The forest, transformed after being infected by an unknown virus, was dense with vegetation, making it difficult to walk through. Jian Yi and her brother occasionally had to rely on Chen Junsheng's spatial manipulation ability to get past obstacles. Jian Yi believed that this terrain was likely impassable for others, so she decided to stop here.
After observing the terrain for a while and even sniffing the soil, Jian Yi pointed out two locations for setting traps and instructed Chen Junsheng on what to do. Chen Junsheng didn't mind the dirty soil at all; he enjoyed the feeling of being alone with her. How could he find it exhausting?
After burying two animal traps and adding red ropes as markers and warnings just in case, Chen Junsheng clapped his hands and turned to Jian Yi with a bright smile.
Jian Yi also returned a satisfied smile and said, "Let's go back. We'll be home in time for lunch. After eating, we can plant those electric light grass. We'll have light tonight."
Chen Junsheng nodded. He remembered the way back and tentatively held her hand. Seeing that she didn't pull away, he felt a sweet sensation, suppressed his inner joy, and led her down the mountain.
When they reached the dirt road, they removed the bulging backpacks, which were covered with mutated grass and leaves, and "rescued" them. They then made their way back to the villa.
Most of the Electric Light Fruit was in Chen Junsheng's backpack, while Jian Yi's backpack only had a few plants. Nevertheless, Jian Yi didn't stay idle. As they walked, she observed the mountain's conditions and topography, preparing for their next trip into the mountains.
People who had activated their abilities had improved physical and mental attributes. Seeing Chen Junsheng's agile steps, Jian Yi asked him to carry an extra wooden stake whenever they encountered an abandoned tree stump by the roadside. These could be used as firewood.
There were plenty of tree stumps like this, covered in overgrown vines. At a glance, they looked like small hills. If Jian Yi hadn't been observant, they might have overlooked them during their two trips back and forth.
"Later, ask Zhang Ming to bring the three-wheeled cart from the garage and haul away these stakes. It's getting cold at night, and these won't be enough. In a few days, we'll go up the mountain and collect more firewood," Jian Yi said.
"Winter in the mountains can be dangerous, so it's better to avoid going up there as much as possible."
Chen Junsheng nodded. "I'll ask Zhang Ming to bring Tuantuan with him. They can finish it in one trip. Sister, just rest at home and don't tire yourself out."
Then, he curiously asked, "Sister, how do you know so much?"
Jian Yi was momentarily taken aback, but Chen Junsheng's question reminded her that she needed to come up with a reason to cover up her knowledge. Otherwise, even if Chen Junsheng didn't ask, Zheng Lanxin would inquire.
After thinking for a moment, Jian Yi replied mysteriously, "Actually, I have an ability too."
Chen Junsheng's eyes widened, as if the idea of her having an ability was unbelievable.
Jian Yi chuckled and said, "My ability is exactly what I told you earlier. It's not like a typical ability; it just helps me survive and know how to live."
Hearing this, Chen Junsheng seemed relieved and said with a faint smile, "Sister, your ability is more amazing than ours."
Jian Yi smiled and didn't say anything, continuing to walk down the mountain with Chen Junsheng following closely. He carried nearly a hundred pounds of Electric Light Fruit in his backpack and a heavy wooden stake on his shoulder. Despite the load, his steps remained light, as if he couldn't feel any fatigue as long as he was by her side.
Looking at the faint plumes of smoke rising from the villa and the short-haired girl in front of him, full of hope for the future, Chen Junsheng felt that continuing like this was more than enough. Although life might be tough, he would work hard to create better conditions for her so she could lead a relaxed and carefree life.
Although such days would be arduous, he would strive to create better conditions for her to lead a carefree life.
Back at the villa, Zheng Lanxin couldn't help but ask the same question as Chen Junsheng.
"How did you suddenly know so much, you little rascal?"
This girl had grown up in the city and probably didn't even know that vegetables were grown in manure. How could she know so much about life in the mountains?
Of course, Jian Yi couldn't tell her stepmother that she had learned survival skills through trial and error in her previous life, after being expelled from the base by her loyal followers.
"This is my ability," Jian Yi said seriously, making up nonsense.
Zheng Lanxin was dumbfounded. "There's an ability like that too?"
"In this vast world, there are all kinds of extraordinary abilities," Jian Yi said with a triumphant look. "Anything is possible!"
Zheng Lanxin: "..."
"Okay, okay, let's have dinner first. After dinner, I'll find some jars and containers to plant the... what was it called?"
"Electric Light Grass," Jian Yi reminded her.
"Right, plant the Electric Light Fruit." Zheng Lanxin grumbled as she left with Jian Yi to get some vegetables. She couldn't believe the nonsense her stepdaughter was spouting.
As Zhang Ming brought back the wooden stakes with Tuantuan, he couldn't help but glance at Chen Junsheng a couple of times. He felt that Chen Junsheng's indulgence toward his sister was unlike how a proper younger brother should act. But these were just thoughts he kept to himself.
Busy with their tasks, the evening approached, and the newly planted Electric Light Fruit began to emit a soft yellow light. Even though the fruits were red during the day, they turned milky white at night, emitting a gentle glow like small light bulbs.
As darkness fell, the Electric Light Fruit planted in the yard lit up, resembling a row of streetlights, dispelling the darkness. The dim yellow light, contrasted against the dark mountain surroundings, provided an indescribable sense of warmth and safety.
Humans couldn't live without light, and this sight served as a reminder of that fact.
The next morning, Jian Yi and the others noticed that the neighboring villagers began to visit their villa one by one. Most of them were young people, both men and women, with a few curious children. These children were bolder than the adults, and they would climb up the iron gate to peek inside.
Zheng Lanxin, who was working in the garden, tried to greet them, but the children all ran away in a panic.
Slightly annoyed, Zheng Lanxin continued her gardening.
However, from that afternoon onwards, more and more villagers started coming up the mountain.
By the evening of the second day, after dinner, Jian Yi led Tuantuan for a stroll to the neighboring hillside and saw that the houses there were lit with the same soft yellow lights.