The Post-Apocalyptic Rival Who Crashed My Wedding with a Baby - Chapter 27

Lingshui Village was a small fishing village nestled by the sea. Because of its size, the population was sparse, and most residents were lifelong acquaintances, often linked by blood or marriage.

As Granny Huang and Xiao Mi led Jiang Weiqing’s group through the village, they naturally drew the attention of many locals. Curious villagers quickly swarmed forward to inquire.

“Granny Huang, who are these folks?”

“Granny, they look like they’re from the outside.”

“The two in the lead are stunning! Do you need me to play matchmaker for them?”

“I don’t remember you having this many relatives, Granny!”

“Need me to find a few young lads to help tie the red string of fate?”

Laughter erupted along the street. Jiang Weiqing and her companions were all strikingly attractive and possessed an extraordinary aura that set them apart. To the villagers, marrying into such a group would be a blessing. Because they were familiar with Granny Huang, they spoke without filter, their eyes full of warmth and playful teasing rather than suspicion. This allowed the Longyu Squad to relax their guard, if only slightly.

Duan Muyu, however, felt a flicker of doubt. The atmosphere was too harmonious—almost like the world before the collapse. It had been three years since the apocalypse began; how could this place remain so utterly untouched?

Granny Huang, a seasoned social veteran, smiled but remained vague in her answers. She skillfully shifted the topic: “These are my saviors. Don’t go making wild jokes; they are honored Espers.” She didn’t hide the truth, explaining how they had rescued her and Xiao Mi from zombies. “I’ve invited them to my home for a meal.”

Hearing this, several women immediately thrust their baskets toward Granny Huang.

“Granny, take these fruits and greens to entertain them.”

“I have some home-grown tomatoes and eggplants here.”

“With Xiao Mi around, you won’t lack meat, but take these cucumbers and beans.”

Granny Huang didn’t refuse, accepting the gifts with a chuckle. “I’ll pay you back in a few days.”

“It’s just some vegetables, don’t talk about ‘borrowing’!” the villagers insisted. “You and Xiao Mi help us so much. Our village couldn’t get by without you.”

Shen Qingyu noticed that the villagers seemed to hold the two in very high regard. Granny Huang handled the crowd with ease, and by the time they reached the house, even Jiang Weiqing and her teammates were carrying armfuls of fresh produce. It felt like a hero’s welcome.

Lin Yunxia smiled warmly. “The people here are as hospitable as they were before the end. It’s been a long time since I felt an atmosphere like this. I really like it.”

“That’s because we are under the Sea God’s protection,” Granny Huang said proudly. “It’s like a hidden paradise where no one wants for food or clothing. It’s mostly thanks to our Village Chief. He used to be a local government leader. When the apocalypse started, he sensed something was wrong and told us to worship the Sea God. That’s how we survived.”

Shen Qingyu found this odd. “He told you to believe, and you just… did?” Faith was usually a matter of the heart, not an order.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” Granny Huang replied shortly. “But now, everyone believes.” She pointed to a two-story wooden house by the shore. “We’re here.”

It was clear she was dodging the topic, and the group didn’t press her further. But as Shen Qingyu looked at the house, a sense of déjà vu hit her. Why does this look exactly like the house I lived in during my time in Lingshui Village?

Once inside, she caught her breath. The yellow wood, the spacious yard—there were even stickers on the walls from when the baby had been playing. Shen Qingyu had never bothered to peel them off back then, and even the sharp table corners were padded exactly as she remembered.

The toddler recognized the surroundings immediately. She waved her tiny arms and legs, thinking she had returned home. She planted a happy kiss on Shen Qingyu’s cheek. “Home! Home!” she chirped.

The minute details and the child’s cheers sent Shen Qingyu into a state of temporal confusion. If not for the wary, cold gaze of Jiang Weiqing and the unfamiliar stares of the others, she would have believed she was back in her own timeline.

Granny Huang laughed heartily. “Those stickers were put there by my naughty children. It’s hard looking after them all by myself; things get a bit messy.”

The Happy Orphanage director, Shen Qingyu reminded herself.

Miao Jialing scanned the house. “Granny, you said you’re the director, but where are the other orphans?”

“I haven’t seen any signs of other kids living here,” An Songyu added.

“They’re a wild bunch,” Granny Huang chuckled. “Since I went to find Xiao Mi, they probably haven’t come back yet. When they get hungry, they’ll show up.” Her smile was incredibly bright—so bright the curve of her mouth felt almost eerie.

