Rotting Land: Survive

"Enough! What are you arguing about?" Xu Renjie cut off the debate between Wen and Bi with a stern voice, then affirmed, "The school situation must be resolved!"

With these words, Bi Dahu fell silent. After all, Old Xu’s position was clear. Although Bi Dahu was a decade older, Old Xu was unquestionably the leader and commander.

Of course, Old Xu wasn’t a tyrannical person. He understood Bi Dahu’s concerns, just as he felt uneasy after hearing Tang Xiaoquan’s words earlier. He also had reservations about Derek’s report.

But in this world, nothing is 100% safe. If you overthink every action, what’s the difference between living and being a salted fish?

According to the Law of Survival, which respects tactics but overlooks strategy, Old Xu signaled Tang Xiaoquan to describe the situation at the school in detail.

After hearing Tang Xiaoquan’s detailed account, Old Xu bowed his head in thought, then slowly raised it and looked at Tang Xiaoquan.

Old Xu believed that since Tang Xiaoquan had specifically pulled him aside to discuss this, it indicated that after a night of contemplating, Tang Xiaoquan probably had a plan. So...

"Xiao Tang, what are your thoughts on the actions going forward?"

As expected by Old Xu, Tang Xiaoquan had indeed carefully considered this matter.

After all, this matter pertained to Zhao Yunhai’s daughter, and Tang Xiaoquan would naturally dedicate himself entirely to it.

"According to Derek, the school is currently surrounded by zombies. Judging from his tone, breaking through on the ground seems unrealistic. Thus, climbing is a more reliable option. To carry out this rescue mission..."

Meeting the eyes of Old Xu, Tang Xiaoquan continued with a serious tone: "it’s up to you, Old Xu, to complete it."

There was no choice. Although Tang Xiaoquan wished to accompany Old Xu, due to his own limitations, he couldn’t climb the 10-story building.

In response, Old Xu remained notably calm.

He had dealt with tasks a hundred times more difficult—ranging from local leaders to warlords, all far stronger than the "Japanese" garbage rampant at the school. So...

"I will lead the team, and the Sharp Blade Company will execute the mission. Continue speaking."

Nodding, Tang Xiaoquan appreciated Old Xu’s straightforwardness. Just as Tang Xiaoquan was about to reply, the long-silent Old Zhao suddenly raised his head and said decisively, "I’ll go with you, Old Xu."

Slightly surprised, Old Xu stared at Old Zhao, whose eyes were full of determination.

He understood Old Zhao’s thoughts, but...

"Old Zhao, I know you’re worried about your daughter, but this mission is not a routine one. before we get to the target location, we’ll have to climb a 10-story building. I don’t doubt your resolve, but frankly, this 10-story building is a task beyond your ability."

"Yes, Uncle Zhao, if you insist on going, not only might you fail to save your daughter, but you could also lose your life. I’m sure if Lina knew of your decision, she would certainly oppose it!" Tang Xiaoquan chimed in, attempting to stop Old Zhao from joining.

At a loss for words, after hearing both Old Xu and Tang Xiaoquan’s dual persuasion, Old Zhao let out a frustrated sigh, fists heavily pounding the wall.

The scene moved everyone present.

Even those who hadn’t started families felt deeply for Old Xu’s agonizing expression for his daughter.

"Old Zhao, keep your spirits up. Though you can’t accompany me to the school, the base still needs you while I’m gone. Protect it for me, okay?" Old Xu raised his voice, hoping to motivate Old Zhao.

Old Zhao nodded, saying nothing more.

To prevent awkwardness, Tang Xiaoquan chimed in again, "Old Xu, I’ve been thinking. This time, we shouldn’t send too many people to the school. If we do, I’m afraid the Japanese students might suspect us. I suggest we send in 2 people first to probe, then once the situation is clear, we can follow up accordingly."

"Two people? Isn’t that too few?" Although Wen Quanxin didn’t think much of the Japanese students, they were still a group of over 10, armed and trained. Thus, he was concerned about sending only 2 people.

"It’s no problem! I’ll take Lei along!" Old Xu agreed without any hesitation, as if this was all a matter of course.

"No, no, Old Xu, just taking two might be too confident! Did Xiao Tang not tell you about those beasts? Let me inform you, those bastards total 13, they have police handguns, practice judo, and have killed before! If you go with Lei and a conflict arises, wouldn’t that be..."

Old Xu smiled nonchalantly, "Xiao Wen, if we can’t handle a few students, how could we live up to the nation’s training? Relax, the tasks we undertake in Sharp Blade Company are always dangerous. We’ve often faced situations where we’re outnumbered, so... hehe, it’ll be fine."

Old Xu’s calm demeanor always instilled a sense of grounded confidence, though Wen Quanxin wasn’t entirely convinced.

After all, for ordinary people like him, being outnumbered was inherently challenging, especially when firearms were involved.

"If we do as I suggest, I think we can avoid potential conflict."

This abrupt interjection interrupted the dialogue between Wen Quanxin and Old Xu.

Upon hearing this, Wen Quanxin instinctively shifted his gaze to Tang Xiaoquan: "Speak up! What clever plan do you have now, Quan?"

With two lines appearing on his forehead, Tang Xiaoquan smiled bitterly, "Here’s the thing. Derek emphasized last night that the Japanese students are most lacking material supplies right now. So we’ll leverage this by assigning material acquisition roles to Old Xu and Lei. Derek can introduce you, and with your climbing skills, survival shouldn’t be an issue."

"But how can you be sure Derek won’t backstab us?" Wen Quanxin’s quick reaction arose from his long-standing distrust of Derek, causing him to question everything Derek did.

"I’m not sure!" Amazingly, Tang Xiaoquan gave such an absurd answer.

"You’re not sure?"

"Yes!"

"You’re unsure and still want Derek involved?"

"What other option is there? Do you have a better plan?" Tang Xiaoquan boldly met Wen Quanxin’s gaze, unyielding.

Wen Quanxin was taken aback, finding his mouth suddenly clogged, speechless.

Indeed! What other option is there?

"As the saying goes, trust those you use but prepare for those you don’t trust. Since we’ve decided to send people with Derek to the school, then we must consider him one of us. Of course, I mean ’consider.’ We must still prepare necessary precautions while benefiting from him." (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly votes on Qidian Network (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)