Night of the Apocalypse

Cao Kun sensed the awkward atmosphere and decided to change the subject.

“Dean An, are we the only ones who came back? Are there no others? It seems like there are so few people.”

“This is not a small number. Some people couldn’t make it and sent money instead. Besides, I didn’t message everyone, only those whose situations I knew about. In fact, many of your brothers and sisters are still in difficult circumstances, struggling just to survive. Not to mention those outside the city—they are in even tougher conditions. The orphanage still has to support some of them every year,” Zhao Anyuan sighed as she explained.

Upon hearing Zhao Anyuan’s words, the group fell into silence.

Sacred Sound Welfare Institute, as the largest orphanage in Sky City, adopts a large number of abandoned infants and orphans each year, well beyond its capacity.

Many of these children have physical issues.

After reaching adulthood, it’s hard for most of them to become self-reliant.

In reality, even healthy people struggle to survive, let alone those with physical problems.

However, according to the laws of Sky City, after turning eighteen, regardless of whether you can be self-sufficient, you are no longer allowed to stay at the orphanage.

But thanks to Zhao Anyuan’s efforts, the Sacred Sound Welfare Institute has a privilege that no other orphanage has.

The children from this orphanage have the chance to apply for residency in Sky City.

Of course, the requirements are very strict.

One rigid rule is that they must get into a university.

Shen Qiu was the most outstanding among their group of children. Not only did he get into Sky City’s best university, St. Bori University, but he also received a full scholarship.

“Alright, it’s rare for all of you to be back, so let’s cheer up. By the way, do you remember something I once asked you?” Zhao Anyuan asked kindly.

“What was it?” Huang Gan was slightly taken aback, unable to recall.

“When you were about to leave the orphanage after turning eighteen, I left you all with a question. Do you remember what I asked back then?” Zhao Anyuan smiled as she reminded them.

“I remember. You asked us what the meaning of life is. You told us that the next time we returned to the orphanage, we should have a clear answer,” Cao Kun repeated the question for Zhao Anyuan.

“Yes, now that you’re back, let’s hear it!” Zhao Anyuan looked warmly at the group, like a mother gazing at her children.

Shen Qiu and the others glanced at each other, unsure of how to answer.

Zhao Anyuan then turned to Huang Gan and asked, “Huang Gan, have you thought about the answer?”

“I’ve thought it through long ago. I believe the meaning of life is to pursue wealth. I want to earn as much money as possible, the more, the better,” Huang Gan replied without hesitation.

Zhao Anyuan smiled and turned to Cao Kun, asking, “What about you?”

Cao Kun thought for a moment and said, “I think it’s power. That’s my goal in life.”

Zhao Anyuan then looked at Zhao Lian.

“I think a simple, peaceful life is just fine,” Zhao Lian said after thinking for a moment.

Zhao Anyuan smiled and turned to a woman dressed in a white shawl top and a black short skirt.

“And what about you, Qiu Li?”

“I think the meaning of life is to have a warm harbor,” Qiu Li replied softly.

Standing nearby, Cao Kun couldn’t help but glance at Qiu Li.

“Alright!”

“Dean, I believe happiness is the most important. Life should be about pursuing joy.”

“I think the meaning of life is to witness more things.”

The others also shared their thoughts one by one.

After listening to everyone, Zhao Anyuan turned to Shen Qiu.

“And you, Shen Qiu?”

Shen Qiu was momentarily stunned, then replied, “Sorry! I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out yet.”

Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

Zhao Anyuan raised her hand to signal for everyone to quiet down, then addressed them, “Actually, none of your answers are wrong. They are all correct! Whatever you like, or find meaningful, go and pursue it. But remember one thing—don’t lose your true self, or you won’t be who you are anymore.”

“Understood, Dean,” Shen Qiu and the others responded in unison.

Satisfied, Zhao Anyuan nodded and said to them, “It’s almost noon, and lunch is ready for you. It’s simple, but I hope you’ll enjoy it. I’ll go handle the donations you made, and later we can sit down and catch up. I’m looking forward to hearing about your lives over the years.”

“Okay,” Shen Qiu and the others nodded in agreement.

At that moment, a serious, stern-looking middle-aged woman, who appeared quite strict, approached them. She spoke to Shen Qiu and the group, “Follow me.”

“Aunt Qiao!”

When Qiu Li and the others saw the middle-aged woman, they excitedly rushed forward to hold her hand.

Aunt Qiao, usually stern-faced, couldn’t help but smile a little. She said, “Don’t act like kids; you’re all grown up now.”

“Yes, yes,” they responded.

Shen Qiu, watching the scene, also cracked a rare smile. Memories of Aunt Qiao chasing them around when they were younger flashed through his mind.

A moment later, Shen Qiu and the others arrived at the cafeteria.

Dean Zhao Anyuan had specially arranged a long table for them, big enough for everyone to sit together. The table was filled with steaming dishes.

Though the food was simple—dishes like tofu with scallions, stewed cabbage, and plain steamed buns—even the wealthiest among them, like Huang Gan, had no complaints. Instead, they all commented, “Aunt Qiao, this is such a feast!”

“Feast? These are just the simplest dishes. Eat what you can and catch up with each other. I’m off to check on the other kids,” Aunt Qiao said, shaking her head.

“Alright, Aunt Qiao, go ahead, we’ll take care of ourselves,” Huang Gan and the others replied with a smile as they sat down.

Shen Qiu found a seat as well.

Cao Kun took the lead, picking up his chopsticks and saying with a grin, “We’re all like brothers and sisters, no need for formalities. Let’s start eating!”

“Okay!” Shen Qiu and the others each grabbed a steamed bun and started eating with the dishes.

As they ate, they began catching up.

Huang Gan smiled and chatted with Qiu Li, “Qiu Li, I haven’t heard from you in years. What have you been up to?”

“Not much, just staying home and taking care of my child,” Qiu Li replied softly.

“Qiu Li, you’re married? Who did you marry? Could it be…?”

Many of the women present glanced at Cao Kun. However, when they noticed his somewhat gloomy expression, they immediately realized the situation and stopped speculating.

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.

Shen Qiu watched this unfold and sighed inwardly.

He remembered how close he used to be with Huang Gan and Cao Kun, so he knew the history between Cao Kun and Qiu Li. He hadn’t expected that, despite everything, the two hadn’t ended up together.

“Uh, let’s not talk about that. Speaking of which, the recent price hikes have been outrageous!” a male companion quickly chimed in, changing the subject with a laugh.