Gong father and Lin Mao were rarely seen keeping the younger generation company while watching TV, let alone watching cartoons. Although it was to meet Gong Lixin's wishes in the beginning, once they saw Gong Lixin's excitement, they couldn't help but be infected. They felt that the show was fun and the pain in their hearts slowly eased.
The cartoon had a profound plot and was very suitable for adults to watch. Lin Wenbo and Song Haoran had already forgotten their distracting thoughts and immersed themselves in the ancient world and the sword battles.
Gong Lixin, who was holding his big-mouthed monkey plushie, squinted his eyes in happiness and nestled into Song Haoran's warm and broad arms. With various characters in the story, he experienced a Jianghu that he had never seen before and he was satisfied with such a novel experience.
Song Haoran sometimes talked to the boy in his arms, sometimes stretching his hand out to rub the boy's smooth, black hair. He felt that if he was with this youth, only then would he experience the greatest happiness for the rest of his life.
Lin Wenbo sneaked a peek at the two intimate people, then looked at Gong Xiangyi's face which was black with a gloomy atmosphere around her. His eyes grew dark. Right now, he was somewhat jealous of Song Haoran. He also wanted to be accompanied by someone when he was depressed. There was no need to do anything special, just hug each other and comfort each other. But the person he needed the most didn't need him. Recently, whenever he saw her, she was always urging him to buy supplies or rushing to leave without saying a word.
Lin Wenbo knew the apocalypse was imminent. There were many things to prepare but she shouldn't have been so busy to the point she couldn't stop and take the time to say a few words to her lover. He felt it necessary to have a good talk with Gong Xiangyi. Otherwise, there was a common saying for the two of them - the husband and wife were birds who lived in the forest, but the moment disaster struck, they all flew away and separated. [1]
In Lin Wenbo's heart, Gong Xiangyi seemed like a person without feelings. On her end, Gong Xiangyi forcefully repressed the emotions in her heart and waited until the anime finally finished playing. She quickly picked up the remote control and switched to the international news station.
The graceful and ethereal ending song came to an abrupt end and was replaced by the noisy background of the news channel. Gong father and the others frowned but they didn't say anything. After all, they had been waiting for the news about R country.
Gong Xiangyi stared at the TV screen sternly, completely unaware of how badly the others viewed her actions. She wanted her family to live peacefully during the apocalypse. Her heart was in the right place but she was missing out on the opportunity to spend the last few happy days with her family. The meaning of life was not to become the strongest but to cherish what you have. This truth, she wouldn't figure it out until it was too late.
On the TV screen, the Prime Minister of R country finally appeared and issued a statement under the bright flashes of numerous cameras and microphones. He claimed that the nuclear power plant protection measures in R country were strict and there would be no nuclear leakage accidents caused by the tsunami, and told the neighboring countries not to worry.
Gong Xiangyi sneered, with her voice full of sarcasm, she said, "R country people really are liars. Currently, the nuclear power plant already had an accident. R country secretly stopped the news from being leaked and issued a security statement to the media in order to avoid condemnation from the international community. After all, nuclear pollution is serious. It will not only affect their country and their neighbors but many countries on the other side of the ocean will be affected as well. They can't bear the consequences. Just watch, 17 employees of the nuclear power plant were killed and this news couldn't be concealed anymore."
Gong father, Lin Mao and others heard this, the atmosphere which had lightened up had once again become depressing. When Gong Xiangyi mentioned more tidbits, their moods got heavier. Everyone present, except Gong Xiangyi, eagerly hoped the accident would be over soon; no one liked to see disaster and death. Because they had not experienced the apocalypse, their blood was still warm and they could not be as cold and ruthless as Gong Xiangyi.
Sure enough, after waiting for more than ten minutes, a foreign news media-outlet suddenly began reporting about how R country's nuclear power plant's employees were killed. In the news, the body of the dying employees was shot very clearly; swollen, bleeding and skin turned blue and purple. It was obvious at first glance that it was caused by extreme exposure to nuclear radiation.
With this being exposed, the influential media persevered with their investigations, news of several nuclear power plant with leakage accidents broke out. In just half an hour, the Prime Minister of R country received phone calls from countless heads of states and finally realized that things could no longer be concealed. They had to immediately announce the news and file a rescue application with the IAEA.
Seeing R country's situation and the deaths being reported, Gong Xiangyi's lips hooked into a chilly smile. She turned to stare at Lin Mao's solemn face and slowly opened, "Grandfather, do you believe me now? Will you cooperate with the Gong family?"
Lin Mao let out a long sigh, his unreadable eyes took in Gong Xiangyi's wild and cold expression before he finally nodded. "I agree. Lin family is willing to invest in the army to let them buy weapons, equipment and food. For details, you can come find Lin Wenbo tomorrow."
