Chapter 178

Chapter 178: A Conversation – The Door to Apocalypse Rebirth – Full Novel Website

178. A Conversation

During the break (Chapter 178 of The Door to Apocalypse Rebirth).

Gu Ning and her father, leaning on a cane, walked alone on the playground. The warm winter sun bathed them, creating a serene and warm atmosphere. It was a rare moment of solitude between father and daughter, undisturbed by anyone.

“Maybe it’s because of those Crystal Cores I ate, but my body feels much better than before,” Gu Dad said. He now walked by first placing the cane forward, then using it to support half his body as he lifted his right foot to step forward. Though it looked strenuous, he walked steadily. “Gao Yue said my wounds are healing well. I could walk around yesterday, and today the wounds don’t hurt at all. Look how steady I am, as if I’ve been practicing,” he demonstrated to Gu Ning.

Gu Ning felt a pang of sadness but smiled on her face. “Alright, be careful not to fall.”

Gu Dad laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, I won’t fall! Besides having to carry a cane everywhere, life hasn’t been greatly affected. Look at your mom, she couldn’t even smile a few days ago, but now she’s so happy!”

Gu Ning followed his gaze and saw Gu Mama sitting on the grass with Hong Jie, chatting with an elderly woman, all wearing content smiles. It felt like an ordinary day before the apocalypse.

“There are many children here, and the classrooms and desks are ready. Since we’re idle anyway, I thought I’d teach them. Teaching them makes me feel like I’ve returned to the past,” he said, watching the children playing on the playground. “The last time I stood on a lecture platform feels like a lifetime ago,” he added with a relieved smile. “But these kids are much more well-behaved than any class I’ve taught before.”

Gu Ning said solemnly, “Just surviving now is already hard enough.”

Gu Dad smiled. “What you see is only the present. Look further ahead. It might take years, even decades, for our world to regain peace. By then, these children will grow into young adults like your generation, holding up the world. Knowledge will be their foundation. So, no matter when, education is essential.”

“With my own strength, I might not achieve much, but I can influence these children I teach. Lighting a lamp on their life’s path might guide them onto the right road. Perhaps in the future, they’ll become as outstanding as you. That’s the meaning of what I’m doing now.”

“I’ve always wanted to talk to you, but never found the chance. You’re just too busy,” he sighed heavily, then looked at Gu Ning with affection. “Ning Ning, you’re very strong now. Dad is often proud of you. But you must know, whether in the past or now, one person’s strength is never enough. Sometimes, we can do more. Dad is old now. What I’m doing is the most meaningful thing I can do. What about you? You’ve been protecting me and your mom, even making me feel like we’re holding you back,” he said worriedly. “You used to tell Dad everything, but you never mentioned what happened last time.”

His gaze held a hint of heartache. “Dad knows that after what happened, you must have been disappointed in humanity. Even I was once disappointed and lost. But Ning Ning, look at these people,” he gestured towards Zhang Xiaobai and Gao Yue in the distance. “The world has always been like this—many bad people, but also many good ones. See that family over there?” He pointed to a young couple playing with a little girl. “When your mom, Method, and I got separated from the group, I had just had my leg amputated. Method carried me while we were chased by zombies. That family risked their lives to save us and bring us home. Otherwise, I would have lost more than just this leg. The world has already destroyed so much of the beauty in our lives. Don’t let it destroy your kind heart. Most importantly, Ning Ning, Dad wants you to be happy. Stop suppressing yourself. Look at the world from a different angle. Maybe you’ll find it’s not as bad as you think.”

Gu Ning opened her mouth, instinctively wanting to argue, but Gu Dad didn’t give her the chance. He walked towards Gu Mama with his cane, leaving her alone under the tree, seemingly to give her time to think.

She stood under the tree, watching Gu Dad’s figure gradually fade away. The soft glow of the setting sun gently bathed him, reminding her of the days he would head to school at sunrise, his figure radiating a quiet strength.

Her father, also her life mentor, had taught her that kindness was the most beautiful quality in the world. Gu Ning considered herself kind. When the apocalypse first struck, she risked her life to warn her oblivious neighbors, saving them multiple times. Yet, in the end, they didn’t even bother to check if she was bitten, hastily driving away, leaving her alone to face the zombies. The fear, despair, and the sharp pain of betrayal still haunted her.

After that, she became cold and numb, not just to protect her parents, but out of a vengeful malice. Yet, it brought her no joy, only struggle and pain.

Her father, who knew her better than she knew herself, must have noticed her coldness, her struggles, and her pain.

“Sister!” a clear voice called out.

A little girl stood a few meters away, curious yet timidly observing her. Her parents smiled from a distance, nodding at Gu Ning when she looked over. It was the family who had saved Gu Dad. Thinking of this, her expression softened. She bent down and asked, “Are you calling me?”

The girl shyly nodded, then asked excitedly, “Xiang Xu and He He said you’re amazing!” Her eyes sparkled with admiration, having heard many legendary tales about Gu Ning. “Can you teach me how to kill those monsters?”

Gu Ning was taken aback. “Why? You’re still so young.”

“I’m already nine! I’m just short, but I’m older than Xiang Xu!” the girl insisted. “My parents said if you’re willing to teach me, they’d let me learn from you,” she added softly. “My grandparents were eaten by those monsters. I’m scared my parents will be too. I want to learn from you, like Xiang Xu and He He. Then I can protect my parents, Xiang Xu, He He, Wu Sen, Zuo You, and even Teacher Gu…” She earnestly counted everyone she knew, then bravely added, “I can even protect you! Teacher Gu said our generation is the future of the world. When you grow old and not as strong, I’ll protect you!”

Gu Ning, moved by the girl’s earnestness, crouched down and smiled. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Xia Sang. Sang as in mulberry leaves,” the girl replied crisply.

Gu Ning gently patted her head. “Sang Sang, you have to keep your word, okay?”

Xia Sang blinked, then her eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously. “Yes!”

Then, like a joyful little bird, she dashed back to her parents, shouting excitedly, “She agreed!”

Gu Ning watched with a smile as Xia Sang hugged her parents, who nodded appreciatively at her. Gu Ning returned the smile, then looked towards Gu Dad and Gu Mama. Seeing Gu Dad smiling at her, Gu Ning gave him a heartfelt smile in return. She glanced at the setting sun hanging over the mountain, feeling as if a weight had been lifted. With light and firm steps, she walked towards them.