The Villainous Female Side Character Pretends to Be an Omega in the Apocalypse and Raises a Cat - Chapter 32

Chi Yingdong stood inside the testing room, her gaze lowered as she examined the device used to detect supernatural abilities. The silver-gray metal casing emitted a cold gleam, covered in glowing blue patterns, giving the entire instrument a strong futuristic technological vibe.

This machine was definitely not developed hastily after the apocalypse. She grew increasingly certain that the government had begun researching supernatural abilities even before the cataclysm.

A medical staff member explained, “Please place your hand on the sensor panel and slowly release your ability.”

Chi Yingdong cooperatively raised her hand, her pale fingertips casting faint shadows on the sensor panel. As she released her ability, the indicator lights on the device began to change, shifting from crimson to orange-yellow. Sensing the device’s operational principle, she immediately controlled her energy output, finally leaving the indicator lights alternating between cyan and blue.

Meng Qinghe’s ability potential was rated S-.

The medical staff quickly recorded the data on a tablet. Although Chi Yingdong’s ability potential wasn’t S-grade, ability users with S- potential were still rare within the base. Moreover, Chi Yingdong was the first ability user in the base to reach level three. If she chose to remain in Shanghai Base, she would undoubtedly become someone valued by the higher-ups, perhaps even joining their ranks.

Thinking this, the medical staff’s attitude grew increasingly respectful. “Congratulations. Your ability level has been assessed at tier three, with an ability potential rating of A-. This is your identity card, the back contains information about your assigned residence in the base. You may move in immediately.”

Chi Yingdong accepted the identity card. As her fingertips brushed against the card’s edge, she noticed another card tucked beneath it. Separating the two cards, she discovered the second one was Meng Qinghe’s identity card.

Exiting the testing room, Chi Yingdong handed both cards to Meng Qinghe. “We’re done here. Let’s go.”

Meng Qinghe took the identity cards and curiously compared them side by side. The two cards were nearly identical, the only difference lay in the remarks section. Chi Yingdong’s card read “Ability User,” while hers stated “Ability User’s Family Member.”

Meng Qinghe’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the words “family member.”

Chi Yingdong paused in the testing center’s lobby, where a simplified map of the base hung on the wall. Studying the map, she asked, “Which residence have we been assigned?”

Meng Qinghe hurriedly checked the back of her identity card. “East District, Row 7, Building 108.”

“Alright.” Chi Yingdong’s eyes quickly scanned the map before settling on a specific location. Committing the map’s information to memory, she led Meng Qinghe eastward.

The inner district was actually the pre-apocalypse villa area. What was once a luxurious neighborhood now carried the desolate atmosphere unique to the post-apocalyptic world. The pointed roofs of European-style houses stood as silent silhouettes against the moonlight, while dried rose bushes rustled in the night wind like countless tiny bones rubbing together.

On their way to their new home, they passed by a supply distribution point. The persistent high temperatures continued to scorch the earth, daytime surface temperatures in Shanghai had long surpassed sixty degrees Celsius, turning the entire city into a massive steamer. Consequently, Shanghai’s residents had adjusted their routines, active at night and resting during the day.

Thus, even though it was already three in the morning, the supply distribution point remained brightly lit. Through the shimmering window reflections, shadowy figures could be seen moving about.

Chi Yingdong noticed Meng Qinghe’s footsteps gradually slowing down.

The young woman’s gaze kept drifting toward the supply point, her curiosity nearly overflowing from her eyes.

“Shall we go in and take a look?” Chi Yingdong suggested.

Upon hearing this, Meng Qinghe immediately nodded, her fingers clutching the sleeve of Chi Yingdong’s coat.

This unconscious gesture brought a faint, almost imperceptible softness to Chi Yingdong’s eyes.

As they approached the entrance, the attendant promptly switched to a well-trained smile and gave a slight bow.

“You ladies seem unfamiliar, must be new to the inner city,” the attendant said in a warm, polite tone, his eyes discreetly scanning their neat attire. “What would you like to purchase today? We have everything from daily necessities to luxury items.”

With a welcoming gesture, he guided them inside the villa.

