My Girlfriend's a Monster - Chapter 25

As evening fell, everyone in the household was busy with their own tasks. Zhu Yiming came over to visit and started working on making a communicator. Luo Meihua was in the kitchen preparing ingredients, making it convenient for her prospective son-in-law to cook later, while Zhong Qingxiao was in the study having a heart-to-heart talk with his father.

Luo Ke sat in the dining room, occasionally watching her mother cook and then Zhu Yiming work on the communicator. Her mind wasn’t really focused on either; she had already planted an eye to eavesdrop on the conversation between Zhong Qingxiao and Zhong Shuping.

To be honest, over the years, Zhong Qingxiao rarely had any deep exchanges with his father. This time, his father’s serious demeanor inexplicably made him anxious.

“Qingxiao, I know I’ve neglected you over the years. Now that such things have happened, I’ve seen how you’ve handled everything these days, and I’ve realized you’re indeed a responsible adult now,” Zhong Shuping said, his face showing signs of age. He was lean and efficient, looking more like a university professor than his son. Even in crisis, he appeared meticulous and composed.

Zhong Qingxiao responded, not understanding why his father suddenly brought this up.

“I’ve recently felt a strong sense of guilt. You’ve never needed help with your studies since you were young, and we’ve lived like two separate families, rarely checking in on each other. Your marriage was decided by me without a second thought, forcing the obligations of the previous generation onto you. Now that I think about it, you didn’t have to… Qingxiao, I just want to ask, how do you really feel about Xiao Ke after spending time together?”

His father wanted to talk about relationships, which greatly shocked Zhong Qingxiao. With their lives uncertain, was this topic really meaningful? His father’s thoughts were indeed strange.

“Dad, to be honest, I actually think Xiao Ke…”

Luo Ke instinctively perked up her ears. Noticing her movement, Zhu Yiming glanced up and asked, “What are you listening to?”

“Die!” Luo Ke snapped irritably.

Zhu Yiming: “…” He regretted asking.

“During this time together, I think she’s great, and I’ve already promised Xiao Ke that I’ll marry her,” Zhong Qingxiao answered, lowering his head. He was now taller than his father, but still felt awkward discussing such matters.

Zhong Qingxiao had never dated a girl before, and he felt this was a completely private matter, making it uncomfortable to discuss seriously with elders.

So he spoke very tactfully, not mentioning love directly, but his meaning was clear. He had accepted this relationship and saw no need for change.

Luo Ke fiddled with her fingers.

“Do you know how Xiao Ke feels about you?” Zhong Shuping asked seriously.

Zhong Qingxiao replied shyly, “Probably similar to me.”

He actually felt Xiao Ke might like him more than he imagined, but this feeling was unclear to Zhong Qingxiao, and he wouldn’t bring it up to elders.

“Good.” Zhong Shuping seemed relieved. “Since you’re both satisfied, I’m also comforted. At least one of my worries is resolved. Qingxiao, you must be wondering why I called you here today. Now that you’ve confirmed your feelings, you need to show the responsibility of a man. I’ve seen your efforts these days, but Qingxiao, have you considered what to do if, in the end, someone in this family turns into a monster?”

Zhong Qingxiao was stunned. So this issue wasn’t just Xiao Ke and him worrying about it; his father had thought about it too, and probably Aunt Luo as well…

No wonder his father first asked about his feelings for Xiao Ke, probably not wanting to force him into this responsibility.

“Dad, actually, Xiao Ke and I discussed this yesterday,” Zhong Qingxiao took a deep breath, trying to answer lightly. “No matter who turns into a monster, I’ll take responsibility… I’m prepared to go down together.”

Luo Ke blinked lightly. Huh? No matter who?

Zhong Shuping clearly hadn’t expected his son to have considered this far. He was first shocked, then nodded, adding, “Son, a man must have his responsibilities, but you young people should be prepared yourselves. Aunt Luo can be entrusted to me. If it’s me, try to burn me as quickly as possible, without risking your life, as you have your fiancée to care for.”

The topic turned heavy, and Zhong Qingxiao remained silent for a while before agreeing.

He knew very well that by deciding on these unexpected matters early, when facing real danger, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity due to hesitation.

Humans may not be able to decide their life and death, but they always have the power to choose.

Predictable dialogue, Luo Ke sat outside, showing a thoughtful expression.

How could she make them understand that these worries were unnecessary? She would protect everyone; she was the hero, always seen as the one needing protection, which made Luo Ke feel constantly overlooked.

