“This is incredible,” Mori Aoi said as she spun around.

  “This is magical,” Shae Harris said, leaning over the side of the bridge.

  “Is that an actual river down there, and how did we get on a bridge after walking through a door?” Wei Zhi gulped and shifted far away from the edge.

  “It certainly feels real.” Yi Zheng narrowed his eyes as he lifted his leg and stomped the ground heavily.

  The sensation felt real—especially the numb feeling in his leg.

  Yi Zheng turned his gaze back to the closed door, then to the rushing river beneath them.

  “This place was created to meet all your needs,” the guide said while holding some equipment.

  “Yeah, but a literal bridge is kind of over the top,” Shae Harris said, still leaning dangerously over the bridge.

  “What’s that in your hand?” Wei Zhi asked, looking warily at the rope in the guide’s hand.

  “Tools. You wish to go bungee jumping, do you not?” the guide replied as he walked over to a random spot at the side of the bridge.

  “That’s right,” Shae Harris said, skipping over to watch the guide work.

  “Need any help?” Mori Aoi offered.

  “No need. You are guests here,” the guide shook his head.

  After setting it up, he clapped his hands and stood straight.

  “Done already?” Shae Harris moved closer to inspect.

  “Why wasn’t it attached already?” Yi Zheng had to ask.

  That was because Yi Zheng had noticed how the place was always arranged and ready to receive these kids.

  Whether it was Noi Karn or Ming Jun, nothing needed to be added or fixed.

  So why the anomaly now?

  Was this supposed guide trying to show them something?

  Or had some rule been broken, making his actions less restricted?

  Or maybe he wanted them to let down their guard.

  “No need to worry too much. I simply wanted to show the process so that guests can enjoy themselves without worrying about safety,” the guide said sincerely.

  “And there’s no other meaning?” Yi Zheng raised an eyebrow.

  “What other meaning might there be?” the guide answered with a question.

  “Who knows.” Yi Zheng narrowed his eyes and shrugged.

  “Hey, how do I wear this?” Shae Harris said loudly from the side of the bridge.

  The guide nodded at Yi Zheng, then helped Shae Harris into the restraints.

  “Wait, are you sure you’re up for this?” Wei Zhi held Mori Aoi’s wrist and didn’t dare to look over the edge.

  “Relax, I’ll be there,” Shae Harris interrupted.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” Wei Zhi glared at her.

  Shae Harris bared her teeth at him.

  “I’ll be fine. I know how to swim,” Mori Aoi smiled reassuringly.

  “Yeah, in a pool maybe, but not a river,” Wei Zhi argued stubbornly.

  “Even if I do fall in, I know how to get to the other side,” Mori Aoi assured him.

  “But—” Wei Zhi wanted to argue again.

  “My sister once threw me into a river when she and her friends went to a forest picnic, so trust me, I can do it.” Mori Aoi tried to give him enough proof to reassure him.

  But Wei Zhi just looked complicated and distraught.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Mori Aoi asked, startled.

  “Nothing. He’s just out of it,” Shae Harris tried to give him a look to get over it.

  She also felt angry after hearing about what Mori Aoi’s sister did, but that wouldn’t change anything.

  And if this were the former world without zombies, they still wouldn’t be able to change anything.

  In fact, they might not be able to do anything even now.

  So it was best to just let it go.

  That was what Shae Harris thought—but secretly, her mind went to punching the girl in the face and then running away.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Or maybe I could lose control and accidentally harm her, Shae Harris thought darkly.

  “He doesn’t look okay,” Mori Aoi said, waving a hand in front of Wei Zhi’s face.

  “Why don’t you kiss him awake?” Shae Harris snapped out of her dark thoughts and teased.

  “Okay then.” Mori Aoi was too worried about Wei Zhi’s condition to hear the obvious teasing in Shae Harris’s voice.

  Or think about what she was actually about to do.

  Instead, she put on a determined look and leaned in.

  Wei Zhi was distracted from his thoughts when he felt someone leaning closer.

  Who could it be? From that direction, it should be Mori Aoi…

  Mori Aoi…

  Ah…

  Wei Zhi thought silently until his mind went blank and his heart went into overdrive.

  He could hear it pounding in his chest and almost thought it was going to pop out.

  His pupils dilated, and he stood frozen as she leaned closer.

  Mori Aoi lightly kissed his cheek, barely even touching it.

  She withdrew a second later, yet Wei Zhi felt like something exploded in his head.

  All he could hear was ringing, and his thoughts ceased completely.

  “He looks even worse,” Mori Aoi said anxiously.

