Rotting Land: Survive

"Hmm, I understand this. Once the basic infrastructure and site defenses are in place, I’ll take some people out to survey the area. If there’s a suitable place to act, we can discuss it further."

Xu Renjie agreed with the proposals of Old Lin and Tang Xiaoquan, but capturing prey is unpredictable. If we act solely to catch prey, the outcome might be nothing gained, and time wasted.

Besides, our base is still in its early stages. Xu Renjie felt it was better to focus our goals until related matters are settled.

After all, catching prey requires extra manpower, which isn’t feasible at this stage.

"Does anyone have any other opinions?"

The group exchanged glances; everything worth saying had been said, and they seemed to have nothing else to add.

Just as everyone was waiting and exchanging looks, Old Zhao’s cheerful voice came from inside, "Hey Old Xu, let’s put the discussion aside for now. Everyone’s been tired all day, and Little Wei cooked up a pot of stew for everyone."

With a few steps, Old Zhao walked outside and placed a large bowl heavily on the wooden table, its weight causing the table to tremble slightly.

Old Zhao casually opened the lid, releasing steaming vapors.

Because it had just been cooked, the boiling broth was bubbling, making the beef, vermicelli, and sausages inside invitingly delicious.

Emma stood up and took a whiff, immediately praising, "Hmm, it smells good! It smells good! Emma, Old Zhao, I must say you really spared no expense today!"

Old Zhao caught the teasing in Emma’s tone, and it was understandable; after the villa faced threats from He Lei and Spring Xiu’s group, he had been somewhat stingy with daily food supplies.

But Old Zhao knew Emma meant no harm, so he chuckled in response, "You rascal, all you know is how to tease me. Be careful you won’t get a bowl to eat tonight!"

Upon hearing this, Emma immediately made a gesture of surrender, then took his seat with a sigh and lamented, "Well, as they say, a superior authority can oppress people. Old Zhao, I’m sorry!"

Hahaha!

Emma’s comical expression made everyone laugh, lightening the atmosphere.

"What’s all the laughter about?" Wei Yang appeared, apron tied around her waist, holding a plate in each hand, exuding the unique charm and competence of a Huaxia woman.

Seeing Wei Yang, Emma immediately joined in the jokes, "Ah, Wei Yang, you’re finally here. I was just speaking up for you, saying Old Zhao was stingy with resources, making it hard for you to cook without ingredients, and now Zhao’s threatening to cut off my food supply. Look... at this delicious hotpot, I’m, I’m, I’m so miserable!"

Emma ran his fingers through his hair, truly portraying a forlorn young man to perfection.

The laughter erupted again among the group.

"Haha, you had it coming! No wonder Uncle Zhao says that about you! Your mouth should eat less for once," Wei Yang giggled, but her words left Emma smiling wryly.

She laid out the cold mixed peanuts and pickled eggs on the table.

Old Lin instinctively swallowed, as at his age, he particularly enjoyed peanuts and preserved eggs; both were great for pairing with drinks.

"Wei Yang, it’s hard work for you, putting together such a feast. Our stomachs are blessed."

"Indeed! Wei Yang, you’re truly amazing. You’re virtuous, independent, and a great cook. Whoever marries you is truly blessed!" Yue Guishan meaningfully glanced at Tang Xiaoquan.

Initially, the topic was ready to move on from this, but Emma, with his knack for stirring things up, moved his chair closer to Tang Xiaoquan, pretending to interview him with a hand like a microphone, "Hey, Quan, did you hear what Old Yue said? What do you think about it?"

If there was a hole in the ground, Tang Xiaoquan really wanted to dive into it immediately. He could handle any crisis, but he was exceptionally embarrassed by men’s issues.

It’s not that he’s intentionally hiding or being coy; he truly wasn’t accustomed to expressing such things publicly.

Wei Yang noticed Tang Xiaoquan’s awkwardness, but she wasn’t upset at all. She’s not the kind of woman who needs a man to constantly talk about her.

What she wants is that feeling, that sense of security of being cherished in someone’s heart.

Sweet words and promises may be wonderful, but ultimately they remain surface-level and ephemeral, easily dissolved into thin air.

She and Tang Xiaoquan had truly been through life and death trials, and the emotional bond they’d forged didn’t need any proof.

"Emma, it seems you’re idle with nothing to do! There are still dishes in the room; help me bring them out!" Wei Yang pretended to be annoyed, playfully glaring at Emma, her gaze bright.

Old Zhao took the opportunity to rebuke, laughingly threatening, "You heard that, go in obediently to bring out the dishes as penance, or you won’t get utensils later."

Emma cooperatively raised his hands but still intentionally patted Tang Xiaoquan’s shoulder beside him, subtly reminding, "Little Tang, be sure never to offend Wei Yang, or... it won’t end well for you."

"You said it?"

"No, no, no, I said nothing, haha, I’ll go get the dishes."

Watching Emma’s sprint into the house, Wei Yang pursed her lips, then turned to the group, "Everyone, please wait a moment; there are still a few dishes coming, so hold on and eat once they’re all here."

One by one, Emma and Wei Yang brought out five more dishes: bagged smoked duck, fish stir-fried with fermented black beans, spicy noodles, pickled radish strips, and steamed luncheon meat.

Once the dishes were all set, Old Zhao put three bottles of Sprite on the table, "Since we’ve just arrived here, for safety’s sake, we won’t drink wine tonight; let’s settle for Sprite as a substitute."

After speaking, Old Zhao unscrewed the caps, placing the Sprite in the center of the table, inviting everyone to fill their cups.

Once everyone’s cups were full, Lin Junfu raised his glass, standing up to speak loudly, "I’ll say a few words for this first drink."

"Alright!" The group applauded.

"We’ve come together by chance, experienced a lot, and lost a lot. There’ve been joys, sorrows, pains, and delights. But no matter what, we’ve survived. Whatever we’ve lost in the past, we now have each other. I believe everyone along this journey shares my hope for a stable place to settle down, and now we have it—though it’s somewhat desolate. Yet I believe we can build it beautifully together with our hands. So, for this first drink, I propose we toast to our new home. And let’s hope, by the next time we gather, this village will be transformed. Are we confident?"

"Yes!" The resounding affirmation echoed through the village.

"Good! Let’s drink!" Old Lin raised his glass and drank the Sprite in it. At that moment, the air was cold, but his heart was warm. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)