Apocalypse Star House Hoarding

Chapter 179

The off-road RV’s eight massive tires crushed through overgrown weeds and the cracked, uneven road, heading straight down the Seaside Avenue toward the coastal road to the south. On such a terrible road, riding in an ordinary car would feel like being shaken into a pulp, but in this vehicle, it was nothing but the thrill of extreme off-road adventure.

The vehicle stood four meters tall, and from the driver’s seat, the view was nearly two or three meters high. In this overgrown, silent, abandoned green city, sitting in this massive steel behemoth brought an unparalleled sense of security.

The once-terrifying hollow ruins of buildings, their gaping wounds entwined with climbing plants, now seemed less intimidating. Unlike her missions on an electric scooter, where she had to wear suffocating protective gear and remain constantly vigilant, here she could finally relax. She could even marvel at the strange beauty of vegetation interwoven with the remnants of the city—a sight she had only ever seen on television in documentaries about ecosystems, post-apocalyptic simulations, or depictions of a world without humans.

Now, all of it had become reality.

The world before her felt split in two. Above the city, the sky was clear and vivid blue, with wisps of clouds drifting lazily—an invigorating sight with every glance. Below the sky, enormous mutated birds circled the tops of once-skyscrapers. Swarms of mutated ants had made the buildings their new nests, crawling across the pitted walls as they transported the corpses of other insects. Inside the ruins, glimpses of mutated animals or plants darted past, pursuing prey in instinct-driven hunts. Every corner was a silent theater of death, but all of it was kept at bay by the steel fortress she rode in.

No wonder Yu Xi dared to drive straight through the ruins, taking the shortest path across the abandoned city.

Zhao Xuefei, seated in the passenger seat, couldn’t help but steal glances at her cousin in the driver’s seat. After months of not seeing her, she was surprised by Yu Xi’s tanned complexion. Yet, her cousin’s face still looked just as delicate and fair as before the apocalypse—a sharp contrast. In the past, Zhao Xuefei might have felt a twinge of envy, as pale skin was a beauty standard for urban women. But now, as she touched her own smooth, sun-kissed complexion, she realized she preferred this wilder look. She no longer cared about pandering to others’ standards of beauty.

She would only do things to please herself now.

Half an hour ago, when Zhao Xuefei first saw Yu Xi, her mind had gone completely blank. She not only recognized her cousin but knew her well. It had only been three or four months since they last met, but each day in the apocalypse felt far longer and more intense than before. Seeing her again felt like meeting someone after years apart.

So, her cousin Yu Xi was the “friend” that the Star House storekeeper had mentioned? All the mysteries that had puzzled Zhao Xuefei now made sense. No wonder the storekeeper had treated her so differently from the start. Others had to bring goods to barter, with trades subject to the storekeeper’s mood, and the Star House would only stay in the same safe zone for a few hours at most. But for her, the storekeeper had brought food to share, insisted on giving her gifts, and even adjusted the schedule to arrive ahead of time for her convenience.

And those miraculous “gifts”…

It turned out that everything was because she was the cousin of Yu Xi.

Zhao Xuefei still remembered the last time she had spoken with Yu Xi. Her cousin had repeatedly urged her to stock up on supplies, just in case. She had listened and noted it mentally, but outwardly dismissed the advice with mockery. Later, when the world changed and she and her mother were stranded on Nanhai Island, unable to return, she often thought of her relatives in S City during the initial stages of fear and confusion.

Her unreliable father, her traditional grandfather who only cared about his eldest grandson, her celebrity-chasing cousin Yu Meiming, her pocket-money-demanding younger cousin Yu Yingming, her shrewd second uncle Yu Hai and his wife, her kind and supportive eldest uncle Yu Feng, and even her sometimes-unfriendly but ultimately dependable aunt Fan Qi.

And then there was Yu Xi—the cousin she had always competed with, the “perfect child” in everyone’s eyes.

Not all memories were pleasant. Many were ones she had tried to forget. But when she thought she might never return, she realized she missed them all. Especially Yu Xi. She remembered how Yu Xi had carried her to safety when a bridge collapsed, despite her sprained ankle.

It was then that she understood what it truly felt like to be protected—not with material wealth or sweet words, but with the determination to carry her through life-and-death situations.

Envy? Jealousy?

Those childish emotions had long since faded.

She had often wondered what it would have been like if Yu Xi had been with her when the apocalypse struck.

Would Yu Xi protect her?

Yes.

