Chapter Forty-Three

Although the types of supernatural abilities differ, their essence remains the same. The instructors at the Association of Espers were indeed professionals; with just a few simple words, they enlightened Ye Yin, clearing the clouds from her mind and winning her sincere admiration.

Within every esper resides something akin to a seed. Once awakened through various circumstances, this seed is nourished by supernatural energy and personal cultivation, eventually breaking through the soil and sprouting. The fortunate may nurture this sapling into a towering tree—the legendary tenth-tier super-ability wielder.

The road to the tenth tier is fraught with thorns; even among a thousand espers, perhaps not one will succeed. First, there is the issue of the star level: only seeds of three stars and above (including three stars) have the potential to reach the tenth tier. Then comes the question of energy: currently, the only known source is the zombie crystal nucleus. The higher the esper's level, the higher the grade of nucleus required, and the greater the risk in obtaining it.

Even if someone happens to meet both these requirements, they should not rejoice too soon, for caution is still needed. Humanity is the darkest of creatures; sometimes, danger comes not from zombies, but from one’s own companions. In the post-apocalyptic world, it is not uncommon for people to slaughter one another over a single high-grade crystal nucleus. Even if you labor mightily to kill a zombie, fate may not allow you to enjoy your spoils.

Most classmates formed their own small cliques. Ye Yin and Situ Fei were old friends and naturally spent their days together, in class and at meals, their bond now deeper than ever.

Besides this, a club composed of espers extended an olive branch to Ye Yin, hoping she would become one of their own.

"Our club’s requirements are very relaxed," someone explained. "As long as you occasionally have time to hang out or take on a mission, that’s enough—nothing else is mandatory. What do you think?"

"Thank you for the invitation, I’ll give it serious thought," Ye Yin replied with a smile.

"Good," the other said, donning their military cap. "If you're interested, just come to ‘Spring Snow’ on East Street, District B—that’s our club’s name as well. Oh, and drinks are on the house."

After the person left, Situ Fei remarked, "He looks a bit familiar—probably from my father’s unit."

"Yes, I heard that their club includes not just students from the training center, but officers from the military as well."

"Are you going to join?"

"I’ll check it out first. If it seems reliable, there’s no harm in joining."

"Go for it, then!" Situ Fei grinned mischievously. "Free drinks shouldn’t be wasted! Honestly, I thought such decadent places would completely disappear after the apocalypse."

"Alcohol and tobacco are the best ways to numb the nerves. Perhaps, in times like these, the demand grows even greater."

"True enough," Situ Fei agreed. "East Street isn’t far from here. You can swing by after class."

"Alright."

East Street in District B was adjacent to the main thoroughfare; after class, it took Ye Yin barely fifteen minutes to walk from the training center to “Spring Snow.”

From the outside, the Spring Snow bar was wholly unremarkable: a half-closed wooden door, a floral curtain hanging above it, and a tiny nameplate—no different from the countless cheap noodle shops scattered through side streets. To its left was a clothing store, and to its right, a private sundry shop with ever-changing stock and prices, depending entirely on the customer’s luck and eye.

Ye Yin stood dazed at the door when suddenly, a pleasant voice sounded beside her: "Why not go in and take a look?"

She turned to see a young man standing on her right, smiling warmly at her.

This man exuded an extraordinary sense of warmth and reliability. His features were gentle, his smile as mild and comforting as the softest sunlight in April. He did not possess Bai Qing’s unforgettable, striking looks, nor the ambiguous, dangerous charm of the Zhuo brothers. He was simply ordinary and clean, like the older boy next door who once took her to catch dragonflies in childhood.

"Are you part of the club as well?" she asked.

"In a way, yes—I’m one of the managers, though in reality I just run errands for everyone." He extended his hand. "Hello, I’m Zhiqiu."

"Ye Yin." She shook his hand.

Zhiqiu stepped forward, gallantly opened the door for Ye Yin, and gestured her inside. She thanked him with a smile, and together they entered "Spring Snow."

Inside and outside were worlds apart. The hall was deafening with music and stiflingly warm, so the men and women inside wore provocative clothing, laughing and playing boisterously. At the bar, several burly, tattooed men were wrestling arms, while a group of flashy youths in the booths played drinking games and flirted. Others threw darts or played cards.

What drew Ye Yin’s gaze most was the woman performing a pole dance on stage—her figure was truly astonishing.

The bar was spacious. Besides the necessary bar, scattered tables, booths and small stage, there was also a billiard room, a game room, a tea lounge, and a gambling hall—all that Ye Yin could see, with more hidden from view.

"They’re a lively bunch. Let’s go straight inside to meet the manager," Zhiqiu suggested with a smile.

"Alright."

Maintaining such an establishment in the apocalypse—more a club than a bar—spoke volumes about its power and background. Ye Yin was genuinely curious about who stood behind it.

