Chapter Eight: The Dark Figure

After speaking, Zhou Yu lowered his head and began eating the food in his hand.

When he finished, he spent a while chatting with Nian Yu. He knew that it was already December 26th; he had been unconscious for a whole day and night after the last incident.

Seeing that Nian Yu was growing tired, Zhou Yu said to her and Xiao Jie, "Wait for me," before heading toward his bulletproof car.

He saw Zhao Yan and Wang Kui already armed and ready. Wang Kui stood there, silent, staring at Zhou Yu so intently that Zhou Yu felt uneasy. The look in his eyes was like a man stranded on a deserted island for more than twenty years suddenly seeing a naked woman.

Zhou Yu asked, "Wang Kui, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Wang Kui replied simply, "I want the sniper rifle."

Only then did Zhou Yu realize what was happening. Zhao Yan had told him earlier that Wang Kui was a sniper by training; seeing that sniper rifle must have stirred him. But why was he looking at Zhou Yu like that? Hadn't he already told them to take whatever weapons suited them?

Zhao Yan noticed Zhou Yu's confusion and explained, "Don't mind him. Wang Kui's like that—straightforward, a bit wooden. He wants the sniper rifle, but since there's only one, he's unsure if he should take it. That's why he's acting this way."

Relieved by Zhao Yan's explanation, Zhou Yu nevertheless felt a pang of reluctance as he said, "A professional should use a professional's gun. Take it. I hope you can make the most of it."

Though Wang Kui was taciturn, he wasn't stupid; he saw the reluctance in Zhou Yu's eyes but didn't refuse. He believed the sniper rifle would do its best work in his hands, for he had once ranked second among snipers in the army.

Wang Kui looked at Zhou Yu and said, "Thank you."

He began to salute Zhou Yu, hand raised halfway before remembering he was no longer a soldier and Zhou Yu was not his superior.

Zhou Yu smiled at the awkward Wang Kui and got in the car. He found the two sleeping bags, took one, and headed back toward Nian Yu.

At this moment, Zhao Yan said, "Let me keep watch with you tonight."

Zhou Yu shook his head, "You haven't rested for two days. Even soldiers need sleep. Listen to me, go get some rest."

Zhao Yan saw the resolve in Zhou Yu's eyes and nodded, "Alright. Call if you need anything." He found a spot, leaned back, and closed his eyes.

Seeing Wang Kui hadn't left, Zhou Yu said, "You should rest, too. One person is enough. If anything happens, I'll call you."

Wang Kui shook his head and said, "I'm a sniper. I can do it." Then he found a concealed spot, lay down with his rifle, and became motionless.

Zhou Yu glanced at Wang Kui, realized he couldn't persuade him, and let it be. He walked back to Nian Yu, handed the sleeping bag to Xiao Jie, and said, "This is a double sleeping bag. You two find a flat spot, open it, and sleep inside."

Before Xiao Jie could respond, Nian Yu said, "Don't go," tugging at Zhou Yu's sleeve.

He found Nian Yu's gesture both endearing and heartbreaking. The Nian Yu of before would always boss him around, the so-called delinquent in others' eyes, even getting physical when angry. What had she been through in these past two days to reveal this softer side?

Zhou Yu soothed her gently, "Be good, Nian Yu. I'm not going anywhere. You two find a comfortable spot to sleep, and I'll stay nearby. If anything happens, just call me—I'll be there in three seconds."

Still, Nian Yu clung to his sleeve.

Feeling helpless, Zhou Yu looked to Xiao Jie for help.

Xiao Jie saw his plea and quietly coaxed Nian Yu for a long time before Nian Yu finally agreed to sleep.

Xiao Jie helped Nian Yu find a spot, let Nian Yu get into the sleeping bag first, then walked over to Zhou Yu and asked softly, "You gave us the sleeping bag. How will you rest?"

Zhou Yu replied, "Don't worry about me. I'll keep watch tonight. Go sleep, and comfort Nian Yu as much as you can."

Xiao Jie sat beside Zhou Yu. "I'm not tired yet. Tell me, what's really going on between you two? You broke up, but you still risked everything to save her. And in this environment, instead of hiding behind me—a police officer—she chooses to rely on you."

Zhou Yu sighed and explained why he and Nian Yu broke up, how they still kept in touch occasionally, still loved each other, and all that had happened.

Xiao Jie listened quietly. When he finished, she said, "Nian Yu is actually very lucky, to have a man who loves her so much. Even though you're not handsome, have no money, and no proper job, I can see you truly love her."

Zhou Yu protested, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean? Are you here just to insult me?"

Xiao Jie looked at him, a bit annoyed, lowered her head, and said, "Take good care of Nian Yu."

She was about to leave when Zhou Yu said, "Wait."

Xiao Jie paused, puzzled, "What is it?"

Zhou Yu spoke earnestly, "I'll be keeping watch tonight and will nap a bit in the day. Can you keep Nian Yu company tomorrow morning? And if I go to sleep and Zhao Yan isn't up yet, tell him to organize anyone willing to follow me—find some steel rods or whatever to reinforce the car. As for those who don't want to follow, whether they leave or stay, let them do as they wish."

Xiao Jie nodded, "Got it. I'm going to sleep now. Good night." Without waiting for Zhou Yu to reply, she walked toward Nian Yu.

Zhou Yu watched her leave and fell into contemplation.

What was going on today? He used to be strong, but not enough to move freely among so many zombies. That was years ago, when he was at his peak. The past two years at home, he could feel he wasn't as fit as before. What was the reason?

He touched the spot on his shoulder where a zombie had scratched him—it had already scabbed over.

Suddenly, Zhou Yu wondered if, like in those novels, he was protected by some protagonist's aura, immune to the virus, and the zombie virus had stimulated his nerves, making him faster.

With this thought, Zhou Yu guessed the reason for his newfound strength. But he dared not test it. Perhaps the first time made him stronger, but who knew if next time he might turn into a zombie.

Leaning against the wall, Zhou Yu closed his eyes, lost in thought.

He didn't know how much time passed before he heard a faint sound. Zhou Yu quickly opened his eyes and scanned the surroundings.

Suddenly, a dark shadow leapt over the wall behind him.