Chapter Six: She Is the Untouchable, To Offend Is Death

After Zhou Yu opened the door and stepped outside, it was a naked slaughter.

Earlier, with Nian Yu by his side, he hadn’t wanted her to see his bloodiest side, so he’d always used his gun. But now, with Nian Yu gone, Zhou Yu no longer cared; wielding his large blade, he hacked away as if intoxicated with adrenaline. Within moments, the remaining zombies were dispatched.

Once the zombies were dealt with, he began searching each room for survivors. After searching everywhere he could, he found only four men and one woman.

Just as Zhou Yu was about to ask if any of them could drive, a piercing scream echoed. Zhou Yu cursed under his breath and rushed back to the room where Nian Yu was. He didn’t bother knocking—he knew at such a moment, knocking was pointless. So he swung his blade, smashing the door into a pile of broken wood.

Inside, he saw Nian Yu’s clothes torn, and two men attempting to assault her. Zhou Yu’s eyes flooded with bloodlust. He rushed forward, grabbed one man and cut him down with his blade. At that moment, Zhou Yu no longer cared whether they were humans or zombies; he knew only that no one could harm Nian Yu. She was his most precious, and anyone who dared touch her would die.

Blood splattered over Zhou Yu, but he paid it no mind, advancing toward the remaining man. That man, seeing Zhou Yu’s appearance, was terrified and retreated. In just a few steps, he was cornered against the wall and dropped to his knees, kowtowing relentlessly and begging, “I’m sorry, please forgive me, let me go!”

Zhou Yu ignored him, deaf to his pleas. He strode forward, raised his blade high, and brought it down again and again, hacking the man without pause.

Screams erupted outside, but Zhou Yu only glanced back before continuing his assault. The man was soon reduced to a pulp, dead long before Zhou Yu stopped, but Zhou Yu kept hacking.

It was only when someone suddenly wrapped their arms around him from behind that he paused.

Turning to look, Zhou Yu saw it was Nian Yu. Only then did the bloodlust slowly fade from his eyes.

He turned and embraced Nian Yu, his voice hoarse: “Darling, as long as I’m here, no one will ever hurt you. Be good, don’t cry. You won’t look pretty if you keep crying.”

Zhou Yu glanced at the bloody remains on the floor and addressed the people outside the door. “Find a room—I have some questions for you.” Then, holding Nian Yu close, he led her out.

The others quickly cleared the doorway, allowing Zhou Yu to pass. Now, covered head to toe in blood, Zhou Yu looked like a demon risen from the depths of hell.

He guided Nian Yu into the next room, helped her sit, and then called the others inside. Once everyone was in and the door was closed, Zhou Yu spoke: “My name is Zhou Yu. I am neither a savior nor a saint. I saved you because the woman I love is here—otherwise I’d never risk coming. Now, whatever I ask, you answer. I don’t want to hear any nonsense.”

His words were effective. Even without the gun, the earlier scene had terrified everyone. Now, they believed that following Zhou Yu was their best chance to get out alive, but if they angered him, he’d be even more frightening than the zombies outside.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Seeing their submission, Zhou Yu continued without further delay: “First, does anyone here know how to drive? Second, is there a small, out-of-the-way welding factory nearby? It doesn’t have to be big, just somewhere small. Third, as you’ve just witnessed, she is my most sacred possession. Whoever tries to hurt her, no matter who, will only meet one end—death. Fourth, once I get you out, you’re free to leave or follow me. But I must make it clear: if you choose to come with me, I can’t guarantee your survival.”

He finished and waited quietly for their responses.

A middle-aged man spoke up, “My car is downstairs—it’s a Range Rover, executive model.”

Zhou Yu nodded. “Later, tell me how to get to it. Stick close, I’ll clear the path. When you see the car, get in as fast as possible and drive to the front entrance.”

Then another man, about Zhou Yu’s age, spoke: “Brother, could you give me and my friend two guns? We’re both veterans—came to this hospital for a job interview, never expected this. I swear on my honor as a soldier: once we’re in the car, we’ll return the guns to you. Also, I know where the welding factory is.”

Zhou Yu considered him and the man beside him, then said, “Alright, I trust you.” He handed over two pistols from his waist.

“It’s not that I won’t give you assault rifles,” Zhou Yu explained, “but I was in too much of a hurry and didn’t bring the magazines.”

The man handed a pistol to his companion. “No worries, a handgun is enough.”

Zhou Yu said no more. He took off his own clothing and dressed Nian Yu, whispering, “Put these on, darling. Stay close to me. Save your words for when we’re in the car or somewhere safe. Now is not the time. Don’t be afraid. Remember, as long as I’m alive, you won’t be hurt.”

He wiped the tears from her face, took her hand, and said, “Let’s go.” With that, he led the way out.

Zhou Yu’s guns were all out of ammunition now, and with Nian Yu behind him, he could only clear a path with his blade. The carnage was more than the others could bear.

They charged all the way to the parking lot, where the middle-aged man unlocked his car with a key.

“Get in, quick!” Zhou Yu shouted, pulling Nian Yu toward the Range Rover.

At the car, he put Nian Yu in the passenger seat and fought off zombies at the front.

Only after everyone was inside did he get in himself. The moment he entered, he told the middle-aged man to start the engine. Without hesitation, the man floored the accelerator and sped away.

Zhou Yu guided him from the backseat, directing where to drive and stop. He then told the two veterans behind him, “Hold on to the guns for now. Cover me when I switch vehicles. Once I’m in my car, tell him the location of the welding factory. I’ll follow you.”

As soon as Zhou Yu finished, the driver stopped.

Zhou Yu sprang out, opened the passenger door, pulled Nian Yu out, and ran toward his own armored vehicle.

He shouted as he ran, “Xiao Jie, open the door, cover me!”

Xiao Jie had been anxiously waiting in the car. Hearing Zhou Yu’s call, he immediately reacted.

A gunshot rang out behind Zhou Yu; he glanced back and saw a zombie fall. He realized one of the veterans had fired and saved Nian Yu’s life.

Without stopping, Zhou Yu pulled Nian Yu to his vehicle, ushered her inside first, and stood guard outside.

“Zhou Yu, hurry up!” Xiao Jie shouted anxiously.

Seeing Nian Yu safely inside, Zhou Yu grabbed the door frame and leapt up, yelling from outside, “Go!” He closed the door, started the engine, and sped off.