Teaming Up with My Enemy to Rule the Apocalypse

There was no range hood.

Even if they had one, there was nowhere to vent the exhaust.

The only way to let the heat out of the room was to open the door.

But if they did that, the aroma would completely escape, attracting too much attention and stirring up resentment.

Sierra Sullivan and the others could only cook in the sweltering room, as if they were in some steamy, celestial realm.

But even with the door kept shut, it wasn’t completely sealed. The aroma still wafted out through the cracks.

Those living far away might not have caught the scent.

But for those living nearby, the smell was unmistakable.

Even if others caught the scent, they might not have known which home it was wafting from.

But it was a different story for Joy Warren, who lived right next door.

For one, she lived far too close.

For another, she knew Sierra Sullivan and Jayce.

There weren’t many people in this scavenger’s world who had the resources to make such a delicious-smelling meal.

Besides Sierra Sullivan and Jayce, Joy Warren really couldn’t think of anyone else who could.

Joy Warren’s mother, Susan Warren, also smelled the rich aroma.

Before the apocalypse, Susan Warren had always been focused on health and wellness. She never ate heavily seasoned food and consumed very little meat.

But now, smelling that rich aroma, Susan Warren couldn’t help but swallow hard.

Susan Warren gave a bitter laugh. "It’s true what they say... you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Before, when I could eat food like this anytime, I wouldn’t have wanted an extra bite. But now..."

Joy Warren looked at Susan Warren, her face full of guilt. "Mom, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault you have to suffer like this with me."

"How could you say that!" Susan Warren said quickly. "Joy, please don’t ever say that. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know how many people I’d be crammed in with right now. I’d never be able to live like this, in a spacious and quiet home with so much food in the kitchen. This is wonderful. I’m already very content."

Joy Warren shook her head. "No, it’s not enough. It’s far from enough."

’We have a place to live now, but only for this month.’

’What about next month?’

’There’s food in the kitchen, but it’s only enough to keep us from going hungry.’

’Eating well, having a balanced diet—that’s impossible.’

’She wanted her mom to have the same kind of life as Sierra Sullivan.’

’We’re all living in the apocalypse, so by what right does Sierra Sullivan get to live so well?’

’She has whatever she wants, eats whatever she wants. Why?’

’She refused to believe that with her own skills, she couldn’t provide the same kind of life for herself and her mother!’

Susan Warren wanted to say more, but seeing the look on Joy Warren’s face, she held her tongue.

She knew her own daughter best.

Joy Warren wasn’t the type to listen to advice.

Even though she was her own mother, Joy wouldn’t listen to a word she said at a time like this.

She let the matter drop.

Susan Warren only added a warning. "Joy, I don’t care what you decide to do, but I have one condition: you must be careful. Put your own safety first. For me, nothing and no one is more important than you. Do you understand?"

"Mom, I understand. Don’t you worry," Joy Warren said, blinking at her mother. "I have to stick around and live a long life with you, so of course I’ll treasure my own life."

Hearing Joy Warren’s assurance, Susan Warren finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Joy was okay, that was all that mattered to her.

As mother and daughter were talking, there was a knock on the door.

Joy Warren knew Dominic Crawford was back, and she immediately got up to open the door.

Sure enough, the person standing outside was Dominic Crawford.

The moment their eyes met, a brilliant smile spread across Joy Warren’s face. "Mr. Crawford, you’re back! You must have had a long day!"

Dominic Crawford’s expression had been etched with exhaustion, but after hearing Joy Warren’s words, he instantly broke into a smile. "It was nothing."

They talked as they walked inside.

Seeing Dominic Crawford about to take off his jacket, Joy Warren remarked casually, "I heard Nathan Thorne knock on Sierra Sullivan’s door earlier, and I can smell them cooking. I guess they’re having a get-together. Are you going, Mr. Crawford?"

At her words, Dominic Crawford’s movements paused for a fraction of a second before he resumed naturally. "I’ll pass. I’m pretty tired today. I’ll just grab a quick bite and then get some rest."

A flash of disappointment crossed Joy Warren’s eyes, mixed with a hint of exasperation for his lack of initiative.

’What does he mean, he’s a bit tired today?’

’What does he mean, grab a quick bite and then rest?’

’What is there to eat if we just ’grab a quick bite’?’

’If he went next door, there’d be a feast waiting!’

’Dominic Crawford clearly knew Jayce and Sierra Sullivan first, yet now it was Nathan Thorne who seemed to have a better relationship with them.’

’Why is that?’

’Isn’t it because Dominic Crawford himself is just useless?’

’If he doesn’t take the initiative and cozy up to them, does he really expect Sierra Sullivan and Jayce to just bring food over to him?’

Joy Warren wasn’t about to give up that easily.

Biting her lip, she tried again, her tone now coaxing. "Mr. Crawford, you have a great relationship with Sierra Sullivan and the others, but even good relationships need to be maintained. If you don’t go when they’re having a get-together, eventually they’ll just stop asking you. Won’t you two grow distant then?"

Seeing Dominic Crawford’s brow furrowed in thought but still not responding, Joy Warren knew she had to resort to more drastic measures.

"Is it because my mother and I are here? Is that why they’ve grown distant from you? If that’s the case, then we’re the ones at fault. We can’t let our presence ruin your friendships. Don’t worry, Mr. Crawford. I’ll go pack our things right now. I’ll take my mother and leave."

As she spoke, Joy Warren actually turned and started walking toward the room she shared with Susan Warren.

"Joy!" Dominic Crawford immediately rushed forward and grabbed her arm. "This has nothing to do with you, don’t overthink things. And you’re not leaving. As long as I’m alive, you and your mother have a home here. No one can make you leave!

"I don’t want to go because I’m genuinely tired. Besides, it’s getting late. They probably didn’t make enough food for me, and grain is precious. I’d rather not impose. Next time, if I’m back earlier and they’re doing this again, I’ll go without you even having to ask."

Although Joy Warren was angry at Dominic Crawford’s stubborn inflexibility, she found she couldn’t stay angry while listening to his earnest promises.

Dominic Crawford sighed softly and pulled her into his arms.

Joy Warren didn’t struggle, letting Dominic Crawford hold her as she spoke softly, "Mr. Crawford, I really don’t want my presence to affect your friendships. If it does, I’ll have no choice but to leave. You should still go!"