Song Chengjun this time truly got furious, and his words came out heavily.
Zheng Wen’an’s expression was unpleasant; apart from Chu Jiangyue repeatedly speaking harshly to him, it was the first time he’d been scolded so severely.
But under the current circumstances, he was clearly at fault, so Zheng Wen’an didn’t argue back.
If he dared to talk back to Song Chengjun, his days in the team would undoubtedly become even harder than they were now.
"Sorry, I’ll be more careful from now on."
Now, all Zheng Wen’an could do was apologize.
He hadn’t expected to fall into such a deep sleep, and worse, someone actually snuck in during that time.
If Chu Jiangyue hadn’t woken up and spotted that person, they wouldn’t have been able to predict what might have happened next.
It’s fair to say that today, Zheng Wen’an owes Chu Jiangyue a debt of gratitude.
However, judging by Zheng Wen’an’s behavior, he seemed to completely forget about expressing his thanks.
Even though Chu Jiangyue didn’t care for it, whether he did or didn’t is a matter of attitude.
As a result, Chu Jiangyue’s impression of Zheng Wen’an further dropped.
"The sky’s about to dawn, let’s pack up and get ready to leave."
Chu Jiangyue glanced at the sky outside, which was starting to brighten, and spoke calmly.
Song Chengjun also took a look outside and agreed with Chu Jiangyue’s suggestion.
Many, having been awakened in the early hours, were still showing signs of fatigue on their faces, as they pushed themselves to pack their belongings.
Zheng Wen’an understood that now he had essentially angered the whole group, so he didn’t say anything sarcastic and quietly packed his things.
By the time everyone had finished packing, the sky was almost fully lit, and stepping outside, they immediately encountered a zombie.
Song Chengjun, who was leading, swiftly kicked the zombie as it lunged at him.
The zombie couldn’t avoid the kick, and was sent flying several meters by Song Chengjun.
"There seems to be a lot more zombies here than in City B."
They had barely stepped out when they encountered zombies.
"It’s likely because nearby resources have been completely scavenged, forcing many to leave."
Without regular clearing, the zombies naturally increased in number.
Zombies crave flesh, yet they won’t starve to death if they don’t eat.
Attacking humans is simply instinctual for them.
"Let’s head to the car first."
Given the earlier zombie encounter, everyone instinctively found a representative to open the navigation, selecting a silver off-road vehicle for transport.
Once entering L City, Shen Zhigui started fiddling with the satellite phone, hoping to gather some information, though such hope was slim.
The sudden and complete shift in Blue Star’s magnetic field—it was a stroke of luck they’d received any messages at all.
Without a clear direction, Song Chengjun finally led the group down the main road.
’Little Fox, can you detect if there’s a nearby base?’
Chu Jiangyue didn’t want to waste too much time searching for a base; she wasn’t worried about supplies but the others needed to be.
"Host, no signs of a base detected."
Little Fox’s scanning range was limited, so Chu Jiangyue wasn’t very surprised by this answer.
’Then scan more thoroughly—don’t overlook any corners, got it?’
"Alright, Host!"
Little Fox agreed cheerfully to Chu Jiangyue’s request.
Driving at the front, Song Chengjun navigated with eyes closed, finally managing to lead the convoy successfully into L City’s downtown area.
The number of zombies here was even denser than those seen earlier in the morning, enough for one to assume it was a survival siege.
After clearing a batch of zombies, the group moved into a bank whose locks were still in relatively good condition.
Inside the bank, they discovered there were people.
Two little children—a girl around seven or eight years old, and a boy appearing to be only about three.
The two kids stood close, watching them with clear yet frightened eyes.
Despite being scared, the girl gathered the courage to protect her little brother behind her.
Even Chu Jiangyue, upon seeing this scene, couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow, her tears almost falling.
This troublesome apocalypse has caused countless distressing events.
"Hey... There’s no need to be frightened; we’re here searching for a base. Do you know if there’s one around here?"
Song Chengjun tried to use what he thought was the gentlest tone when speaking to the children.
Neither child spoke; they even retreated a step.
Song Chengjun pressed his lips tightly, uncertain how to describe his feelings.
"Is it just the two of you here? Where are your parents?"
Holding Little Tiger, Chu Jiangyue stepped forward, crouched to meet the children’s gaze.
Leaving them alone here—one can’t tell when a zombie might break in.
"Mom and dad... boo hoo... no one recognizes Cheng Cheng anymore..."
The little girl didn’t answer, but the young boy, still small, couldn’t help but cry upon Chu Jiangyue’s inquiry.
This statement made all present feel a lump in their throats.
Chu Jiangyue took two meat buns and two iced drinks out from her system backpack to offer the kids.
"There’s something to eat and drink here from sister, for you."
Chu Jiangyue surmised their parents were likely injured by accident, turning into zombies in the past few days.
Though these children showed timidity, they still had some flesh on their faces, and their clothing wasn’t especially dirty.
But such young children, with deceased parents, would surely struggle to survive in this apocalypse.
Though not a savior, Chu Jiangyue couldn’t stand to see such young lives vanish so easily in this world.
Seeing Chu Jiangyue create items from thin air, the children showed shock.
"It’s Fairy Sister!"
Once over his surprise, the little boy was excited, even stepping out from behind his sister to gaze at Chu Jiangyue in admiration.
"Exactly, Fairy Sister’s here to take you away if you’re willing to follow me?"
If the children stayed here, they wouldn’t survive long; much better to go with them.
"Okay!"
The little boy agreed readily, but the girl’s face was filled with hesitation.
Chu Jiangyue coaxed further: "If you come with me, be my little assistants, and I’ll pay you to buy food, okay?"
It’s good the little girl has a sense of caution.
Chu Jiangyue tried another approach to negotiate with the girl.
Everyone watched the girl, understanding that without her agreement, they couldn’t proceed.
"Just like when mom and dad went to work, earning money for clothes for me and my brother?"
After pondering for quite a while, the girl finally spoke.
"Yes! Just like that. This is your pay for today."
Again, Chu Jiangyue waved the buns and drinks in her hand.
"Alright, we’ll go with you."
The girl finally succumbed to the aroma of the buns, agreeing with Chu Jiangyue.
"Just take this to eat; if you can’t finish... I’ll keep it for you. Just tell me when you want to eat."