Farming in the Apocalypse

Lin Po died in a post-apocalyptic world, betrayed and killed by other survivors over a bag of wild vegetables. His final moments were filled with regret for his unfulfilled dreams of farming and his unresolved feelings for a classmate named Yun Zhuan. Upon his death, an amber pendant around his neck glowed and transported him back in time to one week before the apocalypse began. He woke up in his childhood bedroom, realizing he had been reborn. The world was about to be struck by a comet carrying a virus that would cause some people to turn into zombies while others would awaken supernatural abilities. Lin Po remembered the horrors of the previous timeline, including the collapse of society, the scarcity of food, and the betrayal that led to his death. He resolved to use his second chance to protect his parents and Yun Zhuan.

Lin Po discovered that the amber pendant granted him a portable space containing a curio shelf with various plant seeds and the ability to grow crops that could neutralize poisons. This proved invaluable when he tested the space by eating a mango, which cured his lingering cold. He understood that the apocalypse would render outdoor soil infertile, making his space’s farmland essential for long-term survival. He decided to prepare for the coming disaster by gathering supplies and moving his family to their rural hometown, which was isolated and easier to defend. He told his parents about a prophetic dream, using a predicted bridge collapse as proof of his claims. When the Jinhua Overpass collapsed exactly as he foretold, his parents accepted the reality of the impending apocalypse and began helping him stockpile food and supplies.

Lin Po’s emotional priority was Yun Zhuan, the person he had confessed to before dying in his past life. He arranged to pick Yun Zhuan up and bring him to the countryside under the guise of visiting an ancient temple. Yun Zhuan, who had grown up with grandparents who had since passed away, was lonely and close to Lin Po. Their relationship had been ambiguous, with Yun Zhuan harboring deep feelings but unsure if they were romantic. Lin Po’s confession had clarified his intentions, and Yun Zhuan agreed to come along, though he was still processing his own emotions. Lin Po kept the details of the apocalypse secret from Yun Zhuan to avoid panic and because he could not guarantee Yun Zhuan would survive or awaken an ability.

As the days passed, Lin Po and his parents worked tirelessly to prepare. They liquidated assets, bought survival gear, and moved large quantities of rice, flour, and other non-perishables to their country home. Lin Po also stocked up on seeds, tools, and medicines. He used his space to store items discreetly, testing its capacity and the properties of the mysterious seeds on the curio shelf. He also posted vague warnings on online forums about stockpiling food, hoping to help others without drawing attention to himself. The tension mounted as the comet’s arrival drew near. Lin Po spent his last moments of peace with Yun Zhuan, enjoying simple conversations and reading aloud, cherishing the time before the world changed forever. The story ends with the family and Yun Zhuan settled in the countryside, waiting for the comet to strike and the new era of evolution and survival to begin.