Chapter 125: Give the Child Some Time
Chapter 125: Give the Child Some Time
Anran opens her mouth, but the pain coursing through her body overwhelms her. Hearing Yun Tao’s words, she can’t hold back her frustration. Stealing isn’t something she wants to do. If she had the strength to defeat Yun Tao, she wouldn’t need to steal; she could simply take what she needs. But Yun Tao is too strong, and his domineering nature leaves no room for argument. He carries the air of an ancient family patriarch, someone whose word is final.
Both Liu Yuan and Anran feel uneasy, but neither dares to voice objections.
What can they do? In this chaotic world, as two women, what power do they have?
Anran’s heart grows heavy. She understands that, even though the enemy is strong and they are weak, she can neither defeat Yun Tao nor resist him. If Yun Tao wanted her dead, it would take only a few minutes. As much as it pains her, this outcome is the best she can hope for.
So, she resigns herself to going along with Yun Tao’s demands.
Fortunately, although Yun Tao forcibly adopts Liu Yuan’s child, he doesn’t take Hengheng away from her. Instead, he plays with the child for a while before returning Hengheng to Liu Yuan’s side. Then, Yun Tao stands and shifts his gaze toward Doll in Anran’s arms.
Anran instinctively takes a step back. Yun Tao glances at her but doesn’t try to snatch Doll. Instead, he lowers his eyes, staring at the child for a long time. Suddenly, his expression softens, and he smiles, addressing both Anran and Liu Yuan:
"You two can drive the car back. I don’t need you to go out and kill zombies or search for supplies. Women, just take good care of the children."
His tone is far gentler than before, as if he believes this is a generous offer that should be welcomed.
Liu Yuan forces a smile, brushing aside the fact that Yun Tao nearly killed her earlier. She nods, then crouches beside Hengheng. Pointing at Yun Tao, she says to him:
"Be good. Call him Daddy."
Hengheng presses his lips together, remaining silent. He looks up at Yun Tao with hatred in his eyes, then quickly lowers his head. His eyes fill with tears, and no one knows what thoughts swirl in his young mind. In this harsh world, where survival is a constant struggle, Hengheng is old enough to understand. He doesn’t want to call a stranger "Daddy."
He already has a daddy — not this bad guy.
Liu Yuan looks at Hengheng’s distressed expression, and her heart aches. She reaches out and gently strokes his head, trying not to force him. She knows Hengheng still holds a deep attachment to his real father and can’t bring himself to call someone else "Dad." But Liu Yuan also understands that if Hengheng doesn’t start acting more compliant, their lives will become infinitely harder.
In the end times, no matter how capable a woman is, surviving alone is nearly impossible. Liu Yuan knows this better than Anran.
Now, with this opportunity, she can avoid being mistreated by men, and Hengheng can avoid hunger and abuse. She is determined to seize it, no matter the cost.
Just as she prepares to scold Hengheng and try to make him understand the harsh reality of their situation, Yun Tao interjects:
"That’s enough. Give the child some time."
Despite Yun Tao’s apparent patience, the heavy atmosphere doesn’t lift. No one looks happy. They all stand there, burdened with their thoughts, in and around the security room — even Yun Tao, who has just forcibly adopted Hengheng.