Chapter 23: Suicide in the Apocalypse?

Zhang Cheng immediately rose to his feet, went to the balcony, and drew back the curtains and window to look outside. On the ground lay the body of an elderly man, fallen from Building 11. Was it a suicide? Or had he been thrown down by someone? Zhang Cheng looked toward Building 10, where he saw the window of the 12th floor open. Inside, a couple was holding a child and crying. It was suicide. This was the first time Zhang Cheng had witnessed someone choosing suicide in the apocalypse. He didn't know how much courage it took to take one's own life; he certainly didn't have the courage for it.

What drove the old man to suicide? A lack of food, perhaps? It was likely, considering that since the biochemical crisis, residents had relied on stored food and water. Those living in this neighborhood were wealthy, usually stocking up their fridges with bulk purchases from the supermarket. But eventually, food runs out. In that household, apart from the suicidal old man, there was a couple and their child. The child was hidden behind his mother, his mouth covered to silence his cries. The consumption of food and water for four people was significant. The old man might have chosen to end his life to extend his family's survival.

Alternatively, it might have been due to a disease outbreak, not wanting to turn into a zombie and attack his family after death. Both scenarios lead to suicide. Then there was the possibility that he was thrown out by his son and daughter-in-law. In the apocalypse, this couldn't be ruled out. However, to watch one's own father commit suicide without intervening... that was the nature of humanity in the apocalypse. Selfish, ugly, all for survival.

Tang Ying stood beside Zhang Cheng, also witnessing the old man's body. His corpse had already attracted numerous zombies. Zombies are indiscriminate about fresh meat. Seeing someone commit suicide, Zhang Cheng lost his previous playful mood, but he still said to Tang Ying, "Come with me to exercise." In the apocalypse, to survive, one needed a strong body.

"Okay," Tang Ying nodded, following him into the gym.

...

As night fell and after dinner, Zhang Cheng got dressed, ready to leave. His clothes were stained with zombie blood and even brain matter. Tang Ying's home had men's clothes; her father was about the same height as Zhang Cheng. There were casual and sports clothes, but Zhang Cheng didn't want to change, preferring his yellowed white T-shirt and worn-out jeans, his black sneakers scuffed at the soles. Tang Ying couldn't understand his thinking and couldn't persuade him otherwise. At the entrance, she held his hand, saying, "Come back early. I can't sleep alone when you're not here." She truly couldn't be without him.

Seeing her genuine affection, Zhang Cheng kissed her and asked, "What do you want? I'll bring it back for you if I find it." Tang Ying shook her head. "Then go back to the room," he said. Tang Ying returned to the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Zhang Cheng then left the house.

Downstairs, protein powder, mineral water, flour, and other food items were piled in a corner. Zhang Cheng started his motorcycle, planning to visit the yoga studio he went to yesterday to check on Zhang Shiru. If she cooperated, he would bring her back when the time was right. If not, he wouldn't bother with her. Besides the yoga studio, he also planned to visit a grain store to bring back rice and flour. As a Southerner, it was hard to live without rice as a staple. He also intended to look for stores selling bird's nest, shark fin, deer antler, and ginseng, to make nutritious soup for himself and Tang Ying, a welcome change from the daily diet of instant noodles, canned food, chocolate, and biscuits.