The three-story European-style villa had clearly been meticulously renovated. A crystal chandelier hung from the arched ceiling, and the polished marble floor reflected their figures.

Neatly arranged shelves filled the spacious hall, with various products gleaming temptingly under the soft lighting.

“The first floor mainly sells food,” the attendant explained as they walked, his leather shoes tapping crisply against the floor.

“Here, we not only offer pre-packaged foods produced before the apocalypse but also a variety of ready-to-eat dishes prepared on-site by specially hired chefs. All ingredients undergo strict screening to ensure safety and quality.”

The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, mingling with the rich scent of coffee, creating an illusion that they had returned to the pre-apocalyptic era.

Uniformed staff moved gracefully among the customers, offering quiet, attentive service.

The atmosphere gave one the false impression that the apocalypse had never occurred.

Meng Qinghe’s gaze suddenly locked onto a box of pastries displayed at the center of a showcase.

It was an exquisite sandalwood gift box, and through the glass cover, one could see twenty-four pastries, each uniquely shaped and as delicate as works of art.

Honey, wolfberry, and red date cakes for Rain Water, small pastries for Awakening of Insects, cranberry and mulberry treats for Spring Equinox…

The twenty-four solar terms had been perfectly recreated in miniature.

Noticing Meng Qinghe’s fixed gaze on the solar term pastries, the attendant began to explain.

“These pastries were crafted by our head pastry chef.”

“Each piece is meticulously made following ancient methods. Just collecting the ingredients requires three field teams. Currently, they are in limited supply, with only ten boxes sold per day.”

Meng Qinghe’s fingers unconsciously tightened.

Even in the pre-apocalyptic era when resources were abundant, such a box of pastries would have been considered luxurious.

But now, while people in the outer districts were fighting for a single piece of compressed biscuit, here, precious resources were being squandered on such extravagant, impractical pleasures.

This realization felt like a blunt knife, slowly and heavily scraping across Meng Qinghe’s heart.

The delicate pastries in the box suddenly seemed glaring, and the entire lavish exhibition hall made her feel suffocated.

“Do you want these pastries?”

Chi Yingdong’s voice sounded beside her, interrupting Meng Qinghe’s thoughts.

Meng Qinghe shook her head, her long lashes casting shadows under her eyes.

In that moment, she understood with painful clarity that the gap between social classes remained unbridgeable, even in life-or-death situations.

Suddenly, she lost all interest in browsing the supply station.

“Let’s go,” she said to Chi Yingdong.

Chi Yingdong pursed her lips, her gaze lingering for a moment on Meng Qinghe’s slightly lowered eyes.

In the end, she said nothing, silently following Meng Qinghe’s footsteps.

The attendant’s smile faded almost instantly.

She had initially thought these two well-dressed customers might be promising potential clients, but they were leaving before even finishing their browse through the shelves.

The attendant gave a perfunctory nod, not even bothering to step forward to see them out, and turned to greet another lady who had just entered.

The remaining stretch of road seemed unusually long in the darkness.

The moonlight was obscured by thick clouds, leaving only the hazy glow of streetlights casting their elongated shadows.

Meng Qinghe kept her head down, staring at the tips of her shoes, her footsteps echoing clearly in the quiet street.

It wasn’t until the house number 7-108 came into view.

Meng Qinghe fished her ID card from her pocket and was about to swipe it when Chi Yingdong’s warm hand covered her wrist, not forceful, but firm enough to prevent resistance.

She looked up and saw Chi Yingdong’s slightly furrowed brow, her own bewildered face reflected in the other’s pupils.

Meng Qinghe’s eyelashes fluttered. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong with you?” Chi Yingdong replied calmly.

In the quiet surroundings, her voice seemed amplified in Meng Qinghe’s ears.

Chi Yingdong released her wrist and instead tucked a stray strand of hair behind Meng Qinghe’s ear.

The intimate gesture made Meng Qinghe clutch her ID card nervously.

“I…” She opened her mouth, her throat feeling as if something were stuck. “I just don’t know what will become of me…”

Chi Yingdong didn’t rush her, quietly waiting for Meng Qinghe to continue.

