Rebirth after the apocalypse: I create a new world with space!

As she finished speaking, she looked up at Lu Zhengde beside her, nodded slightly, and spoke in a still polite and gentle tone:

"Uncle Lao and Aunt Lao have gone to so much trouble to prepare this. You've really gone to a lot of trouble."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhengde smiled and waved his hand, his tone amiable and friendly, showing no airs of someone in a high position.

"Don't mention the trouble. We're all family, no need to be so formal. Jingcheng already told his family about your preferences. I just prepared some simple home-cooked food, so please don't feel awkward."

Upon hearing the words "family," Li Luo's earlobes flushed slightly, a rare hint of embarrassment softening her usually cool and aloof expression. Her fingertips curled slightly, and she nodded gently in response, her voice a little softer.

"Yes, thank you, Uncle."

She, who is usually decisive and composed, showed a touch of girlish shyness in this straightforward intimacy.

Seeing this, Lu Jingcheng couldn't help but chuckle, gently rubbing her shoulder and teasingly saying:

"Look at you, still shy. Come on, let's go into the yard, I'll show you this 'treasure land' of mine."

As he spoke, he gently pushed the two of them deeper into the courtyard.

The courtyard was small, but it was very well organized. The bluestone path was swept clean, and several drought-resistant green plants were placed on both sides, with emerald green leaves that showed resilience.

A small vegetable garden was set aside in the corner, simply enclosed by pebbles. Inside, fresh green vegetables and scallions were planted neatly, a lush green patch that stood out in the desolate and bleak post-apocalyptic world, exuding a rare vitality.

Following Lu Jingcheng's words, Lu Zhengde smiled and pointed to the vegetable patch:

“In the post-apocalyptic world, resources are scarce and fresh vegetables are hard to find. When I have free time, I grow some. I don’t use pesticides and just take care of them by hand. It’s convenient for my family to eat vegetables, and the taste is much better than the dehydrated vegetables stored in the warehouse.”

Li Luo's gaze fell on the vegetable garden, a hint of gentleness flashing in her eyes, and she softly echoed:

"It's truly remarkable, Uncle. It's so kind of you to grow such fresh vegetables in this world."

Lu Jingcheng chimed in from the side:

"Of course, my dad goes to the vegetable garden every morning to water it and pull weeds. He cares about it more than he does about the supplies at the base. He says that what he's growing is not just vegetables, but also a symbol of his dreams."

The group entered the main house. The living room was bright and clean, with several pots of thriving succulents next to the sofa. A set of antique tea utensils was placed on the coffee table, and steaming hot tea filled the air with a faint aroma that dispelled the chill of the apocalypse and added a touch of homely warmth.

Lu Zhengde gestured for Li Luo to sit on the sofa, personally picked up the teapot, poured her a cup of hot tea, and lightly tapped the table with his fingertips. His gaze was gentle and earnest, devoid of any businesslike distance, filled with the genuine concern of an elder for a younger person. He slowly asked:

"Your family is all at the Jinling base now, right? These past few years have been turbulent since the apocalypse, and things are not peaceful anywhere. Are they doing well? Are they having any difficulties, or are they lacking anything?"

In fact, Lu Jingcheng had already mentioned Li Luo's family situation to him intermittently on the phone before;

Of course, given the Lu family's connections and strength in various bases, even if Jing Cheng didn't say anything, he could easily find out some of the details.

Both the descriptions from his son and the scattered information he secretly gathered made Lu Zhengde feel more genuine goodwill towards Li Luo's family—they were upright, resilient, and able to maintain their integrity in chaotic times. They had even taken care of Jing Cheng when he was at his most difficult and helpless. This affection and character suited his temperament perfectly.