Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 637 626

Wang Zhongyu had helped Old Zhao with the final safety check of their vehicle, the Jianghuai, early in the morning. He knew very well that spending an extra minute on this JAC might help Old Zhao spot some potential faults and dangers inside the car, indirectly increasing their safety for the journey ahead.

If it weren't for the scarcity of vehicle parts he had, he would have prepared a few more spare tires for the Jianghuai, just in case.

After all, Old Zhao's journey wasn't something that could be completed in a day or two, so their reliance on the vehicle would be quite high. Wang Zhongyu didn't want Old Zhao and the others to be stranded and unable to return due to a vehicle breakdown.

As the only member of the archery team trained by Hu Xiaodong, Wang Qiang was mainly responsible for the defense on this mission. So, before departure, Hu Xiaodong specially reminded him of some precautions and taught him how to make arrows with the tools at hand.

Of course, Hu Xiaodong didn't expect Wang Qiang to master this craft in such a short time, so with a sincere heart and two hands prepared, he had already prepared several large bundles of "ammunition" for Wang Qiang. As long as the team wasn't besieged by zombies, this "ammunition" should be enough for ordinary fights.

Old Zhao carefully counted the supplies for the mission. Although, according to his requirements, Old Xu only prepared a three-day supply of food for each person, the drinking water was adequately stocked.

After all, as the saying goes, a person can endure not eating for a day, but if they don't drink water for a day, they might find it hard to get by.

In terms of weapons, besides bringing several axes sharpened by Hu Xiaodong, Old Zhao also packed several crowbars. The reason he did this was mainly due to the concern that the axes might become unusable due to notches after excessive chopping.

Crowbars, though not as convenient and easy to use as axes, are incredibly durable, so bringing a few along was precautionary.

As for the most crucial fuel for the trip, Old Zhao definitely brought sufficient amounts—three barrels of 20-liter gasoline, two barrels of 10-liter diesel. He believed these should be enough for the mission.

Of course, essential items for daily living, such as cooking pots and warm clothing for the night, were all fully equipped without missing a single piece.

Tang Xiaoquan and Wei Yang were chatting goodbye in the corner. Wei Yang was giving instructions left and right, fearing something might be overlooked, making it seem like Tang Xiaoquan was about to head to the battlefield.

But it's understandable. After all, both of them knew very well that this trip was different from the past. Aside from the danger, the scarcity of resources carried along itself was a major issue.

If it weren't for the fact that this mission was crucial to the entire villa's survival plan, Wei Yang would have tried to persuade Tang Xiaoquan to give up on this mission no matter what.

Wang Qiang finally felt a sense of relief after listening to Hu Xiaodong's earnest teachings.

As he stepped out of the villa's door, he saw Tang Wei, hiding in the corner engaged in private conversation. Instantly, he felt a twinge of jealousy as a hint of bitterness arose in his heart.

Look at Tang Xiaoquan and Wei Yang, even without expressing their feelings, they interact like a couple who've been in love for years. And then look at himself, humph, Wang Qiang gave a helpless smile, glancing subconsciously at that familiar yet unfamiliar second-floor window, and sighed inwardly:

Alas, she's probably still asleep at this time, haha!!

The endless melancholy within him was entirely dispelled by Old Zhao's command to start the vehicle. Tightening his coat and bracing his spirit, Wang Qiang decided to prioritize the mission over his personal emotions for now.

Stepping onto the Jianghuai with large strides, Wang Qiang still held onto the hope that through this separation, both he and Yang Xue could calm down and reflect on how to get along.

Hopefully, when they meet again, things will improve, at least not be like now, where seeing each other feels like encountering enemies.

"Be careful. No matter what happens, observe carefully before taking action, understood?" Wei Yang hurriedly gave her final instructions upon hearing Old Zhao's order.

"Got it, don't worry, I'll be cautious in everything." Tang Xiaoquan waved goodbye to the concerned Wei Yang and quickly ran towards the Jianghuai.

How can I not worry?

With a face full of concern, Wei Yang stood in place, watching her beloved's back, silently bringing her hands together in prayer to the heavens, hoping that her beloved's journey would go smoothly and he would return safely.

As soon as Tang Xiaoquan sat in the passenger seat, Old Zhao immediately started the car.

He drove the car slowly out of the villa gates. The vehicle sped westward on the national road, running 50 kilometers before turning at a junction, heading in the general direction mapped out for the mission.

This plan was made during discussions with Lin and Xu, aiming to avoid the robbers' blockades.

Because, from a probability perspective, the opposing forces appeared along the route leading to the villa's entrance three times, so taking the westward path was relatively safe. Although it would take more time to reach the destination, safety was the top priority for this mission.

After all, the principle of "haste makes waste" was a well-engrained truth in the hearts of survivors seeking to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.

Tang Xiaoquan found topics to chat about with Wang Qiang in the rear compartment throughout the journey.

Unexpectedly, Wang Qiang engaged with great interest, contrary to everyone's concerns that he might become morose due to the Liu Yunpeng incident.

Wang Qiang's good mental state assured Old Zhao and Tang Xiaoquan, as their mission was a team effort. If any of the three became emotionally upset, it could severely endanger the entire team's safety during future operations.

Liu Fugui had long finished his morning exercises, a habit he had developed over many years. No matter how busy, he would always get up early for a regular dose of jogging and Tai Chi.

After all, reaching middle age, physical metrics had declined, and he could no longer match the vitality of his youth.

Thus, maintaining this routine was one of Liu Fugui's secrets to preserving his energy.

The private chef had already prepared Liu Fugui's breakfast. Despite being in the apocalypse, Liu Fugui was still particular about his meals.

This was thanks to his factory's abundant material reserves and the chef's superb cooking skills.

Returning inside, Liu Fugui briefly washed up and changed into formal wear, then was escorted by his subordinates to the dining room.

Before he could open the door, his son Liu Yunpeng rushed out from inside.

Seeing his son present, Liu Fugui instinctively called out, "Yunpeng!"

However, Liu Yunpeng seemed completely unaware of his father Liu Fugui, as something seemed to make him impatient. Regardless, he ignored Liu Fugui's call and swiftly disappeared down the hallway. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)