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墨書 Inktalez
Looking at everyone, weary and gaunt, Qin Zhi Han felt both moved and guilty. For his sake, so many had been mobilized.
Su Ruolan gazed at the familiar, sincere faces filled with smiles, a wave of emotion washing over her. This was the true essence of family. After all the trials they had faced, their hearts were closer than ever, and their bonds had deepened.
"Sister Su, I'm starving! Let's cook something!" Cheng Xi hurried to Su Ruolan's side. When one's brain was starved for too long, it could only be controlled by the stomach.
At the mention of food, everyone's eyes lit up, their gazes fixated on Su Ruolan.
The Huaxia Four Corps now numbered only over 800, while the Wolf Brigade had just 56 members. Including Qin Zhi Han, Su Ruolan, and a few others, they totaled nearly a thousand people, making mealtime a significant challenge. Although Su Ruolan had some land in her space where she grew food, it was only enough for immediate needs. Relying on that space long-term would not be beneficial for everyone.
Su Ruolan pulled out thirty pounds of rice from her iconic backpack along with buns and compressed biscuits. Despite everyone's skepticism about how she managed to fit such heavy and plentiful food in her bag, they cheered and quickly divided tasks to build a fire and cook porridge.
Watching Su Ruolan calmly retrieve so much from her backpack astonished Qin Zhi Han. It seemed she harbored secrets he hoped few would discover to avoid attracting unwanted attention. He silently vowed to strengthen his training and grow stronger so he could protect the woman he cared for. In this apocalyptic world, being able to produce so much food selflessly for everyone showcased her noble spirit and lofty ideals. Meeting such a wonderful woman made him wish for her goodness to be recognized and cherished by more people while fearing that as more admired her, she might choose someone else over him. No matter how many liked her, he believed he was the best choice; he loved her most deeply and would be with her. With his resolve solidified, Qin Zhi Han's gaze on Su Ruolan became more focused and affectionate.
At that moment, Su Ruolan was using her Water Ability to release water and was completely unaware of the turmoil in Qin Zhi Han's heart.
Cheng Xi and Jackson Wang conjured pots one after another while Su Ruolan poured water into the largest pot, streams flowing steadily.
"Sister Su, add a bit more; it's almost full!" Cheng Xi encouraged from the side.
In the distance, Bai Zhen was diligently using his Earth Ability to construct large cooking platforms. The ordinary soldiers from Huaxia Four Corps and Wolf Brigade without abilities went into the nearby forest to chop wood for fuel. Qin Zhi Han approached them and used his Fire Ability to ignite the stoves one by one.
When he saw the water in the pot finally boiling and thick porridge bubbling up vigorously, most people heard their stomachs rumbling loudly as they smacked their lips, trying to swallow their saliva.
"Time to eat!" A resounding voice broke through the air; it was perhaps the most heartwarming phrase they had heard in two months.
Everyone instinctively formed a line. The first in line held bowls conjured by their abilities—forty in total—each person receiving one bowl of porridge. Once finished, they passed their bowls back to teammates who didn't have any. Those with Fire Abilities ensured that as the flames flickered low, they added more fuel so every soldier received hot food.
Some soldiers held their bowls but began to cry as they ate. Qin Zhi Han stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I miss my mom," one soldier replied through tears, choking on his words.
This outburst caused many others to lose their appetite; tears flowed freely among them as memories surfaced. Many soldiers had been forced apart from their wives and children during this campaign; their average age was only twenty. As they ate, worries about their families crept in—wondering how they were faring now.
"Captain, what should we do next?" one soldier asked Ma Commander.
“Company Commander, what do you think?” Seeing that the people from Huaxia Four Corps were also asking questions, Bai Zhen couldn't help but move closer to Qin Zhi Han.
Indeed, although these three units had come to rescue Qin Zhi Han, their positions were different. If they were to march together, how would they manage? If one team had too many leaders giving orders, it would leave the soldiers below confused.
Ma Commander also noticed this issue and looked at Qin Zhi Han.
“Since everyone wants to move forward together, we need to discuss this. Let's gather the mid-level and above personnel from each team for a temporary meeting,” Qin Zhi Han suggested.
“Sure, I will notify them right away,” Vice Commander Zhang nodded in agreement.
Before long, in a makeshift tent, a meeting was held with more than a dozen people present.
“Wolf Brigade comrades, I have something important to tell you. I am Qin Zhi Han, and I am also the Vice Captain of Huaxia Army Fourth Regiment. I sincerely thank you all for coming from afar to rescue me; I will remember this kindness. Currently, while the Dai Government is trying to salvage the situation, internal factional struggles are severe, and they cannot effectively shoulder the responsibility of our nation's fate. Therefore, I have become a member of the Huaxia Army. I believe you have heard about the Huaxia Army's efforts against the Zombies and their marching style. So if anyone wishes to join the Huaxia Army and stand with us through thick and thin, you are very welcome; if you feel that our political views differ, you can leave safely. We will not obstruct you, but we ask that those leaving take a solemn oath not to disclose any secrets learned here today.”