Would she wake her up to reality?

Yes.

Would she push her to grow stronger?

Absolutely.

Zhao Xuefei stood there in a daze, watching as Yu Xi smiled at her and greeted her with, “Good morning.”

At that moment, her tears broke free.

As Yu Xi stepped down from the RV, holding onto the door for balance, Zhao Xuefei suddenly ran forward and threw herself into her cousin’s arms, hugging her tightly. “Sis…”

Though Zhao Xuefei was slightly taller, Yu Xi caught her steadily, gently patting her trembling body. “Long time no see, Xuefei.”

It felt so good to see her again, her little cousin.

While Yu Xi focused on driving, she was fully aware of Zhao Xuefei’s subtle glances in her direction. Freeing one hand, she reached over the gear shift to pat and ruffle Zhao Xuefei’s head. “It’ll take a while before we get there. If you’re hungry, head to the back. There’s pizza and egg tarts warming in the oven. There’s also plenty of snacks and drinks in the cabinet in front of you. Take whatever you like.”

“What about you, Sis?”

“Make me another cup of coffee. The built-in coffee machine is diagonal from the oven. Look carefully. Once it’s ready, add some ice and milk for me.” Yu Xi handed her empty portable coffee cup over.

“Got it.” Zhao Xuefei swiveled her seat and headed past the dining area to the kitchen.

Earlier, she had been too overwhelmed to pay much attention to the living quarters in the back. Now, as she went to grab some food, she noticed a staircase leading upward between the kitchen and the bedroom.

“Sis, does this RV have an upper floor? It didn’t look like it from the outside.”

Taking a sip of the coffee Zhao Xuefei handed her, Yu Xi replied, “Yes, it’s a retractable rooftop terrace. We’ll have a barbecue up there this evening.”

Originally, the upper section of the RV was a sleeping area, but Yu Xi had customized it since she didn’t need so many beds. Now, two-thirds of the upper section was a yacht-style terrace with a roof, complete with railings, sofas, a retractable dining table, a sink, a fridge, a coffee machine, a smokeless embedded grill, and a projector TV.

Typically, such terraces were semi-open, but for safety, Yu Xi had reinforced the railings with high-strength, bulletproof, explosion-proof glass. When the terrace was retracted, the glass seamlessly slid into the double-layered walls of the RV. When extended, it formed a fully enclosed glass dome.

With the vehicle’s doors locked and its windows equipped with explosion-proof metal shutters, the RV turned into an impenetrable fortress. Even without the Star House system, this RV was enough to ensure her family’s safety in the apocalypse.

However, bringing this new RV to pick up Zhao Xuefei today wasn’t about showing off. It was part of her plan. Without revealing the existence of the Star House, she wanted Zhao Xuefei to see what true security in the apocalypse could look like, helping her seriously consider the decision to leave or stay.

“Barbecue on the RV today? What about Uncle and Aunt?”

“They’re at the temporary shelter preparing some food. We’ll pick them up and head to the beach.”

“The beach?” Zhao Xuefei’s eyes lit up. She had always loved the sea, which was why she had taken time off to visit Nanhai Island with her mother, Yu Li. However, with the mutation of plants and animals, the ocean was now a dangerous place. Walking barefoot on the beach could lead to a bite from a mutated sea creature lurking beneath the sand. Some bites were harmless, but others could be fatal.

“Is it safe at the beach?”

“As long as we stay in the RV, it’ll be fine.”

“Alright.” The thought of a barbecue by the sea, paired with the view of the waves and the sunset, filled Zhao Xuefei with anticipation.

Half an hour later, the RV arrived at the coastal road. This stretch ran along the shoreline, lined with hotels of various sizes to the south and beaches beyond them. Yu Xi parked the RV in front of a hotel where the Star House had set up, using her transparent wrist-mounted phone to message Yu Feng and Fan Qi. Soon, the two emerged carrying several bags.

Zhao Xuefei was already at the RV door, eagerly opening it. “Uncle! Aunt!”

“Ah, Xuefei, my sweet girl!” Yu Feng’s joy was evident as he climbed aboard, asking about her and Yu Li’s recent experiences. After hearing her responses, he nodded repeatedly in approval while unloading the bags onto the dining table. He explained that it was her birthday, and since Yu Li usually celebrated it based on the lunar calendar, they decided to throw an early celebration. Fan Qi had even made her a homemade cheesecake.

