After all the stress Lee caused between Zhan and Yibo, Yibo had thought of something to punish her with. Because one thing was immediately clear to him when he realized that she was the reason why his beloved ZhanZhan withdrew from him. Lee MUST be punished severely! And Yibo didn't have to think long before he thought of something to punish her with.

So on their last morning before leaving that night, Yibo had prepared something very special for Lee in the common room. Like many of the new residents, Lee is one of those who still hasn't found a suitable job in either of the hotel facilities. Or rather, for which she was enthusiastic.

As always, job listings and searches ran across the large screen display in the common area. This was an innovation introduced by the AI. So each resident could see where workers were still needed and likewise they themselves could indicate that they were looking and for what.

And Yibo had come up with a very special request for Lee. Every five minutes, together with Lee's picture, the following text ran across the screen: "Is your love life too peaceful? Don't you feel like having a good fight with your partner over nothing? Then turn to me, Sung Lee. I am known for my lies, intrigues, disrespect and lack of common sense that can turn any good relationship into a roller coaster. Hurt feelings come free on top. Want the total package today? Then book me immediately for your guaranteed bad hours with your beloved partner and I promise you, in no time it's over with the harmony and peace. Turn to me with confidence, Sung Lee!"

Of course, there were immediate laughs and lots of whispering. Whispering like what Yibo had to endure because everyone noticed that he and Zhan had problems with each other and Zhan had even moved out of their shared apartment. And it pleased him that Lee was hurt. Because then, Yibo hoped, she would finally understand how he felt when she almost ruined his marriage with Zhan.

When Lee approached him about the ad on the big screen and accused him of deliberately trying to ruin her, Yibo said, "That's what happens when you mess with me! Did you really think I'd just take it that you almost ruined my marriage? Did it ever occur to you how much suffering you caused me and my husband? How much we suffered from the situation? I like to tell you again and again, I love Zhan adoringly and anyone who tries to take him away from me, no matter how, will have to deal with me! I know no mercy in this!"

"But now everyone thinks I'm..."

"For what? A bitch? Well, that's what you are. Again, leave my husband, my son and me alone. Then I have no problem with you. But if you ever cause stress in my marriage again, I will use stronger means! This was still harmless compared to what I would do to you then."

"Do you really love him that much? This man?"

"Yes. I love him so much that I would do anything for him. Just anything!"

"What did he talk you into being like that mhm?"

"Talked me into? Do you still not get it? I simply fell in love with my husband. That's all there is to it. He and I belong together. For me, there can only be him. And I don't give a damn what you believe or think. Or imagine! I love Zhan and I am grateful every day that he loves me too. While the world was going down and the apocalypse was upon us, time apparently stopped, I found my true love." Yibo replied and left.

He had to smile when he thought about how the two met. At that time, he was really annoyed by all the doctor's babbling. But he also missed it when the doctor was silent.

And Yibo almost had to laugh when he remembered them both discussing who should climb up the ladder in the canal shaft first. At the time, Yibo was afraid one of the creatures would come down the shaft and bite him in the butt. Zhan had told him not to worry about that. And Yibo asked why. Zhan's answer was that there was anyway nothing on his butt. At that time, Yibo got all red when Zhan said that and he was glad that Zhan couldn't see it. Today, however, he laughs about it and often talks to Zhan about that time.

When Zhan came to Yibo and saw him grinning, Yibo told him what he was thinking about and they both laughed. "At that time, I really thought that you would always be like those first three days. I was afraid that now I would always have to deal with that bad-tempered police officer until we reached the hotel. But after a few days, you loosened up and I got to know the real Yibo, who I fell so madly in love with." Said Zhan.

"I was completely overwhelmed at that time. I was in pain, didn't know what had happened, and then there was this talkative doctor who made it seem to me that he was completely carefree. I just didn't understand that this was your way of dealing with it." Replied Yibo.

"We've both been through a lot so far, and it hasn't always been easy. But we've also had a lot of luck along the way. We got here to the hotel twice in one piece. And the most important thing, we found each other. And I'm looking forward to going to the harbor tonight with you and our son, getting on the submarine, going to the island and exploring it with you. And who knows, maybe we'll stay there. Maybe the three of us will move into one of the houses that were meant for the hotel employees and finally live together peacefully as a family."

"That's a beautiful idea Bo. I'm really looking forward to it too. And also looking forward to seeing if the gray creatures are really there building their nests."

"Mmm. Maybe we'll find our five gray ones among them, too."

"Yes. Maybe. And if not, I'm sure they'll still be fine. And who knows, maybe they're just taking care of some lost people again that they can protect."

"Zhan?"

"Yes?"

"I'm glad that you exist. And I'm relieved that we got passed Lee, too. I just can't imagine my life without you. So please, don't ever get away from me again."

"I promise you Yibo. I'm glad we made up too. And hey, I saw what you punished Lee with. It really made me laugh."

"I did that for you and us."

"I know. And I'm grateful to you for it. She deserved it."

"Exactly. Now let's go up to our apartment. We should get some more rest so we'll be fit tonight."