The mid-level leaders of Wolf Brigade were astonished to learn that their admired Company Commander was actually a senior officer of the Huaxia Army. They had initially thought that the uprising at H Base was merely a political maneuver by Qin Zhi Han, but it turned out to be far from what they had imagined. Bai Zhen and Jackson Wang had followed Qin Zhi Han for quite some time and had already sensed something unusual about him; they felt deeply impacted by this revelation.
“Company Commander, no matter what your identity is, I only know that you are my Company Commander. Everything you do is right, so I will follow you,” Bai Zhen was the first to express his support.
“Company Commander, do we even need to ask? Our iron triangle cannot be without me. Damn it, I've been fed up with those bastards for a long time. Last time when the Zombies surrounded the city, they just gave up on 0 million people! If we hadn't returned quickly, H Base would have been a river of blood and a mountain of corpses,” Jackson Wang said angrily as he recalled that incident.
“Exactly! A government that treats the weak like this will never win people's hearts. I may not be well-educated, but I still understand principles. Company Commander, whatever you decide, we will follow your lead,” Squad Leader Liu also began to voice his support.
One by one, everyone made up their minds. Among the four Squad Leaders Liu, two decided to leave since their families were in S Base. The other two were determined to follow Qin Zhi Han. The two departing Squad Leaders Liu and more than ten soldiers took their oaths seriously; in this mutated era, one of the few advancements was the power of rules. Oaths carried significant weight—if broken, one would face consequences as stated in their vows—making it perhaps the only comforting aspect of this grim world.
Qin Zhi Han did not make things difficult for those who wanted to leave; he even provided each departing person with a portion of food from their scarce supplies.
Now those who remained were all resolute individuals. But how should this team be integrated?
Ma Commander tapped his leg thoughtfully and said, “Han Zi, I have an idea. Our main goal now is to catch up with Huaxia Corps and uncover the truth behind Commander Li's death. During this time, everyone has seen your capabilities; I'm getting old myself. My suggestion is that you become the Captain of our Huaxia Four Corps. But you must promise me that if Commander Li was harmed by the Huaxia Army, you must seek justice for this matter. Can you do that?” Ma Commander's gaze was piercing as he looked directly at Qin Zhi Han.
“Captain, that might not be appropriate. With Wolf Brigade incorporated into Huaxia Four Corps, we are still one complete unit; you should remain Captain,” Qin Zhi Han exclaimed in surprise and immediately refused.
“I’m getting old; my perception isn’t as sharp as yours young folks. Please don’t decline any further,” Ma Commander said earnestly while holding Qin Zhi Han's hand.
“I think Ruo Lan has done well; she has helped us through tough times with her supplies. I believe she could serve as Deputy Regiment Leader and lighten our burdens,” Zhang Commander chimed in with a smile.
What? Why am I being mentioned? Su Ruolan immediately shook her head and said, “Zhang Deputy Commander, I can’t do that. I can only assist you as your aide.”
Ma Commander glanced at Zhang Deputy Commander and understood his old partner's thoughts.
"Don't think we are joking or testing you. We are not. After experiencing the apocalypse these past few years, both Old Zhang and I have seen things clearly. Our energy and vision are limited, and we have already lost quite a few brothers in these recent conflicts. We don't want to see any more losses due to our misjudgments," Ma Commander said heavily.
"That's right. Han, you are young and capable, and you have enough prestige to take on important responsibilities." Seeing Qin Zhi Han about to refuse, he quickly added with a smile, "How about this? Old Ma and I will serve as honorary Vice Captain and Captain, and we will discuss major matters with you. However, the final decisions will be yours. What do you think? Now, Han, Ruo Lan, you can't refuse anymore."
"Yes, since Ma Commander and Zhang Deputy Commander feel this way, you should accept it. We will definitely support you well," someone chimed in.
"Indeed, Qin Vice Commander, you are the people's choice. Just accept it; don't decline," another urged.
"Yes, Su Squad Leader, every time we are with you, we all get enough to eat. You have no idea how much we fear Zhang Deputy Commander's bad ideas," another added.
"Goodness, why didn't you say that while eating?" Zhang Deputy Commander laughed as he playfully tapped Squad Leader Liu on the head.
"Sister Ruo Lan, just agree," Kong Xiang, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up, nodding earnestly at Su Ruolan.
Seeing that Ma Commander and Vice Commander Zhang were genuinely thinking of the team and not testing them on purpose—and with everyone having high expectations of them—even the usually reserved Kong Xiang had spoken up. Su Ruolan decided she would no longer refuse. "Then I will take on this role for now. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I hope Zhang Deputy Commander will guide me," she said decisively.
"Thank you for your trust. In that case, I will do my best. Ma Commander, in front of everyone here, I promise you that if Commander Li's matter is indeed orchestrated by the Huaxia Army, I will never recognize them again. If I deliberately conceal the truth from everyone and align with the Huaxia Army, may I meet a bad end," Qin Zhi Han said solemnly.
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