(1) He's a straightforward person, and I am too (1)

Duong Quang Residential Area.

"Professor Ha, aren't you coming?"

Lam Pham was on the phone with Professor Ha.

On the phone, Professor Ha said he wasn't coming but was still staying at the base. He told Lam Pham that he had Hung Uong escort some personnel over, led by expert Hoang Cu Long, a student he had once mentored.

Lam Pham accepted this situation calmly. He knew Professor Ha had many more pressing matters to attend to. Entrusting the serum production to his student was sufficient. Moreover, sending his student also indicated that this candidate was definitely trustworthy.

Lam Pham recounted Ly Quan's situation. Being able to be ignored by zombies was truly a very powerful ability. If Ly Quan hadn't been courting death himself, nothing probably would have happened.

Did the hybrid-type zombie discover Ly Quan?

Judging from the situation at the scene at that time, the hybrid-type zombie didn't pay attention to Ly Quan; it could be said it truly didn't discover him. Why it was ultimately killed by the hybrid-type zombie might be related to his palm strike. The initial abilities of this type of zombie were extremely complex; being able to sense hostility was a very normal thing.

If Hung Uong and his team had such an ability, they could completely lure zombies to a certain place, plant explosives there, and when the zombies gathered, with a loud bang, they would explode in an instant. That scene would be absolutely stunning.

On the other end of the satellite phone, Professor Ha was extremely grave.

Awakened individuals were appearing one after another.

This indicated it wasn't a unique occurrence, but it wasn't appearing without reason either.

There should be some kind of pattern to it.

"Is the corpse still at the Dang Hoang base you mentioned?" Professor Ha asked.

"That's right."

Lam Pham felt deeply helpless about his own lack of academic knowledge. If he had studied hard back then and could have developed in scientific research, perhaps he could have researched some things himself.

How could he be like now, just staring blankly, with no solutions?

Professor Ha said, "You can have Hung Uong and his team bring the corpse back."

"Okay, no problem," Lam Pham said.

He hung up the phone.

Lam Pham went downstairs. From afar, he saw Quan Hao arguing with a survivor. Sensing there might be an issue, he headed in that direction.

"Are you looking for my big brother?" Quan Hao looked at this suddenly appearing survivor with great curiosity. He had initially thought the other party was seeking refuge, but who would have thought he'd ask for Lam Pham as soon as the gate opened.

Moreover, he noticed this guy's shifty eyes looking around, like a spy gathering information about this place.

Encountering this type, Quan Hao couldn't help but become vigilant.

"Yes, I'm from the Bank Hideout. Our Boss said he has something important to tell him." This male survivor spoke, but he was more shocked by the surrounding situation.

Truly impressive, so many survivors, and they were all busy with things.

A quick look.

He knew this was already an established, large-scale hideout. Everyone managed their own duties, there were professionals. Wanting to conquer this place wouldn't be so easy.

And the iron fence blocking the road was definitely no ordinary iron fence. No metal could have such a texture. Regardless of the texture or the glossiness, there was an indescribable feeling about it.

Lam Pham walked over, stood behind, and said softly, "Quan Hao, what's the situation?"

Quan Hao saw Lam Pham arrive, "Big brother, he says he's from the Bank Hideout, says he has something important to tell you, big brother."

He sized up the other party.

And the survivor from the Bank Hideout was also observing Lam Pham.

Carrying a sword, couldn't tell much, seemed ordinary enough.

But to be able to manage such a hideout, could just anyone do that?

Clearly impossible.

"Excuse me, are you Lam Pham?"

"Hello, yes, that's me. Is there anything?" Lam Pham asked with a faint smile.

He hadn't had many dealings with other hideouts, mainly the May Man Hao and Duong Vinh's side. As for the Bank Hideout this person mentioned, it was the one Han Suong and her group had talked about.

"Our boss, Chu Duong, sent me to inform you that a group from another hideout wants to seize the May Man Hao. That group is full of madmen and has all sorts of firearms."

