When I woke up again, I found myself in a room with four white walls.

My clothes had been changed into clean ones.

The fruit knife and baseball bat I used for self-defense were all gone.

I opened the bedside table next to me, but there was nothing inside.

I wanted to look outside through the window, but I found that the window was sealed shut, with an inner window.

"Squeak—"

The door was opened.

I turned around warily.

A woman in a white coat walked in at the doorway.

Two men with rifles followed behind her.

"Hello, Su Jinzhou. This is the affiliated laboratory of City C's First Hospital. I'm Liu Ruoxue, a colleague of Song Wei."

What? Why didn't you say so earlier!

Weren't Wen Ning and I here to find you?

We didn't need to be drugged. We could have followed you on our own!

"Where is Wen Ning?"

Liu Ruoxue paused. "Wen Ning is already preparing for the experiment. Thank you for your help to Wen Ning all the way. According to Wen Ning's request, we will send you to the safe zone today."

"Safe zone? What safe zone? I can stay and help. When will Wen Ning's experiment be finished?"

From Liu Ruoxue, I learned that the zombie outbreak had spread worldwide.

It all started a few years ago with the release of nuclear waste by Little Sakura.

At first, the incident was globally condemned, and everyone was denouncing the malevolence of Little Sakura.

But over time, this matter that affected the fate of all mankind became ignored.

With severe damage to the marine environment, marine life began to mutate wildly.

Even the bacteria in the deep sea underwent changes.

When humans consumed seafood carrying mutated marine bacteria, the marine bacteria that originally belonged to the deep sea finally set foot on the human continent.

This was nature's counterattack, the punishment of all mankind.

What was even more terrifying was that the global mutations of zombies originated from different marine bacteria.

That's why there were so many different types of zombies.

And Wen Ning was only immune to one of those many types...

In other words, even if a vaccine could be developed successfully using Wen Ning's blood, it could only immunize against one type of zombie infection.

"Our country has established ten safe zones, but not everyone can enter the safe zones. You must cherish the opportunity that Wen Ning has gained for you."

"What about Wen Ning? When will his experiment be over? When can I see him again?"

A trace of regret flashed in Liu Ruoxue's eyes. "After examination, a parasitic colony of marine bacteria has formed in Wen Ning's body. You can understand it as a parasitic entity located on his heart. He has already been pushed into the operating room."

"What kind of operation? Are you going to remove his heart? How can he survive then?!"

In Liu Ruoxue's eyes, I must be a stupid college student at this moment.

If the heart is taken away, how can a person possibly survive?

"Wen Ning signed the surgical consent form."

"Miss Su, it's time for you to leave."

Liu Ruoxue prepared a day's worth of food and water for me and had one of the men behind her escort me out.

As I walked out of the room, my legs felt heavy.

I glanced at the emergency evacuation map on the wall.

I made up my mind and turned back, running back.

"Sister, please, can you let me see Wen Ning one more time, the last time."

"I'm sorry, no. Xiaowang, escort Miss Zhou out."

Liu Ruoxue didn't want to be bothered by me and left with her head down.

I followed Xiaowang downstairs.

I focused on distinguishing the sound of Liu Ruoxue leaving in this experimental building.

"Xiao Li, let's go to the observation room now and get ready with the protective suits."

"Yes, Director Liu."

I followed the direction of Liu Ruoxue's footsteps.

The operating room should be located on the south side of the third floor. I walked down the corridor, passing by several closed doors.

Finally, I reached the end of the hallway and found the operating room.

The door was closed, but I could hear muffled voices from inside.

I hesitated for a moment, then gently pushed the door open and peeked inside.

There, on the operating table, lay Wen Ning, his body covered with a sterile sheet.

Surgeons in protective suits were gathered around him, their faces obscured by masks and goggles.

They were deep in concentration, focused on their task.

I watched silently from the doorway, my heart filled with a mix of worry and hope.

After what felt like an eternity, the surgeons finished their work and stepped back.

One of them removed his mask and goggles, revealing Liu Ruoxue's face.

She looked tired but relieved.

I took a step forward, catching her attention.

"Miss Zhou, what are you doing here? You should have left already."

"I... I couldn't leave without seeing Wen Ning one last time. How is he? Is he going to be okay?"

Liu Ruoxue sighed and approached me.

"The operation was successful, but it was a risky procedure. We had to remove the parasitic colony from his heart, which was causing him immense pain and affecting his overall health. It was a delicate operation, but we managed to save him."

Relief washed over me, and tears welled up in my eyes.

"Can I... can I see him now?"

Liu Ruoxue nodded.

"Yes, but please keep in mind that he needs rest. He's still in recovery. Don't overwhelm him."

I nodded, wiping away my tears, and followed Liu Ruoxue into the operating room.

Wen Ning looked pale and weak, but he was conscious.

His eyes brightened when he saw me, and a weak smile formed on his lips.

"Su Jinzhou... you came..."

I rushed to his side, taking his hand in mine.

"Of course, I came. I couldn't leave without seeing you. Are you okay? How do you feel?"

Wen Ning squeezed my hand gently.

"I feel... better now. The pain is gone. I'm so glad you're here."

Tears streamed down my face as I leaned in and hugged him gently.

"I thought I lost you. I thought I would never see you again."

Wen Ning held me tightly, his voice filled with emotion.

"I'm here, Su Jinzhou. I'm not going anywhere. We'll get through this together."

And in that moment, as we held each other in the operating room, surrounded by the faint scent of antiseptic, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.