  Shae Harris, who had been enjoying the show from the side, tapped into the conversation.

  “He’s fine. Ask him anything,” Shae Harris put an arm over Mori Aoi’s shoulder and winked at her.

  “Are you okay?” Mori Aoi asked Wei Zhi.

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” Wei Zhi replied casually.

  “You worried me.” Mori Aoi immediately pouted and turned away.

  “I couldn’t handle you kissing me,” Wei Zhi said, smiling innocently at her.

  “I—I didn’t. Don’t talk nonsense,” Mori Aoi blushed as she finally realized what she’d done.

  “You totally did. Why aren’t you so brave anymore?” Wei Zhi took a step closer.

  “I was always brave,” Mori Aoi took a step back as Shae Harris moved away to watch the drama.

  But she couldn’t help being amazed at the guts of this green tea.

  Why was he suddenly so brave this time? It must be because of that kiss.

  Shame on him for getting confident just from a light touch on his cheek, Shae Harris snorted disdainfully.

  “Yes, yes, you’re so brave that you can kiss me when I wasn’t prepared. I’m the scared one,” Wei Zhi nodded matter-of-factly as he quickly took two more steps forward.

  Mori Aoi wanted to complain, but she was startled by his sudden pace and took a large step back.

  Before she could react, Wei Zhi was already in front of her and yanked her toward him.

  She slammed into his body and felt a hand on her back, holding her snug against him.

  “Careful, bunny. You could’ve fallen over the edge,” Wei Zhi whispered into her ear.

  “Thank you,” Mori Aoi said meekly, her head lowered, her blush reaching her neck.

  “From this distance, it should be easier to take advantage of me,” Wei Zhi chuckled softly.

  “As if I want to,” Mori Aoi stuttered and pushed him away.

  Wei Zhi released her and helped adjust her gear, which had shifted during their exchange.

  “I’ll be ready for when you do want to,” Wei Zhi said as he rubbed her head and walked back.

  Shae Harris, shocked at what she’d just witnessed, gave him a side glance.

  But she couldn’t read anything from his face as he tilted his head down, long bangs covering half of it.

  All she could see was the subtle smirk at the corner of his lips.

  “Are you guys ready?” the guide, who had disappeared earlier, suddenly appeared beside her.

  “When did you disappear?” Shae Harris asked, clutching her startled heart.

  The guide merely smiled politely.

  “Whatever, we’re ready.” Shae Harris shrugged and grabbed Mori Aoi’s hand.

  Mori Aoi was nervous at first, but now she was distracted by something else.

  So she didn’t panic as Shae Harris dragged her to jump, the wind slamming into her as they fell.

  Shae Harris shouted excitedly, and Mori Aoi giggled.

  All in all, they both had a lot of fun.

  “That was both scary and fun,” Shae Harris said once they were back on the bridge.

  “Yeah… fun,” Mori Aoi agreed.

  “Well then, the next activity should be just as fun,” the guide said, gesturing politely.

  “Then let’s go.” Shae Harris held Mori Aoi’s hand as they ran to the other side of the bridge and through the door.

  What they met was a helicopter.

  “The next activity is skydiving,” the guide said.

  “Inside a building?” Shae Harris couldn’t help but ask.

  “Everything has been arranged,” the guide replied confidently.

  “That’s the part I’m worried about,” Shae Harris muttered.

  “It is very safe,” the guide said seriously.

  “Well, I only live once—and a much shorter life than most—so why not?” Shae Harris climbed into the helicopter.

  Mori Aoi hesitated this time.

  “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” Wei Zhi said beside her.

  Mori Aoi wanted to say more to convince herself, but she was still angry with him, so she only huffed and looked away.

  “You kissed me, did you not?” Wei Zhi tilted his head and asked.

  Mori Aoi choked and stomped her foot.

  “Hey, sister, look who I found,” Shae Harris said, swinging the shadow cat in her hand.

  “Coming.” Mori Aoi gave Wei Zhi one last look and sat beside Shae Harris.

  She held the cat, feeling reassured.

  After all, it was a cat that could do amazing things—so they should be safe with it.

  “Not coming?” Shae Harris asked Wei Zhi.

  He shook his head.

  “Coward,” Shae Harris snorted.

  “Did you just figure that out?” Wei Zhi replied nonchalantly.

  “Shameless.”

  “So are you.” Wei Zhi turned and walked away.

  Leaving behind a furious Shae Harris and a confused Mori Aoi.

  “The pilot is a professional, and these are your equipment,” the guide said as he attached the parachutes to their backs.

