Chapter 28: Under a Collapsing Nest

Shi Yunxiang, who fancied himself a natural leader, spouted his opinions recklessly online. When his elderly mother called to ask if he was coming home, he replied dismissively, "Mom, this is all fake, don't believe a word of it. Just stay put at home; if anyone asks, tell them I've already returned." He scoffed openly at his mother’s concerns.

After hanging up, his wife, Zhu Xiaolin, who had been listening nearby, felt hesitant. As a teacher, she had been tasked by her supervisor to notify and verify the status of every student’s family. While she agreed with her husband’s stance, she couldn't help but wonder: what if it were true? "Old Shi, are we really not going home? Or perhaps we could bring your parents here?"

Shi Yunxiang only had his mother living in their hometown. If an alien civilization were truly invading, wouldn't the old woman be in danger? Seeing his wife’s timidity, Shi Yunxiang sneered, "You’re just a lowly teacher; how could you possibly be as well-informed as I am? Rest assured, even if I don't bother, my 'good' brother is still back home."

Influenced by his father, Shi Yunxiang’s son also harbored deep mistrust for official announcements. When university classes broke for the break, he had no intention of going home, wanting instead to take the opportunity to travel abroad with his girlfriend. Though Zhu Xiaolin objected, she couldn't stop Shi Yunxiang, who not only gave his approval but also transferred a large sum of money to his son. He encouraged him to take the girl abroad and keep her happy. After all, the girl’s family was well-connected; if his son married her, his future would be secure. Hearing this, Zhu Xiaolin’s opposition wavered.

There were many people like Shi Yunxiang who made it their mission to act against the state's advice. When the government urged them to return home to be with their families, they insisted on traveling, flaunting their trips on social media to mock others. However, the majority of ordinary people chose to listen to the government.

Cen Yi returned home at nine in the evening after a grueling day. Upon entering, she was stunned by the state of her living room. Rice, oil, flour, instant noodles, and other supplies were piled so high they nearly blocked the entrance. She had to squeeze through sideways, calling out as she moved, "Dad! Mom! Didn't I tell you that we can't take any of this with us? Why are you buying all this?" She was at her wit's end. Whenever people heard about the apocalypse or alien civilizations, their first instinct was to hoard food and oil, and they refused to listen to reason.

She had passed the community supermarket earlier, and the hundred-meter stretch of road had been jammed for nearly half an hour, almost bringing her to tears. Seeing her parents doing the same thing only left her speechless. Her mother didn't respond to her shouting, but her father emerged from the balcony. "Stop yelling. Your mother isn't home; she went to your grandfather's house."

Cen Yi was shocked. "What? It's so late, and she's not back yet?"

Cen’s father hauled another bag of flour onto the balcony. "Just start moving these. Your mother will be back with more stuff soon, and she’ll just get angry if she sees this mess." He couldn't stop his wife, so he resigned himself to being the laborer.

Cen Yi refused. "I’m calling Mom. Tell her to stop; it’s a total waste of money."

Her father quickly dropped the flour and stopped her. "Don't call. Just let her buy it. We finally found you a job, paid off our debts, and life was just starting to get better when this apocalypse happened. Your mother just can't accept it." Having lived with his wife for decades, he understood she wasn't a foolish person. "She’s just under too much pressure. Buying things is her way of venting, and besides, this money won't be worth anything soon anyway."

Cen Yi’s hand, clutching her phone, froze. Her eyes turned red. "Dad, I'm sorry. I haven't been able to take care of the family, but the community is just too busy right now. Please, don't worry. As soon as I finish tomorrow, I'll come home. We'll enter the game together, and I'll take care of you, Grandpa, and Grandfather."

Her father sighed. "Your mother is bringing your grandfather over later, and your grandfather who lives nearby will come tomorrow too. Our whole family will be waiting for you here. You just focus on your work." He couldn't help his daughter, nor could he dissuade his wife, so he stayed home, memorizing the *Survival Manual* until he could recite it backward.

As they spoke, the door opened. Her mother and grandfather walked in. Even the grandfather was stunned by the state of the living room. "Fengjiao, why did you buy so much?" On the way, he had heard his daughter say she bought a few things, but he hadn't realized she had filled the entire room.

Qu Fengjiao felt a bit embarrassed. "Oh, Dad, that's not important. Let's get inside, Guogiang and I will clear it up."

Cen Yi hurried to help. "Grandpa, there's space in my room, come sit there." The three of them moved the supplies to the balcony, the kitchen, and the parents' bedroom, finally clearing the living room. Qu Tao was settled into the other bedroom.

Seeing the sheer volume of goods, he couldn't help but nag, "The broadcast said we can't take anything with us—not even the clothes on our backs. Why are you buying all this?" At these words, Qu Fengjiao's eyes reddened. Seeing her mother like this, Cen Yi quickly changed the subject. "Grandpa, I have to work tomorrow, let's get some rest."

Qu Tao had always doted on his only granddaughter. Knowing she was trying to protect her mother, he said nothing more. Cen Guogiang hugged his wife, comforting her. "It's fine. I told Yiyi, she doesn't mind. If you want to buy it, buy it. I have some money left, I'll transfer it to you."

"I just... what if? What if we can take it with us? Then we wouldn't have to worry about food," Qu Fengjiao sobbed, unable to suppress her tears. Her father and father-in-law were both in poor health. She had once suffered a major illness, and after the surgery, they were left with a mountain of debt. Her husband worked day and night just to pay it off and feed the family. It was only after Cen Yi started working that they had a little breathing room.

Thinking of the contents of the *Survival Manual*, Qu Fengjiao couldn't help but think that the game would be so difficult that she would only be a burden to her daughter. She dared not tell her father this, fearing he would worry. Only her husband knew her heart. "Don't worry, I'm here. I can learn to hunt, and both our fathers were good at farming. We’ll find a way to survive."

Inside her room, Cen Yi listened to her parents' conversation in the living room, covering her mouth as silent tears fell. Why had the world turned this way?

While some were anxious about the arrival of the survival game, others were ambitious, eager to make a name for themselves. Fan Yong, true to his name, was exceptionally bold. He had just been released from a detention center for fighting when he heard about the survival game. His heart surged with joy—was this not the very opportunity heaven had given him?