Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 587 576: Sudden Disturbance (7)

"It's all my fault for not training properly before. Otherwise, I would have shot those bastards with arrows back then, saving us from all these troubles later on."

Recalling his playful attitude during archery practice, Wen Quanxin felt ashamed.

"Well, it's good that you realize this now, Xiao Wen. However!" First acknowledging Wen Quanxin's "realization," Old Xu then changed the subject, "Your decision not to act rashly yesterday was absolutely correct. Not just you, everyone needs to remember to always obey orders and keep the big picture in mind. If you had acted impulsively yesterday, even if you succeeded, the consequences would have been unimaginable. So here, I want to stress discipline again. Although some of you are not from the military, I still hope that when things happen, everyone takes obeying orders as their duty. Otherwise, no matter how much training or defenses we put in place, it will all be in vain."

To this, everyone nodded indifferently.

But Old Xu also understood that some things cannot be cultivated through one or two lectures. Thinking back to the past, he himself only gradually changed his undisciplined nature through constant practice and setbacks.

However, there was no longer much time for him to let everyone adapt. He only hoped that people, especially those with explosive tempers like Wang Qiang and Wei Dazhuang, would quickly understand the meaning of his words and put them into action.

"So, should we discuss how to deal with this group below?" Old Lin tried to steer the conversation 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 the most important thing for us now is to figure out where these people are coming from."

With a change of focus, Tang Xiaoquan's eyes fell on Xu Renjie: "Old Xu, did you ask them how they knew we were taking refuge here during your negotiations with them?"

"Uh~ that... I didn't ask." The situation was very urgent at that time, and Old Xu indeed hadn't thought of this question. Upon hearing Tang Xiaoquan's reminder, he couldn't help rubbing his chin.

"Did they reveal their origins?"

"No." Old Xu shook his head again: "They only said they would come again next time."

"Well, I noticed that the accents of these people didn't seem local, and they seemed to come from different places." Wang Zhongyu timely interjected, sharing his observations.

"Also, there were six of them in total, without a car, carrying three Type 92s in total, and their leader claimed to be a gangster." Wen Quanxin also followed up with additional information.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhao pondered for a while and then murmured out of nowhere: "Do you think these people could be sent by Liu Fugui?"

Old Zhao's hypothesis undoubtedly shocked all the survivors present. However, after pondering over it, they found some reasons in his theory.

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

Old Zhao thought for a moment and nonchalantly uttered two words: "Resources!"

"No way! They just completed a resource transaction with us and had also agreed on a long-term cooperation. Why would they attack us secretly?" Wang Qiang found it inexplicable.

In response, Hu Xiaodong chuckled, "Xiao Wang, you're still too young. This world and its people are sinister. Let me ask you a simple question: If two choices were presented to you—one to exchange equally and another to gain something for nothing— which one would you choose?"

"Damn!" Instantly enlightened, Wang Qiang immediately understood the deeper meaning hidden in Hu Xiaodong's question: "Seems like they really are people sent by Liu Fugui!"

After a series of discussions, everyone became increasingly convinced that Liu Fugui was the mastermind behind this intimidation and extortion.

First, the motive.

Liu Fugui must have thought that exchanging resources could only temporarily alleviate his shortage, but in the long run, it would deplete his inventory completely.

So he harbored malicious intent, hoping to use a superiority of personnel and arms to intimidate, forcing the villa's residents to supply him for free.

Second, the timing.

The bandits came to the villa just when the team was out conducting a transaction. Such a coincidental timing made the survivors not believe it was just by chance.

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

Lastly, and most importantly, based on the advance team's understanding of Liu Fugui's cunning nature, everyone felt it was entirely possible for him to make such plans.

Thus, everyone started joining the denunciation of Liu Fugui's despicable actions.

Only Tang Xiaoquan and Xu Renjie remained silent, not expressing their grievances with the crowd.

Undoubtedly, everyone's analysis wasn't wrong, and all signs indeed indicated that Liu Fugui was the instigator of this incident.

However, Tang Xiaoquan felt something was off. He glanced at Yang Xue, who had come along. She was fiddling with her nails, seemingly uninterested in the discussion.

Old Zhao noticed Tang Xiaoquan's unusual demeanor. He surmised that the young man must have thought of something, so he said: "Xiao Tang, why aren't you speaking? Do you have any ideas about this matter? Don't hesitate to share it with everyone."

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

"Come on, Quan, facts speak louder than words. What do you mean he wouldn't bother to go around? Let me ask you, isn't he the only one who knows our situation, who knows our residence, and who knows we'll send people to the factory for trading? If it's not him, then tell me, who else could it be?" Wang Qiang's logic was undoubtedly convincing, leaving Tang Xiaoquan with nothing but a bitter smile and a nod:

"Qiang, I understand your point, but don't you think it's too obvious with all the evidence pointing at him? Given Liu Fugui's character, would he leave us so many clues to catch him?"

After listening, Wang Qiang had no words to refute, but the corners of Xu Renjie's lips couldn't help curling up slightly.

"Then... according to you, Liu Fugui has nothing to do with this matter?" Wang Qiang felt his head spinning slightly.

Tang Xiaoquan still shook his head: "No! Whether or not he's involved, I can't make a judgment for now, but I do have a way to verify it."

"Oh? What's the method?"

"Contact Liu Fugui and proactively tell him about today's attack on the villa, in a manner of warning him to take precautions, and see how he reacts." Tang Xiaoquan fiddled with the bangs on his forehead as he spoke: "Liu Fugui is a very perceptive person, and I think it's best for Old Xu to make this call." (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)