"This is the price. If you want it, hand over the Crystal Core. If you don’t, make way! Otherwise... in this apocalypse, a few people dying is very normal."
Chu Jiangyue wasn’t going to coddle them. If they didn’t listen, they couldn’t blame her for being ruthless.
"You! Killing is illegal!"
Before the apocalypse, killing was indeed illegal.
But now, society has collapsed. Except for the rules issued by the bases, there’s no law anywhere else.
"That statement is only valid before the apocalypse. Now... no one cares."
The leader of the B City Base was now a guest in her hotel. Who’s going to talk to her about the law?
"We... we don’t have that many Crystal Cores..."
Although Zombie Crystal Cores can now be directly dug out, there aren’t many zombies nearby since this isn’t a bustling area.
Chu Jiangyue clicked her tongue. She had anticipated this reason.
"I’ll give you another option. How about coming with us?"
After all, Zone B was currently short of people; a few more wouldn’t make a difference.
Chu Jiangyue’s words made the few people freeze momentarily. They hadn’t even considered the possibility of ruthless Chu Jiangyue leaving.
"Where are you headed?"
Zombies, mutated plants and animals, extreme weather—they never dreamed they could leave.
"Jianglin Hotel."
Chu Jiangyue didn’t mention being the boss because, due to historical reasons, people tend to assume the highest positions are held by men.
If a woman were to appear in a top position, she’d surely be scorned and excluded by other leaders.
"Jianglin Hotel? What’s that place?"
Even after living in City B for a decade or two, they’d never heard of Jianglin Hotel.
Chu Jiangyue didn’t want to explain further and handed each person a flyer.
"Tear it along the perforation in the upper left corner, and you’ll understand why I’m taking you to Jianglin Hotel."
The leader followed Chu Jiangyue’s instructions and tore the flyer along the upper left perforation.
The next moment, he felt the temperature around him rise suddenly, shifting to the most comfortable warmth he’s ever felt.
He looked at Chu Jiangyue in surprise, "Where did this come from? Are there more?"
This effect was simply a delightful surprise.
"This is a flyer from Jianglin Hotel. Each person can only use one. Tearing a second one will be useless, but the effect lasts for seven consecutive days.
If you decide to come with us, get in the car now."
As Chu Jiangyue spoke, the five people’s eyes lit up instantly.
"We’re in!"
A place that could produce such miraculous flyers had to be extraordinary.
Even if the effect only lasted for seven days, it was still remarkable. Worst case, after seven days, they could work hard to buy whatever warm kits Chu Jiangyue mentioned.
"Then hop in. Mr. Shen, it looks like we’ll need you to drive a separate vehicle."
With these extra people, Chu Jiangyue’s car wouldn’t have enough space.
Without needing Shen Zhigui to arrange it, Xie Silin initiated the navigation and selected a silver off-road vehicle as transportation.
Jiang He and the others got into the car with a silent understanding, closing the door with a "bang" without waiting for Shen Zhigui.
Shen Zhigui gave Chu Jiangyue an innocent look.
Chu Jiangyue: ...
"So... will you drive?"
With someone driving for her, Chu Jiangyue was more than happy to relax.
But this time, she could only sit in the front passenger seat. The five seats at the back were for those roadblockers.
Shen Zhigui agreed quickly, afraid Chu Jiangyue might change her mind the next second.
Seeing Shen Zhigui so proactive, Chu Jiangyue found it a bit odd, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why.
With the five roadblockers settled, the vehicle set off once more.
"It doesn’t seem cold at all in here..."
Even though their leader had the temperature-controlling flyer, those further away assumed they weren’t feeling the warmth since they were beyond the flyer’s range.
"The car is also from Jianglin Hotel. Once you’re hotel guests, you can drive as well."
The silver off-road vehicles were the Superpower Team’s favorite choice of transportation, bar none.
Hearing they’d also be able to own their cars later made the five people’s eyes light up again.
So far, if everything Chu Jiangyue said was true, then Jianglin Hotel was truly incredible.
"Can we really get a car like this?"
If it was similar to this one, selling everything they had would be worth it.
"It’s not about giving; it’s about leasing.
Every guest at Jianglin Hotel can choose a navigation tool the moment they turn one on, including the same silver off-road model as mine."
Of course, Chu Jiangyue’s configuration was different from others’, but outwardly, it looked no different.
Even leasing could make them happy for a long time.
"Well... if we want to buy a car, is it possible?"
Long-term leasing still wasn’t as cost-effective as owning one.
"The hotel currently doesn’t sell cars."
Chu Jiangyue got her car as a task reward, so if others wanted to buy a car, they’d rely on her luck for unlocking one in the future.
Given the current situation, Chu Jiangyue saw slim chances.
Hearing the negative response, the people behind displayed disappointed expressions.
Chu Jiangyue didn’t say much more, staying quiet in the passenger seat and doing her best not to distract Shen Zhigui from driving.
"Host, host! Speed up quickly; there are mutant rats approaching from behind!"
Little Fox, who’d been playing outside, suddenly detected thousands of mutant rats heading their way and became quite uneasy.
The host must not have checked the calendar today. How else could they deal with roadblocks and rat chases all in one day?
When it rains, it pours.
"Mr. Shen, speed up a bit. Let’s return to the hotel as quickly as possible."
With Little Fox’s urgency, Chu Jiangyue realized the seriousness and immediately asked Shen Zhigui to speed up.
The people behind, wanting to keep up, would surely speed up along with them.
Although unaware of why Chu Jiangyue suddenly demanded they hurry, Shen Zhigui still obediently pushed the gas pedal a bit further.
But Shen Zhigui soon discovered why Chu Jiangyue wanted them to pick up speed.
What was once a snowy white horizon turned to a pitch-black color covering the ground, clearly conspicuous.
If Shen Zhigui, the driver, could spot it, the others naturally realized something was amiss.
"Oh my! What’s that dark mass behind us?"
Chu Jiangyue pursed her lips. Those mutant rats were too swift; even with their car moving, they could keep up, and they were getting closer.
Chu Jiangyue had no doubt about the off-road vehicle’s defensive capabilities provided by the system, but with so many mutant rats surrounding them, plowing through wouldn’t be easy.
Plus, Chu Jiangyue had a strong aversion to creatures like rats.
"Speed up."
As long as they reached Jianglin Hotel before getting caught, they would be safe.
And mutant animals need Chu Jiangyue’s approval to enter Jianglin Hotel.