Chapter 65: The Birthday Party Begins

"I never expected you to possess such strength. Their abilities are quite impressive." Qin Bai Ling looked at Lu Fei with curiosity, certain that he was hiding something from her.

"Ha, well, after all, I fought my way in from outside alongside them. Our skills have improved a lot." Lu Fei picked up his chopsticks and savored the delicious food, speaking to Qin Bai Ling.

"The night after tomorrow is my birthday. Everyone should come at eight o’clock. The venue is at Starshine Hotel." Qin Bai Ling, cheeks flushed with wine and delight, spoke with an enchanting charm.

"Of course! We must attend the class monitor’s birthday," Zeng Hong Sen exclaimed, raising his glass with visible joy. In the apocalypse, it was something none of them had ever expected—to gather with classmates again.

They enjoyed the meal, laughter and conversation flowing freely.

Naturally, uncertainty clouded their thoughts about the future. In the apocalypse, who could tell what might happen the next moment?

Lu Fei supported Qin Bai Ling as she climbed into the car.

Having drunk a little, Qin Bai Ling was somewhat disoriented.

He settled Qin Bai Ling into the passenger seat, leaned in to fasten her seatbelt,

then started the car and drove off.

They vanished around the corner.

Lu Fei delivered Qin Bai Ling to her home.

Returning to his own house, Lu Fei found his father watching the news.

A female anchor announced: "Breaking news—the monster wreaking havoc in the Eastern District has been eliminated by Young Master Li, Li Chao Dan. Later, two sixth-grade zombies appeared and were also destroyed by the head of the Li family. Truly a hero of the people, a guardian of the safe zone."

"Tch!" Lu Fei scoffed at the report. He had clearly been the one to destroy the three sixth-grade zombies, yet that man shamelessly claimed the credit.

"Son, have you been drinking?" Lu Hao Ran looked at Lu Fei in surprise.

"Dad, I just met with Bai Ling and the surviving classmates. We were happy and had a little to drink. It's nothing." Lu Fei sat beside his father, feeling a warm closeness. His father was gentle in temperament, while his mother was more assertive. In life, someone had to be patient, and his father was exceptionally so. He always supported Lu Fei, so long as his choices were right.

Although his mother was a bit domineering, she was tender with Lu Fei—a stark contrast to how she treated Lu Hao Ran.

Perhaps this was simply the dynamic of a couple who had grown old together.

Lu Fei noticed the change in his parents’ abilities—they were already at the second rank. Quite remarkable, quite powerful, and he was pleased.

The sunlight outside was brilliant. Lu Fei accompanied his father watching television,

then turned and entered a nearby room, where he found his mother preparing food. He walked over. "Mom, do you need my help?"

"No need," his mother replied with a smile.

"Mom, here are fifty thousand crystal cores. Keep them. Buy whatever you want to eat in the future." Lu Fei handed the crystal cores to his mother.

"How... how do you have so many?" His mother stared at the five fifth-grade crystal cores in astonishment.

"Don’t worry, I didn’t steal them," Lu Fei said with a smile.

His mother was overjoyed. "Before, we only had food thanks to Bai Ling and her friends. You should thank them."

"I know," Lu Fei nodded. He did indeed need to thank Qin Bai Ling and her friends, but wasn’t sure how. He’d let his mother handle it, and then find something himself to show his gratitude.

That would suffice.

There were no new red envelopes today—the system must be upgrading. The system would upgrade with each advancement in Lu Fei’s cultivation.

"Ding. System upgrading. It will take two days. No red envelopes during this time."

"Got it. You can still talk while upgrading?" Lu Fei was speechless.

"Ding. Of course, this system is omnipotent. So, how about those beauties lately?"

"Not bad at all! You did that on purpose?" Lu Fei muttered as he went upstairs to practice the Dragon Emperor’s Dominance Technique. Life in the safe zone was comfortable—no fear of zombie attacks, family close by, Qin Bai Ling nearby. Happiness, nothing could surpass it.

Lu Fei found a cultivation method for nourishing the spirit for his parents, which could extend their lifespans. He also planned to give it to Qin Bai Ling’s parents, as thanks for caring for his father.

But he’d wait until after Qin Bai Ling’s birthday.

Two days passed swiftly.

Time flew like an arrow. Life was but a dream.

Qin Bai Ling was no longer at home.

Lu Fei donned a well-fitted dark blue suit, stood before the mirror, and admired his reflection. Satisfied, he turned and headed outside, caught a taxi, and made his way to Starshine Hotel.

He received a call from Zeng Hong Sen. "Boss, are you here yet?"

"Almost. What’s up?" Lu Fei was surprised Zeng Hong Sen was calling now.

"Nothing really. I just don’t know what gift to get for the class monitor," Zeng Hong Sen chuckled.

"You don’t need to bring anything. Just come and eat. You’re just her classmate. I’m her desk-mate, best friend, and neighbor, so it’s appropriate for me to bring a gift. That’s all. Don't call me unless it’s urgent," Lu Fei said, exasperated by his friend’s musings.

"Oh, you always know what to do," Zeng Hong Sen laughed.

Soon, Lu Fei arrived at Starshine Hotel and stepped out of the car.

He walked inside, surprised to see so many people already present.

Everyone was dressed in luxurious attire, clearly wealthy or distinguished.

Compared to their outfits, Lu Fei’s suit seemed rather plain, but it didn’t matter—he was there for Qin Bai Ling’s birthday party, not to show off.

"Boss," Zeng Hong Sen, Ma Bi, and Zeng Shu Na walked over, spotting Lu Fei.

"You’re here," Lu Fei nodded.

"Yes, wow, Boss, you look so handsome today," Zeng Hong Sen couldn’t help but flatter him, then grabbed a plate and began piling on food, standing before Lu Fei and eating happily.

"So I wasn’t handsome before?" Lu Fei looked at him, speechless.

"You’ve always been handsome, Boss, but today especially so." Zeng Hong Sen grinned, speaking between mouthfuls.

Ma Bi approached with a glass of red wine. "Boss, I never thought we’d be able to attend a birthday party in the apocalypse. We’re so lucky. If zombies attack later and we die, I’ll have no regrets."

"Get out of here! Don’t say such unlucky things. How could zombies attack Bai Ling’s birthday? Even if they did, I’d wipe them out," Lu Fei kicked Ma Bi lightly, then looked to Zeng Shu Na, who wore a skirt and light makeup, still charming and cute. "Boss, when will Bai Ling arrive?"

"She should be here soon," Lu Fei guessed.

At that moment,

a flashy sports car stopped at the entrance. A lavishly dressed young man stepped out, drawing murmurs from the crowd. "Young Master Wang! I heard he’s also pursuing Qin Bai Ling. Didn’t expect him to show up today—looks like there’ll be some drama."

"Yes, tonight might see Young Master Wang and Young Master Li competing for her attention," some whispered.

Young Master Wang walked straight toward Lu Fei. "So you’re Bai Ling’s desk-mate, best friend, and classmate? You look rather gloomy."

(End of chapter)