Chapter 274: He Is a Hero
Chapter 274: He Is a Hero
It has been a long time since Yun Tao first said he wanted to adopt Hengheng, but Hengheng has never called him "Dad" before.
In essence, Hengheng is a stubborn child.
Even when Liu Yuan tries to force him, she can never make him call Yun Tao "Dad."
But today, he calls him voluntarily.
He calls out to him for comfort.
And that single word brings Yun Tao to tears.
He holds Hengheng tightly in his arms, closing his eyes as he gently runs a hand over the child’s head. His voice is soft but firm as he whispers, "It’s okay, son. Just for calling me ‘Dad’ this once, I won’t let anything happen to myself."
This situation isn’t really a big deal—at least, not if Anran explains things to Zhan Lian. It is always that woman in the military uniform stirring up trouble and acting on her own.
Yun Tao is about to set Hengheng down, but the child refuses to let go. No matter how much he tries to pry him off, Hengheng clings to him desperately.
In the end, Yun Tao has no choice but to turn to Anran.
"Take him with you," he says.
Tang Siluo watches the scene unfold but doesn’t say a word. She only sneers before ordering her men to hold Yun Tao and Hengheng at gunpoint as they are forced into the barrier.
Not long after, Anran, Doll, and Little Mint are also brought inside. The soldiers are careful and polite toward her—for Zhan Lian’s sake. Even her car is driven into the barrier, where a team of medical staff in white coats immediately surrounds it to begin disinfection procedures.
Anran, still holding Doll and guiding Little Mint along, is led to a gas station by a man in a green military uniform. He brings her into a small room before turning to her with a reassuring tone.
"Sister-in-law, please wait here. A doctor will come by later to give you a physical examination."
"When—when can I see Zhan Lian?"
Anran has barely sat down before she shoots back to her feet, tense and anxious.
She isn’t worried about herself—she is afraid that Tang Siluo will shoot Yun Tao.
The soldier hesitates for a moment before replying, "Brother Lian is out hunting zombies." He seems to struggle with his words, as if debating whether to say more. After a pause, he adds, "Sister-in-law, Brother Lian works really hard. For the safety of Tiesi Village, he’s been fighting on the front lines without rest. He—"
"Yes, he’s a hero!"
Anran suddenly turns around, cutting him off.
She doesn’t want to hear the rest.
Zhan Lian is a hero.
Before the apocalypse, he fought for his country. After the apocalypse, he fights for Tiesi Village. He is admired by everyone.
She doesn’t deny that he is extraordinary.
But none of that has anything to do with her.
The uniformed man standing at the door hesitates. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he only sighs. Shaking his head, he turns and walks out, closing the door behind him.
Anran listens to the quiet click of the door shutting.
She holds Doll in her arms, looks down at Little Mint, then turns her gaze toward the small window where the bright moon shines outside.
"Mint, are you scared?"
Little Mint stands up, wraps her arms around Anran’s waist, and shakes her head. She rests her head against Anran’s shoulder, pressing in close.
The room is silent.
In the distance, voices murmur as people talk amongst themselves. Even farther away, the faint howling of zombies can be heard—so distant it feels like another world.
As the night passes, the sky gradually brightens.
Inside the barrier, a figure moves quickly, driving into the heart of Tiesi Village before entering a house.
There, he reports everything that has happened outside the barrier to a man standing by the window.
The man has a square face—ordinary, unremarkable before the apocalypse. But now, there is something in his expression, a quiet authority that marks him as a leader.
He listens, nodding slightly, then dismisses the messenger to rest.
Then, sinking into his chair, he falls deep into thought.