is only the first layer of protection."

"Secondly, you'll become stronger under my training."

"If someone does target us, I'll need you to stand in front of me to 'protect' me, just like today."

"This way, you can directly handle ordinary threats."

"For more troublesome threats, they'll think to deal with you first."

"Of course, I won't let you die, since I need you."

"This is the second layer of protection."

Shen Yiyue's expression showed sudden understanding.

At the same time, she was shocked that Ning Yu would so bluntly express her intention to use her as a shield.

"Finally, it will appear that once they deal with you standing in front of me,"

"I'll just be a helpless little girl they can easily dispose of."

"This is the illusion I want them to have, which will be very advantageous when I strike."

"This is my third layer of protection."

Ning Yu laid out her entire plan to Shen Yiyue.

After giving Shen Yiyue time to process this, Ning Yu added:

"Also, children who are too young lack the stamina needed to survive in this apocalyptic world."

"Adults are full of false pretenses, making it hard for me to trust them. Your age is just right."

"This arrangement, for you, has no downsides except for some loss of personal freedom."

"Of course, in this apocalyptic world, you don't have much personal freedom to begin with."

"Whether you'll live to see tomorrow's sun or eat a hot meal is all uncertain."

"I need you as an assistant and a shield."

"You need me to protect your safety and teach you survival skills."

"Even if one day I'm gone, you'll be able to protect yourself and your family well."

Ning Yu quietly looked at Shen Yiyue, extending her small hand, as white and delicate as congealed cream:

"We have a perfect mutually beneficial relationship, don't you think?"

Shen Yiyue was momentarily stunned.

Ning Yu's series of analyses revealed a cunning mind as shrewd as an old fox.

But she couldn't refuse, and was even quite tempted.

Because she too wanted to become capable of surviving, of protecting those around her.

She didn't want to be like today, only able to feel fear, lying on the ground at others' mercy.

She nodded gently and extended her hand, grasping Ning Yu's small hand, signifying their happy cooperation.

Seeing Shen Yiyue take her hand, Ning Yu displayed an innocent, radiant smile.

Her beautiful eyes curved into crescents as she said in a soft, sweet, obedient voice:

"So, Sister Yue, to answer your question, you can call me Little Yu!"

Ning Yu's tone and demeanor were exactly like a little sister cozying up to her older sister.

Once again, Shen Yiyue wondered if there was any possibility that Ning Yu was just an ordinary little girl.

But she quickly realized this was just Ning Yu already "playing" her role as her little sister.

Shen Yiyue found this Ning Yu terrifying.

If she were to become her opponent, she might end up like those two thugs earlier, not even knowing how she died.

"By the way, Little Yu, any news about your family?" Shen Yiyue asked tentatively, also entering her "role."

Hearing her question, Ning Yu recalled the golden pocket watch she had discovered hanging around her neck while bathing earlier.

The watch looked expensive, just like the Western-style clothes she wore, which were not cheap either.

Inside the watch was a photo, a family portrait.

In the photo was a stern-faced middle-aged man wearing glasses, and a beautiful woman with a warm smile.

In front of them were two little girls in exquisite Western dresses, each holding a different style of doll.

One was Ning Yu herself, and the other might be her twin sister or perhaps an older or younger sister.

They were too young for her to discern their ages.

A happy family standing in an elegant outdoor setting.

They looked nothing like an ordinary family.

But now, Ning Yu's original memories were in utter chaos.

Even looking at the photo only brought back fragmented scenes.

So she had simply tucked away the eye-catching watch.

Thinking of this, Ning Yu shook her head at Shen Yiyue:

"I don't know. Maybe they've already reached somewhere safe."

Shen Yiyue felt this was indeed likely; the apocalypse had come too suddenly, no one was prepared.

Ning Yu didn't want to continue this topic.

She immediately changed the subject:

"The supermarket isn't a safe place, it's bound to attract others' attention."

"Just in case, let's take turns keeping watch tonight."

"I only need 2 hours of rest. When would you like to sleep?"

Ning Yu had received training in rapid deep sleep in her previous organization, she only needed a very short time to fully recover her energy.

"Then... I'll rest first? I'll wake you up in the early morning."

Shen Yiyue didn't actually feel right about letting Ning Yu sleep for only two hours. She planned to sleep early and wake early, then take over the watch.

Ning Yu didn't speak, just nodded lightly to indicate it was fine.

Shen Yiyue returned to her room, wiped her hair with a towel.

She changed into new pajamas from the supermarket shelves.

Lying in bed, she felt waves of drowsiness wash over her.

She had experienced too many shocks today, but at least she was still alive and had hope of seeing her family.

Her heart, which had been in suspense all this time, finally relaxed a little, and she drifted off to sleep in the quiet night.

......

As the night deepened, Ning Yu sat meditating in the living room.

Meditation was both part of her previous organization's training and a habit of many years.

If she couldn't sleep safely, she would use this method to replenish her energy.

Although certainly not as effective as real sleep, it was safe and efficient, allowing her to react at any moment.

Ning Yu emptied her mind, her hearing becoming incredibly sharp, capturing any possible sound in the night.

Just then, Ning Yu heard a strange noise.