Chapter 34: Shock

As the realization hit him, Ye Fan's anxiety intensified. The connection between 'Lao Ye' and his parents ignited a mixture of hope and apprehension. Could it be that his parents were among the survivors inside Donghua Restaurant?

Upon hearing that sentence, Ye Fan felt reassured. As long as his parents were present, he wished to divert his concerns elsewhere.

However, a lingering thought prompted him to instruct Xu Haoran to check the single room's window. Brother Jiang, mentioned by the group inside, seemed formidable. Ye Fan, having faced survivor attacks before, now viewed the complexities of human nature in this post-apocalyptic world.

In the absence of societal norms, the darker aspects of humanity intensified. The sizable group inside the restaurant raised caution in Ye Fan's mind. Xu Haoran, following Ye Fan's directive, approached the single room's window discreetly.

Inside were seven individuals – three men and four women. Lan Lili and another woman were close to a muscular man, while two women were partnered with men, engaged in frivolous conversation. Three men played a card game, exchanging bullets instead of money.

Ye Fan was taken aback when he recognized one of the men – Jiang Shilong, a distant relative who lived not far from his home. Despite their lack of interaction, Ye Fan vividly recalled Jiang Shilong's past as a fierce athlete and police joint defense officer.

Observing Jiang Shilong's current state, shirtless and displaying remarkable muscular definition, Ye Fan marveled at his evolution. Two card games brought him victory, and the other players praised his newfound strength.

Lan Lili flattered, "Brother Jiang is a person blessed by the heavens. In the past world, he'd be the champion in every race, unbeatable in sprints or long-distance."

Ye Fan, hearing this, realized that Jiang Shilong had mutated. Though not into a zombie, he had evolved, exhibiting enhanced speed. Jiang Shilong boasted about his dominance and control, emphasizing his detachment from societal rules.

Concerned about his parents' safety, Ye Fan directed Xu Haoran to shift focus to the first floor. Confirming their presence, albeit in a malnourished state, Ye Fan felt a mix of relief and worry.

Reflecting on the situation, Ye Fan acknowledged that dealing with ordinary survivors would be straightforward, but the presence of his parents required caution. Jiang Shilong's ambitions and the apparent mutation added complexity to the scenario.

Summoning his team, Ye Fan emphasized the paramount goal – ensuring the safety of his parents. He strategically positioned soldiers, medical personnel, and sniper Chen Chuan, ready to intervene if necessary.

Approaching the restaurant, Ye Fan encountered a newly built wall and an iron gate. The patrolman on the roof, spotting them, raised alarm. Ye Fan's response was assertive, ordering Xu Haoran to stand guard while he confronted the patrolman.

Facing the formidable firepower of Ye Fan's team, the patrolman's resistance waned. He complied with Ye Fan's demand to disarm, revealing the survivors' identity as a gathering place for survivors.

Ye Fan, sensing control, instructed the patrolman to open the iron gate. The soldiers rushed in, and Ye Fan, adopting an officer-like demeanor, asserted his authority. The situation seemed to be falling under Ye Fan's command.