Meng Qinghe gathered her thoughts and began to express her feelings.

“That box of pastries we saw earlier, they take so much time and effort to make.”

“So many ordinary people are stuck outside the base, risking their lives for a piece of compressed biscuit, while those in the inner city splurge on pastries. Even in the outer city, low-level ability users take on dangerous missions just to survive, searching for ingredients to make those pastries.”

“If it weren’t for you protecting me…”

Meng Qinghe lowered her head. She had no abilities, and her current comfortable life was entirely thanks to Chi Yingdong.

Without Chi Yingdong…

She didn’t dare to think too deeply about what would have become of her.

Chi Yingdong listened quietly, the night breeze rustling the strands of hair on her forehead.

“Look at me,” she said.

She suddenly reached out, her cool fingertips lifting Meng Qinghe’s chin.

The motion forced Meng Qinghe to meet her gaze.

Their eyes locked, and Meng Qinghe blinked.

Chi Yingdong’s eyes appeared as deep, dark pools in the night, as if they could see right through her.

“You’ll have abilities soon, too.”

Chi Yingdong’s tone was resolute, her thumb gently stroking Meng Qinghe’s jawline.

Meng Qinghe forced a faint smile. “Are you trying to comfort me?”

“No,” Chi Yingdong shook her head. “Gaining abilities is simple.”

She leaned in suddenly, her breath brushing against Meng Qinghe’s cheek. “Do you trust me?”

At such close proximity, Meng Qinghe could see the fragmented light in Chi Yingdong’s pupils.

She felt herself getting lost, sinking into that gaze, and instinctively nodded.

“Close your eyes.”

Chi Yingdong commanded.

Meng Qinghe immediately obeyed, shutting her eyes.

She felt Chi Yingdong’s palm press against her forehead, the temperature unusually scorching.

A strange warmth spread from the point of contact, and she seemed to hear the sound of blood rushing through her veins, every cell in her body tingling with excitement.

“The key to awakening supernatural abilities is to flip the switch.”

Chi Yingdong’s voice seemed to drift from a distant place.

Meng Qinghe suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest, as if something were breaking free from a cocoon.

Her eyes snapped open, and she discovered a pale green glow shimmering in her palm.

“What is this?”

She stared at her hand in disbelief.

Chi Yingdong’s expression turned slightly serious.

Meng Qinghe had not awakened an ordinary wood-element ability.

“Life-system ability.”

Chi Yingdong withdrew her hand, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips. “An ability even rarer than the lightning element.”

Meng Qinghe glanced at the withered rose bush beneath the railing.

As she stretched out her hand, the green light cascaded like flowing water, and the dried branches visibly regained their verdant hue.

New buds sprouted, leaves unfurled, and finally, a delicate, vibrant red rose bloomed.

Meng Qinghe leaned down to gently inhale the rose’s fragrance, its sweet scent immediately filling her senses.

Her fingertips brushed against the rose petals, feeling their velvety texture, everything felt surreal.

She!

Just like that, she had supernatural abilities?!

Meng Qinghe hesitated over whether to pluck the rose, but in the end, she picked it.

She offered the flower to Chi Yingdong. “For you.”

Chi Yingdong didn’t take it immediately.

In the dim light of night, her gaze was inscrutable.

Meng Qinghe’s arm grew tired from holding it out, and she pouted in disappointment.

Only then did Chi Yingdong relent. “From now on, I don’t want to see you looking dejected. I don’t like it.”

Meng Qinghe nodded obediently. “Okay.”

At that moment, she desperately wanted Chi Yingdong to hold her.

Receiving the affirmation, Chi Yingdong accepted the flower.

Unexpectedly, Meng Qinghe grabbed her sleeve.

Chi Yingdong looked at her with amusement. “Having second thoughts about giving it to me?”

Meng Qinghe shook her head. “I want you to hold me.”

How could Chi Yingdong refuse such a request from the girl? Besides, it was exactly what she wanted as well.

She drew Meng Qinghe into her arms, and under the moonlight, the two embraced quietly.

Their cheeks pressed together, and in that moment, their hearts were profoundly content.