Zhao Xuefei, surrounded by a mountain of food and drinks, felt overwhelmed. “Thank you, Uncle, Aunt. I didn’t even know I’d see you today, so I didn’t bring you any gifts.”

“Silly girl, what could we possibly need? Your sister here… she’s incredible!” Yu Feng praised Yu Xi with a mix of awe and pride before turning back to Zhao Xuefei. “But you, child, how did you get so tanned, running through wind and rain?”

Zhao Xuefei: …

Fan Qi shook her head and shooed him away. “It’s a healthy complexion. You don’t understand anything. Go wash and prep the meat for grilling!”

After sending Yu Feng to the kitchen, Fan Qi pulled Zhao Xuefei to sit with her in the seating area behind the driver’s seat. The original design had a partition separating it from the driving cabin, but Yu Xi had it removed for convenience. From their seats, they could watch as Yu Xi expertly drove the RV, navigating through greenery and potholes, descending past the hotel district.

Ahead lay the sea. The weather was excellent, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. Yu Xi drove straight toward the water before turning along the coastline, heading to a secluded area she often used for ice fishing on floating ice.

The surrounding hotels were abandoned, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed outing.

After parking, Yu Xi ensured all doors and windows were secure before activating the rooftop terrace. She and Fan Qi began moving snacks, fruits, and drinks upstairs.

This was the family’s first time using the RV together, and even Yu Feng and Fan Qi were curious and amazed as the terrace rose. However, for Zhao Xuefei, the RV symbolized their survival in the apocalypse, so she kept her awe vocalized as she climbed the stairs, exclaiming all the way up.

From the outside, the RV’s weathered gray exterior looked inconspicuous, but the interior was stunning. Decorated in beige and white tones with top-tier marine teak floors, it was bright, modern, spacious, and cozy.

“Wow, this RV is amazing!” Zhao Xuefei knelt on the sofa, holding onto its backrest as she gazed at the sea through the glass.

Blue skies and endless ocean merged on the horizon, and from their four-meter vantage point, the view was nothing short of breathtaking.

“Sis! Did the Star House owner help you get this RV?” Although she hadn’t ridden in such a luxury off-road RV before, she recognized its value. With its safety features and premium interior, it must have cost no less than a hefty seven-figure sum.

In her mind, Yu Xi replaced the “Star House owner” with the “Star House system.” Without Star House, she, Yu Feng, and Fan Qi might still be struggling to survive in S City, trapped in their home and fighting for their lives.

Yu Xi nodded and said, “Yes, it’s all thanks to him that I’ve been able to survive in the apocalypse and lead a relatively stable life with our parents. But as you can see, we can’t stay in one place for long and often have to move.”

Zhao Xuefei fully understood. She had seen the risks firsthand when she brought Zhou Ningyuan to meet the Star House owner. Even within the base, there were already people eyeing the Star House. Possessing more inevitably attracted attention, and despite the owner’s good intentions, jealousy and greed could still lead to bad outcomes.

There were always people in this world who couldn’t create for themselves and only fixated on taking what others had, believing that stealing or imitating could make it their own. Such people, in her eyes, were nothing more than thugs and scoundrels—disgusting and despicable.

Yu Xi glanced at Zhao Xuefei’s indignant expression and patted her head again. “That’s why I have something important to ask you today. You and your mom—do you want to come with us?”

The question left Zhao Xuefei stunned. “…Is that even possible?”

“Of course it is. We’re family.” Yu Xi wouldn’t have asked if she wasn’t prepared. She intended to ensure Zhao Xuefei understood the challenges they might face by joining them, but also the unparalleled sense of safety that would come with it.

The choice—security or independence—was hers to make. She was an adult, after all, capable of taking responsibility for her decisions.

“We’ll have to wander constantly. We won’t always get to choose our destination. We might have to say goodbye to friends we’ve made. But you’ve seen this RV—it’s incredibly safe and comfortable. When people try to harm or rob us, we’ll defend ourselves. If we encounter those in need, we’ll set up the Star House. The world has changed, but it’s still vast. Beyond Nanhai Island, there are countless places to explore—isolated islands, valleys, cliffs, snow-capped mountains… summers by the sea, winters in the snow…”

Yu Xi spoke slowly, her voice gentle, painting a vivid picture of their future life.

Deep down, she hoped Zhao Xuefei and her mother would join them. She trusted that a clear-minded Zhao Xuefei could convince Yu Li and handle any challenges that arose later with maturity and composure.

