Chapter 21: The Poisonous Widow’s Smile

Despite my attempts to conceal myself behind the cashier counter, Shen Qing’s gaze immediately found me.

Truly, she was a woman forged under the tutelage of a mafia godfather; her eyes possessed an unnervingly keen and venomous sharpness.

The moment Shen Qing’s eyes landed on me, I promptly rose from my hiding spot behind the counter. For good measure, I clasped my hands over my head, a clear gesture of surrender, indicating no hostile intent.

To yield was not a matter of shame, especially when weighed against the alternative of losing my life.

In this apocalyptic world, preserving one’s own fragile existence was paramount above all else.

Shen Qing’s current power far outstripped my own. Even setting aside her personal capabilities, the dozen burly men accompanying her could effortlessly beat me into submission.

“Quite sensible of you, what’s your name?”

“Bai Han.”

Shen Qing observed me with a flicker of interest, her gaze lingering for a moment on the blade suspended at my waist. Just as I braced myself for her to demand my weapon, she unexpectedly shifted her attention away.

“Come with us! This H City is too small, B City is the real stage for the future.”

Her words, though perhaps bewildering to any casual listener, struck me as a direct invitation. Shen Qing was asking me to become her ally.

Had this offer been extended in my past life, I would have accepted without a moment’s hesitation.

With her formidable abilities, Shen Qing had been an unstoppable force in the apocalypse, capable of dominating any situation. Had she not been betrayed by that treacherous group, her demise would not have preceded mine.

Reflecting on our shared fate—both of us ultimately undone by the machinations of others—a strange sense of camaraderie unexpectedly blossomed within me.

Nevertheless, this newfound empathy was not enough to sway me into joining Shen Qing.

My sister was waiting for me at home, and I could not abandon her.

The thought of bringing my sister along with Shen Qing had crossed my mind initially. Yet, upon remembering Shen Qing’s ruthless nature, I quickly dismissed the idea.

My rebirth was a secret I had to guard, and my future plans necessitated minimal contact with others.

“For the moment, I’m not inclined to do so. However, I will certainly make my way to B City in the future. When I do, I’ll be sure to pay you a visit.”

Thus, I gently shook my head at Shen Qing, conveying my reluctance to accept her proposition. Yet, I dared not refuse too brusquely, for a harsh rejection might prompt her to cut me down where I stood, ending everything.

“I’m not a bad person, so I won’t force you to come with me.”

As Shen Qing spoke, she advanced several steps.

Her lithe, shapely figure swayed subtly from side to side with each step, reminiscent of water reeds dancing gracefully in a current—a captivating and almost endearing sight.

In just a few strides, Shen Qing stood directly before me.

A look of genuine interest graced her features, and the slight curve of her lips suggested her mood was far from displeased.

Then, as if a sudden thought struck her.

Shen Qing’s smile widened, stretching further across her lips, and an immediate sense of alarm prickled through me.

Before my rebirth, a subordinate of mine had once offended Shen Qing. That woman had smiled just as brightly at me then, only for thousands of zombies to descend upon my base shortly after she departed.

Poisonous Widow Shen Qing—her smile always heralded calamity!

“However, you rejecting me like this still makes me very sad! So, I’m going to punish you.”

Having delivered her pronouncement, Shen Qing extended a hand and gently caressed my cheek.

Yet, as her slender, elegant fingers brushed my skin, a sharp fingernail viciously raked across my face, leaving a stinging cut.

A few crimson drops welled up, tracing paths down my cheek, as Shen Qing retracted her hand.

“If you don’t leave with me, then stay here and feed the zombies.”