“…It suits you. Though your natural color suits you much more.” Jiayi chuckled and passed Yan Xing a towel to dry off his hair.

Yan Xing looked at himself in the mirrors of the car. Black hair only made him look paler but it did seem more natural. 

His hair and hoodie were soaked so he was shaking from the cold as he dried off his hair. Jiayi quickly noticed and dried it off for him and told him to get inside and change clothes.

Everyone else went back to their cars as well and they went back on the road after a few minutes when Yan Xing was done.

—

Yan Xing found it so strange to see black peeking across his vision instead of white. The change in hair color felt much more different than he expected. He didn’t hate it though. If he could avoid suspicion and avoid causing trouble for Jiayi this way it was definitely worth it.

Jiayi was focused on the road but through the corner of his eyes, he could see Yan Xing’s hair slowly returning to its standard fluffy form as it dried off and he chuckled a little. He was going to reach out and touch it but Yan Xing still seemed on edge so he stopped himself.

—-

Just like they had arrived at the previous town at sunset, they had arrived at the military base around that time as well.

Jiayi used the radio he got from Su Ling and the Major to speak to the people on the base.

There was a response and the gates opened but it was very guarded and there were many armed people watching the cars. Su Ling and the Major were making sure everyone took caution and didn’t attack recklessly. There was a second gate after the first one, that was where all the people actually were, this was more of a guard/inspection gate.

“You know the drill, Mr. Zhao. We require an Inspection and for you to reveal all your abilities.” The Major said through the radio as Everyone went out of the cars.

Jiayi had told everyone that it was going to be just like their own inspections if not more thorough so they were all pretty prepared, except Yan Xing.

The inspection took place privately, but it had to be done by military people so Yan Xing was incredibly nervous. He stayed clutched to Jiayi’s side and wouldn’t separate from him. He was terrified that it would all go wrong here. He had actually been prepared for it beforehand but after what happened in the last town he was even more nervous.

“We’ll do it at the same time, I don’t mind,” Jiayi told the inspectors who were assigned to them. Yan Xing was more comfortable this way but he was definitely more embarrassed as well, he had been undressed in front of Jiayi and that was embarrassing enough but two more people just made it even worse.

Jiayi went up first, completely shamelessly. Next was Yan Xing.

When he was told he could put his clothes back he immediately rushed to do so, he was freezing and embarrassed and he just wanted to hide. His nerves Over the idea of being found out had disappeared when Jiayi looked at him and nodded, assuring him that he was clear. 

“Both of you are all set.” The inspectors said and motioned to them that they could leave. Yan Xing clutched Jiayi’s clothes as he walked out. They walked through the inner gate and saw the real city.

They heard crying immediately when they entered. Hu Shi had immediately reunited with his family once his inspection was over thanks to Su Ling.

“So? What are your abilities?” The Major asked, Stopping them before they could reach Hu Shi. Everyone else had already declared their own abilities and started to unpack their cars. It was one of the other conditions to let people stay in the city. People usually didn’t care but for a group with so many ability users, they had to strictly answer the question before they could do anything.

“I’m military trained in all areas, and I have powers that control fire,” Jiayi said without hesitation, he was leaving out quite a couple of things but that was his intention, to begin with. 

“I-I have the power to control fire and lightning…and I know how to use a gun.”  Yan Xing murmured.

The Major stared at him, “Didn’t you have white hair?” 

Yan Xing gulped.

“There were issues in the last town with people thinking it was a sign that he was a zombie even though it was natural,” Jiayi explained and held Yan Xing’s waist.

“Hmm…I see.” The Major seemed a little suspicious but the inspectors had already handed him papers that told him that Yan Xing was all clear.

“Little master Yan…You’re here too? Where are your parents?!” Hu Shi’s mother asked, after greeting Jiayi. She at first didn’t recognize Yan Xing but right when Hu Shi was going to point it out to them she suddenly realized.

“I don’t know…” Yan Xing murmured.

Hu Shi’s mother took his tone to mean that he was scared and all alone…and likely orphaned at this point. She quickly patted his head a little.

“...They’ll be okay. And don’t worry, Miss Xu is here!! She might’ve already gone to bed though…”

Yan Xing completely froze up as he heard that. Jiayi looked at him and felt very regretful.

Maybe he should’ve told Yan Xing that Xu Meihua would be there? Or at least hinted at the possibility? Maybe then Yan Xing wouldn’t have such an expression. 

All that could be seen in Yan Xing’s face was the desire to run away.

“A-Xing…You’re tired, right? Let’s figure out where we’ll sleep.” Jiayi said and moved Yan Xing along with him.

“It’s going to be fine, okay?” Jiayi whispered to Yan Xing’s ear and stroked his hair.

“She doesn’t know anything about your condition, and she doesn’t have anything she can use against you. She’d be a fool to start problems.” Jiayi said and kissed the side of Yan Xing’s head. Yan Xing barely even acknowledged it.

They walked over to their car to get their stuff before leaving to find where to sleep.

“Ge!” 

Jiayi turned around and saw Su Ling rushing toward them.

“I’ll lead you to the lodging for ability users.” 

“Wait, so are we being split up?” Ha Yuexin asked as she overheard them. With the exception of Hu Shi who was still with his parents, the whole team was listening.

“Well any ability users and people who have volunteered to help fight the zombies have to be in a different building, just because they are most likely to be exposed and it’s easier if people who can kill zombies are together. Don’t worry about the safety of the other buildings though, we still have plenty of security.” Su Ling explained.

“You can all take the rice and supplies from the cars regardless of what you choose to do, just leave the majority of the weapons to those of you who are going to be fighting,” Jiayi explained.

He had already explained this to the ability users before they got here but the 6 who didn’t have abilities looked conflicted.

“You won’t be judged for not wanting to fight, don’t worry.” Jiayi smiled.

Huang Xuhuan raised his hand, “I’m going to be fighting.” 

Jin Fang quickly also agreed.

Li Ying looked at Wu Yanyu, hoping she would help her make the decision but Wu Yanyu just shook her head.

“Don’t choose this just so you can stay by my side, I don’t want you to get hurt.” Wu Yanyu murmured and hugged Li Ying.

Ha Yuexin looked at her parents and sighed.

“We will be staying on the sidelines. But…I will still try to help in whatever way I can.” Ha Yuexin decided for the three of them. Her father seemed to disagree but he stayed silent as he watched his wife and daughter’s resolutions.

“Alright then. Split everything accordingly. We will still see each other and help one another so don’t start trying to say your goodbyes.” Jiayi smiled.

Hu Shi was filled in on the decisions and chose to stay with his family.