"Mhm. A-Yuan's with your parents and they're laying down with him again too. Um, do you want to have some fun before we go to sleep?"

"And you're still asking that? Give me your hand ZhanZhan, let's quickly return to our apartment." Yibo replied with a laugh. The two then walked hand in hand as fast as they could back to their apartment and enjoyed their togetherness for a bit before finally, happily falling asleep arm in arm.

After dinner, Zhan, Yibo, A-Yuan and their parents sat at a table and discussed one last time the plan to go to the port. Zhan's father finally confirmed, "The minibus specially upgraded with armor plates by the mechanics is ready. All our suitcases are already in the minibus, plus provisions and several boxes of one-man rations for the submarine's crew. In an hour, we'll be on our way."

Zhan and Yibo were already excited. A trip in a submarine would probably be the most incredible thing for the two of them. Although Zhan had been in a submarine several times before, that was just a museum sitting on hard concrete. Now, however, they would really travel by submarine to the island of Zhan's great uncle. They would dive into the depths of the sea!

Since the AI cannot protect the small group on their journey and it is currently unclear where the black creatures are, they prefer to travel in the dark of night, as they did when the creatures first appeared and threw the world into chaos.

Just in time for sunset, the small group had gathered at the minibus. Two soldiers, one driving, accompanied them. The big gate opened slowly and the hearts of Zhan and Yibo were beating very fast. It had been a while since they left the protective walls of the hotel and they were on the road. They were nervous, but also excited.

The AI had already picked out the fastest and safest route to the port, so it wasn't two hours before the minibus drove through the open gate onto the port property.

Using a radio, Zhan's father announced their arrival and a few minutes later, whispering quietly, the submarine came up from the depths and emerged. As the hatch opened, the captain came out first and called out, "You wish please?"

"A submarine please and all to go." Replied Zhan's father.

The captain came over to the small group, along with a couple of crew members, who eagerly began to get all the luggage and supplies out of the minibus. And Zhan pondered for a moment until he remembered why the captain's face looked so familiar. "I don't believe it. Uncle Shan?" He asked.

The captain laughed and replied, "That's what you used to call me. I'm glad you can still remember me."

"Sure. You used to visit us so often back then and always tell me about your travels."

"That's right. And this is your husband and son?"

"Yes. Yibo and A-Yuan."

"It's nice to meet you guys. And Zhan? I'm glad you're well and happy."

"Thank you." Replied Zhan.

Only an hour later, everyone was in the submarine and it was reported that they would now descend. Very slightly, Zhan and Yibo could feel it. A-Yuan a little more, because he said it was tingling in his stomach and that something was pushing him down. After a few minutes, however, it was over and they felt the submarine glide through the water.

When little A-Yuan fell back asleep, Zhan and Yibo stayed sitting with him. They looked around their new temporary living space and Yibo said, "I never thought how little space there was here."

"Mhm. It's very cramped. But it's only for a few days. If for that long at all."

"True. Did you see how the crew was happy about the food?"

"Yes. Especially about the canned fruit. I think they really ran out. Unfortunately, we couldn't bring more. But I think we're sure to find a large supply of food on the island that will last us all for a long time."

"I think so, too. Did you hear two of them talking earlier, saying it was their last trip?"

"Yes. Dad said the crew and captain will live with us on the island. The submarine is older and lacks spare parts for repairs. They can't use it much longer. This trip still, then they want to decommission it."

"I see. But I think they'll be comfortable on the island. Do you think they've ever had any dealings with the creatures?"

"It's hard to say. I think we'll find out. Um you know, there's something else I wanted to tell you."

"What's that?"

"I heard your conversation with Lee this morning. And I was really touched by what you said about me and us. I mean I know how much you love me. But hearing you say it so clearly to Lee, without knowing I could hear you, made me happy."

"So you had been insecure?"

"Well, just a little. First you insisted on talking to Lee alone and telling her about us. Then she told me all these things. And then that night where you heard Lee and me talking. I was just confused."

"I get your point. If I were in your shoes, I would have been confused and unsure, too. I've also been thinking about it a lot over the last three days, imagining what I would have done in your shoes. And yes, I probably would have reacted the same way you did."

"I never doubted your feelings, though. It was just that back and forth that confused me so much."

"Mmm, I know. I heard you that night, too, and I know you didn't believe her. And I'm glad you didn't."

"I love you Bo and that will never change."

"I love you too ZhanZhan. And I will until my last breath." Yibo kissed Zhan and held him in his arms as they both watched A-Yuan sleep.

They have put the last days, those hard days behind them and now look to the new adventure ahead. And they know it doesn't matter what else awaits them, they will continue to stick together and love each other.

And even before they left, and even before they learned that this would be the last trip of the submarine, the two of them knew that they did not want to return to the hotel. Therefore, they took everything that was dear to them with them and left their apartment in the hotel to Jenna.

And as soon as it gets colder again and the creatures retreat, Jenna wants to follow them to the island together with a few others. And until that happens, Zhan and Yibo will wait patiently for the kind-hearted woman with her hot air balloons. They have become very fond of her, so they are already looking forward to seeing her again in a several months.