Chapter 47: Smith's attitude

In the swimming pool, Smith engaged in a conversation with several students.

"No, no, no! You are still a bunch of kids and can't hold weapons yet."

"Listen to me, you are all underage. Since I am in this position, I am your only guardian. The rescue you imagined is impossible. It has been ten days. Have you seen any signs of rescue?"

"I hope there will be. Just a few days ago, I talked to the consulate in Bingcheng City. We talked on the radio. I told me about the situation here, and they promised me that they would send the security team of our consulate to participate. Rescue, everyone will be safe by then."

"Okay, okay, you all go back. I will be responsible for you to the end. This is the promise made by your dean of students."

Smith dismissed a group of students and sat on chairs, contemplating.

This crisis had struck suddenly. The domestic teachers of No. 1 Middle School were having a meeting when the end of the world occurred. Being foreign teachers, they were exempt from these meetings, and many of them managed to escape. Among the nearly hundred foreign teachers, around twenty were introduced by Smith, making him their de facto leader.

Smith was remarkably composed. He swiftly organized people to hide in the swimming pool and risked a visit to the nearby police station.

The police station, located next to the school, proved fruitful despite being deserted at noon. Although a few police officers had mutated, they left behind a cache of guns. The surviving students and a group of foreign teachers found refuge based on the swimming pool.

Being students, they naturally followed their teacher's lead, especially since these high school students were just a group of underage children with no ulterior motives. Thus, they found themselves under Smith's authority.

After observing the situation for a few days, Smith concluded that the current state had collapsed beyond repair. Nevertheless, he continued supporting them, and the communication with their consulate was indeed authentic.

The consulate had pledged to send a rescue team, but days passed without further contact. Smith was unsure if the rescuers would arrive.

In Smith's perspective, life in their current situation wasn't too bad. If no rescue came, he could establish himself as the supreme leader. Armed with over a dozen guns and commanding a group of about twenty foreign teachers, he held considerable strength.

Around three hundred students, half boys and half girls, could potentially turn this place into Smith's private kingdom if they stayed indefinitely.

Clearing zombies from the vicinity and making No. 1 Middle School campus their territory, Smith envisioned a system where boys and girls would work under his leadership. However, he harbored a desire for some of the young and beautiful girls, discontented that none had approached him yet.

Some unruly boys had quietly been dealt with by Smith. In this world full of zombies, handling disobedient children proved easy. Yet, the executions were not entirely discreet, and some students had caught wind of the actions.

Not native to this country, Smith felt no loyalty to its people. His armed presence made it challenging for the children to challenge him.

His main concern was not the zombie threat but the potential arrival of rescuers from the Qin and Han Dynasties. Having already taken lives, Smith feared the consequences if someone came to save the students.

Despite the small likelihood, Smith remained cautious, reinforcing security and monitoring the students closely. They served as hostages, ensuring that nobody would dare attack. Touching the gun on his waist, Smith felt satisfied with his preparations.

If someone from his country's consulate came, he'd gladly join them. If not, it didn't bother him. Life, in his opinion, was not bad.

Engrossed in thoughts, Smith fiddled with broadcasting equipment, attempting to contact their country's consulate.

"Hello! This is Smith, calling the United States Consulate in Ice City..."

"Zizi~~~!"

The noise echoed, but no response came. Smith cut off the radio, disregarding broadcasts from other places seeking rescue or recruiting survivors.

************

Xu Haoran silently descended from the second floor of the gymnasium and reported back to Ye Fan.

"Sir, this is what I captured."

Ye Fan waved his hand, having understood the situation through Xu Haoran's perspective.

The No. 1 Middle School children were under Smith's control, and while the situation was stable for now, Smith was not a benevolent leader. The world had just entered the apocalypse, and if things continued, this place might soon become Smith's personal domain.

Ye Fan also identified the goal of his mission. Through Xu Haoran's lens, he spotted his sister, Ye Luo, among the crowd of girls.

Sixteen-year-old Ye Luo, with a hint of baby fat, full bangs, big eyes, and fair skin, possessed the potential for beauty. The family's good genetics ensured she would grow into a beautiful woman. Ye Fan felt a pang of concern seeing her shrink into a small ball among the crowd.

Recalling the days of playing with his sister as children, Ye Fan decided that he had to save her, even if he couldn't show himself. Smith's behavior hinted at instability, and revealing his identity might endanger his sister.

A direct assault was not viable; Smith was vigilant. Killing him might be possible, but the armed foreign teachers posed a greater threat if provoked. Ye Fan didn't want to turn a rescue operation into a hostage situation.

"That Smith is still trying to contact their consulate. What does that mean...?" Ye Fan pondered, forming a plan to test the situation.

With some wounded members in his team, Ye Fan sent seven individuals, including three wounded soldiers and four three-star army soldiers, for reconnaissance. These soldiers, operating under cover, approached the side entrance of the school.

Upon discovery, the foreign teacher on patrol became suspicious. The soldiers explained their situation, but Smith, receiving the report, adamantly refused their entry.

Observing the encounter, Ye Fan started formulating a strategy.

"Only people from the United States can enter. Regarding racial issues, I knew this old bastard would do this. It seems that I have to try that method."