Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 613 - 602: Stifling Compartment

During this operation, Old Zhao was driving a relatively larger Jianghuai JVC. Although its horsepower wasn't as strong as the Shepherd Jeep, its overall defense was undeniably superior.

Moreover, given the mission's requirement to receive supplies, the Jianghuai vehicle was undoubtedly the best choice.

The car sped along the road. To prevent hijacking along the way, Old Zhao had long since worked with Tang Xiaoquan and others to draft the driving route in a discussion meeting.

This route was completely different from the ones they had used on several previous outings, aimed at preventing bands of robbers from setting up roadblocks.

Although taking this route meant going a long way around and consuming quite a bit of fuel, it was clearly worth it for the sake of safety.

In the rear compartment, due to the events of the morning, Wang Qiang was emotionally uncomfortable, so he intentionally or unintentionally sat on the opposite side from Yang Xue.

This made Yang Xue feel so stifled she felt she could hardly breathe. She wanted to open a window to let in some fresh air to ease her oppressive mood, but how could there be a window to open in the enclosed car compartment? Not even a drafty crack was available.

Helpless, the irritable Yang Xue couldn't help but curse inwardly at the damned car, questioning which idiot designed it!

"Hey, why aren't you talking?!", unable to stand the atmosphere any longer, Yang Xue blurted out, casually directing her question at Wang Qiang.

Wang Qiang did not respond to this.

It's not that he didn't hear her question; he simply refrained from answering due to the "Heart Demon".

But the more he acted this way, the more it annoyed the slightly masculine Yang Xue. She simply kicked Wang Qiang lightly with her toe, frowning as she said, "What's the matter?! Wang Qiang, do you really not plan on talking to me?"

Wang Qiang indeed intended to continue his silence, but seeing the angry expression and the act of kicking from the other person made him realize he could no longer feign deafness.

Immediately, Wang Qiang slowly lifted his head, forcing a slight smile. "It's not that, I was just thinking about something and didn't hear your question, sorry."

"Thinking about something? What on earth could need such focus? Be honest, are you reminiscing about some beautiful woman you used to date?" Yang Xue attempted to joke with Wang Qiang to lighten the tense atmosphere.

But unexpectedly, Wang Qiang had no mind for jokes, and replied emotionlessly,

"Of course not, it's nothing like that!"

"Oh!" Yang Xue clearly felt his deliberate distancing, which inexplicably amplified her anger.

Being someone who doesn't like beating around the bush, she straightforwardly said, "Xiao Wang, did I do something to make you unhappy? Or do you have some dissatisfaction with me? If you do, you can just say it directly. Don't stay brooding like this; your current demeanor makes me very uncomfortable!"

"Not at all!" Wang Qiang countered insincerely. Of course, he couldn't honestly share his thoughts with her. Could he really say he was ignoring her because she went to the Factory, upset that she might meet Liu Yunpeng? Wouldn't that just make him seem petty and lacking in tolerance? Besides, she might not even be thinking what he feared she was.

"Sigh!" Wang Qiang's response left Yang Xue speechless. She increasingly felt that the man in front of her lacked common ground with her, as she preferred open expression and he kept everything bottled up, like a hesitant old man.

"Haven't you noticed our interactions don't resemble a couple at all?"

Frowning, Yang Xue cast her thoughts frankly to Wang Qiang, regardless of his acceptance.

Wang Qiang hung his head and said nothing for a while.

Yang Xue's words resonated with him.

He also didn't understand why things quickly deteriorated after breaking through that initial barrier.

Was he overthinking? Or too selfish?

Wang Qiang was unsure since this was his first relationship, and it started so abruptly.

He just felt that every time he rushed to show concern, she would dismiss it with comments like "Nagging like a Tang Monk," leaving him at a loss. Additionally, her insistence on going to the Factory this time felt like a sharp knife stabbing into his chest, a pain he couldn't articulate.

"Why are you silent again?" Yang Xue was genuinely more impatient now.

Facing Yang Xue's aggressive stance, Wang Qiang even thought of running away.

But trapped in a speeding, enclosed vehicle, there was nowhere to escape. Finally, he replied with mild frustration:

"You're right! We don't quite resemble a couple, but I hope you understand that my feelings for you are genuine, though I'm not good at expressing them, or perhaps I'm giving you things you don't need."

"I don't need them? Hmph, you simply don't understand what I need! Forget it, let's not discuss this. Maybe we just need some time to adjust to each other."

Yang Xue calmed her emotions, moving next to Wang Qiang, wrapped her arm around his, and rested her head on his shoulder. "I understand you mean well, but please don't treat me like a child. I've lived through many things over the years. Also, if you have any dissatisfaction or opinion about me in the future, please tell me directly and don't keep it inside, okay?"

Wang Qiang slipped his hands into his jacket pockets, consciously avoiding her attempt to intertwine fingers.

Speak directly? With all your flaws, how am I supposed to directly address them?

Moreover, don't you understand that being together means more about mutual acceptance than exposing each other's faults?

Wang Qiang sighed inwardly again. Regardless, the two had finally broken the silence once more. He turned to glance at Yang Xue beside him. "Okay, I understand. Next time, if there's something, I'll say it."

After driving for about an hour, they finally arrived at the destination: Liu Fugui's Factory.

As they had already communicated with the Factory, the preparations were just as thorough as the last time.

Old Zhao skillfully drove the car into the plant area and parked, followed by everyone's disembarking.

As they set foot on the ground, a familiar voice echoed from not far away: "The usual drill, no need to say more, right?"

"Haha, Mr. Huang! Hello, hello!" Old Zhao enthusiastically extended his right hand. Due to the uncertain enemy situation, he needed to stabilize the affairs as much as possible.

Huang Yong, as always, dodged Old Zhao's hand and coldly repeated, "Leave all weapons and equipment! Roll up your sleeves and pant cuffs! Quickly!" (To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)