When Zhong Qingxiao came out of the room again, he had already sorted out his emotions. He gently suggested Luo Meihua take a rest, while he took over as the chef, and Zhu Yiming had almost finished making the communicator.

“If things go smoothly, we can try it after dinner,” Zhu Yiming said.

“You really are capable, making it as soon as you said,” Luo Meihua praised, instinctively glancing at Luo Ke.

Luo Ke noticed and looked back, wondering what Luo Meihua meant.

In the kitchen, Zhong Qingxiao saw this and shook his head helplessly, trying to ask, “Xiao Ke, considering he made the communicator, should we let him stay for dinner?”

Zhu Yiming swallowed, looking at Luo Ke eagerly. Who knew? He had been eating instant noodles for three days straight! That’s six meals, and Zhu Yiming felt if this continued, he’d never eat instant noodles again.

Luo Ke coldly said, “No meat.”

“Alright, alright!!!” Zhu Yiming agreed wholeheartedly, excited at the thought of plain rice.

In the evening, Bai Lan didn’t come over. Everyone lacked survival supplies, and the food she brought from home was enough for half a month, though the taste wasn’t great, at least she wouldn’t starve. Bai Lan had observed the people in the corridor, holding blackened buns that they had to break apart before eating.

Dinner undoubtedly included a meat dish, today’s being braised beef, a large platter full of it. Luo Ke unhesitatingly placed the entire platter in front of herself, ready to eat, and Luo Meihua couldn’t help but intervene.

“Qingxiao worked hard on this, can’t you spare him a bit?” Luo Meihua didn’t understand why her daughter was so obsessed with meat, meal after meal, almost not touching any vegetables, and refusing to share the meat with others. Her daughter’s lack of manners made Luo Meihua feel embarrassed.

“No need, Aunt,” Zhong Qingxiao quickly refused. “It’s made especially for Xiao Ke. If she eats it all, I’ll be happy.”

“But it can’t be like this; everyone is eating at the same table, and she takes all the beef. Won’t others eat?” Luo Meihua showed dissatisfaction.

Zhu Yiming, unworthy of meat, silently ate his rice, not daring to speak.

“But Aunt, these things were bought by Xiao Ke. If she hadn’t said to stock up on food, the family wouldn’t have such abundant supplies,” Zhong Qingxiao explained. He naturally didn’t care about the beef issue, knowing Aunt Luo wasn’t trying to stop Xiao Ke from eating meat, probably just feeling a bit embarrassed.

Luo Meihua wanted to say more but saw Luo Ke raise her eyes, quietly observing her.

“Are you complaining that I’m eating too much?” Luo Ke asked, not for the first time having disagreements at the table. A few days ago, they argued because there was no meat.

Luo Ke’s emotions were relatively calm, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t get angry. How ignorant humans were, relying on her protection to sit here and eat, relying on her protection to sleep peacefully at night, yet daring to speak to her like this repeatedly.

“You…” Memories of unpleasant events flooded back to Luo Meihua. She remembered what happened after she scolded her daughter at the table before, not wanting to repeat it. But Luo Meihua really didn’t understand. She was indeed a first-time mother, and Luo Ke knew she wasn’t her biological daughter. Luo Meihua kept wondering if Luo Ke’s unusual, even selfish and cold behavior was because they weren’t biologically related.

Almost twenty years had passed since Luo Meihua brought her home from the orphanage, and in those twenty years, Luo Ke had never done anything a daughter would do for her mother, never remembered her birthday, never cared about her sadness or joy.

Even though Luo Meihua was a strong mother, she couldn’t help but wonder-did Xiao Ke not love her? Was there no affection between them?

These thoughts might be dismissed in normal times, but when Luo Ke showed any unreasonable behavior, she couldn’t help but recall them.

Luo Meihua didn’t speak further, ate a bit, and returned to her room, looking somewhat downcast. Luo Ke didn’t care, enjoying all her beef and then symbolically eating some rice and vegetables.

Zhu Yiming was a bit shocked. That was quite a lot of beef, and she ate it all.

While washing dishes, Zhong Qingxiao couldn’t help but worry about Aunt Luo’s emotions. He hadn’t forgotten how Aunt Luo had guided him through his doubts and dissatisfaction with Xiao Ke at the supermarket before. It turned out Aunt Luo herself had gone through the same thing. Their mother-daughter relationship wasn’t close, and if unnecessary, they could go days without speaking. Zhong Qingxiao saw all this.

Was Xiao Ke cold? Zhong Qingxiao gradually didn’t think so. Xiao Ke was gentle and kind; she just wasn’t good at expressing her emotions and feelings. Which girl would take her dog for a walk knowing there were monsters outside?