As he agreed, he gently pressed his forehead; his face showed his exhaustion. There was also Song family keeping an eye on Gong Yuanhang's army. If he made a move, he would be impeached and lose control of the army. Buying arms from other sources through the Lin family would evade many risks. However, the cost of supplying a team of nearly 40000 people was not a small amount. Even if they took out all of Lin family's funds and liquidated their properties, it would still not be enough to meet their needs. At that time, it would be necessary to empty Lin family's accounts and take a large loan. This was undoubtedly the destruction of Lin family's foundation by their own hands. When making this promise, even the deceased Lin Laozi would be frustrated.
Lin Wenbo knew what his grandfather's decision meant for the Lin family. Standing up, he went to sit next to him and reached out to his thin shoulders, giving him silent support and comfort.
Gong Yuanhang and Song Haoran naturally knew how much the Lin family has just sacrificed, and their hearts were full of gratitude. From now on, Gong family and Lin family were reliant on each other, they would guard each other in the apocalypse and advance together.
Although Gong Lixin couldn't understand what they were saying, he could feel the gloomy atmosphere in the room. He burrowed into Song Haoran's arms; his eyes downcast as he kept quiet. Song Haoran noticed his uneasiness and he tightened his hold on the other's body. He sighed and smiled; his eyes filled with tenderness.
Only Gong Xiangyi was not affected by the downcast atmosphere created by everybody else in the room. Knowing that a big step towards her grand plan was taken, her eyes were filled with ambition and her spirit lifted up. She would have a well-equipped army protecting her at the beginning of the apocalypse, with this she could prevent all the tragedies and live happily.
"Grandfather, don't be sad. In any case, during the apocalypse, all the money would become worthless scraps. It would be a pity to just throw them away. If you exchange them for the strength of survival, this deal would become very cost-effective." Everyone snapped out of their thoughts and stared at her. All of them were silent in the face of Gong Xiangyi's insensitive words that were said as an effort to comfort them.
Lin Mao's concern was never the money but the centuries-old inheritance of Lin family's and the efforts his ancestors. He promised to support the Gong family and he valued the friendship between Lin and Gong family more than just doing "business".
After listening to Gong Xiangyi's 'comforting' words, he began to resent Gong Xiangyi. After living to this age, Lin Mao's ability to see-through people could be described as first-class. Gong Xiangyi's tone was too light and her mood was too cold. It seemed that there were still many secrets she was keeping to herself and her ambitions were unknown as well. A woman who was unable to read the atmosphere and adjust accordingly was unsuitable to be Wenbo's wife.
'In the end, it was a good thing the wedding was cancelled. As for whatever happens in the future, it will depend on her and Wenbo,' thought Lin Mao. Lin Mao's heart was dark but his face did not show anything. He only gave a faint nod to Gong Xiangyi, his attitude somewhat uncaring.
Gong father and Song Haoran also felt Gong Xiangyi's consoling was a bit insensitive and made them uncomfortable. Gong father frowned, he needed to talk to his daughter alone later and give her a warning. Lin Wenbo looked at Gong Xiangyi, the darkness in his heart was not shown but he made his displeasure known by tightening his lips into a thin line and frowning. Lin Wenbo stayed silent.
"Hey, Dad, Grandpa Lin, are you not hungry? Dinner is ready, you can eat any time now." Gong Lixin endured this whole time but he could no longer hold on. His stomach grumbled from hunger and he estimated that the whole world could hear its protest. Seeing that everyone was talking about business, he stared at the ear of the big-mouthed monkey as he said this.
Even if he was starving to death, he doesn't want to eat Bugu Dan. If he ate one, he couldn't search the streets for food with Lin Big Brother for half a month.
The boy's face was round and smooth, his watery eyes were crystal clear, no hidden emotion could be seen. Only four big words were written on his forehead - I am very hungry! With the noise coming from his belly, and the look of expectation on his face even as he attempted to hold his hunger back made the others who looked at his cute but pitiful appearance uncomfortable.
Lin Mao immediately pulled away from his pain and got up to pat Gong Lixin's soft hair. He smiled lovingly. "Look at these old men, just talking about random things and starving poor Xiaoxin. This young man is still a growing boy. Three meals a day are indispensable."
This boy really was a treasure. When he opened his mouth, he broke the tension caused by his daughter’s careless words. Gong Yuanhang's entire body relaxed as he joked, "Yes, he only knows how to eat all day. Not just three meals a day but two more times at night as well." Gong Yuanhang said as he raised his hand to signal the maids to cook.
When his father mentioned this, Gong Lixin also felt that he ate too much. He lowered his head, ashamed. His white cheeks were covered with two blushes, which was even more pleasing to the eye.
Song Haoran saw this and his heart itched. He wanted the child in his arms to have a good meal. The two pink cheeks blushed even harder, becoming practically red. Gong father and Lin Mao looked at each other with amusement before moving to the dining room. When Lin Wenbo passed the two people still sitting, he pulled at his friend's grasp away and carried the dizzy Gong Lixin away from Song Haoran. Lin Wenbo saw his tender cheeks and couldn't help poking them twice. He was secretly fascinated by the warmth he felt when he touched the youth.
