Chapter 41: Jewelry Store News

Before midnight, Xu Haoran and his companions finally arrived back in Chengguan Town. Several individuals, wearing shameful expressions, reported the situation to Ye Fan.

Ye Fan listened intently as they recounted the events. "What happened? Why the long faces?"

One of the survivors spoke up, "We encountered trouble, Ye Fan. The villa was under attack when we returned. We fought back and managed to save some people, but the warrior vehicle got stolen, and the materials you collected are gone."

Ye Fan sighed, "At least everyone is safe. Material things can be replaced."

This time, upon their return, they witnessed an assault on the villa. Swiftly joining the fight, they rushed out with three individuals. Though they emerged unscathed, the warrior vehicle was likely pilfered, and the materials collected by Ye Fan in the mining vehicle were irretrievable.

Despite their successful rescue mission, Xu Haoran and the others couldn't shake off the shame they felt before Ye Fan. Nevertheless, Ye Fan harbored no blame towards them; safety took precedence over lost supplies.

The Da Qingshan Prison Base was a new name for Ye Fan, and from Xu Haoran's account, it was evident that the assailants possessed formidable firepower and numbers. Their ability to breach Coal City and reach Shengshi Jiangshan Community through a bridge took Ye Fan by surprise.

Ten days into the post-apocalyptic world, the revelation of a substantial survivor presence caught him off guard. Yet, dwelling on it was futile; the events had unfolded, and the paramount concern was everyone's survival.

Ye Fan noted the name of the base; vengeance for the day's attack would come in due time. Two one-star conscripts and one three-star conscript sustained injuries. Ye Fan promptly administered his company commander-level medicine to the medics for swift treatment.

Upon the arrival of the Su sisters, Ye Fan delegated meal responsibilities for himself, his parents, and Gao Dongliang, a proficient radio operator and old friend who could prove useful.

Post-incident, Ye Fan sensed the urgency to expedite his construction efforts. While he initially had no intentions of establishing a base, he found himself lagging behind in this aspect.

Heading to Lingshui to rescue his sister required strategic planning. With thirty-seven red police units under his command, leaving ten to guard the restaurant, he decided to take the remaining forces to Lingshui.

Two members of the cooking squad and other soldiers stayed behind. Realizing that one car wouldn't accommodate the remaining twenty-seven people, Ye Fan instructed Xu Haoran to fetch two additional cars while he pondered the action plan.

Lingshui No. 1 Middle School, situated south-central to the city, posed a unique challenge. Ye Fan contemplated the potential gains, realizing that attacking the school might yield little material due to strict regulations prohibiting students from wearing jewelry.

"I wish I could secure some funds during the attack," Ye Fan mused. Money was a pressing need for base construction, troop expansion, and the envisioned virtual tank factory.

The idea of a jewelry store crossed his mind, but the challenge lay in their central city locations. Undeterred, Ye Fan sought information from Lan Lili and her friends. After some reluctance, Lan Lili revealed a friend's home in Zijin Garden Community, near Lingshui No. 1 Middle School, containing jewelry awaiting retrieval.

Elated, Ye Fan prepared to depart for Lingshui. Xu Haoran returned with two SUVs, a Lexus and a Wrangler. Although not as potent as Xiaolong, they served the purpose.

Gathering his forces, Ye Fan set off for Lingshui. Wang Hu and Li Biao served as driver and machine gunner, respectively. The convoy navigated through less crowded routes, avoiding zombies, and approached Lingshui.

Upon entering the city, blocked highways forced them to disembark and prepare for combat. Standing at the edge of Lingshui County, Ye Fan faced two options: the city's main street or the zoo. The latter route would lead them to Lingshui No. 1 Middle School.