Xiao Mi silently served tea to everyone. Shen Qingyu took a sip; it was aged Dahongpao, a bit damp from the sea air, but a luxury nonetheless. The baby let out a “ya-ya” sound, demanding a drink, so Xiao Mi provided a cup with a straw. Shen Qingyu pretended it was milk, and the child drank it down without suspicion, much to the amusement of the others.

Lin Yunxia noticed the kitchen lacked meat and suggested they go catch some seafood. Granny Huang stopped them. “No need to hurry. Xiao Mi is here.” She gave the girl a look. Xiao Mi nodded, grabbed a bucket, and headed out the back door.

A short while later, a plump woman knocked on the door, carrying a basket of cabbage and tofu. Granny Huang went to the kitchen with her, closing the door tightly. However, the Espers’ senses were sharp.

“Granny Huang,” the woman’s flattering voice drifted through the door, “can Xiao Mi come to my house in two nights?”

“Didn’t she just go last week?” Granny Huang replied, sounding slightly displeased.

“My old man specifically asked for her,” the woman whispered. “I know the rules. I’ll bring two hens for Xiao Mi to nourish her so she doesn’t get worn out like last time.”

Granny Huang sighed. “Don’t let anyone else know. We can’t break the rules.”

“Of course, of course!”

Xiao Mi returned then, struggling with a bucket full of fish and shrimp. Granny Huang told her, “In two days, go to Auntie Qiu’s house at night. Just like last time.” Xiao Mi nodded woodenly, appearing used to this.

Hearing this exchange, the faces of Jiang Weiqing and her team turned grim.

“Xiao Mi is only twelve or thirteen,” Lin Yunxia whispered, biting her lip. “This is too cruel.”

The “hospitality” of the village now felt like a mask for a dark, feudal trade. Xiao Mi was being treated like a commodity.

“If this is an orphanage,” Miao Jialing added quietly, “where are the other children?”

The silence that followed was chilling. They realized why Granny Huang had discouraged them from looking for the other orphans. Shen Qingyu clutched the baby tightly, her eyes as sharp as blades. Jiang Weiqing suddenly stood up, her chair screeching against the floor.

“Where are you going?” Shen Qingyu grabbed her hand.

“Xiao Mi is still out there fishing,” Jiang Weiqing said, her voice low and tight. “I’m going to help her. I won’t be impulsive.”

Shen Qingyu exhaled. “We still have time,” she whispered. We still have time to stop this.

Jiang Weiqing found Xiao Mi on the beach. The girl looked tiny against the vast ocean, struggling with a heavy bucket. Weiqing adjusted her mood and approached with a forced smile. “I’ll help you, Xiao Mi. I’m an adult; I’m much stronger than you.”

As she reached for the bucket, she caught sight of Xiao Mi’s exposed skin: it was a map of scars, bruises, and dirt. Xiao Mi flinched, hiding her hands behind her back with a look of pure fear. Jiang Weiqing’s heart ached. “Don’t be afraid. We aren’t bad people.”

Inside, the meal prepared by Granny Huang was undeniably delicious—steamed fish that melted in the mouth, spicy stir-fried crab, and palm-sized shrimp. Despite the horror they had just overheard, the enticing aroma was a powerful lure. Chen Huawei, who had lost his appetite minutes ago, found himself gorging on the food as his hunger took over.

“Boss, this shrimp is amazing. You have to try a steamed one,” Chen Huawei said, peeling a shrimp with practiced speed before dropping a spicy stir-fried one into Hutong’s bowl. He gave his teammate a sharp glare. “Eat up, now.”

Hutong frowned, looking a bit reluctant. “I don’t really want to eat.”

Chen Huawei dismissed him instantly. “You have to.” He then carefully picked up a pair of serving chopsticks, selected a piece of sea fish, and placed it in front of Shen Qingyu. “Goddess Qing, I tasted this one first—no small bones. It’s perfect for the baby.”

Shen Qingyu blinked in surprise. “Thank you.”

At her words, Chen Huawei practically beamed, a dazed, happy smile plastered on his face. “No problem, no problem at all!” Internally, he was reeling with joy, and he even managed to sneak a quick photo of the scene with his phone. To eat with the Goddess and hear her say thank you—it was a perfect day.

Watching Chen Huawei’s pathetic display, Jiang Weiqing let out a huff of disdain. She quickly used her chopsticks to pile some shredded potatoes onto Shen Qingyu’s plate. “I remember you love shredded potatoes.”

