Chapter 75: So That's How It Is
Chapter 75: So That's How It Is
After killing all the zombies that climb up to the fourth floor, An Ran puts away her knife and begins to walk back toward her ward.
"An Ran, An Ran, you can't leave! There are more zombies coming up!" Chen Jiao grabs An Ran's arm, trying to stop her from leaving, but An Ran shakes her hand away, irritated.
"I don’t want to kill anymore. You guys handle it. I’m a little tired," she says.
She is exhausted—not physically, but mentally. Killing zombies while Chen Jiao and Hu Zhen stand by watching drains her emotionally. It feels as if the weight of the killing is placed entirely on her shoulders.
Either help out or stop watching!
Or at least, don’t look at her like she's some kind of “murderous demon,” as if she enjoys it. In reality, who wants to kill zombies, especially when they were once humans? If she hadn’t been forced into this situation, fighting to survive, An Ran would have wanted to lean on someone, be spoiled, and focus only on scavenging for supplies.
But she has to rely on herself. Had she become that delicate girl, today she, Hu Zhen, Chen Jiao, and the two children would all have to become food for the zombies.
So people are driven by circumstance; it’s either you die or I die! An Ran understands the survival of the fittest principle all too well.
As An Ran walks away, Chen Jiao, seeing her kill zombies with a detached expression, quickly follows. Hu Zhen wipes the tears from her face and trails behind them. When An Ran reaches the ward, Chen Jiao follows her inside.
"Why are you following me?" An Ran asks, standing beside the crib. She turns to look at Chen Jiao in confusion. Weren’t they always at odds? Why is Chen Jiao sticking to her now?
"I'm sorry, An Ran. Please forgive me." Chen Jiao stands by the door, her tone soft and apologetic. "I was ignorant before, but I’m really sorry. From now on, I’ll do whatever you say. I won’t hog the food anymore or go against you."
What does she want? An Ran glances at Chen Jiao with suspicion. Has Chen Jiao suddenly come to her senses and realized the harsh reality? Or is she planning to get close only to stab her in the back later?
"I don’t believe you," An Ran says honestly.
Chen Jiao’s pleading expression freezes for a moment. Then she stomps her foot in frustration. "An Ran, don’t act all high and mighty. If I hadn’t seen how well you can kill zombies and protect us, I wouldn’t be trying to get close to you."
"Oh, so that’s it!" An Ran says, suddenly understanding. She nods and adds, "Who’s protecting you? When the zombies come, I’m only protecting myself. What does that have to do with you?"
This is the truth. She isn’t related to Chen Jiao or Hu Zhen. She will do her best to provide a safe environment for everyone, but in a disaster like this, who would take responsibility for anyone else? When it comes down to it, An Ran isn’t going to risk her own life or her baby's life to protect Chen Jiao or Hu Zhen.
"You... you murderer!" Chen Jiao is so furious she nearly chokes on her words. But she knows how strong An Ran is—someone who can take down zombies with just a knife. Chen Jiao doesn’t dare confront her directly. She can only glare at An Ran, who remains unapologetic, before storming off.