Rotting Land: Survive

Old Xu put down the binoculars indifferently, glanced around, pondered for a moment, then raised his hand and pointed to the distance, addressing Tang Xiaoquan who was waiting for his response below: "There’s a roadblock 500 meters ahead with several cars obstructing the way, but they only block half the road. They don’t obstruct our vehicle’s passage; however, these..."

It’s understandable why Old Xu appeared troubled, because no matter how clear the road ahead might be, the passage is currently blocked dead by four cars, making it impossible to pass.

Tang Xiaoquan reached out to assist Xu Renjie, who was about to hop off the vehicle, leading him to the side adjacent to the exit and said leisurely: "Captain Xu, look at this entrance. Only two cars are blocking it. We have enough manpower, so we should be able to move them, right?"

Indeed, just as Tang Xiaoquan had described, the blockage at the entry was clearly much better than at the exit. Moreover, the cars blocking the entrance were neatly arranged within the channel, unlike at the exit where four cars were chaotically scattered, crookedly misaligned, making it impossible to push and move them apart with their available strength.

"No problem, we don’t need to move them. As long as we flip them over and clear a path, that’s fine." Old Xu confidently replied. He glanced up at the sky; winter daylight is always shorter than usual. Even though they started their journey early in the morning, constrained by the slow speed of the bus, it’s now past 4 PM and the sky is evidently dimming. Additionally, to avoid Spring Xiu, He Lei, and their group, they deliberately planned a relatively safer but more time-consuming route. Hence, even if they clear the obstructing vehicles now, it might still be difficult to reach the shelter before nightfall.

Old Xu didn’t want to take risks, even though their journey with vehicles protected them against zombie attacks.

But precautions are still necessary; it’s the unforeseen that poses danger on a night journey.

Hence, for safety reasons, Old Xu preferred to camp here for the night rather than risking the entire group’s lives on uncertainty.

"Let’s have Old Zhao bring them over then. We’ll clear the road first and rest here tonight; tomorrow morning we’ll continue our journey!"

Tang Xiaoquan nodded without much question; he saw Old Xu’s decision as the best choice for the moment.

This spot is flanked by farmland, providing a clear view conducive for vigilance and observation. Clearing the obstructing vehicles at the toll station ahead equally aids their guard.

With the agreement settled, Xu and Tang returned to the convoy, immediately issuing local camping instructions to all vehicles.

"Guard group, responsible for vigilance! Action group, deal with obstructing vehicles shortly! Maintenance group, check vehicles before dark! Logistics group, start cooking! Communication support group...by the way, Li Zhong, Li Guo, is your high-tech gear sorted out?"

"The equipment is assembled, just needs adjustment."

"Great! Push forward and try to finish sooner!"

"OK!"

Once instructed, each group began their tasks as pre-assigned.

The guard group, consisting of five soldiers and Hu Xiaodong, followed Old Xu’s orders and quickly formed a defensive perimeter.

Hu Xiaodong and Lei Tong climbed onto the bus rooftop, using the height advantage to keep watch around.

Hua Biao and Li Xiaoxin took responsibility for the convoy’s left side; Duan Chengwu and Shen Lian for the right side.

The maintenance team of Wang Zhongyu and Luo Baocun wasted no time checking the four vehicles.

After all, these machines are all old without proper maintenance, especially the bus, which carried most of the team’s lives. Despite having only traveled for ten hours since departure, Wang and Luo conducted a thorough inspection on it, avoiding breakdowns in emergency situations.

Old Zhao, A Cheng, and Wei Yang, as members of the logistics team, brought out large pots, along with previously prepared water and firewood, to start cooking.

For the survivors, shaken by a full day’s travel, a hearty dinner is undoubtedly the best morale booster.

Old Xu led Wu Chao, Wenquan Xin, Tang Xiaoquan, Wei Dazhuang, and the absent-minded Wang Qiang to the toll station.

By reason, according to Xiao Zhang’s judgment, Wang Qiang’s current state wasn’t fit for team tasks, but Tang Xiaoquan believed that pushing cars posed little risk. Instead of letting Wang Qiang stare blankly inside the vehicle, getting him out for a walk and some activity might be better for adjusting his mood.

After all, there are two main ways to escape the blow of love: beginning a new romance or indulging in activities with friends to divert attention.

At this point, starting a new romance was clearly lacking in resources for Wang Qiang, even if Tang Xiaoquan was willing, Wei Yang might not accept Wang Qiang.

This isn’t to say Wang Qiang was bad; his personality just starkly contrasted Tang Xiaoquan’s.

Sometimes even their team brothers found it incredible that these two could be friends for ten years.

One should know Wang Qiang’s temper is like a firecracker, explosive at a hint.

In contrast, Tang Xiaoquan is chillingly composed.

For this, Wang Qiang often teased and provoked Tang Xiaoquan, sometimes to an outrageous level.

Yet, despite this, the two remained extraordinarily close.

From a psychological perspective, this is simply explained: their radically opposing personalities formed a complementary relationship.

Wang Qiang is fervent, Tang Xiaoquan is cold; Wang Qiang is carefree, Tang Xiaoquan is meticulous; Wang Qiang speaks frivolously and aimlessly, Tang Xiaoquan is polite, meticulous.

However, the true reason that maintains their bond, allowing them to bicker yet stay friends for decades without breaking is, no matter how bad the argument, neither holds grudges nor takes them to heart.

Being too familiar with each other, when they calm down, they both understand it wasn’t intentional to rip each other’s faces off.

This, therefore, molded the seemingly irreconcilable pair into brotherly companions.

"Hey! Qiang, when we’re pushing the cars later, make sure not to slack off, put in some effort!" Tang Xiaoquan, as usual, sought to excite Wang Qiang’s "fighting spirit" through jest.

But this time, Wang Qiang was deeply wounded; the expected rebuttal didn’t follow, Wang Qiang remained a sullen zombie, weakly responded "Yes," and continued moving with the rest.

"Sigh!" gazing at Wang Qiang’s dejected figure, Zhao Yunhai, amidst constructing a makeshift camp, couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

He held Wang Qiang in high regard; he often thought if his own daughter were here, he’d make sure they meet.

Although Wang Qiang was still immature in some areas, although impulsive and quick-tempered, it was undeniable Wang Qiang had a sense of duty, always ready to support his brothers no matter the challenge.

Thinking of this, Zhao Yunhai’s gaze turned somewhat lonely, and images of his wife and daughter involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

I wonder how they are now? You must hold on! (To be continued. If you liked this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read on m.qidian.com.)