Chapter 32: No Abandonment, No Surrender, No Betrayal

"Miss Shishi, this feast is for you. Enjoy!" Xiao Yang pulled out a chair for her with a smile.

Lin Shishi sat down, overwhelmed. "This is too much! You've given me all your best food…"

Xiao Yang exchanged a glance with Mu Wanqing—she hadn't mentioned his spatial ability. Pouring wine for everyone, he raised his glass. "To your help yesterday. Cheers!"

They drank deeply. Lin Shishi matched them, cheeks flushing. "Really, you're too kind."

"Then let's eat!" Xiao Yang declared.

Through the meal, the trio mostly watched Lin Shishi devour dishes while she shared her story: a music student specializing in flute, trapped at her aunt's villa during the freeze. She'd survived by discovering her flute's power to pacify zombies.

"You've awakened an ability," Xiao Yang concluded. "A mental-type skill, not just the flute."

Lin Shishi gripped her instrument. "So… this isn't magic?"

"No. You'd calm zombies humming nursery rhymes too."

As Xiao Yang explained the worsening apocalypse, Mu Wanqing nudged her friend. "Join us. We're safer together."

Lin Shishi hesitated. "My parents…"

"We'll search for them when possible," Xiao Yang promised. "But our team has rules: no abandonment, no surrender, no betrayal. You obey my lead. Agreed?"

Lu You raised her hand first. "I'll follow you forever. My life's yours."

Mu Wanqing added, "As his partner, I stand with him—and whoever he protects."

Under their earnest gazes, Lin Shishi lifted her palm. "I swear loyalty. No abandonment, no surrender, no betrayal. Break this vow, let me die wretchedly."

Xiao Yang nodded, satisfied. Oaths meant little now, but unity mattered.

"Then we're family." He raised his refilled glass. "To Lin Shishi!"

Four cups clinked in the warm, well-lit room—a sanctuary against the frozen darkness beyond.