Even for a stranger like Zhu Yiming, she risked going into an elevator known to have monsters to retrieve his phone and remains, let alone her mother who had raised her for years.

Zhong Qingxiao was sure Xiao Ke loved her mother. Maybe they needed close communication. With the apocalypse looming, Zhong Qingxiao didn’t want anyone to have regrets.

After dinner, Bai Lan arrived on time, and the young people started testing the communicator Zhu Yiming had made in the living room. Zhong Shuping was curious and came over to watch.

“It might not succeed, but if it does, we’ll have only five or six minutes,” Zhu Yiming said. “Think about what you want to say first, and I’ll turn it on.”

Luo Ke watched them fiddle with it, not very interested in such things.

Zhong Qingxiao asked, “Can your device only send signals? Can it receive anything?”

“In theory, yes, but whether we can hear the other side clearly is unknown,” Zhu Yiming shrugged. Besides, even if it could receive, who knew if anyone was trying to contact the outside world at this critical moment? People like him were rare.

“Alright,” Zhong Qingxiao understood. “Let’s try it now.”

The communicator was modified from a radio, which Zhong Shuping had bought from England when he was young. It was very expensive, with a beautiful appearance, and had been well-maintained over the years.

But now it was unused, and Zhong Shuping had no objections to using it in this situation.

The radio was placed high up, being a small portable one, the antenna wasn’t very long. Zhu Yiming fiddled for a while before hearing an empty echo inside, quickly handing the microphone to Zhong Qingxiao, signaling him to speak.

Zhong Qingxiao didn’t waste a second, quickly taking the microphone and speaking the prepared script: “Residents of Chunfeng Community, if you hear this message, please try to gather at Building A, 18th floor of Unit 3. There are many survivors here, and we can fight the monsters together.”

He repeated this message four or five times before handing the microphone back to Zhu Yiming.

The communicator had three minutes left, and Zhu Yiming wasted no time trying to receive external information.

“But I don’t know the channel,” Zhu Yiming said. He hadn’t touched a radio in years.

Zhong Qingxiao quickly suggested, “Try FM 78.3 MHz.”

This was Shencheng University’s radio station channel, luckily he remembered.

Zhu Yiming quickly adjusted the frequency, first hearing a burst of static, then a standard AI female voice began: “All citizens, the world is under attack by unknown creatures. Please avoid unnecessary outings and protect your personal safety. The military has swiftly taken rescue actions. All citizens…”

The group exchanged glances. Well, this message was probably broadcast nationwide.

With only a minute left, Zhu Yiming randomly tried a few channels, either hearing noise or the same AI broadcast. Then, in the last few seconds, a distinctly different voice came through.

“Is anyone there? Is anyone still alive outside? I’m trapped in the security room of Building 1, Baoliyuan. Can anyone come and save me? Is anyone there…”

The voice was instantly cut off, and the communicator was no longer usable. Zhu Yiming sighed, “Baoliyuan is opposite us. Even if we know he’s trapped, we can’t do anything.”

Zhong Qingxiao was about to take the radio and other equipment away when he noticed Bai Lan’s face had changed. He asked, “What’s wrong?”

Bai Lan trembled slightly, slowly saying, “That voice… sounded like my boyfriend.”

Luo Ke raised an eyebrow. This boyfriend, she’d heard Bai Lan mention him, saying their relationship wasn’t great.

“Ah!?” Zhu Yiming hadn’t expected such a coincidence. He exclaimed and then fell silent. Even if it was her boyfriend, what could they do? They were powerless.

Silence fell around them, Bai Lan’s face turned slightly pale. She shook her head, saying, “It’s nothing. I just thought it sounded like him, but I’m not sure.”

Luo Ke looked at Bai Lan. No, Bai Lan’s emotions told her it was indeed Bai Lan’s boyfriend, and Bai Lan was sure of it.

What a pity, these humans weren’t within her protection range.

Luo Ke didn’t pay further attention to the pale-faced Bai Lan and instead followed Zhong Qingxiao.

“Xiao Ke.” Zhong Qingxiao put the equipment away and turned to her. “What’s wrong?”

“If those outside agree to your suggestion, what do you plan to do?” Luo Ke asked. “Will you actively eliminate the monsters?”

Zhong Qingxiao pondered. To be honest, the number of monsters in the unit was still manageable, but if humans mutated into monsters, the number of monsters would undoubtedly increase.

