Liu Shuang'er greedily took a big sip of her fruit tea, then lazily stretched, looking as relaxed as if she were watching a movie.
"Wow, aren't we being a bit too cruel? They're risking their lives down there, while we're lounging on the sofa enjoying ourselves. This is more thrilling than a 3D movie!"
"True, but don't just sit there. Help me observe and record the zombies' reactions. Hopefully, more of them will make it back. That'll prove the zombies aren't as terrifying as they seem."
Shuang'er's eyes sparkled as she turned to him, testing the waters:
"You mean their movement patterns, characteristics, speed, strength, and so on, right?"
"Exactly. Smart girl!"
Shuang'er stared intently out the window, her delicate fingers gripping Huang Ming's arm.
"Oh my god, Huang Ming! Look, they're charging out!"
"I'm not blind. Stop pinching me!"
Huang Ming was a bit exasperated. Shuang'er was acting like she was watching an action movie, her excitement palpable.
From Huang Ming's vantage point, the group split into three teams of nine as soon as they charged out, quickly dispatching the zombies nearby.
It seemed they were off to a good start, clearing the area of zombies right away.
They didn't linger, soon moving out of Huang Ming's line of sight, blocked by the building across the way.
Huang Ming could only hope they'd return with all 27 members intact.
Especially that chubby Li Chang'an. With his size, running must be exhausting, and his large frame made him an easy target. Huang Ming silently wished him luck.
"Huang Ming! How many do you think will make it back?"
Shuang'er hugged her fruit tea, pouting as she took a sip. Her adorable expression made Huang Ming sneak a few extra glances.
He shook his head, not answering her question, his eyes still fixed on the window, afraid he might miss something important.
**Tianhai University, Cafeteria Entrance**
The group marched confidently toward the cafeteria. Along the way, they didn't encounter much danger. Though there were many zombies, they were scattered and easily dealt with.
Wang Gang and the others were smart. They cleared the path back first, making sure to eliminate every zombie they could.
But as soon as they stepped into the cafeteria, someone sneezed.
The zombies inside suddenly went berserk, as if they'd caught the scent of blood, and lunged at the group. A dozen zombies charged at them.
Wang Gang and the others quickly retreated outside, planning to fight the zombies in the open area.
Unfortunately, a few were too slow and got trapped inside, their agonized screams echoing through the cafeteria.
Once outside, the better lighting helped them regain their composure. Some fought one-on-one, others two-on-one. After a fierce battle, they emerged victorious.
But they had lost seven people.
The loss could have been minimized if not for that sneeze, which had drawn a horde of zombies. What was supposed to be a clean sweep turned into a chaotic skirmish.
Thankfully, they didn't panic and quickly regrouped, working together to minimize casualties.
Wang Gang and the others re-entered the cafeteria, this time cautiously checking every corner to avoid any surprise attacks from stray zombies.
After thoroughly securing the area, they finally claimed the cafeteria. Once they confirmed it was safe, they began stuffing food into their mouths, too hungry to care if it was expired.
It was the most desperate they'd ever been. After eating their fill, they started packing food into their clothes and bags, filling every available space.
Some stood guard while others grabbed plastic bags, filling them with as much food as they could carry.
Once everything was ready, they began their retreat to Building 10.
Less than half an hour later, they reappeared in Huang Ming's line of sight.
As planned, nine people were responsible for carrying the supplies, their arms loaded with bags as they ran excitedly toward Building 10.
The rest formed a protective perimeter, dealing with any zombies that got too close. It was clear this was how they'd fought their way back.
Huang Ming counted the survivors—only 20 remained. Seven were gone, likely lost forever.
When Wang Gang and the others reached the building, Auntie Li opened the door to let them in.
Seeing the missing members, Auntie Li didn't ask questions. She knew they were gone for good.
But the sight of so much food made her throat tighten with excitement.
After unloading their haul in the lobby, the group was ecstatic. Wang Gang was the first to speak:
"Brothers, we've cleared the path to the cafeteria and taken care of the zombies inside. Why don't we make a few more trips and empty the place?"
Ma Tao, who had been one of the heroes carrying supplies, stepped forward, still panting heavily. Before he could catch his breath, he urged:
"I bet other buildings saw what we did. If we don't take everything, they will. By tomorrow, other buildings will definitely send people to raid it."
"Ma's right. I agree. But we're limited in manpower. Emptying the cafeteria is a pipe dream unless the whole building joins in. Otherwise, we'll just be making a few extra trips before dark."
This came from Wang Lei, who had also participated in the mission.
In the cafeteria, he'd nearly met his end, saved only when a clumsy young man tripped and distracted the zombies.
"How about this? Let's divide what we have now, rest for a bit, then organize another round of trips in the group chat. Since we can't empty it, we'll take as much as we can. Leaving the rest for others isn't a bad deal."
This suggestion came from Ji Dayong.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Dividing the resources was straightforward. They stuck to the agreed-upon plan, with no one arguing over minor discrepancies.
Wang Gang and the others returned to their rooms with their spoils.
Soon, the group chat exploded with activity.
The 20 survivors boasted about their heroic feats, describing how they'd fought their way through hordes of zombies like legendary warriors.