C25 The Siege of Zombies

Emerging from the hospital, Lee Yuanhong proceeded with exceptional caution. He was, after all, accompanied by three defenseless individuals, which significantly increased the risk. Fortunately, Yuanhong was no stranger to the apocalypse, having survived nearly ten days, and with an archer for reconnaissance, they soon spotted the towering structure of their temporary base. Just two more blocks, and they would arrive.

Yuanhong's spirits were high until the unexpected roar of a car ahead jolted him into action. He hurriedly ushered everyone into a small two-story building nearby. With the archer in tow, he ascended to the rooftop and peered through binoculars toward the source of the noise. To his dismay, he saw a van barreling down the street northwest of the base, plowing through zombies like bowling pins in a chaotic scene. Worse still, the vehicle was heading straight for their temporary base.

Yuanhong's brow furrowed in concern. The sudden appearance of the car was jarring, and it seemed eerily familiar. As the vehicle bore down on his base, a sense of foreboding washed over him. It was too late to evacuate; the only option was to reinforce their defenses and devise a plan. Grabbing his walkie-talkie, Yuanhong instructed the stationed gunmen to retreat to the fifth floor or higher and barricade the stairwells with mattresses and debris. He also ordered the reinforcement of windows above the fifth floor to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Yuanhong kept a vigilant eye on the car as it neared the base's entrance. Instead of slowing down, the vehicle sped up, crashing through the closed main gate. Just as it was about to collide with the door, a figure leaped from the car and dashed toward an alley next to the base, vanishing from sight. Moments later, a thunderous explosion rocked the area as the car detonated violently. Yuanhong, startled, immediately checked in with the base's gunmen for a casualty report.

Thankfully, at the time of the explosion, everyone had already moved to the fourth floor or higher. While some supplies were still on the second floor and hadn't been moved in time, there were no casualties—except for Chunxue, who was understandably frightened to tears. Relieved by the news, Yuanhong's anxiety eased slightly, but the explosion had incited a zombie uprising. The creatures swarmed the base like an unstoppable tide, numbering in the thousands. The siege was unavoidable, and the grim reality set in: a direct confrontation with the horde would mean certain doom.

Lee Yuanhong issued commands through the walkie-talkie with clear-cut precision, "Defense only, no offense. We don't make a move unless the enemy does. And pass a message to Wang Jingrong—the people have been safely extracted. Dr. Han and Huang Xiaopeng are alive. Also, tell Fatty to whip up some good food on the second floor; we need to keep everyone's strength up, ready to break out at a moment's notice."

After relaying several orders, Yuanhong scanned the area with his binoculars, searching for the missing driver. The crash was no accident; it was orchestrated, and he was determined to identify the mastermind. Despite his efforts, the elusive figure remained out of sight. Perhaps they had fled in a different direction?

Yuanhong tasked Zhang Yuan with reconnaissance from the rooftop while he joined the others to strategize.

Lee Luoxia was visibly the most distressed upon hearing Yuanhong's briefing, particularly when learning of Chunxue's uncontrollable tears. A cold fury took hold of her, prompting a slew of impractical suggestions—like ramming a car through to rescue them, or having Yuanhong prepare clothes that could suffocate zombies, to even incinerating the undead with Molotov cocktails.

Yuanhong couldn't help but recognize the look of desperation mixed with helplessness on Luoxia's face, realizing she was out of her depth. Dr. Han was no different, lacking any knowledge of military tactics, her input limited to concern without actionable advice. It wasn't until Wang Jingrong's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie that Yuanhong finally found his inspiration.