He relayed the message his boss Chu Duong had given him.

At the same time, he was somewhat puzzled.

What good would telling him this do?

Could the other party possibly go to the May Man Hao?

"Someone wants to make a move on the May Man Hao, huh?" Lam Pham muttered to himself. The number of survivors on the May Man Hao was very large, the most he had seen among all survivor groups.

Firearms, madmen?

These two factors combined, honestly, were still quite dangerous.

"Thank you, I understand," Lam Pham said.

The survivor from the bank said, "Then I'll be going first."

As he left, he looked around once more, clearly curious about the situation here. After all, such a hideout was rarely seen; at least for him, it was truly the first time.

As the other party left.

Han Suong and her group started up their Steel Beast, preparing to go out.

The crystal-enhanced Steel Beast was extremely ferocious, rampaging around as if in an empty place. As long as they didn't encounter those zombies Brother Lam had mentioned, there basically wouldn't be too much of a problem.

"Brother Lam, what was that guy doing just now?" Tu Trach Duong stuck his head out and asked.

Lam Pham said, "Nothing much. He said he was from the Bank Hideout, told me the May Man Hao is about to be seized by a group of survivors with firearms."

"Chu Duong..." As soon as Tu Trach Duong heard this, he knew it was definitely Chu Duong.

Han Suong thought, the May Man Hao is being seized, what did Chu Duong mean by sending someone to tell Lam Pham?

In an instant, she seemed to have understood something.

This Chu Duong wants Lam Pham to make a move. Some time ago, they had told Chu Duong about Lam Pham's situation. For Chu Duong, it might have been a case of half-believing, half-doubting, so he wanted to use this kind of matter to see Lam Pham's methods.

Han Suong wasn't flustered in the slightest, didn't even have any particular thoughts. If Lam Pham's strength was only slightly above an ordinary person's, she would naturally be very worried; after all, this was a dangerous matter.

But in her heart, Lam Pham's strength was already beyond what a human could possess. The fact that their group could always hold onto hope, hold onto a beautiful future, was mostly built upon Lam Pham's strength.

Without experiencing overly tragic survival, one could not feel the despair within it.

Tu Trach Duong said, "Brother Lam, are you going to check it out quickly?"

Lam Pham smiled, "Of course. Maintaining the security of Hoang City cannot solely rely on Officer Hoang. Since I know about it, it's very normal to go take a look. You all busy yourselves with your tasks; no need to pay attention to these things."

He thought about that group of survivors, where on earth did they get firearms?

What worried him more was the situation where others obtained firearms, thought that since they had weapons, they would then take those guns and go on a shooting spree against those survivors who were just trying to get by.

That would be terrible.

He didn't want to see survivors in the apocalypse slaughtering each other. Even if there was no love, they could still be treated as strangers; they shouldn't be harmed.

Han Suong and her group nodded.

There were indeed matters they didn't need to go to. Even if they went, it would be difficult to help, and they might even become a burden. After all, they were just ordinary mortals, while the other party might have guns. One shot, and it would be GG (Good Game).

...

May Man Hao.

This ocean liner was the only safe point for many survivors.

Sleeping on the ocean liner, even if zombies were floating on the water surface, it was still completely useless. Wanting to climb onto the ocean liner was an impossible dream.

The person in charge of the deck, Ly Khoa, was promoted some time ago, feeling somewhat moved and honored. Although the previous deck leader's encounter wasn't good, he could understand that it was due to their lack of diligence in work and lack of understanding.

"Brother Ly, that guy is the recent Death God, the Heavenly Fiend Lone Star. Anyone who gets close to him will die."

A subordinate pointed at Duong Thanh's figure and whispered, as if equally afraid of being infected by this Heavenly Fiend Lone Star's bad luck. Until now, no one had dared to interact with him.

Ly Khoa said in surprise, "So uncanny?"

