Chapter 961: Chapter 946
"What do you plan to do next?" Old Lin looked at Tang Xiaoquan. After all, the plan was proposed by the young man. Although Lin Junfu had given his approval, truth be told, Old Lin’s mind was still in a state of confusion, with no clear idea at all.
"I have to go back!" Tang Xiaoquan didn’t directly answer Old Lin’s question. "There are a lot of details in the plan that need to be resolved, and it’s hard to explain clearly over the hand-held radio."
To this, Old Lin nodded. "Then I’ll accompany you back."
"No, you have to stay here, Old Lin. There could be situations on Old Xu’s side at any time. I’m worried about the signal being unstable. If we both leave, and he can’t contact the base, that’ll be trouble."
Old Lin thought about it and agreed. After all, the base’s relay station was limited by its height and had a limited coverage area. If everyone left, there could easily be poor signal connections.
If something did happen on Old Xu’s side and they couldn’t report back in time, and they just went back blindly, they might end up getting nothing done.
"Alright! Then I’ll have Dazhuang drive you back!"
Considering he couldn’t drive, Tang Xiaoquan didn’t refuse and immediately gave a positive response.
"So... when do you plan to go back?"
"Now!!" Tang Xiaoquan answered firmly again.
"Now?" Lin Junfu’s eyebrows slightly raised at the words. Driving at night was undoubtedly very dangerous.
"Yes, now." Tang Xiaoquan replied just as swiftly, but he also noticed Old Lin’s concern and quickly explained, "I’ve checked the path we came from; there aren’t many zombies. Returning along this path and being careful shouldn’t be a big problem. Also, although Old Xu said they have a two-day supply of goods, I highly doubt it’s sufficient. So we must quickly settle the related action items to be able to rescue them as early as possible."
Seeing the young man speak like that, Old Lin didn’t try to dissuade him further. He took out the hand-held radio and, after a quick exchange with Wei Dazhuang, signaled to Tang Xiaoquan that he could get off the car.
"Xiao Tang, make sure to stay safe on the road. If you encounter danger, don’t take risks. Remember, we can’t afford any more unexpected situations."
"I understand, Old Lin. You need to stay vigilant here as well."
Patting Lin Junfu on the shoulder, Tang Xiaoquan grabbed his cleaver and looked around to confirm there were no anomalies. He opened the car door, jumped out, and swiftly ran towards the rear vehicle.
"Qiangzi!"
"Hmm!" Just as he reached the rear of the vehicle, Tang Xiaoquan came across his bro Wang Qiang.
Wang Qiang had been unusually silent these past two days, with none of his former talkative energy.
Even when discussing related topics, he remained silent, dutifully playing the role of a listener.
There were no extreme behaviors during the actions either. In short, Wang Qiang’s current behavior and mannerism gave Tang Xiaoquan the impression of a... "completely new person," specifically as if he had changed into someone else.
The once flamboyant and impulsive, habitually swearing Wang Qiang was gone, replaced by someone silent and sparing with words.
"Be careful on the way back." As expected, Wang Qiang refrained from saying much.
Knowing this wasn’t a moment for small talk, Tang Xiaoquan nodded as a response.
Then the two parted ways. Wang Qiang ran towards the escort vehicle, while Tang Xiaoquan opened the door of the cargo truck and jumped in.
"Let’s go, Dazhuang!"
Upon receiving the order, Wei Dazhuang immediately started the vehicle, and the cargo truck roared to life, leaving a cloud of dust behind.
When Tang Xiaoquan returned to the base, it was already past 6 AM, but the sky was still dark.
Once they arrived at the destination, Tang and Wei were immediately guided to the village chief’s house by the base’s people.
Seeing her beloved return, Wei Yang initially wanted to exchange pleasantries.
But noticing his serious expression, she figured there must be an urgent situation ahead and considerately refrained from disturbing him.
Wei Yang understood that Tang Xiaoquan had more important matters to attend to at the moment, and she was content just to see him safe.
"Uncle Zhao!" Back in the village chief’s house, the first person Tang Xiaoquan looked for was Zhao Yunhai.
Although he was mentally prepared, seeing the dispirited look on Old Zhao’s face made Tang Xiaoquan’s heart tighten involuntarily.
"White at the temples overnight" was a phrase Tang Xiaoquan had only seen on TV before.
But now, Old Zhao vividly demonstrated this saying for him.
His formerly jet-black sideburns had turned completely white.
"Oh, Xiao Tang is back."
His eyes were bloodshot, and there was no need to say it; Tang Xiaoquan could tell Old Zhao was sleep-deprived.
"So, um..." Glancing around with his eyes, Old Zhao straightened up and solemnly asked, "Li, Lina? She didn’t come back with you, did she?"
At these words, Wei Dazhuang and Tang Xiaoquan exchanged a glance. Their subtle actions immediately picked at Old Zhao’s anxiety.
"Is there something wrong? Did something happen at the school?" He suddenly jumped up from his seat, unusually rushing in front of Tang Xiaoquan, gripping his shoulders with urgency and anxiety.
Tang Xiaoquan could clearly feel the pain in his arms, reflecting Old Zhao’s unstable mindset at that moment.
Fearing Old Zhao might do something extreme out of excitement, Wei Dazhuang quickly moved to restrain his arms and urged, "Old Zhao, calm down. It’s not what you think."
"Not what I think? Then what is it?"
"Lina is still at the school with Old Xu, and she’s very safe. The ’Japan’ problem has also been resolved, so... don’t worry, Uncle Zhao." Tang Xiaoquan carefully chose his words, wary of further agitating the man before him.
Sure enough, hearing that Lina was safe made Old Zhao’s emotions slightly stabilize.
Though his chest was still heaving, the grip on Tang Xiaoquan’s shoulders had already weakened.
Having broken free from the restraint, Tang Xiaoquan slightly sighed in relief, yet the worry in his heart didn’t lessen in the slightest.
Undoubtedly, he had only shared half of the story to comfort Old Zhao, while the most crucial reason for his return was yet unspoken.
Looking at Old Zhao’s current state, Tang Xiaoquan hesitated about whether to be honest with him.
But Old Zhao clearly didn’t intend to give Tang Xiaoquan the luxury of time to think. After a few heavy breaths to stead himself, he immediately inquired about the school’s matters: "Xiao Tang, since the ’Japan’ students and Old Xu are dealt with, when will they start their escape plan?"
"Well..." Tang Xiaoquan wore a bitter expression.
Seeing this, Hu Xiaodong instantly knew something unexpected must have occurred.
He immediately stepped forward, changed the topic, and said, "Oh, right, Xiao Tang, Dazhuang, you two come out with me for a bit. I have a few things to brief you on."
Confused, Wei Dazhuang asked, "What is it?"
"The base’s defenses. In the two days you’ve been gone, I’ve encountered several rather tricky issues. Let’s go; I’ll show you."
With that, Hu Xiaodong didn’t leave room for refusal, pulling Tang Xiaoquan and Wei Dazhuang by the shoulders as they headed out of the room. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets at Qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)
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