How to Raise a Baby in an Apocalypse - Chapter 208

As soon as they reach the second floor, Anran’s energy is completely drained. She trembles like a leaf in the wind, giving off an overwhelming sense of coldness.

Yun Tao’s grip falters, and Anran slips from his grasp, collapsing onto the floor. She curls up, shudders twice, and gags, her body unable to handle the strain.

Seeing this, Liu Yuan, disregarding the deep bite wound on her arm, rushes forward. She pulls Anran into her arms and drags her toward the far side of the escalator. Her voice is filled with urgency.

“Anran, are you okay? Get up, quickly!”

Her concern is genuine. She isn’t some vicious supporting character from a novel, someone completely irredeemable, despised by all, or intent on harming others. But in times of desperation, anyone can act selfishly.

Anran nods weakly. Though she can’t speak, her slight movement signals that she is conscious. With Liu Yuan’s help, she shakily sits against the corner wall. After a long, agonizing moment, she finally manages to squeeze out a single word, her face deathly pale.

“Hungry.”

“Hungry?” Liu Yuan turns to Yun Tao, whose arm is still bleeding profusely. He is just as drained.

Meanwhile, Heng Heng wriggles out of Yun Tao’s arms and clings tightly to Liu Yuan.

Liu Yuan instinctively hugs him with one arm while supporting Yun Tao with the other, helping him sit beside Anran. Now, the two of them sit slumped against the wall, exhausted.

Despite her condition, Anran is still controlling the lilies. The sheer number of people on the escalator is drawing more zombies, and Yun Tao—his body drenched in blood—is practically a walking beacon for them. More and more zombies are attempting to climb up.

But the escalator can only hold so many at a time. If Anran keeps the lilies stationed there, the second floor will remain safe. Guarding the escalator is a simple but effective strategy.

“I’ll get you some food!”

Liu Yuan stands up, still holding Heng Heng. The moment she moves, dizziness hits her, and her vision blurs. She sways on her feet, then presses her fingers hard against her eye sockets, trying to force herself to focus.

When her sight finally clears, she dismisses the sensation. It’s just anemia. No big deal.

Pushing through the weakness, she runs toward the maternity store where Little Mint is.

There are other stores nearby, but she would waste time breaking their doors open. It’s faster to take a few extra steps and go where she knows the supplies are accessible.

At the entrance of the maternity store, Little Mint stands silently, dressed in sportswear. As Liu Yuan approaches, carrying Heng Heng, Little Mint turns without a word and follows Anran’s earlier instructions. She stands beside a baby crib, gripping a fire axe, her gaze blank as she watches Liu Yuan enter the store.

Liu Yuan glances at Little Mint and frowns. Does this kid have some kind of cognitive issue?

The first floor is practically swarming with zombies, yet Little Mint stands there as if she doesn’t even understand fear.

Liu Yuan ignores her and heads straight for the food section. She grabs a few boxes of children’s biscuits and bottled water, immediately stuffing one box into Heng Heng’s hands. Then, she picks up several more before running back to Anran and Yun Tao.

The whole way, Heng Heng clings tightly to Liu Yuan’s neck, his small body trembling. He doesn’t cry or fuss—just holds onto her desperately, afraid that she might abandon him.

To a child, no matter how capable or powerless their parents might be, they are everything. Their sky, their earth, their guardian angel.

Anran accepts the biscuits from Liu Yuan and takes a few bites. With something in her stomach, her trembling finally eases, though she still feels weak and unwell.

Despite her discomfort, she notices Liu Yuan’s arm—still dripping blood. Her brows furrow as she asks,

“Your hand… is it okay?”