Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 658 647: Ingenious Uses for Cars (Part 1)

On the way to the next town, Tang Xiaoquan's mind was constantly occupied. He was contemplating a problem: given the urgent situation they faced while gathering resources at the small shop earlier, he needed to come up with a way to maximize the collection time in the upcoming tasks.

After all, this long trip wasn't easy; not to mention the bumpy ride, if the fuel spent doesn't bring back enough equivalent resources, the loss would be considerable.

After racking his brains, Tang Xiaoquan indeed thought of a strategy, but the final result could only be verified on-site.

When the three arrived at the town, it was already 11 a.m., slightly half an hour later than expected.

So the data inferred from the map are forever just theoretical numbers; you can never predict the actual situations encountered.

As the driver, Lao Zhao was already satisfied with the current speed. He couldn't imagine if it had rained or snowed these past two days, looking at the road conditions they've been through, it would have tortured everyone in this car to the brink of death.

"Hey, that shop seems to sell paint." Wang Qiang bent down, resting one hand on the door frame, pointing to a shop not far ahead.

Lao Zhao glanced sideways: "Specializes in hardware, home decor, plumbing equipment, that's right, there it is."

A large wooden sign outside the shop's door clearly marked the projects operated within the shop.

"This trip wasn't for nothing! Let's go there now!" Lao Zhao thought that all the hardship wasn't for nothing; at least they found what they wanted. With this, he could start the decoration and renovation work for the small shelter tomorrow.

"Hold on, Lao Zhao, keep driving; let's look for other shops. We'll get back to that one later." Tang Xiaoquan grabbed Lao Zhao's steering wheel, stopping him from turning, causing Wang Qiang in the back to nearly fall over, angrily swearing into the hand-held radio: "Damn it, what are you guys trying to kill me for? Damn!"

Tang Xiaoquan also realized his sudden adjustment of the steering wheel was indeed a bit rash, so he quickly apologized for the danger he caused Wang Qiang: "Sorry, Qiang, I was too hasty just now. How about you sit tight and hold on for safety?"

"Right, Xiaoquan, why did you say the shop just now wasn't suitable?" Although Lao Zhao was doubtful, he still followed the other's instructions, continuing to drive through the town.

"Well, mainly because that shop is too big; I want to find a smaller one." Tang Xiaoquan absentmindedly replied, as his attention was entirely focused on the shops outside the window.

Hearing Tang Xiaoquan's explanation, Wang Qiang thought it was utter nonsense, but to avoid a repeat of the earlier incident, he obediently returned to his seat, sitting securely before speaking: "I say, Xiaoquan, what are you thinking! What's wrong with bigger shops? They have more complete inventory! Damn, you're turning down a big one to find a small one, and weren't you nagging about time being tight all morning? So now, isn't this a waste of time?"

Tang Xiaoquan didn't hear what Wang Qiang was saying, as he had already found an ideal location to implement his plan.

Immediately, he eagerly patted Lao Zhao's shoulder, signaling him to look his way, then pointed out the direction: "Lao Zhao, head to that shop."

From Lao Zhao's direction, the shop Tang Xiaoquan pointed to was clearly visible, except he was puzzled because the shop was only slightly narrower than the one he initially chose, and there was little difference in other aspects.

Wang Qiang bluntly asked: "I swear, Xiaoquan, it's like your brain got kicked by a donkey; what's the difference between these two shops! You just want to provoke all the zombies along the way to make you happy, huh?"

Faced with Wang Qiang's questioning, Tang Xiaoquan still ignored him, instead, fully concentrating on directing Lao Zhao's next actions.

"Turn around, Lao Zhao, aim the rear of the car at the shop entrance!"

"Turn around?"

"Yes, turn around!"

Lao Zhao seemed to vaguely understand Tang Xiaoquan's intention but was still not entirely sure as he turned the car's front, then continued asking: "What's next?"

"Reverse, drive into the shop!"

"Damn! Xiaoquan, you've lost it! What on earth do you want to do?"

Driving the car into the shop, if the zombies gather around, it would be akin to trapping themselves inside. For Tang Xiaoquan's near-suicidal move, Wang Qiang had to raise his voice, trying to awaken what he saw as his "troubled brother."

Lao Zhao faintly felt that Tang Xiaoquan's purpose was likely to use the Jianghuai vehicle to block most of the area in front of the shop entrance, leaving passages on both sides to kill zombies, thus avoiding being attacked from all sides.

However, while this could effectively solve the danger of being ambushed, it also contained enormous risks. If zombies blocked these two escape routes, breaking out of the shop might become a problem.

But on second thought, he felt reassured as the rear was now facing the shop interior; if they indeed got blocked, they could enter the cockpit, then drive the vehicle to break through.

"Trust me! Lao Zhao, hurry and reverse inside!" Tang Xiaoquan didn't have time to explain much; he was well aware that his method also needed to race against time, so rather than wasting time explaining verbally, it would be more fitting to show Wang and Zhao actual effects.

"Everyone hold tight!" Having understood the other's intentions, Zhao Yunhai naturally had no objections to Tang Xiaoquan's actions.

Immediately, he engaged reverse gear, slammed the accelerator, and the Jianghuai vehicle rapidly reversed, knocking over several paint barrels placed at the entrance, with the white paint splattering all over the ground.

"Stop!" Lao Zhao's action nearly coincided with Tang Xiaoquan's command.

"Get out!"

Wang Qiang still hadn't figured out his brother's real intention, so he grumbled and cursed.

Just as he was about to go inside to gather resources, Tang Xiaoquan stopped him again: "Qiang, come here, hold this!"

Wang Qiang angrily turned his head, saw the other pointing at the front and passenger side doors, seemingly asking him to brace them, reluctantly wanting to refuse, but was rudely pulled over by Tang Xiaoquan.

"Uncle Zhao, please brace the other side!"

Once Lao Zhao complied, Tang Xiaoquan solemnly explained:

"Alright~ I'll keep it short; soon zombies will come to attack us. My method now ensures that as long as we brace these two car doors, combined with the vehicle's body, we've essentially blocked the entire shop entrance, keeping us fairly safe inside."

Having briefly explained everything, Tang Xiaoquan didn't care whether Wang and Zhao understood, turning around and diving straight into the shop's interior to start gathering resources. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)