C29 Chapter 29

"Dajun, tell them," Faang Yu commanded, nodding toward Liu Dajun at the rear. With a shout that carried, Liu Dajun's voice ensured everyone behind him was informed.

Jiang Ruan's only wish now was for the residents of A City to detect the looming danger and flee. If they ended up in A City, escape would be impossible.

The zombies they had previously encountered on the road had been dealt with. Driving over the remains, they sped away, quickly leaving the massive horde far behind.

As the zombies that had been frantically chasing them vanished from view, everyone slumped back in their seats, releasing a collective sigh of relief.

"Brother Yu, those five cars are still tailing us," Liu Xiong remarked with a sardonic grin. Their group had grown, but with more numbers came increased peril.

Hu Lang scoffed, "Zeng Qiang was so keen on making nice with them, even as his life hung by a thread. He's sly, but we're not fooled. If it weren't for Jiang Ruan, we'd have bolted long ago."

"We've been on the road for quite a while. Let's stop at the next gas station to refuel," Jiang Ruan suggested, noting the dwindling fuel gauge and the reserves packed in the trunk for just such an occasion.

Their route this time was different, and it was clear that many were heading to F City. The roads were mostly clear, with cars pulled off to the side.

After two continuous hours of driving, with everyone's nerves frayed from the escape, they were all weary. The gas station they approached had been cleared of zombies long ago. The occupants of all five cars disembarked, each person visibly drained.

Faang Yu steered the car toward the pump for refueling while Jiang Ruan, Liu Dajun, and a few others checked out the convenience store. It had been picked clean, leaving behind only a smattering of snacks.

Others from their group swaggered in from outside, desperately grabbing at the remaining items on the shelves. They devoured their finds hungrily, not bothering to find a place to sit, a clear sign of their dire hunger.

"Let's head back to the car," they decided, knowing they still had some supplies left. Earlier, while in the residential area, they had boiled all the potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Jiang Ruan had barely stepped outside when Zeng Qiang approached her, accompanied by a burly man whose face was marked by a sly and lecherous expression.

"Meet the key member of our team, Miss Jiang," he introduced, gesturing toward the man. "This is Huo San from another group, Big Boss Huo. Now that our paths have aligned, it's only right that we get along."

Huo San extended his dark, grimy hand toward Jiang Ruan, revealing a set of yellowed teeth as he exhaled a stench reminiscent of a zombie. Recoiling, Jiang Ruan managed a tight-lipped "Hello."

She intended to make a quick exit after the brief exchange, but Huo San's grimy hand clamped onto hers. Her temper flared, and she spun around to glare at him. "What do you want?"

Grinning impudently, Huo San said, "I've heard about Miss Jiang's prowess—how she can single-handedly take down fifty zombies. Our team could really use someone with your skills."

Jiang Ruan averted her gaze as Zeng Qiang scratched his nose, thinking to himself that since Jiang Ruan was part of his team, he had every right to be assertive. "From now on, our team will be under Brother Huo's command. He's a mutant with a strong crew of subordinates. Following them, we're sure to make it to the base."

With a proud tilt of his head, Huo San casually boasted, "I've been planning to head to the Light Base in F City but wasn't sure how to get there. Since you're also going to F City, we might as well travel together. My own brother is the leader there. I guarantee you'll live the good life with us."

His tone implied that Jiang Ruan had no other option but to join him.

Zeng Qiang, when did I ever agree to be part of your team? Just because our paths cross? I'm sorry, but I'm now a member of Faang Yu's team. Whatever you're planning, it doesn't involve me," Jiang Ruan retorted, seeing right through Zeng Qiang's malicious intentions.