Zhao Xuefei listened quietly, drawn to the life Yu Xi described. Even in peaceful times, such a lifestyle would have been a dream for many. But for some reason, she hesitated.

At the thought of leaving, memories flooded her mind—training sessions where she and her teammates leaned on each other as they staggered toward the cafeteria; missions where, clad in stifling protective gear, she and her comrades fought back-to-back; and the pride of finally besting her coach after failing countless times. She thought of her mother, who pretended to dislike Zhou Guoxiang’s attention but couldn’t hide her joy when he steadfastly supported them.

How had the past three months produced so many memories?

“Sis, I need to think about it.”

“Of course.” Yu Xi wouldn’t rush her. With nearly 13 days until the Star House reset, there was plenty of time. “Next time, bring Aunt along too. I’ll drive this RV to pick you up. For now, just enjoy your well-deserved break.”

Zhao Xuefei perked up and looked toward Yu Feng, who was busy marinating meat, and Fan Qi, who was washing vegetables. Rolling up imaginary sleeves, she declared, “Uncle! Aunt! Let me help!”

The four of them worked together, finishing the barbecue prep before lunch. They neatly packed the skewers into aluminum trays and stored them in the RV’s lower-level fridge. Since Zhao Xuefei had already eaten pizza and egg tarts, lunch was a simple noodle dish.

The noodle soup was made from a rich broth of beef bones, meat, and offal that Fan Qi had started cooking early in the morning. After simmering the meat and offal for half an hour, they were removed, seasoned, and stewed separately to absorb flavor before being sliced. The beef bone broth was simmered for over three hours, with thinly sliced radish added toward the end to soak up the savory essence. A sprinkling of scallions and cilantro completed the dish.

The result? Springy noodles in a savory broth topped with tender beef and melt-in-your-mouth radish. For those who liked it spicy, a dollop of chili paste could be added.

Zhao Xuefei was nearly moved to tears by the meal’s perfection.

After lunch, Yu Xi and Zhao Xuefei cleaned up while Yu Feng and Fan Qi took a nap in the RV’s lower-level bedroom. In the afternoon, Yu Xi made iced coffee and brought out cocoa cookies, coconut jelly, and matcha ice cream. The two of them enjoyed a peaceful seaside tea time with soft music, reminiscing about the past and discussing their missing relatives, estranged friends, and lost connections.

At one point, Zhao Xuefei recounted her experiences, and Yu Xi noticed something new in her tone.

“So, you really liked Zhou Ningyuan, didn’t you?”

Taking a sip of iced coffee, Zhao Xuefei leaned her head against the sofa and replied, with mock maturity, “Loved, but never again. Relying on others isn’t as good as relying on myself. Only when I’m strong can I choose what I want, instead of forcing myself to adapt for survival.

“At our base, there’s this badass female captain with two boyfriends—one for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and another for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Sundays, she rests…”

Yu Xi: …

That certainly was a “remarkable” arrangement—only one day off a week.

As evening approached, Zhao Xuefei asked to stretch her legs outside the RV. The two of them donned protective boots and armed themselves before venturing to the nearby tidal flats in search of edible seafood.

During their excursion, a mutated coconut crab and a sea bird attempted to ambush them. Zhao Xuefei quickly dispatched both. The bird, with a wingspan of over a meter, fell to a single silenced headshot.

In combat, Zhao Xuefei’s expression was sharp and fierce—a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Once the fight ended, she returned to Yu Xi’s side, proudly showing off her weapon. She explained that it was a gift from the Star House owner, which had significantly boosted her combat abilities.

“Impressive.” Yu Xi smiled, reaching out to pat her head again.

At sunset, they returned to the RV, freshened up, and began their barbecue feast. The menu included lamb skewers, pork belly, chicken wings, squid tentacles, oysters, scallops, potato slices, eggplant, mushrooms, and rice cakes. While the variety wasn’t extensive, everything was tailored to Zhao Xuefei’s taste—each item was her favorite.

They grilled while watching the sun set over the ocean, enjoyed her birthday cake, and waited as the night sky filled with stars.

Late at night, Yu Xi drove the RV to a spot farther from the water near some rocky outcroppings. Yu Feng and Fan Qi retired to the lower-level bedroom, while Yu Xi set up the upper lounge area. She lowered the terrace halfway, and she and Zhao Xuefei each wrapped themselves in a light blanket, lying beneath the stars visible through the glass dome.