Gong Xiangyi was glanced at by her father as he passed. After thinking about it, it didn't matter if Lin Mao and the others disliked her. After experiencing the apocalypse, they would see wealth, rights and status as worthless things. At that time, building over dead bodies would be the equivalent to skinning one's own flesh and blood; this would make one's heart hurt just thinking about it. But what about now? The Lin family's resources would be exchanged for protection and safety; after the apocalypse began, Lin Grandfather would not blame her, instead he would thank her. [3]
With this thought process, the troubles floating in Gong Xiangyi's heart quickly dissipated. But in the end, what she said had still been wrong and she had irritated Lin Mao after all. Thus, Gong Xiangyi frequently gave him dishes and was very attentive during their meal.
"Good, the taste of the braised lion head made by Chef Wu is still so authentic." The two families sat and ate together, the atmosphere was harmonious. Lin Mao's mood became better, smiling and sighing in pleasure as he ate.
Gong Lixin heard there was braised lion head and took a bite to eat. He squinted his big eyes in delight, satisfaction could be seen on his face as he smiled. Lin grandfather's taste was very close to his, he also thought that this was delicious.
Lin Wenbo and Song Haoran saw Gong Lixin, who was obviously hungry, concentrating on eating. He took the dishes he usually liked and put them into his bowl. The two helped place the food in his bowl from time to time. After a few months, the two people's feelings towards Gong Lixin had changed from how they had initially viewed the boy; now, they got along with each other.
Gong Xiangyi wanted to please this "Golden Thigh" Lin grandfather. Hearing his words filled with nostalgia and regret, she naturally understood his thoughts and quickly said, "If grandfather likes to eat this, I can ask the chef to make more and I can put it my space. Anyways, it won't go bad in there. When you want to eat it in the future, I could take it out at any time. Oh yes, I remember you still like to have almond cakes. I bought a few large boxes and saved some. If you want to eat some in the future, just tell me."
As she went on, Gong Xiangyi named a few dishes, all of them were favorites of Gong father, Lin Wenbo, Song Haoran and others. She said she only bought a lot of these things and if they wanted to eat them later, then there would be no problem.
She intended to make everyone happy by saying this, but she didn't notice how her eager and enthusiastic mood contrasted to everyone else's. Lin Mao smiled even as he stared daggers at her. He looked like a serious listener but the temperature around him was dropping lower and lower. Even Gong Yuanhang's smile was a little forced.
Lin Wenbo frowned, his usual gentle smile could no longer be seen. Gong Xiangyi continued talking without paying attention to the fear, uneasiness and confusion ordinary people felt as they heard her talk about the apocalypse. Instead, she was full of ambition. Lin Wenbo's felt his heart grow cold as he saw her expression as she talked about the coming apocalypse. Gong Xiangyi was supposed to be kind and gentle; he didn't know this cold-hearted woman in front of him.
Gong Lixin listened to Gong Xiangyi while eating silently. Every time she mentioned different food, his expression changed. Gong Xiangyi's space was similar to the Qiankun bag. She kept mentioning how much you could store and how long you could store delicious food. The space made food stay fresh indefinitely. Hearing this, he couldn't really take out the Bugu Dan bottles whilst she talked about such a good thing.
'Forget it, when father and the others really need it, he will take the pills out,' Gong Lixin secretly told himself. His sister was being so resourceful, if he brings those out now, she might think that he's competing with her, so it's not good! He cancelled his plan of sending Bugu Dan to everyone.
As Song Haoran kept on listening as Gong Xiangyi opened and closed her mouth, he became more and more irritated. When she finally finished speaking, he coldly asked. "Why didn't you think about buying something for Lixin? What about what he likes to eat?"
Gong Xiangyi was very cold to Lixin recently. Now she directly ignored Lixin which made Song Haoran very dissatisfied. And Gong Xiangyi talked about the apocalypse with eagerness which made him even more disgusted. He knows that only those with dark hearts would like disasters.
"Ah, Lixin loves to eat Caramel Pudding. Of course I remember, I'll buy it for him." Gong Xiangyi's face slightly changed and she hastened to remedy the situation.
Song Haoran shot a meaningful glance at her before turning to face Gong Lixin who was smiling adorably at him. His face immediately softened and put more food into his bowl, gently advising him to eat more.
Gong father also shook his head at Gong Xiangyi, who was not afraid of anything, and motioned for her to shut up. Gong Xiangyi immediately bowed her head to eat, saying no more. The table was finally quiet.
[1] Editor's note: A chinese proverb that usually speaks of husband and wife. They live together, but their relationship is so fragile, that the moment disaster or misfortune strikes, they don't stick together. They instantly flee without giving a single thought about their 'significant' other.
[2] Editor's note: IAEA is the International Atomic Energy Agency. It is the world's center for cooperation in the nuclear field, and they promote the safe, secure and peaceful usage of nuclear technology.
[3] T/N: *sigh* She still doesn’t get it despite others warnings. It’s hard to “hate” her because of her past but at the same time, her attitude pisses me off!
And that’s all for regular updates. There’ll a bonus chapter tomorrow! See you then~