Chapter 35: Advancing Toward the Town in the Dense Forest

The next day arrived swiftly. When Du Yun woke, aside from Taozi, who was still sound asleep on the kang, the other three were already washed and ready.

“Get up and tidy yourself. We’re heading to town soon,” the eldest said as Du Yun stepped out of the room. With a cold glance at Skinny Monkey, he spurred him into action. Skinny Monkey, as if injected with energy, hurried to Du Yun's side, eager to please.

“Oh? We're really going to town?!” Du Yun was momentarily stunned, then suddenly recalled that she had previously mustered the courage to ask the eldest if she could take Taozi to town to look for her father. It seemed he’d agreed.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Big Brother!” Du Yun looked, delighted, at the eldest, who was practicing some strange martial art in the morning light.

Though Du Yun knew little about this world overrun by zombies, she understood enough: to risk one’s life for a child in a place where death lurked at every corner was no small thing. She couldn’t help but admire the eldest for it.

“Mm.” The eldest finished his set of movements and, after seeing Du Yun’s sparkling eyes under the sunlight—like a small beast seeking affection—felt a curious itch in his heart. Trying to keep his cool, he nodded and went off to draw water to wash his face.

Du Yun turned back inside, eager to share the news with Taozi. Naturally, Taozi was overjoyed, barely able to contain her excitement at the thought of finding her father in town.

Watching Taozi smile so happily, Du Yun felt a pang of uncertainty. Was this truly a good thing for Taozi? She had no idea how severe the zombie infestation was on this planet, nor could she be sure what awaited them in town—whether Taozi’s father was still human or had joined the ranks of the undead. If they could deliver Taozi safely to her father, that would be best. But if her father was dead or had turned, then what would they do?

“Taozi, we’re going to town, but if your father isn’t there—maybe he’s somewhere else—don’t lose heart, all right?” Du Yun quietly packed their things, slung her bow and a stack of flatbreads over her shoulder, and set out with Taozi, following the three men toward the town.

“Big Brother, there’s only one town in these mountains, called Dense Forest Town. If we follow this mountain path, it’s about fifty li away,” Da Zhuang said, taking a palm-sized device from his bag. As he slid his finger over it, Du Yun could see a map displayed.

“Let’s go,” the eldest replied, picking up Du Yun’s hoe and striding at the front of the group.

“Hey, Miss Du, are you tired? Want me to carry your bundle?” Skinny Monkey, walking at the rear, watched Du Yun struggle with her pack while also caring for little Taozi. He quickly caught up, scanning their surroundings as he offered to help.

“No need, I can manage, thank you!” Du Yun smiled her thanks but insisted on carrying her own burden. She understood well—no one could live another’s life in this world of the lost. If she wished to survive, she had no choice but to grow stronger. Relying on others could only last so long; one day, the help would end.

She was keenly aware that when that day came, her fate would not be kind. Though she had little time to prepare for this new life, she did everything she could to arm herself. Before setting out, she’d tightened her trouser legs and sleeves with strips of cloth found in the house, and tucked metal plates at her chest and back to protect her vital spots. Taozi, too, was similarly equipped. It was little enough, but better than nothing.

The road to Dense Forest Town was long and rugged, winding through unbroken mountains. On a pleasure trip, the scenery might have lifted their spirits, but the constant threat of zombies kept everyone tense and silent. Even Taozi, who ought to have been the most carefree, was subdued.

Except for occasional discussions between Da Zhuang and the eldest about their route, and Skinny Monkey’s attempts to activate the communicator, the journey was silent.

At first, carrying the bread was no trouble, but halfway into the journey, Du Yun’s legs grew leaden and the bread felt as if it had doubled in weight. Watching the steep path ahead, she gritted her teeth and pressed on, pulling Taozi along quietly.

“Sis, I can’t walk anymore,” Taozi panted, her little face flushed. Seeing this, Du Yun’s own resolve wavered, her strength suddenly spent.

Hearing the voices behind him, the eldest turned and saw Du Yun and Taozi swaying on their feet, clearly on the verge of collapse. He couldn’t help but frown slightly.

“Rest. Eat,” he said, lips pressed together as he looked at Du Yun’s sweat-soaked brow and trembling frame. He walked a circle of about ten meters around them, flattening the grass with his hoe to check for danger. Finding none, he returned.

Du Yun was truly exhausted. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead with sweat, her clothes stuck to her body, and the bread on her back weighed her down unbearably. Without hesitation, she found a relatively flat spot by the path and sat straight down.

She slipped off her pack and took out some bread, her legs still trembling. She took a fierce bite, pressing her free hand to her leg, hoping to stop the shaking, but it was useless.

“Not used to long journeys?” The eldest, having finished his own bread in a few bites, moved closer. His strong hands reached for her calf, startling her so much she nearly cried out.

What was he doing? Should she resist? In these times, notions of propriety between men and women hardly mattered—especially with a man like this. But if she didn’t resist at all, would it seem improper?

“Mm,” she managed, her heart pounding as his skilled hands massaged her calves, gradually easing the ache. The chaos in her mind faded, replaced by a flush of heat spreading through her body, especially her legs.

Their rest was brief. Half an hour later, the five of them set off again. With food in her belly and her legs much eased, Du Yun could walk with renewed strength, no longer as wretched as before.

From then on, perhaps realizing that she and Taozi lacked stamina, the group scheduled regular breaks—every hour or so, they paused to eat and drink. In this way, they pressed on until the sun was nearly set, and the town was not far off.

The night wind howled through the mountains, dispelling the daytime’s beauty and leaving only a sense of dread. The town, home to tens of thousands, lay at the foot of the mountains just ahead. What would they find there? Du Yun had no idea.