Chapter 74 – Apocalypse Arc: Zombie Siege: Rebirth in the Apocalypse—My Secret Lover (12)
Bai Tang hugged a squirrel plushie that was one size smaller than him while munching on pine nuts and watching Man and Nature on the projection screen.
“Tang Tang, watch TV for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”
Since Bai Tang was afraid of those heavy topics, Shao Licang decided to leave him upstairs and not take him downstairs. However, his men were still waiting for him, and he couldn’t delay.
Bai Tang was obedient and well-behaved, and Shao Licang took good care of him. In his soft, milky voice, Bai Tang said, “Then come back quickly and sleep with me~”
Shao Licang pinched Bai Tang’s delicate little nose, his gaze sweeping over the closed windows. “Alright. If anything happens, just call me loudly or come find me downstairs.”
“Mm-hmm.” Bai Tang nodded vigorously. The effects of the original host’s depression had significantly lessened for him. Ever since confirming his relationship with Shao Licang, his heart had settled, and he no longer felt the need to cling to him every moment—though he still very much enjoyed sticking to Shao Licang.
After Shao Licang went downstairs, the system popped up in Bai Tang’s mind.
“Tang Tang, the apocalypse will start the day after tomorrow. Those who awaken abilities will experience a high fever. We don’t know how many of the people downstairs will survive the mutation, so you must lock all doors and windows.”
Bai Tang nodded obediently. “Will I awaken an ability?” He was quite excited to see what he might get.
“Everyone’s situation is different, so I’m not entirely sure.” The system didn’t dare to give a definite answer. In the original storyline, the original host didn’t have any abilities. Bai Yun had managed to keep herself and Bai Tang safe for a year in the apocalypse by holding onto the male lead’s support after saving his life.
The butler had once served the previous master of the Shao family and had watched Shao Licang grow up. In his younger years, he had worked alongside the old master to build their business empire and had never married. After retiring, he had planned to enjoy his twilight years alone in the countryside.
But with the current crisis, Shao Licang couldn’t bear to leave the old butler behind, so he brought him to stay with them. Perhaps it was because the butler had been alone for too long, or maybe he simply longed for the warmth of family. The moment he saw Bai Tang, he took an instant liking to the obedient and delicate young boy. And when he learned that Bai Tang suffered from depression, his heart ached even more for the child who sweetly called him “Grandpa.” Like all doting grandparents, the old butler indulged Bai Tang’s every request.
“Xiao Tang, don’t eat too many nuts, or you’ll get heaty and have a toothache,” the old butler said with a warm smile, placing a cup of milk in front of Bai Tang.
The rich, fragrant milk had been warmed to the perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold. Bai Tang cupped the glass with both hands and gave the old butler a sweet smile. “Thank you, Grandpa.”
The old butler clutched his chest, feeling his heart race because of Bai Tang’s smile. How could there be such a sweet child? Oh dear, this old man’s heart could hardly take it…
He was well aware of the meeting happening downstairs. At his age, most of the people he once knew had already passed away. To live this long… it was enough.
The old butler accompanied Bai Tang in watching the nature documentary for a while. But as an elderly man, he couldn’t stay up too late. Eventually, he leaned against the sofa and closed his eyes for a short rest.
When Shao Licang came upstairs, the old butler immediately woke up.
“You’ve worked hard, Uncle Zhang. Get some rest early,” Shao Licang said.
“Good night, Grandpa Zhang,” Bai Tang mumbled, yawning as he nestled against Shao Licang’s chest, still remembering to bid the old butler goodnight.
The old butler nodded at them before taking the empty cup and heading downstairs.
“Tang Tang, you need to wash up before sleeping,” Shao Licang coaxed softly.
Seeing Bai Tang nod, he carried him to the bathroom, ran warm water, and squeezed out some toothpaste. “Tang Tang, open your mouth…”
“Ahh—” Bai Tang’s eyes were already drooping shut. He followed Shao Licang’s instructions obediently, performing one action after another as directed.
Author’s Note:
Since today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, I know many of you finally get a rare day off. I’m heading out to have fun too, but I’ll try my best to post extra updates. Wishing everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival, full of joy and togetherness!
Tang Tang is sending his blessings to all the big brothers and sisters. Are you all eating nuts together while having fun? Σ(|||▽|||)