Suggestion

"My fellow countrymen, I regret to inform you on behalf of the central government that our efforts to develop an anti-T virus serum have unfortunately failed. All eight of our laboratories have been destroyed, and among the missing is Professor Bai, one of our nation's foremost virologists, along with all her research data, which is now lost. This is a catastrophe for humanity. Not only is our country suffering, but almost every place on Earth, except for Antarctica, has been plagued by this destructive virus. It has ravaged national institutions and disrupted the daily lives of the people, causing billions of deaths. Before a method to control this virus is found, I urge all surviving citizens to move toward the nearest safe zone, where food, water, and military protection will ensure your safety. The government has officially lifted the previous lockdown order. All those who have survived the airborne transmission of the T virus are now free to escape. The following is an announcement of the remaining human outposts in various provinces..."

The regular broadcast system had long been destroyed, and there were probably more zombies in the broadcasting stations than there were listeners. The radio system in Xu Changtian's vehicle, however, was sophisticated, receiving satellite signals. When the T-virus had first spread, the government had issued a lockdown, requiring civilians to remain at home and await rescue. However, while the order had been issued, its enforcement had been another matter entirely. Now, rescue was no longer possible, and staying at home was merely waiting for death.

Everyone was stunned, including Xu Changtian, Zhang Debing, and Su Yulian, all of whom wore expressions of deep disappointment. They had hoped for a solution from the government, but instead, they received an announcement to save themselves. The others also showed visible disappointment, but only Chu Xiang had expected this. The destructive power of the T-virus was so immense that a solution could not possibly be found in a day or two. And as Bai Xiaowei had said, life would always find a way, and humankind would evolve. Would the T-virus not evolve as well? This battle had likely only just begun.

The broadcast had repeated three times, confirming that the human outpost in Tong City was the nearest. The next closest was Shishi, which, according to the broadcast, had both military protection and sufficient food. Going there seemed to be the only choice. Turning off the radio, Xu Changtian, his face pale, asked, "Now that we have confirmation from the government, what does everyone think about this?"

Wang Jinbao, who was driving an Audi A6L, spoke up, "Since the government has told us to escape, we can't hesitate any longer. Squad Leader Zhang, we're counting on you to lead us safely to Tong City. You are our only hope."

Wang Bin, Wang Jinbao's son, echoed his father's sentiment. Qin Hai, the driver of the gold-colored bus, nodded in agreement. He Er, the bald man driving the fuel truck, gave a glance at Xu Changtian and Zhang Debing's semi-automatic rifles and also agreed. Zhang Hongbing and Wang Bo were both followers by nature and naturally agreed as well. Only Chu Xiang and Song Jun remained silent.

Xu Changtian looked at the two and said, "Do you have any objections? If you choose to join our group, you must follow orders. Unity is our only hope of survival."

Chu Xiang replied, "No objections, but we are lacking food, and we don't know what dangers lie ahead. Does everyone really think we can reach Tong City in just one day and night? I've seen the map, and it looks like we're still almost three hundred kilometers away from there."

Wang Bo scoffed, "Even if we don't make it within 24 hours, we can still survive without food for two days or more, as long as we have water. We'll replenish ourselves once we reach Tong City. If you're afraid, then stay behind—no one wants you here. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have run out of food so quickly."

Chu Xiang suppressed his anger. Wang Bo was a fool, brash and arrogant. At that moment, Xu Changtian stopped Wang Bo's rant and asked, "What's your name, young man?"

"Chu Xiang."

Xu Changtian said, "According to our previous driving speed, we should be able to cover those three hundred kilometers in no more than sixteen hours. If everyone can bear it, we can manage without food. What concerns do you still have?"

Chu Xiang responded, "Squad Leader Xu, to be honest, we've encountered many difficulties on the road. According to the map, the next three hundred kilometers will take us through two small cities and dozens of villages. I'm sure everyone knows what those places used to be like. If we have to detour, it could easily take us a thousand kilometers, and we're already in the densely populated area of H Province. Even if we try to detour, there may not be any roads left to take."

