Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 569 - 559: "Waste" Utilization (Part 2)

"Next, all of us in the vehicle were held hostage by these few people. As they traveled east and west, they didn't treat us like humans at all. They often forced us to go into the hordes of Zombies to grab food supplies for them to enjoy, while what was left for us were their spit-soaked scraps. They practically treated us like dogs. Almost every day, someone would die trying to snatch food from the Zombies to avoid starvation. Watching the number of Survivors on the vehicle dwindle, a few other male Survivors and I discussed that we couldn't just sit idly by and let them manipulate us. We figured if we were going to die anyway, we might as well fight back."

Upon hearing this, Huang Yong couldn't help but regard the young man with a few more approving glances. You wouldn't think this young man had a toughness that was not apparent from his skinny appearance.

"And then what happened? You must have succeeded, right?" Liu Fugui lifted the teapot and added some hot water to the young man's teacup. The young man quickly tapped the table three times with his fingers and thanked him before continuing:

"Yes, we used the opportunity when they let us go to the bathroom and together took down the two Guards watching us, then fled separately. After escaping, I was afraid these people would hunt me down, so I went into hiding until I met you guys."

"So when Mr. Liu asked you about the gym, that's why you were scared and wouldn't say? You thought we were part of that group?" Huang Yong had almost pieced the situation together.

"Yes, when you captured me and then asked about the gym, I figured there was a high chance you were connected to them. So to save my life, I relentlessly denied it." The young man, somewhat embarrassed, picked up the teacup and drank the tea Liu Fugui had just filled for him.

"Haha, do you still think we are in cahoots with those guys?" Liu Fugui smiled kindly at the young man, as if wanting to melt his heart.

The young man, overwhelmed with gratitude, stood up and bowed: "No, not at all, Mr. Liu, you have been my savior, a benefactor akin to rebirth. You've treated me so well, your great kindness I'll never forget for life. I don't even know how I could possibly repay you."

Such high praise, if put upon the average person, would make most people feel quite conceited and pleased with themselves.

But Liu Fugui was not an average person; he long attained a state of mind undisturbed by flattery, unmoved by ancient or modern praise.

Though he knew the young man's words were largely heartfelt, these were not important to him. His principle in dealing with the world was always putting interests first.

And he had gone all out for this young man today, though so far this investment hadn't been too bad, but certainly hadn't greatly yielded returns either.

What he needed to do next was to further expand this small profit.

Standing up, he helped the still-bowing young man back into his seat on the sofa, Liu Fugui feigned anger with a smile: "Look at you, I've told you before, now that you're at the Factory, we're family. Is there any need for such formality between family members?"

Immediately, Liu's subordinates on the side couldn't help but roll their eyes.

Family? What does family mean? Dammit, I've been working my ass off for the Liu Family father and son for so long, yet I've never seen you treat us like family.

"By the way, young brother, we've talked for so long, you haven't told me your name yet?"

"Oh, Mr. Liu, my surname is Yao, Yao Ruyi!" The young man replied truthfully.

"Yao Ruyi, 'Ruyi,' good name! It seems your parents hoped you could live a contented life. Not bad, not bad!"

"Hmm, it's just a pity that my parents passed away early, and I haven't lived up to their expectations." The young man sighed lightly, then lowered his head, with a touch of sorrow and helplessness in his words.

Seeing this, Liu Fugui gazed deeply into the distance and said blandly, "Ruyi, nowadays, being alive is the greatest happiness. Your ability to survive is evidence of your resilience, I believe your parents' spirits in heaven are watching over you. Okay, let's not talk about these things anymore, but I do have a favor to ask of you."

Upon hearing that there was something he could be asked to do, Yao Ruyi responded excitedly: "Ah, Mr. Liu, don't be so formal, just tell me if there's anything I can do for you. It's just, aside from frying skewers, I don't seem to have any particular Skills."

"Hahahaha!" Liu Fugui suddenly burst into laughter as though he encountered something extraordinarily amusing, and after his laughter subsided, he clapped Yao Ruyi's shoulder: "Ruyi, you're too modest. Your Skills are exactly what every Survivor hopes to possess at this moment."

"Huh?" Looking bewildered, Yao Ruyi couldn't figure out the meaning behind Liu Fugui's words.

"Don't understand? Baffled? Haha, I'll speak frankly to you. What I'm referring to is your survival Skills and survival instinct! Coincidentally, my Factory plans to send out vehicles to gather supplies, and I was having trouble finding someone experienced to lead the team. Now heaven has sent you to me. Haha, do you think we share a destiny? So, I hope you can lead my crew with your survival Skills to ensure their safety during operations as much as possible. How about it, are you willing to accept?"

"This... Mr. Liu, you're really overestimating me, I'm afraid I don't have the capability you speak of!" Yao Ruyi shook his head repeatedly, indicating he couldn't bear such a heavy responsibility.

Liu Fugui indifferent shook his head: "No! I trust my judgment, and I believe that your ability to survive alone outside until now is not something achieved by luck alone, so you have the capability to lead my team. I'm only asking you one thing now, Yao Ruyi, are you willing or not willing?"

This question cornered Yao Ruyi into a no-way-out dilemma of a binary choice.

Frankly speaking, he had no choice.

First, the other party had treated him well. Since entering the Factory, he'd had good food and accommodation, all treated with courtesy. How could he refuse them?

On the other hand, if he refused, how would his remaining Skills differ from being worthless?

Ask yourself, would the other party still regard you as highly and treat you well for long if you were incompetent?

The answer was obviously no.

So, considering all this, Yao Ruyi made his decision. He did not want and was unwilling to ruin his hard-earned happy life again: "I... I am willing!"

"Very good!" Liu Fugui nodded with satisfaction and turned to Huang Yong: "Huang Yong, you heard what I said just now, right? Pass down my message, starting today, Yao Ruyi will be in charge of the responsibility for the external team, understood?"

"Understood!" Though he replied easily, Huang Yong was by no means willing.

Especially since this person was brought here by him, now he's been stripped of his jurisdiction directly by the other party.

If the other person builds some 'achievements' in gathering supplies, his position at the Factory could be…

Thinking of this, a hint of fierceness flashed across Huang Yong's eyes. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on qidian.com. Your support motivates me the most. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)