Magnolia Huang was a typical village woman, appearing somewhat shy when she met Wang Chao, exuding an air of simplicity. Upon learning that her husband had lost his life during a mission, Magnolia did not cry or make a scene; she remained remarkably calm. When Wang Chao relayed her husband's last words, she finally broke down in quiet sobs. Wang Chao understood that it was best not to disturb her at that moment.
As he stepped out of the small house, Wang Chao finally heard Magnolia's heart-wrenching cries. Some people may pass away, but they live on in the hearts of others. Yet, as he gazed at the setting sun, Wang Chao felt that being alive was the most beautiful thing of all.
Just as he exited the house, a loud alarm blared from the loudspeaker. The construction workers paused their shovels, and those engaged in trade set down their goods. They exchanged anxious glances and occasionally looked into the distance, appearing unsettled. Then, Li Dewei's voice came through the speaker: "Everyone, please do not panic. There is no danger."
Hearing Li Dewei's words, the crowd gradually began to calm down, their fear dissipating somewhat. The loudspeaker continued with Li Dewei announcing, "I have good news to share with you all."
"Good news?" The crowd wondered what kind of good news could be shared in such apocalyptic times. Even if an antidote for the Zombie Virus had been successfully developed, it wouldn’t bring back their deceased family members or loved ones. However, if that were true, at least they wouldn't have to worry about becoming Zombies themselves.
Li Dewei continued over the loudspeaker: "After I finish speaking, I want everyone to prepare themselves. Haha! We have established a connection with the capital city. They have completely controlled the Zombie crisis over there; the entire area is a Safe Zone. There is an abundance of fresh food, cooked meat, hot water available twenty-four hours a day, and even internet access!"
Wang Chao was puzzled by what Li Dewei considered good news. After hearing those words, he realized it was merely an excuse to encourage everyone to evacuate. Observing the reactions around him, some people looked confused while others scoffed; however, most displayed expressions of longing and hope. Li Dewei continued: "Of course, due to our large numbers here, it’s impossible for anyone from the capital to come and pick us up."
Some individuals showed signs of disappointment and hesitation.
Li Dewei then stated: "As you all know, our transportation routes are completely paralyzed; countless abandoned vehicles block the streets. Therefore, the best solution is for us to walk there. But rest assured, along the way, the military will clear a path for us using tanks and aircraft; you don’t need to worry about Zombies. Besides, if we stay here much longer, we will eventually run out of food."
"But!" Li Dewei's tone shifted as he continued: "The food supply in the capital is enough to feed tens of thousands for over a decade. Our group of two thousand three hundred fifty-one is just a drop in the bucket compared to their population. Once we arrive there, you won’t have to worry about various issues at all. Just think about it; we are not far from the capital city at all. Difficulties can always be overcome; what can be overcome has never truly been a difficulty. This time, I will be with you all. Some say there are no miracles in this world; however, I—Li Dewei—do not believe that because miracles lie within each of us."
"I am Li Dewei! I will lead each and every one of you to the capital!"
Wang Chao shook his head helplessly; he had to admit that Li Dewei had a certain way with words—exaggerating outcomes while glossing over processes—creating an effect akin to motivational speaking. After all, he was the Vice Mayor and often interacted with the media. As Wang Chao observed around him, many people were already stirred into action; Li Dewei's words had undoubtedly struck a chord with them.
"Cough, cough." A voice came through the loudspeaker, and to Wang Chao's surprise, it was Old Lei's voice. "Hello residents of the Safe Zone, I am the Chief Military Strategist, Commander Lei. According to reports from the frontline soldiers, a massive horde of Zombies is heading towards our Safe Zone. The numbers are far greater than any previous encounters. The Safe Zone is in grave danger."
As soon as these words were spoken, panic spread among the people. After all, this was their only and final line of defense. If this place fell, there would truly be nowhere to escape. No, wait—didn't Mayor Li Dewei just mention a better refuge?
At that moment, Li Dewei's voice came through the loudspeaker. "How far away are they?"
Old Lei replied, "One week; the army will arrive here."
"Alright, residents, I will give you one night to prepare. During this time, gather your belongings. Tomorrow morning, we will set off. This way, we can avoid this wave of Zombie threats and head directly to the capital city—it's a win-win situation. So it’s decided: tomorrow at six o'clock, everyone gather at the back door for evacuation arrangements."
Wang Chao had just returned from that place and knew there was no significant Zombie wave approaching. In fact, even those unaware of the situation could figure it out; one night was hardly enough time for troop mobilization, food transportation, or relocation of research institutions—unless preparations had already begun earlier that afternoon.
However, the two major announcements had left everyone reeling, and with Li Dewei giving only one night for preparation, even though people didn’t have much to pack, it felt like more time would have been better during such a critical moment. At this time, no one bothered to consider the truth behind these announcements.
If Li Dewei's words were like sweet candy that gently warmed your heart, then Old Lei's words were like a heavy stick hitting you on the head. It was a classic case of giving a date and then delivering a blow—a sugar-coated bullet. The two of them together made what should have been a difficult task seem feasible. If Wang Chao weren’t involved in this matter, he might have been dazed by their rhetoric like many others who were misled back and forth by those in power.
How pathetic! Wang Chao sighed. However, this time the manipulation was indeed for the good of the people.
As a new recruit in the military—or rather a member of the Bioterrorism Security Department—Wang Chao still had much work to do. Thus, he dared not linger any longer and hurried towards the command center.
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