Bai Qianqian held the gray Elemental Crystal lovingly, her eyes sparkling with delight. Sensing Fang Yuxin's gaze, he turned to look at her, batting his big eyes, and happily presented the Elemental Crystal in front of Fang Yuxin, "Mama, what is this? It feels so comfortable to touch."
Fang Yuxin looked at his face that seemed to be asking for praise, and couldn't help but pinch it. As soon as she did, Bai Qianqian's bun-like cheeks instantly flushed with the urge to dodge, yet he couldn't bear to pull away. Had it been anyone else, he wouldn't have let them pinch his cheeks, but Fang Yuxin was different; she was the "Mama" Bai Qianqian had long been looking forward to.
Fang Yuxin was amused by his expression and couldn't help but let out a "pfft" of laughter. Seeing Bai Qianqian promptly pout his bun-like face, she cleared her throat and complimented, "Qianqian, you're so amazing!"
Upon hearing her praise, Bai Qianqian's mouth couldn't help but curve into a smile. Then, it suddenly occurred to him that Fang Yuxin hadn't yet answered his question! Holding the Elemental Crystal, he felt an inexplicable comfort. He had a faint sense that there was a special energy within it that he very much desired.
Bai Qianqian couldn't resist asking again, "Mama, what exactly is this?"
There was no need for secrecy anymore, so Fang Yuxin said, "This one is a Spiritual Element Essence Crystal, which matches your superpower. You can absorb it to enhance your superpower talent. Qianqian, do you understand?"
Bai Qianqian thought for a moment and then nodded before asking, "Mama, can I absorb it now?" He had been longing to absorb the Elemental Crystal that had been drawing him in for quite some time.
Fang Yuxin was somewhat worried; after all, Bai Qianqian was still a child, and this was his first time absorbing an Elemental Crystal. What if something went wrong? Besides, now wasn't the right moment. She remembered that absorbing an Elemental Crystal couldn't be interrupted, so it was best done within the Qingmu Spiritual Mansion.
She shook her head and cautioned Bai Qianqian, "Qianqian, listen to Mom, it's not the right time now. We should wait until it's dark and change locations before absorbing it."
Bai Qianqian immediately thought of Fang Yuxin's Qingmu Spiritual Mansion and obediently agreed. Although he really wanted to absorb the Elemental Crystal in his hands right away, since Fang Yuxin had said so, he would just do as told.
At this time, Fang Yuyang, Fang Jintang, and Qu Qianhe had also finished cutting their Elemental Stones. Qu Qianhe was luckier; after cutting it open, she found an Earth Element Essence Crystal, whereas Fang Yuyang and Fang Jintang were less fortunate; the stones they opened contained no crystals and were empty stones.
However, Qu Qianhe was a Fire Ability user, and Fang Jintang was of the Earth Element, so the Earth Element Essence Crystal, which Qu Qianhe couldn't use herself, ended up benefiting Fang Jintang.
By then, it was six o'clock in the evening, and Fang Yuxin suggested they have dinner. The natural gas supply had already been cut off, but fortunately, they had prepared plenty of gas cylinders and weren't worried about being unable to cook. While Fang Yuxin and Qu Qianhe were preparing dinner, the other three weren't idle either and were cutting more Elemental Stones.
Today was the first day of the apocalypse, and they had prepared ample supplies. Fang Yuxin and Qu Qianhe decided not to skimp on themselves, making a hearty dinner, though considering it was evening, they made food that was easy to digest.
Half an hour later, the aroma of food filled the entire room. Two grown men along with Bai Qianqian all stopped their chopping and, drawn by the scent, quickly made their way to the dining table.
Whether it was psychological or physiological reasons, the three of them felt especially hungry and couldn't control themselves upon smelling the food. Qu Qianhe and Fang Yuxin had served the meals, and seeing the three approach without washing their hands, they stared at them and said unceremoniously, "Wash your hands first!"
Fang Jintang and Fang Yuyang exchanged glances and obediently went to wash their hands, followed by Bai Qianqian. The basin was already filled with water, and after washing their hands, they once again gathered around the dining table.
The family enjoyed this dinner immensely. Although the situation outside was not optimistic, the fact that they were all here and well was the greatest happiness. Still, Fang Jintang couldn't help but worry about Fang Mengyao. Although he didn't like this daughter, he had raised her for many years and couldn't possibly be devoid of any feelings for her. Despite his concerns, he didn't show it and certainly didn't mention it in front of the others.
They had just finished dinner when Fang Jintang and Fang Yuyang were washing dishes in the kitchen; suddenly, a convoy of vehicles entered the villa area, shattering the peace.
The villa area was large, with beautiful mountain and water surroundings, resembling a secluded paradise. All the villas had been sold out, mostly already decorated, but the owners had not had the chance to move in yet. Besides Fang Yuxin's family, only a few other households had settled in. However, since they were far apart, they didn't pay much attention to the others.
But now, quite a few survivors poured into the area. Among these survivors, some were the owners here, and upon arrival, they instinctively sought their houses, preparing to move in.
The Qiu Family had a villa here, which was already decorated. Qiu Yiming did not 'return' home with his parents but instead planned to find Fang Yuxin. Knowing that she had moved here a few days ago, yet uncertain of her current situation, he felt uneasy and decided to check on her.
Fang Mengyao came with him, and after meeting halfway, she left her previous group and followed Qiu Yiming. Qiu Yiming's parents looked down on her, knowing she was the Fang Family's illegitimate daughter, but he wanted to uncover whatever secrets she hid, and since she was Fang Yuxin's sister after all, he brought her along.
Along the way, Fang Mengyao gathered information through hints and probing, learning that the Fang Family had moved to this villa area. When she first heard, she felt a bitter taste in her heart, because the houses here were expensive, and those who could afford a house here were invariably wealthy or noble. She had thought the high-level apartment of her original body was quite good, but compared to the Fang Family's villa, it felt like a joke!
Fang Mengyao's heart filled with resentment. They were both daughters, yet Fang Yuxin lived in a villa, and she only had an apartment; why? Even though Qiu Yiming said that the house here was bought by Fang Yuxin herself, Fang Mengyao didn't believe it. Where did Fang Yuxin get the money? Wasn't it provided by Fang Jintang? Yet when she asked Fang Jintang for money, he only gave her one million! Like throwing coins to a beggar!
When Qiu Yiming suggested they visit the Fang Family, Fang Mengyao immediately followed. She wanted to see what sort of place Fang Yuxin lived in! Moreover, if the Fang Family members had all turned into zombies, that would be great—in that case, the villa would be hers!
With these thoughts, Fang Mengyao's gaze grew colder, and she couldn't help harboring a few hopeful thoughts in her heart.