Good Man Operation Guide

Chapter 163: Apocalypse: Zombie Era (2)

“These past few days, the flu has been rampant. My sister told me that many children in their kindergarten have been infected. The hospitals are overcrowded, and even the roadside clinics are filled with people getting injections.”

“On my way to work, I saw a group of people wearing masks, probably afraid of getting infected. I heard this flu is quite troublesome; no matter how many injections they get, the fever doesn’t go down.”

During the lunch break, everyone finished their meals and sat at their desks chatting. Ji Jiaqi took a day off yesterday and had a pile of work to catch up on today. She sat on her chair, typing rapidly on the keyboard with both hands while listening to their conversation.

When she heard about the flu, she started to worry about getting infected herself. Luckily, she had some masks in her drawer, so she planned to put on a mask when she went back.

Because she was still concerned about Sister Yun, Ji Jiaqi felt down and lacked enthusiasm throughout the day. When it was time to leave, she felt exhausted and was about to pick up her bag when her phone rang. It was her boyfriend calling.

She and her boyfriend grew up together in an orphanage and could be considered childhood sweethearts. They both had good looks and were diligent in their studies. Although they were admitted to different universities, they remained in the same city, and their relationship had always been strong.

Because they were both good-looking, their mutual friends jokingly referred to them as a handsome guy and a beautiful girl, naturally meant for each other. Even in their studies, this couple was often the topic of discussion.

Their relationship had always been good, but recently, she wondered if her boyfriend was too busy with his studies. It had been a few days since they last contacted each other. Ji Jiaqi had been busy with Sister Yun’s matters and business trips these days, and it was only now that she realized it when he called.

Ji Jiaqi answered the phone, and her boyfriend, Ji Hang, spoke in a gentle and caring voice, “Jiaqi, there’s been a flu going around lately. Remember to wear a mask when you go out and be careful not to get infected. I’m not busy recently, so how about having dinner together tonight?”

Ji Hang was a medical student, and even though Ji Jiaqi had been working for a year, he was still in school. Compared to Ji Jiaqi, who had to strictly follow the company’s regulations for working hours, Ji Hang had more freedom, so he always adjusted his time according to Ji Jiaqi’s schedule.

Ji Jiaqi felt a little guilty for not contacting her boyfriend proactively these past few days and immediately replied, “Okay, let’s go to our usual place tonight...”

“But remember to wear a mask. My teacher said this flu is quite troublesome, and there’s currently no complete cure for it.”

Ji Hang was speaking gently, and Ji Jiaqi suddenly felt a tickle in her throat and couldn't help but cough twice. The voice on the other end of the phone immediately paused for a few seconds.

“Jiaqi, you haven’t caught the flu, have you?”

Ji Jiaqi felt her throat was dry and picked up a glass of water to moisten her throat before replying, “I don’t know either. Maybe I just got a bit overheated from staying up late last night, and my throat feels uncomfortable.”

Ji Hang remained silent for a few more seconds.

The start to this flu was an uncomfortable throat and coughing, followed by a high fever. Even with continuous injections, the temperature could only be reduced to 38 degrees Celsius. Although no deaths had been reported so far, continuous high fever could undoubtedly lead to problems.

Ji Jiaqi didn’t notice her boyfriend’s unusual silence. Feeling her throat was more comfortable, she continued, “I’ll hang up now and go back to tidy up. See you tonight.”

After ending the call, she wore a mask, carried her bag, and headed outside. However, just as she reached the entrance of the company, she received a text message.

[ji Hang: Some parents want me to continue tutoring tonight, so I won’t be able to make it for dinner.]

Ji Jiaqi didn’t think much of it. Both of them grew up as orphans without parental support. After reaching adulthood, they could only rely on their own efforts to survive. Ji Hang had been working part-time as a private tutor, and she was aware of it.

Living in a big city with high living costs, Ji Hang's part-time job didn’t earn much money due to limited hours. The burden of supporting both of them fell on Ji Jiaqi, who had a full-time job. That’s why she worked so hard, hoping for promotion and a salary increase.

Fortunately, Ji Hang was about to graduate soon, so the pressure on Ji Jiaqi would be greatly reduce. Otherwise, she wouldn’t even consider having a pet cat.

On her way back home on the subway, Ji Jiaqi noticed that most people were wearing masks, and occasional coughs could be heard in the crowd. It seemed that this flu was indeed quite troublesome.

She went to the supermarket downstairs and bought some food before picking up Sister Yun’s package and returning to her apartment.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw a plush cat lying on the couch, watching TV.