When Shen Qingyu didn’t move her chopsticks and simply stared at her, Jiang Weiqing felt a flush of embarrassment turn into annoyance. “Even if you dislike me, you shouldn’t waste food, right?”

Shen Qingyu looked up. Seeing Jiang Weiqing’s piqued expression, a spark of playfulness rose in her. She ate the potatoes in one bite and said with mock coldness, “I thought you considered me your rival and arch-enemy?”

“I’m just being big-hearted,” Jiang Weiqing replied righteously. “For the baby’s sake.”

As if hearing her name, the baby burst into a fit of giggles, her tiny dimples showing. She was impossibly cute. Shen Qingyu shook her head and decided not to argue with “Jiang-Three-Years-Old” any further.

Granny Huang watched them eat, her face splitting into a wide, toothy grin. “Eat more, eat more!” she urged. Suddenly, she stood up, pressed her thumbs together in a specific gesture, and bowed upward. “To eat such delicious food is a blessing from the Sea God.” She looked at the group expectantly. “Quickly, follow my lead. We must learn to be grateful—grateful for everything the Sea God provides.”

Beside her, Xiao Mi had already raised her hands in a perfect imitation, her face a mask of devotion. This sudden shift shattered the harmonious atmosphere, leaving everyone feeling awkward and a bit resentful of the forced piety.

Duan Muyu pointed to her clean bowl and chopsticks. “I haven’t eaten. The Sea God’s blessings have nothing to do with me.” Being naturally cautious, she hadn’t touched the food.

Chen Huawei’s brow furrowed. He realized then that he had walked right into a trap. He let out a loud cough and imitated Granny Huang’s posture. “I was the first to eat, so I’ll bow on behalf of everyone.” He gave two perfunctory dips and sat back down. He too had sensed something strange about the village and that massive octopus statue; he decided to play it safe by faking the gesture, secretly hooking his pinkies to make it a nonsense sign.

Seeing the unhappy looks on the faces of Jiang Weiqing and the others, Granny Huang didn’t push further. She only sighed. “To be disrespectful to the Sea God… you will see your retribution soon enough.”

At that, everyone lost their appetite. They were ready to leave for the RV, but Granny Huang’s next words stopped them. “The Sea God Festival is the day after tomorrow. The devout may even see the Sea God’s true form. Don’t you want to stay and watch?”

Jiang Weiqing had zero interest in the festival or the “Sea God,” but the thought of Xiao Mi’s plight weighed on her. She nodded. “Thank you for the invitation, Granny. We’ll stay a few more days.” It was the perfect excuse to stick around.

Granny Huang beamed. “I’m glad you’re staying.” She generously offered them the wooden cottage as their temporary home.

Miao Jialing blinked and asked non-chalantly, “But if we stay here, what happens if the other orphans come back?”

“Don’t worry,” Granny Huang said with absolute certainty. “I’ll tell them. They have plenty of other places to stay.”

Thinking of what Xiao Mi would face in two days, Miao Jialing felt a surge of nausea, but she kept her composure.

*****

Jiang Weiqing, like Shen Qingyu, felt an eerie sense of familiarity the moment she stepped into the house; the layout was identical to the one in her dream. But when she searched the bookshelf on the second floor and found no mecha books or letters, she realized this reality was different. Still, the layout influenced her. That night, she instinctively wandered into Shen Qingyu’s room. If Shen Qingyu hadn’t been merciful, Weiqing would have been tossed out on her ear.

The cottage was small. The second floor went to Shen Qingyu and the baby, while Lin Yunxia and Xu Bairan took the ground floor room. Perhaps due to the sea air, Xu Bairan’s condition flared up, requiring Yunxia to continuously apply healing light to help him through the night. The others made do with the sofa or floor.

Lin Yunxia usually slept well, but tonight she felt trapped in a nightmare. When she finally jolted awake, she found herself staring directly into a pair of dark, wide eyes.

Cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she recognized the girl. “Xiao Mi? What are you doing here?”

Xu Bairan had somehow rolled under the bed, though he seemed to be in a deep, healthy sleep. Not wanting to wake him, Yunxia tried to stay calm. Xiao Mi simply blinked and drifted two inches closer to her.

In the thin moonlight, Lin Yunxia saw it clearly: Xiao Mi’s feet were hovering in the air.

Goosebumps erupted over Yunxia’s entire body. Her mind began to play back Jiang Weiqing’s ghost story on a loop. Xiao Mi—the orphan who speaks the ghost language. What was the ending? She became a spirit, followed by a long line of others.