  “Don’t worry. It’s automatic, so you just need to relax.”

  “You’re not coming with us?” Mori Aoi asked curiously.

  “No. I have something to do first.” The guide motioned to the pilot, and the helicopter took off.

  “Wow, it really feels like we’re in the sky,” Shae Harris said, pressing her hands to the window.

  “Look, a cloud!” Mori Aoi pointed as one drifted past them.

  “It’s time.” The pilot was a man with noticeable wrinkles, yet he looked energetic.

  He wore a kind smile, as though he were always shooting an advertisement.

  “All you need to do is jump. The parachute will do the rest,” he said as the door beside Shae Harris slid open.

  She wasn’t afraid and leaned forward to look down.

  “I suggest you don’t look first,” the pilot stopped her.

  Shae Harris considered it and realized she’d probably get nervous if she did.

  “Ready?” she turned to Mori Aoi.

  “No,” Mori Aoi replied honestly.

  “Me too,” Shae Harris said just as honestly.

  They both chuckled.

  “Okay, on three.” Shae Harris stood at the open door, staring straight ahead.

  Mori Aoi stood beside her, gripping her hand tightly and looking up as well.

  “One—” was all Shae Harris managed before someone pushed them off.

  The shadow cat retracted it's outstretched paws and melted into the shadows which disappeared.

  They fell straight down, screaming as they clutched each other.

  Then the fear faded, replaced by the thrill of the wind slamming into them, and their screams turned into laughter.

  Shae Harris had to shout to be heard.

  “Check this out!” She pulled her arms in and kept her legs together.

  Instead of falling straight, she dove downward.

  After a while, she stretched her arms and legs, slowing herself and lifting slightly.

  She laughed excitedly, flipped herself to face Mori Aoi, and waved.

  Mori Aoi copied her movements until they were side by side.

  Their parachutes deployed automatically as they neared the ground.

  Mori Aoi wondered what Yi Zheng and Wei Zhi were doing, as no one was waiting at the landing spot.

  The answer was that Yi Zheng stood in front of the Multipurpose Stadium, staring at the young man before him.

  At the same time, Alex stood warily, facing the two people blocking the entrance.

  One was a young man in his twenties, the other much younger.

  Alex guessed Shae Harris would come here—it was the most popular stadium.

  But it was far from the hospital, so it had taken time.

  He had also needed to stop and rest, to eat.

  He hadn’t been sure this was the right track until he stumbled upon a relatively clean building nearby.

  Someone had stayed there recently, and it was close to the stadium.

  There was nothing directly linking it to Shae Harris, but every room showed signs of habitation.

  Still, Alex had a theory.

  Shae Harris couldn’t possibly have made it here alone.

  According to her medical report, she regularly suffered severe pain.

  She would be carrying painkillers—and someone would need to drive her and help her walk when the pain became unbearable.

  But Alex hadn’t seen any painkillers in that apartment.

  So he came to the stadium to confirm his suspicion.

  That was how he met the two standing at the door.

  The young man in front of him didn’t look easy to deal with.

  Especially with how he kept fiddling with the gun in his hand while staring Alex down.

  Yi Zheng noticed Alex’s gaze and calmly holstered the weapon at his waist.

  “What do you want?” Yi Zheng asked.

  “I just want to take a look inside,” Alex replied without fear.

  He had gone through many regressions and had never seen this man before.

  That meant he was likely just a normal survivor.

  Against normal survivors, Alex felt no fear.

  “Sorry, but it’s in use. Private party,” Yi Zheng shrugged.

  “Then I’d like to be invited inside.” Alex stepped forward firmly.

  “Sorry, we don’t accept late applications,” Wei Zhi shook his head.

  “I think someone like me would be very useful,” Alex said as he pulled out a kitchen knife and ignited it.

  “You see, I’m a very good chef,” he added, twirling the flaming blade.

  “Wow, nice party trick—but we don’t need a chef,” Yi Zheng clapped politely.

  “Mori Aoi’s cooking is good enough, and we don’t need to encourage Shae Harris to eat more,” Wei Zhi added thoughtfully.

  Alex’s gaze sharpened at the name, then softened.

  Yi Zheng remained outwardly calm, but internally, his suspicions were confirmed.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be hiding somewhere?” Yi Zheng shot Wei Zhi a look as he drew his gun again.

  “Aren’t you here? There’s no place safer than behind you.” Wei Zhi slipped behind Yi Zheng and patted his back.

  “There’s no fighting allowed,” the guide appeared suddenly.