Wang Bo cursed, "Damn, what's the difference between what you're saying and saying nothing at all? I hate people like you! If you're scared, don't come! Whining about things like you're some kind of expert!"

Song Jun, enraged, stood up, but Chu Xiang grabbed him and held him back. Xu Changtian, seeing that Wang Bo had crossed a line, shot him a glare. Wang Bo, clearly intimidated by Xu Changtian, remained silent. After all, Xu was a soldier, and his combat skills were undoubtedly superior. Plus, they had semi-automatic rifles, not handguns, which meant their firepower was not to be underestimated.

Xu Changtian looked at Chu Xiang and asked, "So, what do you propose we do?"

Chu Xiang replied, "We need to search for food nearby, reinforce the vehicle's defenses, and make sure we're fully prepared…"

At that moment, He Er, the bald man, interrupted Chu Xiang, "It's only three hundred kilometers! We can make it in a day. Even if we encounter some obstacles, we'll still make it within 48 hours."

Clearly, no one was eager to venture into the residential areas to search for food. Otherwise, they wouldn't be starving every day. Chu Xiang tried to explain, "It's not just about starving. These vehicles can't…"

He Er dismissed him with a snort, "Hmph, as long as we have the vehicles, we'll just plow through any zombies that come near us! We've still got half a tank of gas, and that's enough!"

"You..." Chu Xiang was at a loss for words. He wanted to remind these novices that the danger was not just from the slow-moving zombies. At least ten teams had been wiped out by underestimating the threat.

The virus had spread so suddenly and with such destructive force that the government had not issued any proper survival guidelines. It was all up to individual experience, and besides Chu Xiang and Song Jun, the rest of the team, including Xu Changtian and Zhang Debing, were all rookies. They had been on the road for five days and had yet to face any real danger—except for the scattered zombies wandering the streets.

Xu Changtian waved his hand to stop any further discussion. He looked at Su Yulian with a silent request for approval. Honestly, Su Yulian was an elegant woman, and even in this chaotic world, her noble and mature aura was hard to miss. If it weren't for Xu Changtian and Zhang Debing protecting her, people like Wang Bo would have surely taken an interest in her by now.

Su Yulian elegantly brushed a strand of wind-blown hair from her face and nodded slightly at Xu Changtian, signaling her agreement with his plan. Her gaze occasionally flitted toward Chu Xiang, which left him utterly perplexed. He was somewhat handsome, but had no luck with women. Could it be that Su Yulian had fallen for him at first sight?

Xu Changtian said, "Since everyone trusts me, from now on, you will all follow my orders. If not, feel free to leave our group. Now, we will split up. Wang Jinbao, Qin Hai, Wang Bo, He Er, come with me to find a way to cross the river. Chu Xiang and Song Jun, go to the nearby villages to search for food. We'll meet at noon at the bridge and head out together."

No one objected to Xu Changtian's decision. The ones who stayed behind had no reason to disagree, especially since they weren't the ones risking their lives in the villages. If Chu Xiang and Song Jun didn't return, it wouldn't affect them much, but if they found food, it would be a bonus. Chu Xiang didn't object because it was his suggestion, and it would be hard to argue against it now. Xu Changtian was clever; he didn't offend anyone.

Chu Xiang silently propped up the Qianjiang 250 motorcycle, while Song Jun filled two barrels with gasoline from the fuel truck. After refueling, it took several kicks to get the engine started. Zhang Jingyao stood beside Chu Xiang, seemingly intent on accompanying him. Chu Xiang was touched. He knew that searching for food was perilous, so her decision to follow him showed her resolve to "sell" herself to him. He said, "Stay here. We'll be back before noon."

Zhang Jingyao whispered, "Be careful. If you can't find any food, don't push yourselves."

For the first time, a girl showed such concern for Chu Xiang. In that moment, her scarred face seemed oddly endearing. Chu Xiang, moved, nodded. At that