novelraw Chapter 647 - 636
Chapter 647 - 636
Although it was just a simple meal of white rice and pickled vegetables, thanks to their good mood and travel fatigue, Old Zhao and the other two found it quite appetizing.
After the meal, Wang Qiang surprisingly offered to wash the dishes, to which Tang Xiaoquan had no objections. Old Zhao was happy to take the opportunity to smoke a cigarette and enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Once Wang Qiang was done, everyone took a short break before rearranging the room.
First, they moved the large wooden table from the living room into the room they first entered, placing it against the damaged glass window along with a cabinet.
This didn't provide much protection, but it gave them some psychological comfort. In an unfamiliar environment, people usually prefer to find a relatively enclosed space to feel safe.
Old Zhao and his companions weren't overly timid, but they thought something was better than nothing. Besides, it didn't take much effort, and on this early winter night, the temperature had dropped significantly, so the makeshift barrier could help fend off the cold wind.
Once that was done, the three of them wasted no time and returned to the bedroom to move the double bed out together since none of them wanted to sleep in a place that resembled a bloody crime scene.
The room they were initially in was unsuitable due to the broken window, so they decided against using it as a resting spot for the night.
That left only the living room where the three of them could rest.
They placed the bed against the wall opposite the window, removed the dusty blood-stained sheets, and unpacked their sleeping bags and new bedding, laying them out on the double bed.
Tang Xiaoquan picked up the sheets thrown on the floor and used them as makeshift insulating covers on the wooden table they used to block the window, thus enhancing its cold resistance.
Upon returning to the living room, just as Tang Xiaoquan was about to enter, Wang Qiang's loud voice pierced the air: "Old Zhao, you've got to be kidding. There's no way."
"Are you crazy, Qiang? It's the middle of the night, why are you howling like ghosts and inviting the zombies outside?"
"You don't get it. Old Zhao said he wants to stand guard tonight and asked me to convince you to agree."
It turned out Old Zhao thought the bed only fit two people, and since they were new in this area with zombies lingering outside, someone should stand guard to ensure safety.
He knew that offering himself would be met with objections from Tang and Wang, so he took advantage of Tang Xiaoquan's momentary absence to try and win over the less sharp-minded Wang Qiang.
Who knew that one mention would cause Wang Qiang to jump up?
Tang Xiaoquan quickly grasped the situation and realized he had misunderstood Wang Qiang, but he still reminded them: "Ah, so that's how it is. Old Zhao, you shouldn't have done that. You've driven all day and can't stand guard. And Qiang, I was wrong to scold you without clarifying things first. Don't take it to heart. But please, try not to be too loud, or none of us will sleep well tonight."
Seeing Tang Xiaoquan apologize so modestly, Wang Qiang couldn't say much. He nodded understandingly, "Yeah, I did get a bit excited, I'll be careful. But back to the point, Old Zhao, there's no way you can stand guard tonight. I'll do it."
"Listen, I'm at an age where I don't sleep well anyway. I'd be more comfortable sitting up at night than listening to those beasts howling," Old Zhao argued, but Tang Xiaoquan wouldn't have any of it:
"Old Zhao, neither Wang Qiang nor I can drive. I don't want to ride with someone sleep-deprived tomorrow!"
"Exactly, Old Zhao, if you care for us, go get some sleep!" Wang Qiang seized the chance to agree enthusiastically.
Faced with their combined persuasion, Old Zhao had no choice but to comply.
With Old Zhao sorted, Tang Xiaoquan turned to Wang Qiang and continued, "Qiang, you should rest early tonight too. You need to deal with the zombies outside in the morning. Let me handle the night watch. This way, I can clear my mind and think about our next steps."
Wang Qiang wouldn't easily agree on this matter, but after some debate, Tang Xiaoquan's sharp reasoning left him no choice but to concede.
After everyone had settled these matters, the sky turned dark and gray. Old Zhao glanced at his watch by the window, noting it was 6:24 PM, a time when everyone at the villa was usually having dinner.
After a moment's thought, Old Zhao pulled out the hand-held radio and said to Wang and Tang, "It's past six, let me contact Old Xu and report our situation here."
Tang Xiaoquan nodded, "Good idea, let's tell him while everyone's around, and let them know we've found a second refuge. This way, they'll have peace of mind, knowing we're not without a home base in a pinch."
"I bet if Wen Quanxin and the others hear we've found a second refuge, they'll be so shocked they'd bite their tongues, hahaha!" Wang Qiang chuckled mischievously.
"Hehe!" Old Zhao had a similar thought as Tang Xiaoquan. He wanted to share the news as a surprise while everyone was dining, as finding a second refuge could significantly impact their future strategy.
If they had a backup, they could avoid a fight to the death when facing unavoidable threats.
But without one, the situation would be entirely different.
"Old Xu, this is Old Zhao, come in, over!" Old Zhao pressed the talk button, awaiting a response from Xu Renjie.
Meanwhile, at the villa, just as Tang Xiaoquan and others suspected, everyone was gathered around the dinner table, eating with little enthusiasm.
They were all anxiously waiting for news from the away team, but after ten hours, there had been no word.
Each person's heart was in suspense, and the living room was heavy with silence until that familiar call broke the stillness...
"This is Xu Renjie, Old Zhao, go ahead, over!" Xu Renjie swiftly grabbed the hand-held radio sitting by the table.
The survivors seated around the round table all paused their actions in unison, eyes fixed on the hand-held radio in Old Xu's hand, as if it held some mind-enthralling magic power. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote and support. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users can read on m.qidian.com.)