The Road Home

1. A natural disaster over four hundred years ago nearly wiped out humanity.

After the disaster, the surviving humans rebuilt twelve cities on the wasteland and named them after the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.

It was said that this would bring them the protection of some mysterious, ancient power.

It wasn't until a century ago that they built a thirteenth city. It was originally called Fengcheng, but since odd numbers were considered unlucky, it was renamed Fengshuang City.

2. On the hundredth anniversary of Fengshuang City, an unexpected disaster suddenly struck the entire city: a zombie virus.

Zombies, previously seen only in games and movies, suddenly appeared in the real world.

Fengshuang City quickly fell.

On the first night of the zombie outbreak, Xia Qing fell into her usual habit of reflecting on her day.

After reviewing what she'd done, she came to the surprising conclusion that she wasn't exactly a good person.

3. "Do you think that disaster from over four hundred years ago, the one that nearly wiped out humanity, was a natural disaster or a man-made one?" the person asked.

Xia Qing had heard a few accounts of that disaster that differed from what the history books recorded.

"Since you're asking me that, there must have been a man-made element to it. This zombie virus is connected to the disaster from four hundred years ago, isn't it?"

"You're pretty clever." Though the person said it, a hint of scorn crept into the corner of their mouth.

"You're too kind." Xia Qing's voice held a hint of scorn as well.

Theme: Keep smiling in the face of life