Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 567 - 557: Some Strange Young People (4)

Dragging his steps to the bathroom, the young man stood in front of the washbasin, staring blankly at the reflection of himself in the mirror—a figure both familiar and utterly strange.

For a long while, he couldn't be sure that the person in the mirror was really himself.

The young man suddenly felt an urge to cry. Once upon a time, he had his own livelihood. Though daily earnings were not substantial, through diligent labor, he managed to get by.

But now, looking at himself, he seemed no better than a beggar on the street. The grime on his hair had long since dulled its black luster, and his sallow, gaunt face showed not a hint of color.

The hardships endured on this path of hiding and survival were known only to him alone.

Fighting back the tears in his eyes, he twisted open the shampoo bottle, allowing a fragrant scent to escape.

He couldn't quite recall how long it had been since he last used it. Let alone using shampoo, even washing his hair had become a luxury he couldn't afford.

In past survival struggles, he would seize the opportunity to let rainwater wash his hair, considering that a wash.

Quickly undressing from his ragged clothes, when the warm white water cascaded over him, the young man felt somewhat dazed.

The cozy water temperature made him feel as if he was transported back several months, to a place not so big, yet of great significance to him—a place he called home.

He scrubbed and scratched desperately. Having gone so long without a bath, grime and sweat had encrusted his body. Fortunately, Huang Yong had anticipated this and had ordered two large buckets of hot water for him.

The young man continually scooped hot water from the bucket onto himself, as if making up for all the baths he had missed in the past months.

Perhaps because baths have a way of alleviating fatigue, as the warm water continued to wash over him, the young man's mind gradually started to clear up.

He pondered over something—something of utmost importance to him.

Having settled the young man, Huang Yong hurriedly returned to Cheng Fugui's chairman's office.

Firstly, he needed to report back to the latter.

Secondly, he wanted to ask why the latter was treating the young man with such kindness.

"Did you handle everything as instructed?" Liu Fugui asked, eyes fixated on the history book in his hands, not even glancing up.

Huang Yong quickly stepped forward, "Rest assured, Mr. Liu, I've arranged everything as you asked."

"Good, very good! There's nothing else here, and you've had a long day. Go home and rest," Liu Fugui, engrossed in his reading, clearly did not want to be disturbed and gave a dismissive nod.

However, Huang Yong, with something on his mind, stood hesitantly in place, unable to move.

Noticing something amiss, Liu Fugui raised an eyebrow, seeing Huang Yong's hesitance. He couldn't help but ask, "What is it? Do you still have something to discuss, Huang Yong?"

Caught in decision-making, Huang Yong was slightly startled but quickly regained his composure, "Actually, it's nothing, Mr. Liu. I just wanted to ask why you value that young man so much. I feel there's no need to give him such high treatment."

"Haha, I knew you'd come and ask me that!" Putting down the book slowly, Liu Fugui straightened up. "What is it? You can't figure it out?"

"Yes, Mr. Liu, I really can't understand."

"Let me put it this way, the reason I want you to take care of this young man is twofold. Firstly, the fact that he managed to survive outside on his own until now says something, doesn't it? It means he has some skills. These survival skills are exactly what we lack here. I'm considering letting him lead teams out in the future, which would increase our safety factor, and we wouldn't be so reliant on the villa anymore."

Instinctively nodding, Liu Fugui's first explanation won Huang Yong over.

Indeed, as Liu Fugui said, the young man looks frail, but surviving in the chaotic world outside is a skill worth admiring.

"Secondly... if my judgment is correct, he must know something about the stadium shelter."

Recalling Liu Fugui's inquiry about the stadium shelter and the young man's hysterical response, Huang Yong nodded again, "It makes sense, judging by his reaction, he should know something, otherwise, he wouldn't avoid talking about it."

"Exactly, that's right. The more he avoids the topic, the more it suggests something is wrong with that shelter. And I want that answer!"

"Knock, knock!"

"Who is it?"

"Brother Yong, the... the," unsure how to address the young man beside him, the subordinate skipped over it, saying, "that person wants to see Mr. Liu."

"Oh?" A smile curled Liu Fugui's lips. It seemed the saying 'speak of Cao Cao and he will appear' was spot on. He replied in a serious tone, "Let him in!"

"Yes!"

The moment the door opened and the young man stepped in, Liu Fugui's concern-filled voice reached him instantly, "Ah, young friend, why aren't you resting and came running here again? Is someone giving you trouble? Come, come, no rush, tell me slowly, and I'll deal with them!"

Liu Fugui's enthusiasm clearly flustered the young man. After settling down, he began to stammer, "No, no, Mr. Liu, no one's giving me trouble. The... actually... I don't have anything much, I just came to... to talk about some things with you."

Seeing potential, Liu Fugui quickly poured the young man a cup of tea, pretending to ask with concern, "Is there anything else you need? Don't worry, feel free to speak. Our factory may not be like a supermarket, but we still have the basics."

"No, no, no!" the young man waved his hands repeatedly. "Mr. Liu, I don't need anything now, really! You've been so good to me, and I can't repay you. I just came this time to talk about the thing you previously asked me."

"Oh, which matter are you referring to?" Liu Fugui feigned ignorance, "You know, I'm getting on in years, my memory isn't great. I easily forget things. Young man, don't take offense, haha!"

"No, no, Mr. Cheng, I would never be offended. I wanted to say, earlier when you asked if I knew anything about the stadium shelter, I actually do. I'm truly sorry for deceiving you back then; I had no choice." The young man responded sincerely.

Seeing this, Liu Fugui, knowing his goal was achieved, replied with a smile, "Oh, that's what you're talking about, haha! Young man, there's no need for apologies. Everyone has their secrets, and sometimes they tell white lies to keep them. Besides, let me tell you, there's no obligation to reveal this matter. Even if you don't tell, I won't blame you. I understand how cruel it can be to make someone reveal the secrets in their heart."

These words were spoken so beautifully by Liu Fugui, that even Huang Yong, who knew his true intent, was moved.

Let alone the young man in front of him, who couldn't help but choke with emotion and say, "No, Mr. Liu, I must tell you this. You've treated me like your own child, and I'd be unforgivable if I kept things from you." (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com)