Yunxia’s heart hammered against her ribs. She tried to close her eyes and pretend it wasn’t happening, but Xiao Mi’s gaze felt like hot wax dripping onto her skin. She forced herself to stand up, pushed past the girl, and rushed out of the room.

But her plan failed. Xiao Mi drifted right through the door after her, staying by her side with unblinking eyes. Yunxia felt as though she were walking on a knife’s edge. She didn’t know where to go, but she knew she couldn’t let Xiao Mi follow her. She didn’t want to become a “Little Ghost.”

“Boss, look at Lin Yunxia. Doesn’t she look weird?” Chen Huawei whispered to Duan Muyu. He and Hutong were awkwardly squeezed together on a single sofa bed.

Duan Muyu looked up from her tablet. Though Yunxia had her back to them, she was moving like a puppet on strings. Her limbs were stiff, and her joints were trembling with sheer terror. Strangely, there was nothing visible beside her. Her teammates were upstairs; she could have called out for help, but she seemed to have lost the awareness to do so.

Duan Muyu frowned and handed her tablet to Chen Huawei. “Hold this.”

“You got it, Boss!” Chen replied, though he muttered in confusion about why she was putting the tablet down.

Duan Muyu walked over to Lin Yunxia. “What’s wrong?”

Up close, she could see the cold sweat and the vacant look in Yunxia’s eyes. “No… nothing,” Yunxia replied reflexively, but she noticed Xiao Mi had suddenly backed away when Duan Muyu approached.

Does Xiao Mi fear her? Yunxia wondered. As Duan Muyu turned to leave, Yunxia grabbed her sleeve. “Wait!”

The moment she touched Duan Muyu, a sense of warmth flooded her, as if a barrier had been pierced. Xiao Mi vanished instantly.

“What is it?” Duan Muyu asked, pulling her sleeve away. Her patience was reaching its limit, but she knew Yunxia wasn’t the type to act out for no reason.

“I… I had a nightmare,” Yunxia whispered, looking down in embarrassment. “Can you sleep in my room tonight? Xu Bairan is there too. You can have the bed, I’ll take the floor.”

Duan Muyu looked at her, seeing only pure honesty in her eyes. On the sofa, Chen Huawei and Hutong were placing bets. Chen bet five crystals that their cold-hearted leader would refuse. Hutong disagreed, sensing her underlying kindness.

“Boss is kind?” Chen gasped.

“If she wasn’t, would we still be alive?” Hutong pointed. “I win. She’s going into the room.”

Chen was stunned. “Is she under a spell? Does she like Lin Yunxia?”

Hutong rolled his eyes and happily pocketed the five crystals.

Duan Muyu, ever a gentleman, didn’t make Yunxia sleep on the floor. She lay on the bed, her hand resting lightly on Yunxia’s shoulder. She suddenly turned her head and glared into the empty air. Xiao Mi, sensing the threat, fled through the window. Yunxia’s brow finally smoothed out as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

*****

The next morning, Chen Huawei woke up ravenous. He headed to the kitchen only to find An Songyu already there. The two shared a moment of awkward silence, both trying to hide their guilt.

“You’re up early,” An Songyu said, hiding a pair of chopsticks behind his back.

“So are you,” Chen replied, wiping grease from his lip.

Their stomachs growled in unison. They both gave in and raided the fridge together, devouring all of yesterday’s seafood. Even as grown men and Espers, the sheer volume they ate was shocking.

“Why am I so hungry?” Chen asked, patting his bloated stomach.

“And why do we only want seafood?” An Songyu added. “I still want more.”

Jiang Weiqing walked in then, her face sporting a new bruise. She was shocked to see the empty plates. “You ate… all of it? That was meant for everyone!”

“Captain, something is wrong,” An Songyu moaned. “I still want seafood. It’s like someone put a curse on me.”

“Who would curse you two?” Miao Jialing asked, appearing in the doorway.

Chen Huawei thought of the Sea God gesture. “Was it that bow?”

“You did it, I didn’t!” An Songyu wailed.

Jiang Weiqing looked at Miao Jialing. “Can you help them?”

“I’ll mix some powder to clear their systems and see if there are any parasites,” Jialing replied. As a traditional Miao doctor, this was easy for her.

“Don’t tell the villagers yet,” Jiang Weiqing warned. “Let’s see how Granny Huang reacts.”

Support