Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 586 570: Sudden Anomaly (7)

"It's all my fault for not training properly. Otherwise, I could've taken out those bastards with my arrows back then, and saved us all the trouble."

Reflecting on his carefree attitude during archery practice, Wen Quanxin felt a deep sense of shame.

"Yes, Xiao Wen, it's good that you realize this now, but still!" Old Xu first acknowledged Wen Quanxin's realization before changing his tone:

"But your decision not to act recklessly yesterday was completely correct. Not just you, but everyone must remember to always follow orders and consider the bigger picture, no matter when. If you had acted recklessly yesterday, Xiao Wen, even if successful, the consequences would have been unimaginable. So here, I emphasize discipline again. While some of you are not from the military, I hope everyone treats obedience to orders as paramount when facing situations. Otherwise, no matter how much we train or set defenses, it will all be in vain."

The group nodded indifferently at these words.

But Old Xu also understood that certain qualities aren't developed through one or two lectures; he himself had only changed his free-spirited nature through constant setbacks and challenges back in the day.

But time didn't allow much for everyone to adapt now; he only hoped that the group, especially Wang Qiang and Wei Dazhuang, who had fiery tempers, could quickly grasp the meaning behind his words and put them into action.

"So shouldn't we discuss how to deal with this group next?" Old Lin attempted to steer the topic back on track.

But just as he finished speaking, Tang Xiaoquan, who had just returned, gave a negative response: "No rush, Old Zhao. I think what's most important now is to figure out the origins of these people."

Turning his gaze, Tang Xiaoquan fixed his eyes on Xu Renjie: "Old Xu, did you ask them during negotiations how they found out we were sheltering here?"

"Uh~ I didn't ask." The situation was extremely urgent then, and Old Xu indeed hadn't thought of this question. Now, reminded by Tang Xiaoquan, he couldn't help rubbing his chin.

"Did they reveal where they came from?"

"No," Old Xu shook his head habitually. "They only said they'd come again next time."

"I noticed that these people's accents didn't seem local. They even seemed to come from different places," Wang Zhongyu timely interjected, sharing his observations.

"And there were six of them, without a vehicle, carrying three Type 92 pistols, and the leader claimed to be a thug from the streets," Wen Quanxin added quickly.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhao pondered for a moment then muttered unexpectedly, "Do you guys think these people could be Liu Fugui's men?"

Old Zhao's assumption undoubtedly surprised the survivors present, but after careful consideration, it seemed somewhat plausible.

"What's the motive?" Xu Renjie solemnly asked with a serious expression.

Old Zhao thought for a moment, then blandly stated, "Resources!"

"No way! Didn't they just negotiate a resource trade with us, and even agreed on long-term cooperation? Why would they turn on us behind our backs?" Wang Qiang found the explanation hard to digest.

To this, Hu Xiaodong chuckled, "Xiao Wang, you're still too young. People can be deceitful. Let me ask you a simple question: if you have two choices in front of you now, one being equal exchange, the other being getting something for nothing, which would you choose?"

"Damn!" Wang Qiang exclaimed, his eyes widening in sudden realization. He quickly caught on to the deeper meaning behind Hu Xiaodong's question: "So it really could be Liu Fugui's men!"

After a round of discussion, everyone was increasingly convinced that Liu Fugui was the mastermind behind this intimidation and extortion.

First, the motive.

Liu Fugui likely thought that trading resources to replenish his scarce supplies could only work for so long before it drained his reserves.

Thus, he conceived a devious plan to use his advantage in manpower and weaponry to intimidate and compel the villa residents to provide him with resources for free.

Secondly, the timing.

Their attackers arrived at the villa just as the expeditionary team went out for a trade, which was too coincidental for the survivors to believe it was accidental.

Simply put, the survivors believed Liu Fugui deliberately seized the opportunity of their understaffing to catch them off guard.

Lastly, and most importantly, given the reconnaissance team's understanding of Liu Fugui's cunning and shrewdness, they all deemed it entirely possible for him to execute such a scheme.

Thus, everyone joined in to denounce Liu Fugui's despicable acts.

Only Tang Xiaoquan and Xu Renjie remained silent, not joining the others in venting their frustration.

Undoubtedly, while everyone's analysis seemed spot-on, and all signs indeed indicated Liu Fugui as the mastermind,

Tang Xiaoquan couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. He glanced at Yang Xue, who was idly playing with her nails, showing apparent disinterest in the conversation.

Old Zhao noticed Tang Xiaoquan's unusual behavior, presuming the young man had thought of something. He immediately spoke up, "Xiao Tang, why aren't you saying anything? Do you have any thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share with everyone."

"Oh, it's nothing really. I just feel that Liu Fugui wouldn't need to go around in circles to deal with us!"

"Come on, Quan, the facts speak louder than words. How can you say he wouldn't go around in circles? Let me ask you: isn't it true that he's the only one who knows our situation, the only one who knows where we live, the only one who knows we'd send people to trade at the factory? If you say it isn't him, then tell me, who else could it be?" Wang Qiang's series of questions were well-grounded, leaving Tang Xiaoquan with nothing but a wry smile and head shake:

"Qiangzi, I understand what you're saying, but don't you think it's all too obvious? Would someone like Liu Fugui leave so many loose ends for us to catch?"

Listening to this, Wang Qiang was rendered speechless, while a slight smile inadvertently spread across Xu Renjie's lips.

"So, according to you, Liu Fugui has nothing to do with this?" Wang Qiang felt his head was starting to spin.

Tang Xiaoquan shook his head, "No! Whether Liu Fugui is involved, I can't determine right now, but there's a way to verify it."

"Ah? What way?"

"Contact Liu Fugui. We should proactively tell him about today's encounter at the villa as a caution and see how he reacts."

As Tang Xiaoquan spoke, he toyed with his bangs, "Given Liu Fugui's 'sensitivity,' I think it's most appropriate for you, Old Xu, to make the call." (To be continued. If you like this work, you're welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)