That night, lulled by the sound of the tides, Zhao Xuefei drifted into a peaceful sleep.

She stayed in the RV for two days. After breakfast on the second day, Yu Xi dropped Yu Feng and Fan Qi back at their temporary accommodation. Only after confirming via a message that they had safely returned to their simulated apartment did Yu Xi drive off with Zhao Xuefei.

The seaside camping trip was relaxing, but by the third morning, Zhao Xuefei found herself missing her teammates. That afternoon, Yu Xi drove her back to the base’s vicinity.

Before parting, Yu Xi handed her a transparent wristband-like device and helped her put it on. “This is a phone. It has a setting that allows messaging within a 10-kilometer radius, even without a signal. So next time I’m near the base, we can communicate without needing to meet face-to-face.”

She also gave her another transparent phone. “This one is for Aunt. Use it when needed.”

“Thank you, Sis.” Zhao Xuefei hugged her before stepping out. “Wait for me—I’ll give you an answer to that question soon.”

She donned her protective gear, jumped off the RV, and strode back to the base. Little did she know that during her three-day absence, a silent but swift operation had unfolded within the base.

Every individual she had fiercely scolded had been subdued by Zhou Ningyuan and his father.

The next day, when Yu Xi used her Disguise Lipstick to reappear in the base’s vicinity driving a small silver RV, a member of Zhou Ningyuan’s team delivered the news to her.

Yu Xi: …??

She had only taken her cousin out to eat and relax for a few days—how had they already completed the task?

Impressed by Zhou Ningyuan’s efficiency, Yu Xi reciprocated generously during their next trade. She brought large bags of crop and fruit seeds, including a few not initially agreed upon—high-yield, short-cycle seeds. She also handed over a private gift: a meticulously crafted plant journal.

When Zhou Ningyuan, holding the notebook with some skepticism, flipped it open, he was utterly stunned.

“Is everything in here…true?”

“Of course. Do you think I’d waste my time drawing such detailed illustrations if it weren’t?” Yu Xi’s artistic skills were exceptional, but compiling and categorizing the notebook had taken her the better part of a night. Only after finishing it did she realize she could’ve just photographed the plants and printed them.

Still, she had scanned the notebook into her computer, so she could print copies for anyone in need.

The first and last pages bore the words Star House, marking the journal as a product of the Star House system.

After carefully examining the contents, Zhou Ningyuan closed the notebook and stored it away with care. Grateful for her efforts, he had prepared his own gifts. At his command, his team unloaded several large boxes from an electric vehicle. Inside, packed in crushed ice, were various types of seafood.

Additionally, he handed her a small but heavy box. When Yu Xi opened it, she found neatly arranged gold bars.

“Consider it a token of appreciation. Don’t hold back—it’s what you deserve.” Zhou Ningyuan disliked owing favors, especially when the outcomes benefited the base and its ordinary residents.

Yu Xi accepted the gold with a smile. As they concluded the trade, she remarked, “So far, you’ve proven to be a decent person.”

Zhou Ningyuan, now disguised as a middle-aged, steady-looking man, extended his hand seriously. “Rest assured, I’ll fulfill every promise I’ve made to you. It’s been a pleasure meeting you.”

Yu Xi raised her brows slightly and shook his hand.

After returning from Yu Xi’s RV, Zhao Xuefei couldn’t stop thinking about her cousin’s offer. For several days, her teammates noticed her unusually quiet demeanor. Concerned, they began secretly planning something.

One evening, after returning from a mission, she found the small room she shared with her mother pitch dark. Assuming her mother had gone to Zhou Guoxiang’s place, she was caught off guard when the lights suddenly flicked on.

Her teammates and her mother, Yu Li, entered carrying a modest egg cake with candles, singing an off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The tiny room was soon crammed with people, with the rest crowding around the doorway.

Even Zhou Ningyuan was there, reluctantly dragged along. He stood awkwardly in the corner, clapping stiffly and refusing to sing.

The cake was simple, the candles plain. Gifts ranged from adhesive bandages to basic tools like backscratchers, yet every item carried heartfelt intentions.

As she accepted the cake and blew out the candles, urged on by her teammates’ cheers and boastful claims of who had prepared the best gift, Zhao Xuefei’s eyes filled with tears.

This was her second birthday in the apocalypse. The first had been a delightful surprise, but this one deeply moved her.

The dilemma that had weighed on her for days? She now had her answer.

…

Thingyan: Good, I’m glad you’re not going 😒