Zhiqiu led her through twists and turns to a room outside a tea lounge in the R-style. He knocked lightly; a voice responded, and he quietly pushed open the door, gesturing Ye Yin inside.

She stepped into a room scented with herbs and wood. Upon seeing who sat cross-legged within, she bowed respectfully. "It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ye Yin."

"Ah, I know you. The younger sister is a rare genius, and the elder is no less impressive," replied the manager, whom Zhiqiu had addressed as Uncle Ou, with a broad, jovial smile. "I’m the manager of this club. Just call me Uncle Ou."

Uncle Ou was in his forties, wearing a brightly striped wide-sleeved shirt and oversized white beach shorts. His hair was unique—shoulder-length and, as if waxed, curled out evenly on both sides, resembling a character from a satirical newspaper cartoon.

"Hello, Uncle Ou."

"Ha! Good, good. So, have you decided to join us?"

"Yes, I have."

"Then do come by often. The more you mingle, the better. Zhiqiu, take her outside and introduce her around."

Ye Yin bade farewell to Uncle Ou and silently followed Zhiqiu. No one could guess what she was thinking.

When they returned to the hall, the dancing girl was gone. Zhiqiu led her to greet everyone, and Ye Yin made an effort to memorize their names and faces.

"I know you—you used to be a registrar at the training center, didn’t you?" a woman with blood-red nails laughed. "Truly, when one rises, even the chickens and dogs ascend."

"I heard you were once a power-type awakener? Care to compete with my sworn brother? He’s not an awakener, just average strength," another woman said with a laugh, though there was a sting to her words. "He’s right there at the bar, in blue."

Ye Yin glanced over. The burly bald man they indicated flexed his muscles at her—whether in challenge or show, she couldn’t tell.

Ye Yin accepted readily and sat before the man. "Three rounds, or just one?"

"One is enough to give you nightmares," the bald man growled, extending a thick, veiny arm.

Ye Yin smiled sweetly. Just as his hand touched her skin, she pressed his entire arm—and half his body—down into the bar.

The bar was hollow plastic; this blow was no small matter. Not only did a large part of the countertop collapse, but the man, after a brief struggle and a scream, tumbled entirely inside. He flailed like a crab dropped into a bucket.

The music played on, but the bar grew much quieter.

"Any other brothers or godfathers you’d like to try? We could go a few rounds," Ye Yin asked the two women.

"Heh... heh, it’s just a bit of strength, nothing much."

"Indeed, what’s strength compared to supernatural powers?"

"Want me to give you a beating and find out?" Ye Yin was growing impatient.

At this, the two women fell silent.

"Don’t take it to heart. These few will be expelled tomorrow," Zhiqiu told Ye Yin as they left.

"Why?"

"Because they violated the club’s spirit of friendship and mutual support by maliciously provoking a new member, which sets a terrible example." Zhiqiu smiled. "Looks like it’ll rain tomorrow. Don’t forget your umbrella."

Just as Zhiqiu predicted, the next day brought a steady, drizzling rain. The somber, cold base appeared somewhat softened in the rain, all the buildings and streets blurred and indistinct.

No classes today. Ye Yin curled up at home for a while, then remembered it was time to visit Pumpkin and the others. She packed a large bag of food and supplies, changed her appearance, and set out with her umbrella toward the school.

Perhaps it was the persistent, lingering rain, but the pedestrians all looked dispirited, trudging along like zombies, and Ye Yin’s large black umbrella seemed like a banner leading a procession of the walking dead slowly down the street.

Just as she reached the intersection, about to cross, a short-eared cat suddenly darted from an alley and crashed into her leg. She was about to pick up the poor creature when a familiar hand reached out, lifting the cat by the scruff. At the same time, a voice she could never mistake sounded by her ear:

"Sorry, it’s too reckless."

Ye Yin’s head snapped up.

It was Bai Qing. Dressed in a black trench coat, his eyes held a coldness and indifference she’d never known in him before, making him a stranger.

Ye Yin had never seen him wear such an expression; her heart seemed to shrink, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to reply.

"Did you find Little Green?" a young girl’s voice called from the alley, half-complaining and half-coquettish. "Ah, there you are! You really had us worried. No more mischief, okay?"

A very adorable girl approached—medium-length hair, a short jacket and skirt, and fluffy rabbit-fur boots. She scooped up the cat called Little Green and, face beaming, looked up at Bai Qing. "What would you like for dinner tonight?"

"Anything."

"Then I’ll really make anything! You always say it’s delicious anyway."

...

The two gradually walked away, but Ye Yin stood rooted to the spot, her mind churning with shock and questions.

After Bai Qing’s disappearance, Ye Yin had worried and asked Zhuo Chenglan to look into it, but they’d found nothing—he seemed to have vanished. Where had he been all this time? Why was he here now?