Honestly, Zhong Qingxiao wasn’t confident he could lead those people to actively hunt monsters. Human strength was very limited.

“I just want to unite everyone as much as possible, increasing everyone’s survival chances, hoping for rescue soon,” Zhong Qingxiao sighed lightly. Finding others to team up with was more about increasing the chances for himself and his family to survive.

He wasn’t a savior, not holding the mindset of saving everyone, just wanting to make his efforts within his capabilities.

But even so, it was only an ideal scenario. If one person in Room 1801 mutated, they would face extinction.

“Let’s rest early tonight,” Zhong Qingxiao forced himself to perk up. “Tomorrow morning, I still need to negotiate with them.”

Bai Lan and Zhu Yiming left one after another. Bai Lan looked a bit lost when she left, and Luo Ke sat in her room, listening to the sound of water from the bathroom.

She didn’t monitor Zhong Qingxiao’s shower today because she felt she could soon completely have Zhong Qingxiao. After all, he was willing to sacrifice his life for her now, wasn’t he?

Zhong Qingxiao had fallen in love with her, right? That should be the case.

The weather was getting hotter, even at night the temperature stayed around 20 degrees, and during the day it approached 30 degrees Celsius.

The heat made the people in the corridor irritable. They seemed accustomed to silence, even after escaping from the Six-Eared Monster, they habitually remained silent.

Not speaking saved energy, reducing food consumption.

“Hey, you bunch of stupid pigs, are you just going to watch the people in Room 1801 live so freely? Do you know what our people smelled at their door today? Meat! Meat, you stupid pigs, you haven’t eaten a full meal in two days, right?”

The Bald Man’s head injury was serious, bleeding nonstop, and he was experiencing dizziness and nausea, possibly from a concussion. He had been the leader due to his physique, but after being hit, fighting became difficult, and among the group, the Flat-Top Man gradually took the lead.

The other three were somewhat wary of the Bald Man, unsure if he would really turn into a monster. The Flat-Top Man signaled the other two henchmen to come over for a discussion.

“You do it tonight; we don’t have time to delay,” the Flat-Top Man pointed at the middle-aged man holding an iron rod. This man had joined them later, the oldest, but very easy to command.

“Me? Why me?” The man was fearful. He had joined them just to get some food, not really wanting to commit crimes.

“Uncle,” the Flat-Top Man smiled, placing a hand on the man’s shoulder, his palm rubbing his neck, each touch making the man shiver. “You injured the boss. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be so desperate for supplies. If the boss is fine tomorrow, have you thought about whether you’ll still have your life?”

The middle-aged man swallowed hard, not daring to respond.

“Uncle,” the Flat-Top Man kicked the iron rod in his hand. “It seems you haven’t recognized your situation. The boss definitely holds a grudge against you.”

The middle-aged man turned back, cautiously glancing at the Bald Man sitting nearby. The Bald Man’s vicious gaze was fixed on him, scaring him into quickly turning away.

Yes, even if he didn’t go, these people wouldn’t easily let him live. The Bald Man would definitely kill him… The man deeply regretted hitting that blow. What was he thinking at the time?

The Flat-Top Man laughed, slowly placing his lighter into the man’s pocket, then lightly patted it twice.

“Tonight, when everyone is asleep, you go do it, understand?”

The man pursed his lips, feeling the lighter in his pocket, slowly gripping it.

Maybe it would be fine… It wouldn’t necessarily lead to death, right? Perhaps those people would discover early and open the door to escape, allowing them to rush in and get supplies!

Seeing the man’s expression, the Flat-Top Man sneered and walked away, coming to the Bald Man’s side.

“Big brother, I told you, he’s the most suitable for the job. Keeping him alive is useful.”

The Bald Man held his head, his expression extremely dark.

“When things go wrong, we can push all the blame onto him. What does it have to do with us?” The Flat-Top Man laughed twice, surveying the surroundings. The people in the corridor had nothing, not worth their attention.

“But big brother, don’t you find it strange?” The Flat-Top Man continued, “This 18th floor really seems free of monsters.”

The Bald Man found him noisy, glaring without answering. His head hurt too much. He still hadn’t figured out what was stuffed into his mouth earlier. No one else saw it, but he clearly felt it, what was it? It kept trying to crawl down his throat, but he couldn’t touch it.

Was that really a sign of him mutating into a monster? Did others experience the same before becoming monsters?

Night fell, and after Zhong Qingxiao finished his shower, he went to bed early, while Luo Ke closed her eyes.

Outside in the corridor, someone dragged heavy footsteps, step by step, towards the door of Room 1801.