Even after a tiring day, coming home to see a cute little creature right in front of her still managed to improve Ji Jiaqi’s mood a little. She approached the Ragdoll cat and gently touched it, saying, “Heng Heng, were you good at home today?”

The dignified and elegant cat, Heng Heng, raised its head slightly to glance at Ji Jiaqi, but its gaze didn’t linger on her face for even a second before returning his attention back to the TV.

Ji Jiaqi was used to its behavior. She stood up and was about to go and replenish the cat’s food, water, and clean the litter box when she suddenly froze.

The cat food was still as full as it was when she left in the morning, but the water had been slightly consumed.

Did Heng Heng not eat anything all day?

Ji Jiaqi anxiously turned her head to look at the Ragdoll cat and checked the litter box on the balcony. Indeed, there was nothing in the litter box.

Not eating, not using the litter box, could it be stress?

Ji Jiaqi raised her heavy finger and typed on her phone: [Thank you.]

She didn’t give herself much time to be sad. She immediately sent the photos to Ji Hang.

[Let’s break up.]

There was no response for a long time. The reply came later in the evening: [Okay.]

As Ji Jiaqi looked at the single word, tears welled up in her dry eyes, and she cried again while holding her blanket.

But before she could cry for long, her phone suddenly received a notification sound from the bank, showing that all the money in her account had been withdrawn.

Ji Jiaqi’s card was linked to her online banking, and she had given it to her boyfriend for convenience, as every time he used it, she would receive a text message. Ji Hang didn’t use the card frequently, and he would always inform her in advance whenever he did.

They had grown up together since childhood and been together for so long. Ji Hang was the person Ji Jiaqi trusted the most. Even though she knew he had cheated on her, she was only heartbroken and had no thoughts of revenge.

But the human heart was terrifying.

After they broke up, Ji Hang took away all her money.

Ji Jiaqi was trembling with anger and immediately called to confront him, without even thinking twice.

However, Ji Hang tore off his gentle facade and confidently declared over the phone, “That card is jointly owned by us. Occasionally, my part-time job income is deposited there. Why can’t I use it? Besides, didn’t you want to open an online store last time? I bought you a whole roomful of food for that. Consider this money as payment for those items.”

Ji Jiaqi’s crying voice trembled, “But it was you who wanted to open the online store and left those items with me. Moreover, you only transferred your part-time job income once, and then you said you wanted to buy a phone and took it all away. The money in that account is clearly my salary!”

“Do you have any evidence? Otherwise, go ahead and sue me. But let me remind you, the money you’ll spend on lawyers for the lawsuit might be more than the amount in question.”

Ji Hang’s words were targeted at Ji Jiaqi’s timid and non-confrontational nature.

Having grown up together, he understood her well. She was the kind of person who wouldn’t dare to fight back even if someone slapped her; she would only cry and hide.

Being an orphan with no one to support her, he used to be willing to pamper her and give her money. But now that everything was exposed, he didn’t need to pretend anymore.

After all, Ji Jiaqi was so timid and weak, she definitely wouldn’t dare to go to court. At most, she would be upset and cry.

“You, you!!"

Indeed, Ji Jiaqi was once again brought to tears by anger. Even after hanging up the phone, her body continued to tremble. She couldn’t believe why someone who had been fine during the day suddenly turned so malicious.

Ragdoll Heng Heng laid on the sofa, expressionless, listening to the wailing and sobbing coming from the bedroom.

This is the third time.

Meanwhile, Ji Hang, who had hung up the phone, looked satisfactorily at the money in his account, contemplating what he could do with it.

He did plan to open a Taobao store, but the funds needed for inventory couldn’t compare to this amount. It was just some food items that he could buy anytime.

Might as well let Ji Jiaqi have them.

The next day,

Screams and the sound of a collision filled the air.

Ji Jiaqi pulled back the curtains, her swollen eyes staring blankly at the apocalyptic scene unfolding downstairs.

Lin Shiheng stretched lazily, reaching up to touch the cat ears on top of his head, then glanced back at the long tail on his backside. He wore the shirt left by Ji Hang.

The young boy with cat ears, who appeared to be around 14 or 15 years old, nibbled on an apple and knocked on Ji Jiaqi’s door.

On the first day of the apocalypse, Ji Jiaqi had a secure house, plenty of food, and a supernatural beast to protect her. Meanwhile, Ji Hang lived in a dormitory next door.

He only had money.