NOVPUBChapter 53: Chapter 53: 9 Deaths 1 Life
Chapter 53 -53: 9 Deaths 1 Life
Three months had passed since the apocalypse began, and it seemed everyone had gotten used to the environment, even though people were still dying. But living a little longer had become the common wish of most.
Of course, recently there had been an increasing number of gangs robbing and fighting over territory, often leading to brawls with many casualties.
But Gu Pan and her group wouldn’t interfere when they saw this, nor would they even get close. There was no need to invite trouble.
According to Gu Pan’s memory, the weather should start warming up in two more months, presenting more challenges. Those who had survived until now could be considered somewhat capable.
That day, as Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng were about to leave their building, Dong Mingyue arrived, bringing half a bag of food, including rice and flour, saying it was for everyone.
Gu Pan took her up to apartment 901 and, seeing her current state of spirits, was somewhat surprised, “You’ve really changed.”
Now, Dong Mingyue truly seemed confident, “I’ve discovered that changing the way you live can be really good. Although life in the apocalypse is hard, I feel lighter inside, especially without those disgusting people around.”
“How many people are in your group now?” Gu Pan knew she must have formed a team; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to get so much food.
“Not many, just twenty. But like you taught me, I’ve chosen useful people. We have doctors, fitness coaches, and police officials. Maybe we’re not as professional as you, but as you said, we’ve gathered useful people. So even if others think about attacking us, they have to consider whether it’s worth it.”
“Your thinking is correct, but we still need to keep a low profile, not incite public anger, as there are many desperate people now.”
“I know, I’ll be careful. We’re also focused on survival.”
While they talked, everyone heard about Dong Mingyue’s visit from Lu Ruisheng and came up to see her.
Duan Shumei was happy to see Dong Mingyue, “It’s good, just as I hoped to see.”
Lu Xuerong also smiled and said, “Yes, it’s harder for women to survive in the apocalypse. It’s good that you can rely on yourself to live.”
Seeing the two older sisters, Dong Mingyue felt a soft spot in her heart touched, “Sister Duan, Sister Lu, I’m really grateful for your help back then. Thank you.”
Duan Shumei replied, “We’re all family here, no need for formalities. Tell us about your current situation.”
Dong Mingyue recounted her return to confront Wang Bin and his mother, and how the news of her using a gun to kill someone spread through the community. Afterwards, some people reached out to her to talk about alliances, which she chose selectively, forming a suitable alliance.
Now, her group occupied a standalone building good for defense.
Gu Pan could tell that Dong Mingyue’s path was different from her own. Although Dong Mingyue didn’t extort protection money, she was akin to a warlord. It was uncertain how she would develop in the future.
But in the apocalypse, everyone had to find a survival method that suited them. Gu Pan had Space and a husband with high Combat Power, as well as her role as a Prophet. This gave them strength despite their small numbers. Others couldn’t replicate this, so choosing their own way to survive was their right. After all, the primary concern in the apocalypse was staying alive.
After staying for a while, Dong Mingyue left her address and said goodbye. The round trip was far, and they needed time for gathering supplies.
Gu Pan didn’t detain her any longer. She went home, grabbed a bag, and accompanied Dong Mingyue to the compound gate.
At parting, Gu Pan gave Dong Mingyue twenty bullets, “Mingyue, be careful and have a bottom line. Try to avoid making enemies as much as possible.”
Dong Mingyue happily accepted the bullets, “Panpan, you’ve been really good to me, knowing what I need the most. Don’t worry, I’ll survive well, and you and President Lu take care also. I’ll come visit when I have time.”
“Alright, take care on your way back.”
“I know, my people are up ahead, don’t worry.”
After saying goodbye again, Gu Pan watched Dong Mingyue walk away before she turned to head back.
As she turned around, she saw Lu Ruisheng, “Why are you out here?”
“I knew that seeing Dong Mingyue would give you a lot to think about, so I came to listen.”
“You know me best.”
“Of course. Shall we walk?”
“Sure.”
As they walked and talked about Dong Mingyue, they indeed felt many emotions. In the apocalypse, it was survival of the fittest; a battleground where only the survivors were winners.
After a walk, they returned home. Just as they were about to enter the door, they heard someone knocking on the metal door downstairs. They stopped and returned to the stairwell to see what was happening.
A man knocked while calling out, “Dr. Feng, this is Dr. Feng’s house, isn’t it? I’m from next door, I beg you to save my wife, she’s gone into early labor, and we can’t find a midwife. I heard in the WeChat group that there’s a doctor in this building, and you save a diabetic from our building before, so I came asking for help. I’m not a bad person, I’m just a neighbor.”
In these times, no one easily trusted others, and this man was no exception, trying hard to prove his identity and gain Feng Zhekai’s trust.
Gu Pan sighed. Pregnancy and childbirth in these times were as risky as passing through the gate of Hell. Not just because of the medical conditions or the frigid weather, but the rapid psychological changes people underwent, plus the lack of nutrition. Many had not touched fruits or vegetables in two months. Their physical condition was declining, making early childbirth truly precarious.
Feng Zhekai also heard the man’s plea and opened the door, cautiously shouldering his medical kit, “I’ll go with you, but I’m not a gynecologist, so I can’t guarantee anything. I’ll do my best.”
The man was relieved to see Dr. Feng coming, as if he’d seen a savior, “As long as you come, we really have no other option.”
Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng followed to protect Dr. Feng, for although the man seemed genuine, it was still better to be cautious.
When they arrived at the neighboring building and reached the fifth floor, weak cries of pain could be heard. Dr. Feng quickly entered with the man, while Gu Pan and Lu Ruisheng did not go in, waiting at the door instead.
The sound remained muted for over an hour until soft cries of an infant could be heard.
A while later, Dr. Feng emerged with a somber expression and said to Gu Pan and her companions, “The mother didn’t make it. We managed to save the child, but they’ve got their own affairs to deal with now. Let’s go back.”
From her backpack, Gu Pan took out a bag of milk powder, placed it on the shoe cabinet at the entrance of the home, and then left with Lu Ruisheng and Dr. Feng.
Although there was no guarantee the child would survive long, seeing the first newborn in the apocalypse was still quite moving for Gu Pan.
They walked back home in silence, not sure what to say, yet they all understood how perilous childbirth was in this environment.
That night, everyone was quiet, weighed down by their heavy hearts. The number of deaths in the apocalypse was on the rise while births were few. No one dared think about what the future held.
