Sister Na even thoughtfully pried open the zombie's skull to help Hanhan dig out the crystal core.
Hanhan took the knife, with encouragement from Sister Na, and crouched down beside the zombie.
He then gripped the knife with both hands, pried open the zombie's head, and rummaged through the brain matter for the crystal core, mimicking Su Ling.
Unfortunately, even after churning the brain matter into a paste, Hanhan found no sign of a crystal core.
Seeing her son's crestfallen face, Sister Na walked over with a smile and patted his head, "Don't be discouraged, let's try another one."
At this, Hanhan looked up, his eyes shining brightly at Sister Na.
Sister Na looked at her son with gentle, loving eyes and said softly, "But you need to stand in a safe spot, with Yangyang, okay?"
Hanhan nodded at Sister Na with the knife in his hand, then walked towards Yangyang with the knife still smeared with zombie brain matter.
The boy and the dog stood quietly within the safety circle formed by bicycles, watching Su Ling and the others kill zombies.
After Sister Na dealt with a few zombies and confirmed their safety, she looked back at Hanhan and beckoned him over.
Seeing this, Hanhan trotted over, with Yangyang following closely behind to protect him.
Hanhan ran to the fallen zombie and rummaged in its head with the small knife he held.
This time, he was successful. He had a discovery; he had dug out a white crystal core.
Holding the white crystal core, Hanhan wiped it on the zombie's clothes, then held it up for Sister Na to see, "Mom, look."
Sister Na looked at her son with a doting smile and gave him a thumbs-up, "My baby is so amazing."
Greatly encouraged, Hanhan carefully placed the crystal core into the small bag he was carrying on his back, and then continued to dig for more. Sister Na watched, ensuring her son was safe, and did not stop killing zombies herself.
After killing a zombie, she would pry open its head to make it easier for Hanhan to dig out the crystal core.
Because she had to do this, her speed and efficiency lagged far behind Su Ling and Gu Shangse.
However, she also had gains. Following Su Ling's instructions, she found herself able to use her abilities naturally.
As she continued to use her abilities, she felt a subtle rhythm of advancement.
Su Ling and Gu Shangse were at the forefront, leading the charge, luring away large numbers of zombies and engaging in a slaughter.
After continuous training, Su Ling and Gu Shangse killed zombies with swift and graceful movements, in one fluid motion.
When a large number of zombies fell, clearing the way, they would stop to dig out the crystal cores.
Although Su Ling's main focus was on killing zombies and digging out crystal cores, she would also keep an eye on Sister Na and Hanhan from time to time.
When she saw Hanhan diligently digging for crystal cores with his small knife, mimicking her, she smiled, her eyes curving.
As Su Ling smiled, Gu Shangse, who had been looking down for too long and felt a strain in his neck, looked up.
And then, Su Ling's smile caught his eye.
Her crescent-shaped eyes were incredibly sweet, and the sense of detachment and aloofness she usually exuded was softened by this smile.
Her bright smile was dazzling, and Gu Shangse was mesmerized, his gaze fixed on Su Ling.
Su Ling's smile didn't last long. After three seconds, it faded, and she turned back to continue digging for crystal cores.
Her gaze unexpectedly met Gu Shangse's, which was directed at her. Su Ling's eyes widened, and she said coldly, "Get to work."
Leaving those words for Gu Shangse, Su Ling held her knife and buried her head in digging for crystal cores.
Gu Shangse looked at Su Ling, who was working, with a gentle gaze. A smile played in his eyes, and he said cheerfully, "Okay."
"Sister~"
Hanhan's soft, childlike voice rang out. Su Ling turned to look at him. Hanhan, with his small bag on his back and the knife in his hand, ran towards her.
Su Ling stopped what she was doing, turned, and walked towards Hanhan. In a few steps, she reached the little one and crouched down to look at him, "Sweetheart, what is it?"