Chapter 400: Are You Also a Host Chosen by the System?
Deep down, Su Tao had a deadline in mind—if any news emerged within three days about mutant zombies slaughtering humans, she would personally send Jiang Tong to the laboratory.
These three days were not just a chance for Jiang Tong but also for all mutant zombies.
Shi Zijin nodded, “It’s good that you’ve thought it through. Three days is still manageable.”
Seeing Su Tao’s flushed face, he frowned and said, “Your fever hasn’t subsided, has it? Today is a crucial day for your awakening. Take the day off and rest properly, or you’ll find that your physical condition will still be weak after awakening.”
Hearing this, Su Tao immediately decided to give herself a day off.
But even though she was lying in bed, her mind remained busy. She made call after call, mobilizing all available personnel in Taoyang to search in the direction of the Shou’an Base for any trace of Huapi.
Even Lingyu and Black Sesame, despite their reluctance, were recruited to help.
With their combined efforts, unless Huapi had vanished into thin air, the chances of finding her were still high.
Sure enough, by noon, Black Sesame shared his vision with her.
Through his eyes, Su Tao “saw” drops of blood disappearing into the horizon on the dry desert ground—leading precisely in the direction of Shou’an Base.
Feeling more confident, Su Tao said, “Good job, Black Bean. Complete this mission, and I’ll lift your ban from Chili’s room.”
With a meow, Black Sesame shot out like a blade leaving its sheath.
Just as the vision-sharing ended, there was a knock on the door. When Su Tao opened it, she saw Jiang Yu, his face pale and weary.
Su Tao was silent for a moment before stepping aside to let him in and pouring him a cup of hot water.
Holding the steaming cup, Jiang Yu lowered his head and asked softly, “Is there anything else I need to do?”
He wasn’t sure if Jiang Tong had been captured and sent to the lab or if she had escaped. His fingertips, gripping the cup, turned white.
Selfishly, he hoped she had escaped.
But that thought filled him with guilt, as if sharp knives of sin were stabbing into his heart, causing him pain.
It was impossible for him to feel no resentment toward Su Tao’s actions.
But he also knew that no matter what Su Tao did, she would face criticism. Someone would always be dissatisfied.
In truth, the hardest position was hers.
Swallowing back the words that Jiang Tong was temporarily hidden, Su Tao simply said, “No need, I can handle the rest.”
Telling him wouldn’t help—if Huapi wasn’t caught, Jiang Tong would still be sacrificed.
Giving Jiang Yu false hope would only be cruel.
And even if Huapi were caught, what future would Jiang Tong have?
She was, after all, a zombie—the natural enemy of humans. Could Taoyang hide her forever, feeding her with human lives every few days?
Or should they release her, allowing her to roam free and kill humans out of hunger?
Su Tao didn’t have an answer. In this world, there were rarely perfect solutions.
She could only take things one step at a time. For now, anything was better than being dissected alive in a laboratory.
That kind of death was more fitting for someone like Huapi.
Jiang Yu drank the hot water in one gulp. The warmth spread through his limbs. Suddenly, he put down the cup and bowed deeply to Su Tao.
“I’m sorry!”
Startled, Su Tao asked, “What are you doing?”
Stiffly, Jiang Yu said, “If I hadn’t insisted on finding her, none of this would’ve happened, and you wouldn’t be in such a difficult position. I…”
Su Tao shook her head. “No one could’ve predicted this. It’s not your fault.”
In fact, she admired Jiang Yu’s loyalty. Even when he was barely surviving himself, he never gave up searching for his only family.
This was what made humans real—flesh-and-blood creatures capable of deep love, faith, gratitude, and hope—struggling forward in the face of the apocalypse.
After Jiang Yu left, Su Tao felt her temperature rising again. Her head spun, and her body ached as if something inside was trying to break through her skin.
She slept for about two hours. Though her symptoms eased slightly when she woke, she still felt dizzy.
After grabbing a quick meal, she was about to lie down again when Wen Man and Luo Yan came to visit.
Wen Man had planned to discuss the details of her new house with Su Tao, but upon learning she had taken sick leave, she immediately dragged Luo Yan to check on her.
They also brought three different-colored yarn balls and homemade pet treats for Little Flame.
By now, Little Flame was quite familiar with Wen Man. Upon seeing her, his fluffy tail shot up, and he pawed at the glass excitedly.
From a cat tree in the background, Chili lazily opened one eye, bared her teeth in a warning hiss, but didn’t bother to jump down.
Quickly petting Little Flame twice, Wen Man expertly tossed a pet treat into Chili’s mouth, much to Luo Yan’s amazement.
“…She’s gotten way too good at this.”
Taking advantage of the distraction, Wen Man rubbed Little Flame’s belly as he rolled over, purring contentedly.
“You’re just too cute! And you’re getting prettier by the day,” Wen Man gushed.
Indeed, if Little Flame had been an adorable kitten a few months ago, now he was nothing short of stunning. His fiery, gradient fur was soft and luxurious—impossible to ignore.
Applying a cooling patch to her forehead, Su Tao walked over and said, “Yeah, he’s getting more beautiful and more affectionate—complete opposite of his mom.”
Wen Man, noticing Su Tao’s fever, urged her, “You should rest. We’re just here to check on you. Don’t push yourself.”
She guided Su Tao back to bed, ignoring Little Flame’s plaintive meows for more cuddles.
Luo Yan, meanwhile, fell into thought.
A persistent fever, body aches—it reminded him of the symptoms his subordinates experienced during their ability awakenings.
Driven by curiosity, he followed Wen Man to Su Tao’s bedroom despite her scolding.
“I need to ask something,” he said, standing firm against his wife’s glare. “It’ll only take five minutes.”
Wen Man frowned. “Can’t it wait until she’s better?”
Seeing Luo Yan’s serious expression, Su Tao sighed and said, “It’s fine. Let’s talk in the study.”
Once the door closed behind them, Luo Yan took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and asked:
“Are you also a host chosen by the system?”
