Chapter 32: A Woman’s Wisdom
1108 Words
Wu Xue certainly had no intention of leaving—no matter how much her parents insisted that the shelters would offer greater safety.
They simply did not know the extent of the Zhou family’s preparations for this catastrophe. Here, at least, Wu Xue felt a measure of freedom.
When Wu Xue declared her intention to stay, Zhou Li’s face immediately lit up with a grin—her mood could shift faster than the pages of a book.
“I’m going to train now.”
With little left for Zhou Lin to do—and having already embarked on the path of evolution—he could not afford to squander this precious opportunity. More than that, he wished for his parents and Zhou Li to awaken their own abilities and join the ranks of the evolved.
In his previous life, he had learned that the acquisition of power spheres depended not only on fortune but also on one’s strength. These spheres did not suit everyone; there was a matching process at work. Some lucky souls merged with a sphere at first touch, while others tried endlessly without success. The pattern remained a mystery.
To ensure his family’s ascension, the safest approach was to obtain as many spheres as possible—or at least to gain more opportunities to attempt fusion, as early as possible. The earlier one evolved, the greater one’s chance of becoming a high-tier ability user.
That was why Yang Kiki remained important—so far, she was the only lead Zhou Lin possessed.
In the late apocalypse, spheres had become a form of wealth, but only within the highest echelons—beyond the reach of ordinary folk. If the disaster unfolded as before, Zhou Lin, having evolved early, would inevitably become part of the elite. Yet with great power came great peril: in a world of scarcity, everyone sought more resources, and the swiftest way to obtain them was through plunder.
High-tier individuals, like the rest, preyed upon one another; without sufficient might, the more one possessed, the more wolves would circle.
Symbiosis:[Novice 742/1000]Symbiotic Vehicle: Laifu (large water transport)Available Slots: 0Storage Space: 1/1
Zhou Lin observed that each use of his ability once he had evolved granted two experience points instead of one, doubling his progress. He wondered whether further evolution would boost his experience gains still more—and whether his ability would expand to embrace additional vehicles.
For now, Laifu’s vast storage lay untapped. Though the snow was deep, it could not conceal an entire aircraft carrier. If discovered, he could never explain how it had arrived in Jiazhou. Worse, revealing his power would invite greedy parties to exploit him. Even if the state’s researchers treated him gently, unscrupulous individuals would seek to unlock the secrets of his evolution.
In his previous life, alone, he might have escaped into some wilderness. But now he could not risk his parents and sister living in peril. His mother and father, certainly—but Zhou Li, brilliant though she was, would find her intellect of little use in the apocalypse. What she needed was strength—real strength to defy calamity.
Zhou Lin felt the urge to interrogate Yang Kiki mercilessly, yet he knew her knowledge of Cao Bowen remained nil. She was a dwindling hope, a possible link to Cao Bowen—so he must bide his time.
He turned back to training.
“Ready to begin?” Wu Xue asked as she followed him into the gym. Her eager gaze sent a thrill through him.
“Again today?” Zhou Lin smiled.
Wu Xue nodded, cheeks tinged with color. “Scientific research—don’t misunderstand.”
What could Zhou Lin say? It was all Zhou Li’s doing.
Yet Zhou Li would not take the blame. When Wu Xue emerged from the gym, Zhou Li teased, “Snow Sister, your feigned modesty is most unconvincing.”
Wu Xue froze. Zhou Li’s use of idioms was haphazard, but did that make her meaning unclear?
“Have you read the novels? My brother’s type would rather kill a thousand innocents than spare one!” Zhou Li declared, miming a chopping motion.
“What?” Wu Xue had no clue. Was Zhou Li suggesting she literally slice Zhou Lin into pieces? Conditions didn’t permit that!
“You misunderstand!” Zhou Li scolded. “When faced with danger, one must strike first—understand? Act decisively!”
“Li Li, enough!” Wu Xue finally caught on. “I—I had no such thoughts!”
“Snow Sister—no, sister-in-law,” Zhou Li teased, “I saw you wipe your lips just now.”
At thirteen, Zhou Li’s precociousness knew no bounds.
Wu Xue, exasperated, silenced her sister with a playful scolding. “Call me ‘Snow Sister,’ not that. I only wiped sweat—professional hazard!”
“Mm—” Zhou Li wriggled free, smirking. “Got it, sister-in-law, you’re a lady rogue.”
Unaware, Zhou Lin continued his intense workout. Meanwhile, in Zhou Li’s room, the two girls had already moved their negotiations to privacy, poring over details.
Zhou Li believed the harsh conditions would persist for a long time, dismantling social order and state structures. The world would soon be ruled by the strongest.
Wu Xue agreed. Zhou Lin’s remarkable physique would naturally inspire admiration in extreme conditions—an evolutionary impulse to secure strong mates for survival and progeny.
“So it’s not love,” Wu Xue said matter-of-factly.
“And?” Zhou Li pressed. “You intend to marry my brother, right? Not that woman in the tool room.”
“Li Li, do you really think someone like us can dream of love?” Wu Xue folded her arms. “You’re right—becoming your brother’s wife is the best outcome for me now.”
Zhou Li beamed. Their discussion, though framed academically, boiled down to simple desire. If Zhou Lin weren’t her brother, she, too, would struggle to resist.
Choosing to champion Wu Xue, Zhou Li had weighed every factor—temperament, ability, intelligence, even looks. Wu Xue was the perfect match for Zhou Lin.
Zhou Li never considered Zhou Lin’s own wishes—not out of disrespect, but because he had no reason to refuse.
Silently, their pact was sealed. Zhou Li hurried to tell their parents. Neither objected. After all, Zhou Caijun’s wound hadn’t even been unstitched yet, and if anyone spoke against Wu Xue, Cheng Yali would not stand for it.
That evening, as they gathered for dinner, Zhou Lin sensed the atmosphere shift.
“Have I eaten too much?” he asked, feigning innocence.
- Writer
