Six

Chapter 6: Mutation

While people grumbled about the unreasonable arrangement of the New Year’s holiday, powerless to resist, some things happened quietly. At the dawn of the new year, some were sleeping in, some boarding trains for travel, some exercising in the morning, while others had just drifted into dreams.

Yuchi Ankang was an early riser. Because Zhu Anfu wanted steamed buns with milk, Ankang got up early to knead the dough. Using instant yeast, she set the dough to rise, then steamed three whole batches of buns. She boiled water in a large pot, cracked in two eggs, added salt, and finally a dash of fragrant sesame oil—the egg drop soup was ready. She set the soup and buns on the table, fried some bacon, and only then went to knock on the doors to wake the others. They had planned to go skiing after breakfast, so an early start was essential.

After waking the two, Ankang turned on the television. The morning news was on, but instead of the expected New Year's address from the nation's leader, the broadcast showed aerial footage of monstrous creatures crawling across the land. What was this? “Anfu, come here, quick!”

“What is it?” Zhu Anfu, brushing his teeth as he walked into the room, caught sight of the television and dropped his cup to the floor. He lunged toward the screen but was pulled back by Ankang. “This… this…” he stammered, eyes wide as saucers, pointing at the scenes onscreen. What was happening?

Jin She heard the commotion and hurried out, staring at the television. “Oh my god, is this the legendary monster siege? Are those rats?”

“Is this really the time to marvel? This is current events, not a video game.” Ankang heard a knock at the door and quickly turned down the volume. “I’ll get it.”

“Wait.” Zhu Anfu stopped her, ducked back into his room, and rummaged out a replica long sword he’d bought online, modeled after the famous Guan Dao. He dashed back, his toothbrush cup bouncing as he ran.

Ankang glanced at his grip on the sword, then carefully unlatched the doors, one after another, peering out through the final crack. Outside stood a huge, black, repulsive rat, nearly half as tall as a person. Ankang slammed the doors shut and leaned against them, gasping, “A rat—half the height of a human.”

“No way… is this really the end of the world?” Jin She was nearly in tears. Everything had been normal yesterday, and today the world was upended with half-human-sized rats roaming outside—who could believe such a thing?

“We can’t be sure yet,” Ankang said. “At least it’s winter, so the snakes are hibernating and the windows are frozen shut. Even if the animals want to attack, it won’t be easy. But we can’t hide at home forever. Sooner or later, our supplies will run out.” She regretted not persuading Anfu to buy more provisions.

Zhu Anfu, eyes blinking, returned to his room and opened his laptop. The internet was in an uproar of curses and official reassurances. Ankang brought him a bowl of soup and a bun. “Eat something. Later, let’s ask Jin She about her plans. I doubt trains, planes, or even buses are running now.”

“So far, only the animals have mutated. We don’t know if humans remain normal.” Anfu sipped the soup and bit into the bun. “I’m not worried about our survival. I’ve hidden most of our stuff. But… I do worry that we’ll soon lose communication.” And what about Jin She…

Breakfast was rushed. When Anfu emerged, Jin She was curled up on the sofa, eyes glued to the television, notebook perched in her lap, fingers flying over the keys. Anfu settled into the single armchair, hugging Doudou. “Jin She, what’s your plan? Go home, or stay here?”

“I want to go home, but is that even possible?” Jin She shot him a look. “My family lives deep in the mountains of Yunnan—there are a lot of animals there…” Her voice quivered, eyes reddening. The sound of something battering against the door outside was plain. She never thought a joke could become reality. Rubbing her eyes, she said, “If monsters really eat my parents, then all the more reason for me to survive. If I can, I’ll kill a few monsters and avenge them.” She clenched her fists, her gaze toward Anfu filled with steely resolve.

Anfu absentmindedly stroked Doudou’s head. Soon, he’d have to put Doudou away in his space—outside was far too dangerous. He feared Doudou would turn into one of those hulking creatures. If it were just him and Ankang, he’d drag her into his space as well, but with Jin She here, he had to think carefully. He trusted Jin She—as a subordinate trusts a superior—but his space was a deeply private secret. Jin She was an editor; she’d immediately recognize its nature and understand the dangers of possessing such a thing. “Eat something. Even if you want to fight monsters, you’ll need strength.”

