novelraw Chapter 635 624: Safehouse (Part 3)
Chapter 635 624: Safehouse (Part 3)
Taking advantage of dinner, Old Xu talked to everyone about his specific action plan with Old Liu and others regarding the search for the second refuge. As expected, everyone didn't have much objection to the action itself, but there was significant disagreement over who should go.
Especially people like Wei Dazhuang and Hu Xiaodong, who have extensive experience in carrying out missions, eagerly raised their hands to volunteer.
Old Xu anticipated this, and he was fully prepared for it. However, when it came time to persuade everyone, he found himself somewhat at a loss.
After all, the guys in front of him were all very stubborn characters; they weren't the type to be easily talked into something.
Despite the difficulty, with his and Old Lin's patient and earnest persuasion, the survivors reluctantly agreed to and passed the resolution.
The survivors were well aware that the marauders had their eyes on the villa, always ready to launch an attack. Despite everyone's goodwill and desire to take on such a dangerous task themselves, given the current situation, defending the villa was of utmost importance. If the villa fell, they would immediately face a huge crisis of being homeless.
After dinner, Old Xu, Old Lin, and the five people scheduled for the action the next day, including Tang Xiaoquan, Wang Qiang, and Zhao Yunhai, discussed the specific direction of the action together.
"Since it's a second refuge, we must ensure that we can smoothly retreat there if the villa falls, and that everyone can safely survive the winter there. Otherwise, there's no point in seeking out a second refuge," Old Xu set the tone for the discussion. With this direction, Old Zhao quickly gave his opinion:
"I suggest we choose a village around the HA city area for the second refuge, to stay away from the city. After winter, we can also help Xiao Tang search for clues related to the Juli Sports Arena evacuation in JZ County."
"Thank you, Uncle Zhao, but this search for a refuge is about the survival of all the brothers at the villa, so my parents' matters should be put aside for now. Let's discuss them later." Everyone had already done enough for him, and Tang Xiaoquan really didn't want to trouble them further with his family matters.
"No, Xiao Tang, I think Old Zhao's proposal is good. Look, if something happens to the villa, it doesn't really matter where we retreat to as long as it's safe and secure. So why not choose somewhere near JZ County? It doesn't hurt anything. In my opinion, let's not discuss the direction anymore. Let's target the area around JZ County and start searching for a suitable place from the nearby towns. Old Lin, what's your opinion?"
"I agree, I agree to set the area around JZ County as the range for finding the second refuge."
Following the principle of majority rule, the three of Xu, Zhao, and Lin voted in favor of the proposal, leaving Tang Xiaoquan with nothing more to say, and he could only gratefully reply, "Alright, I'll respect everyone's opinion."
"Great!" Nodding at the latter, Old Xu continued, "Given the current supplies at the villa, I'll provide you with a week's worth of supplies. Is that okay?"
As the person in charge of the supplies, Old Zhao was undoubtedly very knowledgeable about the villa's inventory. During his leisure time, his favorite hobby was flipping through his account book as if doing so would increase the villa's supplies by a tiny bit.
And it was precisely because he was so clear about the villa's resources that he immediately objected, "No need, Old Xu. We don't need that much; just give us two days' worth of food and water."
"Nonsense! Two days aren't enough! Old Zhao, don't joke around!" Old Xu thought Zhao Yunhai was simply fooling around. After all, they didn't know when they would find a suitable place on this outing. Old Xu didn't think even a week's supply was too much, yet Old Zhao was reducing the already meager supply to two days. What kind of joke was that?
So, Old Xu calmly explained, "Look, Old Zhao, I know you want to save more food for the villa, but you must realize your team will be short-handed this time. If the supply is insufficient, how can you complete the mission?"
In response, Old Zhao said, "Old Xu, in times of great battles, what's our primary task? It's still defending the villa. Me, Qiangzi, and Xiao Tang going out is a last resort, isn't it? So no matter what, ensuring the villa's defense comes first. Having more supplies at home might just allow us to last an extra day at the most critical moment. As for the three of us, you don't need to worry at all. When we're out there, we're not going to run out of food and drink. But it's different for you all. If a prolonged battle ensues and the marauders block the roads, the existing supplies at home will determine success or failure!"
It had to be said that Old Zhao's words made a lot of sense. But the problem was, while resources outside might be abundant, it wasn't easy to acquire them amidst the zombie hordes in the current wasteland where evolved zombies were constantly appearing.
So although Old Zhao spoke righteously, Old Xu was not going to be blindly led by him. However, the situation analysis was indeed accurate, so after some weighing, Old Xu made a compromise: "Alright then, I'll give you supplies for three days; you'll have to work out the rest on your own!"
Old Xu's words were undoubtedly heartfelt. If the villa didn't need him, he would've gone on this mission himself without hesitation.
"Oh, Old Xu, listen to what you're saying. What's all this talk about hardship? We're brothers born in battle, doing all this for the team. There's no notion of hardship!" Old Zhao said with a laugh, then turned to Old Lin and said, "But for food and drink, we aren't picky, but for transport, I'm thinking of that Jianghuai car."
"Haha!" Old Lin was amused by Zhao Yunhai's playful and carefree style, and he laughed heartily, "I thought it was some big request, but for this? No problem, I'll ask Zhongyu to give the car a good check."
"Yes, yes. Make sure that kid checks the car thoroughly. We don't want it breaking down halfway, or I'll give him a good scolding when I get back."
"Hahaha!" Everyone laughed heartily, and with that, Old Xu and the others ended their short meeting in merriment, roughly setting the direction for their upcoming tasks. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)