How to Raise a Baby in an Apocalypse - Chapter 249

“I do have that in mind, but with just the two of us and several children… the journey is too long. We need to wait, we need to wait.”

Yun Tao keeps his real thoughts to himself. He doesn’t mention that he plans to follow Lei Jiang’s group to observe their movements. If Lei Jiang intends to head to northern Hubei, Yun Tao and Anran will tag along. However, that was his original plan — now Yun Tao has changed his mind.

The more he speaks with Lei Jiang, the clearer it becomes that Lei Jiang is unusually eager to have him join the team. Something feels off. The more Lei Jiang pushes, the more Yun Tao resists.

“Recently, some of my people have been thinking about heading to northern Hubei. But you know… while it’s good to rely on a strong group, the journey is unpredictable. Zombies are evolving, and rather than spending too much time on the road, we might be better off fortifying a secure place,” Lei Jiang says with a smile, sounding like he’s offering sincere advice. “If you don’t mind, you can join our group. I, Lei Jiang, don’t have many skills, but I just want to protect Xiangcheng and help it grow. If you join my group, you and I will be family, looking out for each other.”

“Yes, yes, that sounds good, but we’ve got a big burden. Captain, you already have so many people to take care of — we’d better manage on our own.”

“No problem at all! Just come back with me today. Don’t worry about anything else — I’ll have my guys help with the supplies. You just need to bring your sister-in-law and the kids along.”

Lei Jiang smiles in apparent relief. After convincing Yun Tao to join his team, he stands up as if ready to take them away immediately.

“No rush, no rush.” Yun Tao remains seated, waving a hand to stall him. “My wife… she’s had bad experiences with survivor teams. Captain, you understand how it is in times like these — for women… well, it’s not something I can decide alone. If I push her too hard, she’ll resist. I’ll spend the night talking to her.”

What Lei Jiang really wants is for Anran to return with him. When Yun Tao mentions her past experiences, Lei Jiang immediately understands what he means. In this world, most women who have been part of survivor teams have likely endured something unpleasant — what else could it be?

“Of course, of course. Persuade my sister-in-law well,” Lei Jiang says generously.

After chatting a little longer, Lei Jiang — satisfied that Yun Tao seems willing to join — says goodbye and leaves with Zhou Xiang.

Outside, Lei Jiang’s power users are still battling zombies. Instead of calling his men back right away, Lei Jiang takes the majority of the zombies on the street with him, leading them away to ease the pressure around the motel.

Once Lei Jiang is gone, Anran carries the sleeping baby downstairs, with Little Mint and Hengheng following close behind. She wants to say something but pauses when she sees Yun Tao sitting alone at the table, his head lowered and his face heavy with thought.

“What’s wrong? Brother Tao, is something wrong?”

“Everything’s wrong.”

Yun Tao lifts his head, stands up, and paces around the room. Sunlight fills the space as he walks past the pile of supplies on the floor. After glancing out the window and thinking for a while, he suddenly turns back to Anran and says,

“The green plants around the hotel are too obvious.”

Author’s Notes:

Lei Jiang: Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, where’s your husband? I want to fight him!
Anran: …
Zhan Lian: Lei Jiang, what do you want with me? A fight? Fine, let’s go.
Lei Jiang: Uh…
Yun Tao: Hahahahaha.