entrust

The apocalyptic scene was one beyond the scope of any ordinary film production. Everywhere, there was wreckage—ruined buildings, discarded vehicles, and even human remains scattered across the desolate landscape. Many structures were still ablaze, their charred remnants smeared with dark bloodstains, and on the walls, slogans written in fresh blood: "Kill them!" 

Chuxiang, seeking safer modes of transport, found most vehicles stained with zombie blood, their interiors often housing decayed corpses of drivers and passengers, exuding a nauseating stench. Some vehicles had suffered extensive damage, making them unfit for use. 

The highway was no longer a dense cluster of zombies; this was no longer the frantic escape of the early days. Over the five days that Chuxiang's team had traveled, they had yet to encounter any living person. Without the presence of the living, the zombies had little reason to gather, making the journey safer. Any few zombies that appeared on the path were easily dispatched. 

Three vehicles struggled through the remnants of the road. Xu Changtian had come to understand what Chuxiang meant by his caution—there was no guarantee of reaching Tong City within two days. The farther they traveled, the harder the roads became. Many survivors likely believed their chances of survival were better in the large cities, and thus, they kept moving toward these population centers, only to meet their end on the road. The abandoned vehicles cluttered the once wide roads, turning them into narrow, winding paths, often requiring people to disembark and clear the obstacles. 

As dusk fell, the first small town came into view. Xu Changtian disembarked and discussed their next move with Chuxiang. He had learned to value Chuxiang's judgment; the bitter lessons of survival had shown him that only the strong could endure in this world. They had been incredibly fortunate to survive this long with their blind, reckless actions. 

"We'll rest here for the night. Tomorrow, we'll find a way to navigate through the town ahead," Xu Changtian called to the others. Although the area was not particularly open, it was the safest place to camp for the night. However, Chuxiang suggested that they should sleep in the vehicles tonight and assign night watch to avoid being caught off guard by any approaching zombies. 

Zhang Jingyao, not only a competent medic but also a fine cook, prepared a large pot of instant noodles over the fire. It was a simple but comforting meal, with chunks of luncheon meat and a can of mushrooms added. Each person had a warm serving. Afterward, Chuxiang took a walk around the camp, even He Er seemed satisfied with this "luxurious" lifestyle. 

During the day, Chuxiang had charged his PDA on the bus. Once powered on, he dismissed the virtual assistant, Bai Xiaowei, and used the stylus to pull up a satellite map to examine the route through the town ahead. Xu Changtian, sitting next to him, asked, "Is there a safe route we can take?" 

Chuxiang replied, "There's no true safety. We'll have to choose roads that avoid the city center. There's a bypass route, but it goes through a few villages, so we'll need to be extra cautious. I haven't found any repair stations along the way. Hopefully, when we go around the city tomorrow, we'll find something useful. By the way, Xu squad leader, I really recommend abandoning that Honda. It's too light, and it could be dangerous." 

Xu Changtian shook his head. "Xiao Chu, Miss Su can't tolerate the bus. There's no air conditioning, and the ride is rough..." 

Chuxiang chuckled. "Xu squad leader, do you think this is a luxury trip for some rich young lady? We're running for our lives!" 

Xu Changtian sighed, shaking his head. "It's tough, Xiao Chu. I'm just following orders. Originally, our small squad had eight members, but now only De Bing and I remain. I hope we can contact a helicopter in Tong City to send Miss Su back to Beijing." 

Chuxiang, uninterested in probing further into Su Yulian's background, did not want to engage with her. Though she was beautiful and noble, in this world, survival mattered more than luxury. The apocalypse had left no room for those still obsessed with comfort. 

"By the way, Xu squad leader, don't you have satellite equipment on your vehicle? Do you still need to reach Tong City to contact the military?" 

Xu Changtian smiled bitterly. "That's just a simple broadcasting system modified from a satellite positioning device. The positioning device is broken now, and we can only receive one-way broadcasts. Honestly, I'm not sure if the military can even send help. The last communication we received indicated that our brigade headquarters was hit by the T-virus. Now, I fear the worst." 

Chuxiang was silent. The T-virus showed no mercy, whether for civilians or military personnel. Even the most disciplined factions couldn't escape its grasp. The nation had struggled to implement emergency measures, not because of official negligence, but because most governmental institutions had been destroyed, and many of the staff had turned into zombies. It was a miracle if any organization could ever return to even a fraction of its former strength. 

"Xiao Chu," Xu Changtian said, stroking his injured leg, "I have a request." 

Chuxiang put away his PDA. "What is it?" 

Xu Changtian's voice grew serious. "If I don't make it, I ask that you protect Miss Su and take her to Beijing." 

Chuxiang quickly interrupted, "That's out of the question. I can consider other requests, but I can't go to Beijing. Besides, you're fine, why bring this up?" 

Xu Changtian replied, "I'm just preparing for the worst. In the short time I've known you, I've realized you're someone strong enough to survive in this world. Miss Su's identity is special, and the central government has to ensure her safety. She also carries something valuable that must be delivered to the state. Xiao Zhang just enlisted and has little experience. If something happens to me, I ask that, in the name of the favor I owe you and Song Jun, you take her under your protection." 

Chuxiang felt conflicted. Xu Changtian's team had taken him in when he was delirious from the infection, and they had provided for him during his feverish days. He couldn't ignore this request lightly, as Xu Changtian had, in a sense, saved his life. 

"If it's as you say, I'll agree to escort her to Shishi City. After that, I'll continue south to Province S to find my family." 

Shishi City wasn't far from Beijing, and Xu Changtian's face lit up. "Good. Thank you in advance. But in these chaotic times, you may not find answers in your hometown either. Why don't we go to Beijing together? It's the largest survivor base in Asia." 

Chuxiang shook his head with firm resolve. "No matter what, I must return to confirm their fate. Even if I die, I must see their bodies." 

Xu Changtian understood and did not press further. After arranging the night shift, he retired to the bus to sleep, while Su Yulian remained in the Honda CRV, clearly the type who could not endure hardship. Zhang Debing took the first watch, and Chuxiang, unable to sleep, sat by the fire smoking and talking with him. 

"Chuxiang, that leap you made with the motorcycle was so cool! Is that your first time killing someone? Weren't you scared? I've only killed zombies. I almost shot that bastard Wang Bo on the other side in a panic! But he had the nerve to hide behind the hostages, lucky you arrived just in time." 

Chuxiang blew out a smoke ring and replied, "It was my first time killing a person too, but I wasn't scared. If I hadn't killed him, we wouldn't have peace. If we want to safely reach Tong City, people like him have to die." 

As Zhang Debing cleaned his rifle, he said, "I can't stand bullies, especially those who hurt women. If I hadn't offended some local officials, I wouldn't have had to enlist. Maybe if I hadn't joined the army, Xiao Chun wouldn't have met that fate…" 

Zhang Debing's sadness resonated with Chuxiang. Reflecting on his own past relationships, he felt a pang of sorrow. Zhang Debing didn't notice, but then asked, "Chuxiang, do you have a girlfriend?"