Chapter Seventeen: Temporary Residence at Uncle Sun's House

Before us stood the elder’s dwelling, guarded by two formidable doors. The old man moved with deliberate calm, first unlocking the sturdy security door, then slowly opening a heavy iron gate, as if revealing a mysterious passage to another world.

As the space beyond the door gradually unfolded, a clean, tidy home filled with warmth came into view—every inch reflecting the owner’s meticulous care and love for life.

“Wow, a duplex house,” Jiang Hanchuan remarked, as if seeing such a place for the first time.

“Xiaohuihui, Grandpa’s back!” The elder, his steps a little unsteady, climbed the stairs to the second floor with sure footing and gently turned the bedroom door’s knob.

Out darted a little girl, her hair tied into two playful buns, her expression a mixture of eagerness and anticipation. Petite in frame, her eyes still shimmered with unshed tears, her voice tinged subtly with a blend of grievance and joy.

“Grandpa, Grandpa, you’re back!” She quickly wiped the traces of a runny nose from her face with her small hand and without hesitation threw herself into the broad embrace of the old man. “Grandpa, Huihui has been very good at home; I didn’t make a single sound.”

The old man smiled lovingly, his coarse yet warm hand gently stroking the girl’s head, his eyes full of indulgence and comfort. “Of course, Grandpa knows. Our Huihui has always been the most sensible and well-behaved child.”

Huihui’s eyes glimmered with a hint of sorrow as she tugged softly at her grandpa’s coat, speaking in a gentle voice, “Grandpa, why were you gone for so long this time? Huihui missed you so much.”

The old man chuckled tenderly, lifting her up to press against his sturdy chest and said in a soothing tone, “Grandpa met some kind-hearted young men and women outside. They were wonderful and even brought gifts for you. Huihui, look.”

He then turned toward us. We hurriedly waved from below, our faces bright with smiles as we greeted them, the air itself seeming to be infused with warmth.

The elder led the little girl downstairs. Huihui’s eyes sparkled like two radiant stars as she tilted her head and, with a voice both innocent and clear, greeted us sweetly and politely, “Hello, big brothers and sisters, thank you!”

Our hearts warmed instantly, and we smiled back, “Hello, little Huihui.” Our words were filled with affection and tenderness for this little angel.

The old man gently set the girl down, his voice steady and kind. “Friends, my name is Sun, but you can call me Uncle Sun. If you don’t mind, stay a few days with me here. It’s been so long since it’s been this lively.”

Huihui blinked her bright eyes and dutifully ran off to fetch water. She carefully carried the cup, running back with small drops spilling from her unsteady hands. “Big brothers, big sisters, please have some water!” Her voice was clear and pleasant.

Uncle Sun invited us to stay in his home for a few days. The four of us readily agreed, feeling as if the long-worn weariness of wandering had finally found a place of rest.

That night, Xu Hanfeng, Jiang Hanchuan, and I squeezed into one room, while Luo Yucheng enjoyed a room to herself.

After the candle was extinguished, the room soon filled with even breathing. It seemed everyone had found a temporary refuge, sleeping deeply and peacefully. A satisfied smile crept onto my lips before I too slipped into dreams—dreams without the snarls of the undead, only peace and tranquility.

The following days passed pleasantly at Uncle Sun’s. There was laughter and conversation, as if the apocalypse had never come.

Luo Yucheng and little Huihui became fast friends, inventing new games daily and delighting in each other’s company. Their laughter echoed throughout the house, breathing life into the dull days.

One day, however, Jiang Hanchuan, somewhat tactless, suddenly asked about Huihui’s parents.

Uncle Sun was momentarily taken aback, then sighed before speaking slowly, “Huihui’s father is a physics PhD and a professor at Nanyang University. Her mother teaches history at a middle school in Anqing City. They’re often very busy. My wife passed away early, so when there’s nothing else to do, I come over to help take care of Huihui.”

His eyes gradually reddened as he continued with a choked voice, “After this terrifying apocalypse began, people turned into monsters, and even animals grew unusually fierce. Food at home was running low. Huihui’s father, being a physicist, built this device that drives away those animals, giving us some security in this chaotic world. They would go out every two weeks to find supplies, and at first, things went smoothly.”

The older man became increasingly emotional, tears finally escaping his eyes. “But two months ago, when they went out, they never came back.”

Seeing Uncle Sun’s sorrowful expression stirred a pang in my heart. Having felt loss myself, I quickly stepped forward to comfort him, gently patting his hand in an effort to lend strength.

Since Jiang Hanchuan had raised the topic, I put aside my reservations and voiced the question that had been lingering in my mind. “Uncle Sun, I don’t quite understand. Why were there no zombies in the parking lot or stairwell on the way back? Surely this building has many residents.”

Wiping away tears, Uncle Sun’s gaze grew complex. “Xiaoyu, I don’t know all the details either. My son-in-law is very clever. Once I saw him fiddling with his computer, and then an alarm sounded from the TV tower. Looking out the window, I saw those creatures rushing that way, as if attracted by something.”

His brow furrowed, his expression shifting as he gestured toward the devices before us. “Look, these are all made by my son-in-law: a rain catcher, a filter, and this heater. But... sigh!”

Meanwhile, Huihui and Luo Yucheng were engrossed in their joyful games nearby. Suddenly, Huihui noticed a tear slip down her grandpa’s cheek and quickly ran to him.

With her delicate hands, she gently wiped away the tears and said in a voice bearing a maturity beyond her years, “Grandpa, don’t be sad. Mom and Dad will come back. They just went somewhere far to find food for a while.”

We listened quietly to Huihui’s innocent words, our hearts stirred by a tender wave of emotion. This little girl, barely nine, possessed a thoughtfulness and kindness that compelled a pang of sympathy.

I nodded silently, finding her explanation quite reasonable. Yet Uncle Sun’s eyes suggested he was still holding back some truth.

If Huihui’s parents never returned, how had the machine that repels the undead and animals been left behind? Could they have forgotten it when they went out?

Though suspicion lingered in my heart, my expression remained composed. I looked to Uncle Sun and smiled gently. “Uncle Sun, don’t be too sad. Maybe they’ll come back one day.”

Hearing my words, gratitude flickered in his eyes. He nodded quietly, saying no more. But I knew the secrets behind this story were far more complicated than they seemed.