Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 575 565: Reuse? Exploitation? (3)

"Mr. Liu, the instructions have been given. The villa side has agreed to come over and complete the transaction as soon as possible." Huang Yong bowed and reported after setting down the hand-held radio.

"Okay, noted!" Nodding slightly, Liu Fugui responded.

This was a scheme deliberately arranged by Liu Fugui. The reason he chose to make the call in the dining room was to let Yao Ruyi understand the full context of the situation in a relatively comfortable environment.

Yao Ruyi listened quite attentively to all the transaction details. He had a very clear understanding of being used as a bargaining chip in the transaction.

He knew he didn't have any outstanding skills or knowledge, so he wasn't too repulsed by being treated as an object of trade.

On the contrary, he was pleased to be able to contribute to the factory's side so quickly, which was somewhat "thanks to" Liu Fugui's persistent persuasion and brainwashing education.

However, he found some of the details mentioned in Huang Yong and Xu Renjie's conversation strange.

First of all, he was clearly captured near the factory, so why did Huang Yong say he was rescued from JZ County?

Secondly, besides being a bit weak, he was not in the critical condition that Huang Yong had described.

More importantly, according to this narrative, if people from the villa come over and see his physical condition, wouldn't it immediately expose the lie?

Seeing Yao Ruyi stop his chopsticks, Liu Fugui nonchalantly pursed his lips.

He figured that Yao Ruyi must be having thoughts or questions about the radio conversation just now, which was exactly the result Liu Fugui wanted.

So to ensure the smooth progress of the transaction, Liu Fugui deliberately asked, "What's wrong, Xiao Yao? Why did you stop eating? Do you have concerns about Huang Yong's conversation?"

Exposed in his thoughts, Yao Ruyi seemed a bit at a loss. When he regained his composure, he stammered awkwardly: "Uh, haha... Mr. Liu, actually... well... it's nothing, really."

"Sigh~ Xiao Yao, it seems you still don't consider me one of your own!" Liu Fugui shook his head lightly, with a hint of undeniable disappointment in his expression.

Seeing this, Yao Ruyi hurriedly responded repeatedly, "No, it's not like that at all."

"If that's not the case, then you can speak openly about your doubts!" Following up decisively, Liu Fugui blocked all retreat paths for Yao Ruyi.

"Well... okay then!"

Left with no choice, Yao Ruyi could only voice the doubts in his heart.

Upon hearing this, Liu Fugui laughed heartily, then turned to glance at Huang Yong, who couldn't help but chuckle as well, and patted Yao Ruyi on the shoulder: "Xiao Yao, as the saying goes, 'all's fair in war.' We said those things just to fool the villa people. How come you got taken in too?"

"Ah?" Yao Ruyi blurted out, utterly baffled.

"Don't worry. You see, if we don't say you were found in JZ County, how could we convince them that you knew about the refuge at the stadium? As for the part about you being sick, don't take it to heart. It's just to put some pressure on them. Otherwise, the longer some things drag on, the more likely something unexpected will happen. Our aim today is simply to urge the villa people to come over quickly to complete the deal, preventing unnecessary complications."

Oh, so that's how it is! Enlightened by Liu Fugui's explanation, Yao Ruyi nodded in realization.

He never imagined that such a seemingly simple call harbored so much deceit and cunning beneath the surface.

It seems Liu Fugui is not a simple man!

Seeing Yao Ruyi nod, Liu Fugui added, "Xiao Yao, you must remember, in a post-apocalyptic world, being too honest will only get you destroyed by those with ill intentions. Understand?"

"Understood, but Mr. Liu, what should I actually do next?" Originally confident about the so-called "transaction" task, hearing today's conversation between Liu and Huang, Yao Ruyi suddenly felt the task was far harder than he imagined, and he began to doubt whether he could complete it smoothly.

To this, Liu Fugui chuckled lightly and comforted, "Don't worry, Xiao Yao. Huang Yong will arrange everything; you just need to follow the steps at the time. As for now, eat well because you'll have to endure a bit of hardship later."

Meanwhile, the team led by Old Lin successfully returned to the base after a long journey.

Upon arrival, Xu Renjie immediately gathered everyone in the living room, a move that quickly aroused the team's curiosity.

As per usual, Lin Junfu first detailed the findings from the JZ County shelter exploration to the villa residents.

Upon hearing this, the survivors unsurprisingly showed a solemn expression.

Especially Wei Yang, whose eyes occasionally drifted to the man beside him, with concern on his face.

After Lin Junfu finished speaking, Old Xu didn't waste any words, proceeding to explain clearly the phone conversation Huang Yong had today and the implications for the team.

His words also caused astonishment among the likes of Old Lin and others.

Tang Xiaoquan immediately objected, "No, Old Xu! We can't agree to Huang Yong's conditions!"

"Why?"

"Because… because that fuel is what our brothers risked their lives for. I can't... really can't let everyone compromise for the sake of my parents' situation..."

"Enough! Quan Zi! Are you still considering us as brothers? If you are, then stop fussing about it!" Wang Qiang unexpectedly cut off Tang Xiaoquan's words, his blazing eyes rather intimidating.

Old Zhao waved to ease the agitated Wang Qiang, and gently added, "Xiao Tang, regardless of whether Huang Yong's information is true or false, this opportunity is right in front of you. Honestly, don't you want to seize this chance? Don't you want to know clues about your parents' whereabouts?"

"Yes, of course I do, I've longed for it in my dreams!" Tang Xiaoquan became somewhat emotional too. Almost every night, he would take out the diary from his pocket to look at the old photos inside that had started to yellow.

These were the only things he had left of his parents. But even so, he still felt: "But wishing is one thing, and as for this matter, I think…"

"Enough! Wishing is enough. You don't need to consider anything else at this time. Remember when we left Bieyuan District, we discussed waiting until everything stabilized to start looking for everyone's separated relatives. And Xiao Tang, you are currently the only one in the team with clues about family, so we must do this."

Old Zhao tried hard to ease Tang Xiaoquan's worries and honestly, as he said, no matter how large the condition set by the other side, as long as it was within the team's capability, they would agree to it since the young man in front of them had given so much for the team, and the team owed him a lot too. (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com.)