Jin She glanced at the food on the table, hesitated, then finally set aside her laptop and went to eat. She should count herself lucky. Had she gone home, she might never have made it to Yunnan—mutated animals could have devoured her on the train.

The television flickered, static danced, then the screen went blue. “No signal. The data cable was probably chewed through by rats.” Ankang frowned. “This apartment is no fortress. It’s not safe. We have to escape. Once we finish eating, we’ll pack what we can and load the car downstairs. It’s been modified, but who knows if we’ll find enough fuel in this weather.” She sighed. Even with a car, survival in the dead of winter was far from assured.

Anfu smiled slyly. The outside world was unknown, but he’d stored plenty of diesel in his space—full barrels, enough to get them far away. The only question was where to go. “If land animals are mutating, will birds do the same? Will humans?”

“I don’t trust the government,” Jin She said, finishing her soup and two buns. Ankang was right—they’d need full bellies to fight monsters.

“Neither do I. Remember the ‘Let the leaders go first’ incident? So many children died, and those surviving officials never felt an ounce of guilt, nor were they haunted by nightmares.” Ankang’s laughter was cold.

“We should head for the mountains,” Anfu suggested after a long pause. “There’ll be fewer animals up there.”

“With this year’s weather, we’ll freeze before we get there. I say we find a remote village—one of those half-enclosed ones you can block off entirely. Even if mutated animals get in, the local men can band together to fight them.” Jin She disagreed. “If we blockade the entrance, even if people become zombies, they can’t get in.”

Ankang considered this and nodded. “Jin She’s idea is workable. Let’s start packing.”

Anfu shrugged and headed back to his room. When Ankang entered, Anfu quickly locked the door behind them, covered her mouth, and took her into his space. “Well, looks like I really can bring people in.”

“This is… a space?” Ankang had read plenty of web novels since Anfu became a full-time writer; she knew the concept well. “You…”

“All the supplies I bought are in the house here. Help me pack up the room, and we’ll carry a few bags outside for show.” Anfu set Doudou down to play and headed into the house. “If it were just us, we could live here indefinitely. But staying put isn’t an option. If rats can chew through the TV cables, it’s only a matter of time before they break in.”

Ankang wasn’t surprised. Although Anfu could be a bit clueless at times, he was by no means stupid. She took in their surroundings, gathered what they’d need, and exited the space. They moved supplies from the rooms into the space, going back and forth until Ankang realized that, despite all their activity, only ten minutes had passed. Clearly, time flowed differently inside. And with no sun, survival there wouldn’t be practical for long.

Bundled in thick down jackets, backpacks slung over their shoulders, a long sword in Ankang’s hand, while Anfu carried a long gun and a whip destined for Jin She, the two paused at the door for a last look around. Their feelings were mixed. Ankang thought of how they’d shared a bed for just one night, and now it was already time to leave. Anfu, meanwhile, felt reluctant to abandon a place he’d lived in for so long.

Jin She had already finished packing what little she had—after all, it wasn’t her home. She waited in the living room. Anfu packed Ankang’s room; Ankang gathered food from the kitchen—enough for at least two meals. When Ankang handed over the food, Anfu made it disappear with a thought. They exchanged looks. “Let’s hope we can come back.”

When they stepped out, Jin She was already bundled up in one of Anfu’s old down coats—roomy, but warm enough. “Hu Qiaohua. From now on, I’ll be counting on you both.”

“Zhu Anfu. Yuchi Ankang.” The three shook hands. Anfu handed the whip to Hu Qiaohua. “I bought all these when you joked about the apocalypse. Didn’t think we’d ever actually use them.”

“Maybe it’s true that fortune favors the foolish. You believed, bought the gear, and now you’re prepared. Those who just laughed it off… well, I bet they never thought this day would come.” Hu Qiaohua gripped the whip. “I used to practice martial arts, you know.”

“Just don’t scream,” Ankang said dryly. She doubted martial arts would help much—Hu Qiaohua’s petite frame was more likely to freeze than fight. If she didn’t shriek at the sight of those rats, it would be a miracle.

They locked each door behind them as they left—maybe not as securely as possible, but more so than a single lock. Outside, there were no rats in sight. If not for the broken television signal, they might have thought it all a hallucination.

The old building had no elevator; they descended to the ground floor without incident. Once outside, the three rushed to the car, tossing their bags into the back. Ankang started the engine, and they drove off into the unknown…