Rotting Land: Survive

After Wei Dazhuang spat out those fierce words, he left the room without looking back. As soon as he left, Hu Xiaodong and the others followed quickly; no matter what, Qiangzi had woken up, and they all wanted to go check on his condition.

As the main group left, Yang Xue’s room suddenly became much quieter.

Once the footsteps of Wei Dazhuang and his group faded at the end of the hallway, Liu Fugui asked, "Um, Little Tang, is Comrade Wang okay?"

Tang Xiaoquan didn’t even bother to look at him. Earlier, for the greater good, he reluctantly stopped Wei Dazhuang and his brothers from exacting revenge for Wang Qiang.

Now, suppressing his anger, he didn’t want to pay any attention to the Liu family, not even to speak a word. Pretending not to hear, he walked straight to Old Xu, whispered a couple of words, and then also left the room, leaving Liu Fugui feeling quite embarrassed!

"Mr. Liu, take your son back to your room. Without our notice, all of you should stay put inside and not come out. If any problems or conflicts arise because of this, you’ll be responsible!" Old Xu, being somewhat polite, refrained from calling Liu Fugui by his name, but his tone was not at all courteous.

"Okay, Commander Xu, we will fully cooperate with you."

"Huang Yong, take Yunpeng back to your room immediately. Also, listen up, from now on, if anyone causes trouble again, don’t blame me, Liu, for being rude!"

Huang Yong silently signaled to Yao Ruyi, indicating for her to get Liu Yunpeng, who was still huddled against the wall. He then gave Liu Fugui a nod before stepping out of the room himself. He was somewhat displeased with Liu Fugui’s earlier reprimand.

The incident today was entirely concocted by his precious son Liu Yunpeng. It would be a bit excessive to extend this issue to everyone now.

"Commander Xu, may I go see Comrade Wang? Because of my son’s matter, I wish to speak to him in person..."

"No need, you’d better keep an eye on your precious son to prevent him from causing any more trouble." Old Xu refused Liu Fugui’s request to apologize to Wang Qiang in person without hesitation.

Everyone knew this apology was purely for show, with not the slightest sincerity, so it was better if he didn’t apologize at all.

"Qiangzi, how are you feeling? Does your head still hurt?" The moment he entered the room, Wei Dazhuang eagerly inquired about Wang Qiang’s condition, but the latter just blankly opened his eyes, as if indicating to everyone that he was still alive, then closed his eyes again, remaining silent.

"I’ve already treated the wound, it’s nothing serious, with some rest, it’ll heal." Xiao Zhang explained the situation to Wei Dazhuang as he wrapped the bandages back around.

"Damn it, it’s all that Liu Yunpeng’s doing. By the way, Qiangzi, just now Tang told us you didn’t want us interfering with your issues with that scoundrel. Is that true?"

"Hmph!" Tang Xiaoquan stepped into the room, coincidentally overhearing Wei Dazhuang’s question. He feigned dissatisfaction, giving a cold snort and saying, "Yes, Qiangzi, please repeat what you just told me to everyone else, so no one thinks I’m spreading lies!"

Tang Xiaoquan deliberately raised his voice to emphasize his innocence, but in reality, he was hiding his anxiety.

Truth be told, Wang Qiang hadn’t said a word since waking up.

Let alone provide any insight into what actually happened in Yang Xue’s room, but fortunately, Xiao Zhang filled in some details, allowing Tang Xiaoquan to piece together a rough sequence of events from the scant description.

One thing Xiao Zhang was very sure of was that Qiangzi indeed fought with Liu Yunpeng.

Upon hearing that Qiangzi’s confrontation was with Liu Yunpeng, Tang Xiaoquan’s head buzzed explosively. He had always been worried about conflicts between the people in the villa and Liu Fugui’s group, especially Wang Qiang and Liu Yunpeng.

Therefore, during their return journey, he went to great lengths to repeatedly warn the former, only for the outcome to develop into the very situation he feared most.

Fixing the barn may now be too late; with Wang Qiang injured, surely Wei Dazhuang and his group wouldn’t let it rest, while Liu Fugui was almost certainly going to press for an explanation for his battered son.

Just thinking about the scenario of both sides clashing in the villa made Tang Xiaoquan shiver with fear.

In desperation, he could only attempt to prevent the situation from escalating. He spoke at lengths with Wang Qiang about the serious consequences that could happen if they clashed with Liu Fugui’s group, and now it was time to test the effectiveness of his persuasion.

Tang Xiaoquan watched Wang Qiang intently, his heart pounding. Frankly, he had no confidence at all, knowing Wang Qiang’s character – he hated evil with a passion. Anything that displeased him, the idea of him covering up was out of the question unless the sun rose in the west.

Yet now, even if there was only a one in a million chance, he had no choice but to gamble.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and Tang Xiaoquan could almost hear his own heartbeat.

Yes, he was extremely nervous; if Wang Qiang refused to cooperate, if his lie was exposed, he dared not imagine what Wei Dazhuang and the others might do.

Outside, the cold wind continued to howl as the storm raged against the tightly shut window, making a rustling noise like the cries of a dying infant, an unsettling sound.

A cold sweat dripped down Tang Xiaoquan’s cheek to the floor, this wait was surely an agony, and Wang Qiang, as if intent on torturing him, remained silent, not even opening his eyes, as if not hearing the questions from everyone else.

Suddenly, Wei Dazhuang seemed to snap to some realization, nodded to himself, then abruptly turned, giving Tang Xiaoquan a glare, "Qiangzi, don’t worry yourself. I know what’s going on. Hmph, rest assured, brother, I will go get justice for you right now."

With that said, Wei Dazhuang grabbed a knife, intending to leave. Tang Xiaoquan hurriedly stepped forward to block him once more. If he let him go, the night would surely end in bloodshed, and possibly even murder.

"Qiangzi, quickly say something, think carefully about what I told you!" At this moment, Tang Xiaoquan couldn’t worry about anything else. He desperately grabbed Wei Dazhuang’s knife-wielding hand, determined not to let him leave no matter what.

"Move aside!" Wei Dazhuang, with all his strength honed from years of farm work, was no match for Tang Xiaoquan, freeing himself easily, "Enough, Quan, what else do you have to say? Wang Qiang is really unlucky to have such a backstabbing brother like you. Once I’ve dealt with that bastard Liu Yunpeng, I’ll come back and discuss today’s events with you." (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to head to Qidian (qidian.com) and cast recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)