Rotting Land: Survive

Under Wang Qiang's habitual teasing, everyone's mood gradually emerged from the shadow of death.

The large truck wobbled forward, and the previous collision seemed to have caused significant damage.

Right now, Zhao Yunhai just hopes the vehicle can make it through the last stretch of the journey, so that he can safely deliver the "family" on board back to the sanctuary.

The golden rice spikes along the roadside are exceptionally pleasing; although these crops might not have attracted much attention from survivors in the past, they have now become "sparks of hope" for them.

The vehicle's jolts became increasingly severe, whether due to the poor road conditions or the damage to the vehicle itself. Whatever the cause, sitting in such a swaying vehicle, one cannot feel any comfort.

After struggling for most of a day, a familiar patch of green finally appeared faintly in Zhao Yunhai's gaze.

"We're home!" The excitement overflowed from his heart, and a knowing smile appeared on Zhao Yunhai's lips!

Yes! Since ancient times, the word "home" has always been synonymous with a harbor for humanity.

And now, in this brutal, apocalyptic world, home has been given a new meaning.

It's no longer as concrete as it was; perhaps a shanty, perhaps a cave, or even a tent can now be regarded as home by survivors.

Moreover, home is no longer just a simple harbor that shelters from the wind and rain; it is now more often a fortress against monster invasions and attacks!

Perhaps eager to get home, the large truck's engine roared even louder about a hundred meters away from "Zhongkun Textile," causing the vehicle to shake more violently, making one wonder if it also felt the "call of the homeward-bound traveler."

Attracted by the sound of the vehicle, Lin Junfu, Wei Yang, Wen Quanxin, and others in the factory area were already waiting at the gate.

And as the large truck, accompanied by "rough breathing," struggled to reach the factory gate, the welcoming crowd had already formed a long reception line.

Slowly driving through the open gate, before Zhao Yunhai could park it properly, Lin Junfu's voice of inquiry rang out: "How's it going? Everyone, how was the trip? Nothing went wrong, right?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the survivors who were just immersed in the happiness of returning home immediately fell silent in disappointment, looking at each other, unsure how to respond.

Only after the truck's roar suddenly stopped, Hu Xiaodong managed to squeeze out a slight smile, and said to the anxiously waiting Lin Junfu: "Hey, Lin, let's talk more once we're inside the factory!"

"Ah?" Lin Junfu was slightly stunned, evidently not expecting such a reply, but when he saw the sweat- or possibly blood-stained clothes on the other person, he immediately understood: "Ah! Right, right! Let's talk inside! Also..."

Glancing around the crowd behind him, Lin Junfu fixed his eyes on an older middle-aged woman: "Auntie Ma Da, could you please go boil some hot water first, and afterwards..."

Before Lin Junfu could finish, a voice as clear as a silver bell cut in: "Lin, you don't need to trouble Auntie Ma Da. I'll handle this!"

After speaking, the young girl faced the dazzling sun, and walked slowly towards the boiler room.

His heartstrings trembled slightly; a pang of inexplicable emotion washed over Tang Xiaoquan as he unconsciously glanced at the silhouette walking in the sunlight, his cheeks immediately flushed as if they were burning.

What's wrong? What's happening to me? Recalling the fantasies in his mind on the truck earlier, Tang Xiaoquan's face reddened even further.

"Hey, Xiaoquan, are you... alright?" Seeing the young man standing immobile at the truck's tail, Hu Xiaodong asked worriedly.

"I'm fine! I'm fine!" The abrupt reply startled Hu Xiaodong, as Tang Xiaoquan, like a child whose thoughts had been exposed, hurriedly squeezed out a smile, then kept repeating, aimlessly: "I'm well, we're fine, there's nothing wrong, haha! Haha!"

Unable to comprehend the situation, Hu Xiaodong shook his head helplessly. But analyzing from the person's flailing gestures, he didn't seem to sense anything amiss, so he relaxed and patted the other's shoulder, then pointed forward, saying: "I'm glad you're okay! Let's get off then!"

"Oh!" Exhaling lightly, Tang Xiaoquan, having dodged the question, dared not delay and quickly followed his elder brother off the vehicle.

After disembarking, Lin Junfu mysteriously pulled Hu Xiaodong aside, then discreetly glanced at Dazhuang, whispering as he asked: "Hey, Xiao Hu, is Dazhuang doing well on this trip? He didn't act impulsively, did he?"

To be honest, since the action team left, Lin Junfu had been uneasy. Adding to the dreadful memories of the previous two times, he always felt something would happen!

Therefore, when he saw the team members displaying their "blood-stained presence" and hesitant demeanor just now, he felt more convinced than ever.

Hu Xiaodong didn't know how to respond; it must be said that Dazhuang's behavior today in the action was indeed quite reckless, even endangering the entire team's safety.

But the incident was over after all, and this robust man indeed carried too many burdens, so Hu Xiaodong really couldn't bear to speak ill of him at this critical moment, especially since he was never one to gossip behind people's backs.

Therefore, he instinctively shrugged, then ambiguously replied: "I think... it was okay, I guess!"

"Ah~ I see!" Lin Junfu nodded thoughtfully, seemingly understanding something, but he did not inquire further, only patting Hu Xiaodong's back, then gesturing "let's go."

The eight-person team, surrounded by a crowd of factory members, marched grandly toward the factory.

Their presence indeed gave a sense of warrior-like glory returning in triumph, but this meant nothing to Tang Xiaoquan.

Why? Because he knew very well that these workers around were not genuinely welcoming them out of care. To be blunt, they were here because of the supplies on the truck.

Unfortunately, the team's action this time did not go as smoothly as expected, so naturally, not much in actual supplies was brought back.

Thus, Tang Xiaoquan could already imagine the reverse expressions these people would have once they learned the reality.

The eight-person team quickly entered the corridor hidden behind the curtain, and after routinely ascending the long slanted staircase, they arrived at the familiar factory director's office.

But... At the front, Lin Junfu did not seem intent on entering the office; instead, he continued to lead everyone forward a few steps, then pointed to the three rooms in front, saying: "Isolation rooms, specially prepared by Xiao Wei, the conditions should be pretty good, everyone can check them out!"

Having said this, Lin Junfu turned the doorknob, and the door opened promptly...