"Mm, I think he's not just uncanny, he's also a ruthless character. What he does absolutely incurs everyone's resentment. Going out with him, you'll definitely be screwed over by him. Every time he returns, he has gains," the subordinate said.

Ly Khoa looked at that seemingly harmless fellow and really hadn't expected him to be so ferocious.

The Ha family's rule was only to provide a safe hideout, not supplies. Some time ago, they provided a round of congee, which, in turn, allowed that group of people to prolong their lives for a while.

Only when people are forced into a desperate situation can they fiercely push themselves. After all, people are all forced out. The apocalypse itself is extremely cruel; no one will pay for another's weakness.

If you can live, you live. If you can't live, you'll eventually die.

This is the true rule in the apocalypse.

Just like in peacetime, no effort means no money, no money means no food. Perhaps being a beggar won't lead to starvation, but in the apocalypse, people will die.

But at this moment.

Ly Khoa saw rubber dinghies approaching in the distance. "More lucky survivors have arrived. I didn't expect there to be so many survivors in Hoang City. It's just that in their eyes, seeing the May Man Hao means a way to live, but they don't know that here, one also needs to rely on oneself."

The subordinate looked at the rubber dinghies. There were several of them, with about a dozen survivors. An image had already formed in his mind: that group of people definitely had a hideout before, but were separated by a zombie tide, and finally fled here.

"Let's go. When they come up, as the person in charge of this deck, I need to have a good talk with them."

Ly Khoa said, always remembering his mission. His task was to settle the newly arrived survivors and tell them the rules on the May Man Hao.

At this moment.

The man in charge of the boarding ladder saw so many survivors arriving and was very excited. His job was relatively lucrative; all supplies passed through him, commonly known as "direct access."

Thinking of Zhu Bajie in Journey to the West, his job wasn't even as good as this; he ate leftovers.

As the boarding ladder ascended, the man waited with anticipation. He could see their hair, their faces. This group of survivors also had smiles on their faces, but for some reason, those smiles looked so ferocious. Then he saw that this group of survivors were all holding guns.

Especially that white-haired man, his smile made people feel a chill without being cold.

"Thanks."

Bang!

Chu Chan, holding a shotgun ("sprayer"), fired a shot. The man operating the boarding ladder was sent flying backward. In an instant, the survivors on the deck all screamed.

"Haha..." Chu Chan laughed ferociously, shouldering the shotgun, nodding smugly, and shouted at the surroundings, "All of you who don't want to die, damn well kneel for Laozi!"

Following the furious roar.

The survivors on the deck trembled like leaves, fearfully hiding in corners.

"Bring everyone to me!"

Chu Chan ordered. Carrying the gun, he was like a bandit entering the city, completely unrestrained, arrogant and rampant. Looking at the large number of survivors around, he was extremely excited. In his eyes, this was truly exhilarating.

Recalling his past repressed life, living like a meek grandson, now, in his eyes, the apocalypse was truly exhilarating – do whatever you want.

"Damn it!" Ly Khoa was just about to go and welcome them when he saw a group of people with guns. His face changed drastically in fright. Without thinking, he ran towards the distance.

Chu Chan spotted the fleeing Ly Khoa at a glance, turned his head, and said arrogantly, "Damn it, Laozi told you to kneel, and you still think of running? Son of a bitch, this is not taking Laozi's words seriously!"

After speaking.

Chu Chan grabbed a submachine gun.

Rat-tat-tat...

Ly Khoa, who had just become the person in charge of a deck and hadn't enjoyed it for long, didn't even have time to scream. His back was riddled with bullets like a wasp's nest. He fell to the ground, motionless, fresh blood staining the deck red.

"Hahaha... This is so damn satisfying!" Chu Chan was extremely excited. He thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of killing; it was too exhilarating. His whole body felt extremely smooth, an indescribable sense of comfort.

Watching their Boss go on a rampage, the subordinates following him also roared like wild beasts, venting the ferocity in their hearts. