Zhang Fusheng nodded helplessly. Beside him, Grandma Xu spoke up, "You just said you encountered someone? Why didn't you bring him back? At the silver level, he's basically a nobody. Don't you realize he could be in danger in that environment?" Grandma Xu's expression was fierce, almost ready to slam her hand on the table. Zhang Fusheng opened his mouth and thought for a long time before saying, "I was too fast; he couldn't keep up."
Grandma Xu snorted coldly and then said, "Lao Zhao, what did you say when you first became Chairperson? I can't seem to remember."
Lao Zhao coughed twice and replied, "Whether at home or abroad, whether facing natural disasters or man-made calamities, as long as you are a child of Huaxia, remember that no matter what happens, there is no need to fear or panic. Huaxia will always be your support; the Huaxia government will never abandon any citizen." However, given the current situation, even the capital was struggling to protect itself, let alone other places.
Huaxia is vast and populous. Initially, it might have been possible to make contact, but as time passed and communication systems collapsed, most areas were unaware of the situation. It would be a miracle to rescue those near the capital; exploring farther regions was beyond their current capabilities. They could only hope that local governments would implement quick and effective emergency measures.
Upon hearing Xu Yiman's words, everyone exchanged glances, looking at Old Zhang, who appeared quite embarrassed. Meanwhile, Zhang Fusheng couldn't help but chuckle. After a few seconds of silence, Lao Zhao said, "That's right; we will never abandon any citizen. Previously we searched everywhere without finding survivors, but now we know there are survivors on Erlong Mountain. How can we turn a blind eye?"
As he spoke, everyone could see Lao Zhao's resolute expression radiating an inexplicable aura of authority.
"I command..." Lao Zhao declared.
Far away in Yucheng, Wang Chao had no idea that his brief encounter with Zhang Fusheng would determine his fate. This was a classic example of the butterfly effect; if not for Grandma Xu's few words, perhaps no one would have been dispatched from the capital. Of course, this was based on their assumption that Wang Chao was alone. If they had known that there were thousands of people on Erlong Mountain instead of just Wang Chao, they would have acted without hesitation.
This brings us back to Zhang Fusheng. As Wang Chao mentioned, sometimes Zhang Fusheng acted like a lunatic or a fool; anyone with common sense would realize that it was impossible for only Wang Chao to be there. However, since Zhang Fusheng claimed he had only seen Wang Chao alone, Lao Zhao appointed him as the team leader and sent a rescue squad of over ten people to Yucheng. With this group accompanying him, Zhang Fusheng's speed naturally slowed down; they could only send helicopters for support. Initially intending for Zhang Fusheng to go alone, they decided to send more personnel considering there might be more survivors in Yucheng.
While plans were being made on one side, Wang Chao and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Department had already descended the mountain after a week of trekking. For them, this week wasn't particularly arduous; however, for ordinary civilians who had brought their families along, it was an extremely tough week. The cold climate on the mountain deterred many people and caused frostbite in several cases; some even died on their way up or down the mountain. Nevertheless, compared to staying behind or going back, this outcome was already considered the best.
The members of the Bioterrorism Security Department had descended from the mountain and were cautiously observing their surroundings. Apart from some scattered zombies, there were no other dangers present. This eased everyone's minds; it seemed that most zombies in the city had moved toward that small town. Although they didn't know why this was happening, it clearly reduced their risk level. That afternoon, everyone finally arrived at Yucheng.
When the main force descended from the mountain, everyone felt as if they had returned from another world; a heavy weight lifted from their hearts. However, the soldiers remained vigilant—especially those from the Bioterrorism Security Department—who dared not let their guard down. After all, as they approached their target, danger increased. Since Yucheng lacked a Safe Zone, they had to clear out an area first to ensure future development.
In theory, the suburbs were the best choice. Firstly, there was plenty of space and fewer people, and secondly, they were easier to clean up. However, everyone was lightly equipped, lacking construction tools, and most of the zombies in the city had already left with the Zombie Squad. There wasn't enough food for everyone to stay there for too long. Therefore, contacting the capital city was the most suitable and safest course of action.
Thus, Huangfu Ling decided to find a neighborhood and clear out a few buildings. That would be enough to accommodate thousands of people and would also facilitate defense and management. The members of the Bioterrorism Security Department would head to the capital to gather information and seek reinforcements. They chose the nearest location and began clearing an entire building. Aside from those zombies locked inside rooms, they hardly encountered any others, which made everyone think that this was truly a blessing from above.
However, Wang Chao felt a sense of unease creeping in. This feeling left him restless.
"I have this nagging feeling," Wang Chao said to the members of the Bioterrorism Security Department. "This place is too dangerous."
Tang Feng rarely chimed in, "I feel it too, but it's just a feeling; I don't sense any tangible danger."
Even Tang Feng felt this way, which made Shen Zhitao also think that something was indeed strange. The zombies weren't chasing after them; instead, they seemed to be running off somewhere unknown. Why did everything about this situation feel so conspiratorial? However, when Xiao Wei activated her abilities, she didn't sense any specific danger either. Shen Zhitao said, "We'll set off early tomorrow morning to find people in the capital."
Everyone nodded; there was no other option but to proceed as planned.
Comment 0 Comment Count