Rotting Land: Survive

The abrupt change in the conversation left everyone unable to keep up with Tang Xiaoquan’s train of thought.

Wen Quanxin hesitated after swallowing and uncertainly asked, "Quan, do you have a backup plan?"

Nodding, then shaking his head, Tang Xiaoquan said, "Not exactly a backup plan, more like emergency measures."

Something is better than nothing! With that view, Wen Quanxin urged, "Quickly, quickly, quickly tell us, what are the emergency measures?"

"Haha, don’t be in such a hurry!" Signaling for Wen Quanxin to sit down, Tang Xiaoquan took a sip of tea from the table and then said, "I plan to divide the team into three groups. One group led by Old Xu and Derek will penetrate deep into enemy lines to investigate the situation. The second group, led by the Sharp Blade Company brothers, will provide support, waiting for news from Old Xu and others, then infiltrate to coordinate actions. The third group, for reception. On the one hand, inspecting external conditions, and on the other, responsible for transporting personnel and retreat matters. The fourth group will guard the base camp to prevent Derek from deceiving us and enemy forces from attacking the base camp."

The four groups cover all aspects from front-line to rear support. Even Xu Renjie, who has been a company commander for decades, couldn’t help but inwardly praise the young man’s meticulous thinking.

"As for personnel, Old Xu, you make the arrangements." Given this operation mainly involved the Sharp Blade Company soldiers as the assault team, Tang Xiaoquan wisely assigned the task of selection to Old Xu.

Old Xu quickly responded, immediately taking up pen and paper to start planning.

While Old Xu was listing the personnel distribution, Wang Qiang abruptly walked to Old Xu’s side, placed his hand on Old Xu’s shoulder, and said, "Old Xu, I request to join the front-line action."

"Qiang?! You..." Dumbfounded for a moment, Tang Xiaoquan, who was drinking water, instinctively stopped his actions upon hearing Wang Qiang’s words.

He slowly placed the teacup in his hand on the table and then said, "You should stay at home. You know once Old Xu and the others leave, the base defense will be significantly weakened. I need you to stay to prevent the enemy from exploiting any vulnerabilities, you..."

"Quan, no need to say anymore. We’ve been friends for many years; I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re worried I might be impulsive in action and ruin the operation. Rest assured, I promise to follow Old Xu’s arrangements. I won’t be impulsive as I used to be."

"But..."

The words lingered on Tang Xiaoquan’s lips, yet he found it hard to voice them.

Indeed, his refusal of Wang Qiang’s participation in front-line missions was fueled by concerns about Wang Qiang’s impulsiveness and fondness for reckless actions, but more importantly, he worried about his brother’s mental state.

Since the incident with Yang Xue and Liu Yunpeng, Wang Qiang had been like a walking corpse, indifferent to everything.

But now, with Zhao’s daughter in trouble, he seemed revitalized as if injected with adrenaline.

This sudden change aptly raised Tang Xiaoquan’s concerns.

In the psychology books Tang Xiaoquan had perused, he’d often encountered cases similar to Wang Qiang’s.

As the saying goes, it’s either breaking the silence or perishing in it.

Clearly, Wang Qiang wanted to use this rescue operation to let out his pent-up frustrations.

Tang Xiaoquan didn’t want his brother to be blinded by hatred towards a woman and end up as a bloodthirsty demon, even risking his life.

But just as Tang Xiaoquan was mulling over how to persuade Wang Qiang, Wang Qiang solemnly said, "Quan! You and I were the first to join Old Zhao; do you remember the escape from that building? If it weren’t for Old Zhao risking his life to save us, would we still be here talking today? No need to say more, Old Zhao treats me like his own son, and now he needs help. I must stand up to help him."

It was quite rare; for the first time, Wang Qiang did not shout or swear during the argument. He was just earnest, slowly conveying his thoughts.

Yet it was these seemingly plain yet genuine words that rendered Tang Xiaoquan speechless, who had never lost an argument to Wang Qiang.

Indeed! Throughout this journey, Old Zhao truly went above and beyond for the younger generation, just as Wang Qiang rightly said, Old Zhao cared for them like a father.

Faced with Wang Qiang’s words, Tang Xiaoquan didn’t know how to refute.

Eventually, it was Old Xu who came up with a relatively compromise solution: "Qiang! You can go! But you can’t climb to the 10th floor; just be in charge of the reception work. How’s that? Can you manage?"

After thinking it over, Wang Qiang nodded: "Alright!"

Surprisingly straightforward, Wang Qiang didn’t stubbornly demand as he used to, which somewhat took Old Xu by surprise.

Turning his face, Old Xu directed his gaze towards Tang Xiaoquan, aware of the young man’s ties to Wang Qiang, needing to confirm if Tang Xiaoquan accepted his proposal.

Knowing what Wang Qiang had decided, Tang Xiaoquan gently nodded and thought to himself: There shouldn’t be much danger in the periphery. Just keep an eye on Wang Qiang to ensure he stays in the car.

"OK!" The pen inscribed Wang Qiang’s name onto the third group’s main list.

Fifteen minutes later, Old Xu carefully contemplated and crafted the list.

Group one: Undoubtedly, Old Xu and Lei Tong were early selections.

Group two: Support, Old Xu chose Li Xiaoxin and Shen Lian. They’ll infiltrate the school with essential equipment.

Due to trust in their capabilities, Old Xu didn’t assign too many people to this group.

After all, regarding Derek, Old Xu remained wary; hence, for safety, a "large head" had to be stationed at the base to secure the rear.

Group three: Led by Old Lin, Tang Xiaoquan, Wang Qiang, Hu Xiaodong, and Wei Dazhuang will act as a receiving team, roaming near the school.

As for the rest, they all fall under group four; their sole task is ensuring the base is absolutely secure.

Once confirmed, Old Xu promptly instructed Wen Quanxin and Bi Dahu to convey the related matters.

He himself gathered all Sharp Blade Company warriors, after meticulously deploying relevant defensive precautions, he called Derek back inside.

Briefly explained to Derek how to introduce their personnel to the "Japan" students at the school, ensuring Derek understood. Upon checking the time, Tang Xiaoquan said: ’It’s about time, Old Xu, we should head out.’

To prevent the "Japanese beasts" from harming Zhao Lina due to Derek’s sluggish return, Tang Xiaoquan decided to launch the operation immediately, aiming to rescue Old Zhao’s daughter from danger as soon as possible.

Once the task was assigned, the survivors began rapid mobilization like a machine running at full power.

Knowing the goal of this mission, the gathering speed was exceptionally swift.

After some advice and brief exchange, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd groups boarded two small vehicles under Derek’s lead, beginning their full-speed advance toward the target school.

A life-and-death rescue operation surrounding Old Zhao’s daughter was about to commence. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)