Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 576 566: Promotion or Exploitation? (Part 4)

"Alright, Xiaoquan, stop fretting over the details of the trade. It's just 60 liters of oil, for crying out loud! That's nothing. All that matters is finding the whereabouts of Uncle and Aunt; then it's all worth it. What you need to do now is think carefully about what questions to ask that survivor, how to get him to talk, and obtain valuable clues. Got it? Stop worrying about useless things!"

Wang Qiang, straightforward by nature, was visibly anxious seeing his brother being so indecisive and reluctant.

"Yeah, Xiaoquan, Wang Qiang has a point. Stop obsessing over irrelevant matters. None of us here have any objection to Old Xu's decision. Right, everyone?"

Hu Xiaodong's words immediately received unanimous support from the group.

To them, Tang Xiaoquan's efforts and contributions to the team were undeniably commendable. Moreover, each of them had either directly or indirectly received help from him, and some had even had their lives saved by him.

"Enough, let's stop debating this and settle it." Xu Renjie clapped his palm on the table, finalizing the trade matter.

In fact, right after the call ended, the survivors remaining in the villa had already internally decided on this.

Not only that, they had packed all the trade necessities into the container truck, ready to leave at any moment.

The current meeting was just a routine update to inform Tang Xiaoquan.

After all, he was the main figure in this trade, so he had to decide what to ask and how to inquire.

"Let's finalize the list of people for the trip now."

"I'll go!" Wang Qiang eagerly raised his hand; being Tang Xiaoquan's long-time friend, he was determined to go.

"Old Xu, in my opinion, Xiao Tang and Xiao Zhang must go on this trip. You, infected, better stay home. Old Lin just came back and needs rest. I'll lead the team, and as for the other members, keep the previous lineup so both sides are familiar and avoid unnecessary trouble, and also to lower the other party's vigilance." As soon as Wang Qiang finished speaking, Zhao Yunhai immediately suggested.

Xu Renjie nodded in affirmation.

With this, all trade arrangements were completed, and the survivors unanimously decided the operation would be tomorrow.

The next day, the villa survivors, who had just reunited, had to separate once again.

Zhao Yunhai drove the Jianghuai car speeding down the suburban highway. It was his first time going to Liu Fugui's factory, so he naturally needed guidance, and thus Tang Xiaoquan sat in the passenger seat.

Meanwhile, Wang Qiang, Hu Xiaodong, Wei Dazhuang, and Zhang Zhicai were seated at the rear.

They brought nearly a hundred liters of petrol, almost half of what they got from the gas station last time.

Thankfully, Li Zhong and Li Guo's solar power equipment was nearly completed, or else the winter electricity supply for the villa would have been a big problem.

Hopefully, this trade goes smoothly! Old Zhao prayed while driving.

Apart from information gathering by Tang Xiaoquan, the trip also involved trading oil and medicine for resources.

If these two trades went smoothly, then the fuel issue wouldn't be a concern, as the exchanged food supplies would last the whole winter.

The factory had received news that Zhao Yunhai's team would be coming for the trade, so they were well-prepared when the Jianghuai car appeared in their view.

It was unlike last time when they had to climb ladders to enter the premises. As Old Zhao's car approached the gate, Huang Yong immediately ordered his men to open the gate.

A narrow path, only wide enough for one vehicle, was cleared, and Old Zhao quickly drove in.

Upon parking the car, the survivors promptly alighted.

Since it was Old Zhao's first time at the location, the responsibility of making contact naturally fell to Tang Xiaoquan.

"Hello, Manager Huang!" Tang Xiaoquan greeted politely.

Huang Yong raised a brow at the young man before him and nodded, "Hmm, I heard over the call that your leader Xu Renjie couldn't make it today, and you're leading instead, right?"

"Oh, no," Tang Xiaoquan quickly waved his hand and gestured behind him, "He's our leader, Old Zhao! Old Zhao, let me introduce to you, this is Manager Huang Yong, Liu Fugui's trusty assistant."

"Pleasure meeting you, I'm Zhao Yunhai. I've heard about your reputation back at the villa, and today, you truly live up to your name!" Old Zhao responded politely.

With this, Huang Yong made a slight, insincere smile and replied, "Hmm!" before getting straight to the point, "Did you bring everything?"

"We did!" With a clap of his hands, Wang Qiang came out from the rear holding two oil cans.

"These are 30-liter cans, two in total, makes 60!"

"Is that all?"

"Oh, no, this is just what we discussed yesterday. As for the earlier trade, the items are in the car. Can you take us to meet the survivor now?" Old Zhao jumped straight to the request.

After all, this was their territory, and despite friendly communications over frequencies with the factory side, one can't guarantee what intentions Liu Fugui—known for his deep-seated schemes—might have towards these supplies.

Nevertheless, Huang Yong seemed oblivious, signaling to his men.

Several of his men immediately acted, with one heading straight for Wang Qiang, intending to snatch the oil from his hand.

Seeing their ruthless attempt to seize the oil, Wang Qiang—no pushover—backed off, glaring with anger, "What do you think you're doing?"

To prevent further escalation, Old Zhao quickly intervened, "Yes, Manager Huang! What does this mean? We've done what you asked, and now this... doesn't seem appropriate!"

"Hmph!" Huang Yong scoffed coldly, unconcerned, "You claim the oil is sufficient; I asked my men to verify it. What's inappropriate? Or are you afraid to let me check?"

Though they're at someone else's place, Old Zhao had to keep the peace, letting out a half-hearted chuckle, "Hehe, perhaps I was overthinking. Alright, Wang Qiang, let this brother check the oil!"

Reluctantly, Wang Qiang pouted, but for his brother's sake, he conceded, placing the oil can down, muttering, "Check away! Check 'til you drop!" (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please vote for it on Qidian, either with recommendation or monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)