Volume One: The Apocalypse Arrives Chapter 31: Let Go of Your Savior Complex and Respect Others’ Fate

Watching Xiang Chenguang briskly approaching, Xiang Xiaoxiao called out with a face full of grievance, “Brother!”

That single word nearly broke Xiang Chenguang’s heart. He reached out to gently pat her little head, then turned around, his face icy as he stared at the old man sitting on the ground and the group of people behind him.

How could they bully such an adorable little girl? Is there any justice left? Is there any law?

The old man had now regained his composure. He recognized Xiang Chenguang, and the panic and fear that had overtaken him moments before vanished. Supported by those behind him, he slowly stood up and, pointing an accusing finger at Xiang Dongliang, scolded harshly, “Is this the pair of children you’ve raised? Each more lawless than the last!”

Xiang Chenguang pulled out the triangular steel rod he had stabbed into the ground, narrowing his eyes and warning, “Lower the hand you’re pointing at my father, or I’ll make you. Three… two…”

The old man, watching Xiang Chenguang’s impassive countdown, felt the chill deepen in his gaze and shivered inwardly. Glancing at the steel rod in Xiang Chenguang’s hand and the holes in the cement floor, he hastily lowered his hand.

Casting a cold glance at the old man and his followers, Xiang Chenguang turned away, the frost in his eyes melting like spring snow. “Mom, Dad, let’s go home. I’m a bit hungry.”

As he spoke, he put an arm around Xiang Xiaoxiao’s shoulders and began walking home.

Xiang Xiaoxiao’s cheeks flushed crimson, her body stiffening as she followed his movements.

He Wan watched the siblings walking side by side and seemed to see a scene from six or seven years ago, when they were inseparable. A gentle smile graced her face as she said, “Come on, let’s go home. Mom’s made something delicious for you.”

Xiang Dongliang sighed deeply with a complicated expression, then turned toward Building 3, Unit 2.

The old man, seeing Xiang Chenguang’s family walking away, spoke again, “If you don’t help us bring our families here, there’s no way we’ll go to the militia training camp with you.”

When they completely ignored him, the old man raised his voice in anger, “Everyone has seen it—the Xiang Dongliang family is nothing but selfish and lawless. They want everyone to leave the city together, but it’s just a trick. They want us to help them farm, to be their serfs.

“The strong wind tests the grass’s strength; time reveals a person’s heart, comrades. They usually pretend to be kind, but when trouble comes, their true colors show.

“And the stories about giant ants that can break through walls in the new street area—that’s just a lie to scare us into leaving the city with them. The past few days have shown us those monsters can’t even break through doors or windows. Don’t be fooled.”

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Xiang Dongliang’s face flushed with anger as he was about to respond, but He Wan grasped his right wrist to hold him back.

Already at the stairwell entrance, Xiang Chenguang turned and raised his voice, “We will leave promptly at noon tomorrow. Anyone willing to leave the city, prepare yourselves in advance.

“As for that group from earlier, forget it. Whether you want to find your families or leave the city, do as you please. Let’s not gather together to avoid any unpleasant incidents.”

Back home, Xiang Xiaoxiao twisted away from Xiang Chenguang’s large hand and sat alone on a chair, her flushed face wary as she watched him.

Xiang Dongliang spoke apologetically, recounting what had happened.

That morning, he went door to door informing residents in each building about their plan to move to the militia training camp outside the city. He warned them of the looming threat of giant marching ants and invited them to relocate together.

Soon, some residents requested he bring their relatives living in other districts of the county to join them.

After yesterday’s trip to the market, Xiang Dongliang was clear about the current situation outside.

Though their family had developed some self-protection skills in this apocalypse, venturing into the complex city environment to rescue others posed great risks.

In a small county town, everyone was connected by kinship or acquaintances. Once that door was opened, they couldn’t count on leaving the city themselves. Just rescuing others would consume too much time.

Although Xiang Dongliang felt overly responsible, he always prioritized his family’s safety and could not agree to such requests.

At first, those denied were somewhat displeased but said little.

That changed when he encountered the old man from Building 6, Unit 2—the one leading the disturbance, the balding elder.

His son’s family lived about three to four kilometers away in a community named Guobin Mansion.

After Xiang Dongliang refused to bring his son’s family along, the old man escalated the matter, morally pressuring him.

Xiang Dongliang explained his limitations and continued notifying other residents.

But when he finished informing Building 8’s residents and was about to head home, the old man gathered several others with relatives in the city to block his way and pressure him.

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Others soon joined in pressuring Xiang Dongliang.

Hearing the commotion from home, He Wan and her daughter hurried downstairs but were overwhelmed by their numbers.

Xiang Dongliang, both angry and worried, said, “After all this turmoil and the slander against us, I fear few will join us in leaving the city tomorrow.

“They will stay behind, and if the giant marching ants expand their hunting grounds into our neighborhood, everyone left behind will be in grave danger.”

Xiang Xiaoxiao, frustrated, said, “Dad, after how those people treated us, why are you still worried about them?”

Xiang Chenguang shook his head. His father’s overly kind nature was dangerous in this apocalypse. Fortunately, he still had some limits and would not yield when his family’s safety was at stake.

He said, “That’s just as well. Thanks to that old man’s disruption, we’ve effectively filtered out those with impure motives and selfish hearts.”

Seeing his father was about to say more, Xiang Chenguang interrupted, “Dad, this is the apocalypse. You have to change your mindset. The road to the militia training camp will be fraught with dangers and uncertainties.

“Leaving selfish, scheming people in our group is a threat. At the slightest misfortune, they could incite chaos, endangering everyone.

“Even if we safely reach the camp, the situation will only get tougher. Removing these unstable elements early on is the only way to protect ourselves and those who trust us.

“So we don’t need to do anything else. Just prepare ourselves and leave promptly at noon tomorrow. Those who follow us will be our partners in survival. We must ensure their safety to the fullest.

“As for those whose faith in us wavers with just a few words, you have to let go of the urge to help everyone and respect their fate.”

Recalling how his wife and daughter were forced to retreat by those people earlier, Xiang Dongliang felt deeply ashamed. He finally nodded and stood up to organize the supplies they would take tomorrow.