Chapter 33: Music-Multiverse: All My Avatars Are Monsters(Like the maple, the maple, the maple.)

After leaving the clothing store, Beth was utterly satisfied, skipping happily ahead. While Beth felt lighter, Li Changsheng was burdened, trailing behind her with a large bag full of clothes, his face clouded with worry.

Beth tossed her hair and blinked mischievously. "What's wrong? Is the weight too much for you?"

The weight of dozens of garments was nothing to mention. Li Changsheng hooked the bag on a single finger, made a show of weighing it, and said with a disdainful air, "Beth, is that all you’ve got? I can lift this with just one finger."

Beth was surprised, but she snorted, "Show-off."

With her chin held high, she strode ahead. As they passed a shoe store, Beth was tempted but didn’t slow her pace. Li Changsheng guessed she was worried she’d be unable to carry more, given the dangers outside. But he was no ordinary person. Feigning surprise, he said, "This shoe store looks nice, let’s take a look."

Beth glanced at him, the corners of her mouth curling up. "Looking inside would be nice."

With graceful strides, she entered. Beth chose a pair of white heels. Glancing down at her ripped jeans, she realized they didn’t match the shoes. After some thought, she dug a pale skirt from the bag.

She slipped behind a wall, warning Li Changsheng not to come near, then changed clothes on her own. Hearing the rustle behind the wall, Li Changsheng pretended to be blind.

Soon, the sound of footsteps echoed—Beth walked out elegantly, spinning before Li Changsheng. The pale skirt fluttered in the breeze, and the high heels made her slender legs look enchanting.

Li Changsheng remarked, "Not bad."

Beth rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Not bad?"

He nodded.

Blockhead...

You were entrusted by Hershel to look after me...

Why can’t you say something to make me happy...

Beth, a little upset, asked, "Do you remember why we came out today?"

Li Changsheng shrugged. "Of course. For your father’s farm."

Beth bit her lip, fuming. "Can’t you be less blunt?"

Li Changsheng countered, "Can’t you stop overthinking?"

Beth stretched out her words, "I! Can’t!"

Li Changsheng raised an eyebrow. "I’m just being straightforward."

Beth, seething, stomped past him, digging her heel into his foot as she did. "I’m going to the third floor."

"Got it. But that stomp counts as a work injury—I’ll have Hershel reimburse me," Li Changsheng replied dryly.

Shameless...

Beth watched Li Changsheng’s figure ahead, and for some reason, a smile touched her lips.

Maybe this world isn’t as awful as I thought.

The third floor of the mall was in ruins, except for a music store where instruments lay scattered across the floor. Sunlight slanted through the window, casting mottled light on a lone guitar.

Beth felt drawn to it, as if it were calling her. She walked over, cradled the guitar, and plucked the strings, letting the melody flow.

Beth glanced at Li Changsheng, seeking permission, afraid the guitar’s sound might attract the shamblers.

Li Changsheng nodded, telling her to continue.

Beth’s heart settled, and she strummed with both hands. Instantly, beautiful music filled the air.

Li Changsheng leaned against the railing, hands behind his head, lost in thought.

When was the last time I heard music? A week ago? A month? In the previous life, music was everywhere; now, it was a luxury...

But soon, a strange sound came from the street outside the store.

Low, guttural roars grew louder and closer.

Beth’s playing faltered, her body jolted, and she looked fearfully at Li Changsheng.

He said calmly, "Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Keep playing."

With that, he drew a pistol from his pocket, spun it in his hand, and clicked a round into the chamber.

He turned toward the stairs, expressionless, watching the shamblers rush upward.

Beth, looking at his back, suddenly felt an extraordinary sense of security. She steadied herself, closed her eyes, and resumed playing.

The music blossomed again.

At the same time—

Bang bang bang bang bang...

Gunshots rang out.

Music and gunfire, beauty and chaos, harmony and terror converged.

...

No one knew how much time passed. The music faded; the gunfire ceased.

Li Changsheng blew on the hot barrel.

Beth steadied the trembling strings.

Li Changsheng smiled faintly. "Shall we go?"

Beth nodded.

Li Changsheng tied up the bag of clothes and shoes and slung it over his shoulder.

Beth hesitated. "Let’s leave the clothes here. Carrying them is just a burden."

Li Changsheng smiled with confidence. "No need."

He stepped forward and took Beth’s hand.

At the stairwell, Beth dared not look at the shamblers’ grotesque faces.

Li Changsheng spoke softly, "If you don’t want to look, then don’t. Just follow me."

He put his left arm around Beth’s soft waist.

Beth hugged the guitar, obediently burying her head in his chest.

"Roar..."

Descending the stairs, a shambler lunged from the left.

Beth cried out, clinging tightly to Li Changsheng.

He remained utterly calm, gently moving Beth behind him, raising the pistol and firing without hesitation.

Bang.

The shambler collapsed, its head blasted open.

Two more attacked from behind. Li Changsheng’s left hand held Beth, laying her back against his large palm, while his right hand brought the gun to her chest.

Bang, bang...

The empty mall echoed with repeated gunshots, each one dropping another shambler.

Li Changsheng and Beth moved together as though dancing on a battlefield.

After a while, the gunfire faded.

At the mall entrance.

Li Changsheng carried Beth, her legs weak, to the passenger seat, tossed the bag onto the back seat, and started the car. Under the gaze of dozens of shamblers in the distance, they sped away.

Beth rested her head gently on Li Changsheng’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

She’d wanted to end her life because she believed no one could protect them in this apocalypse...

But now...

Everything had changed...

Li Changsheng glanced at Beth, saw her holding the guitar, her expression tranquil, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Mission accomplished...

The farm secured!

...

Upon their return to the farm, Hershel’s family rushed out to greet them.

Beth jumped out of the car, giving Hershel, Olivia, and Maggie each a big hug, and declared, "I’m back!"

Seeing Beth transformed, Hershel and the others were amazed.

Hershel’s eyes brimmed with tears as he looked gratefully at Li Changsheng, feeling vindicated in his decision.

Olivia’s worries melted away. She regarded Li Changsheng with curiosity, determined to prepare a special dinner to welcome this remarkable guest.

Only Maggie glared at Li Changsheng in defiance.

What magic does this young rascal possess?

Hershel, who never admitted fault, actually...

But before she could think further, Beth pulled her to the back seat, where together they hauled out a bag heavy with supplies.

The two of them struggled under its weight.

Beth realized just how heavy it was and felt even more moved, her gaze at Li Changsheng shimmering with affection.

Li Changsheng had no idea what the women were thinking. Hershel had already pulled him aside.

Li Changsheng expected Hershel to discuss the farm, but instead, Hershel led him to the other side.

Pointing to a distant RV, Hershel’s face grew grave. "Li, those people came this morning asking for food. Otis and I drove them off with shotguns, but I saw they had a young man tied up with rope. I fear they have designs on the farm..."

So that’s what happened...

Li Changsheng frowned, following Hershel’s gesture.

A kilometer away, an RV was parked, an old man standing atop it.

Ah, Dale...

Isn’t that Rick and his group...

What a small world...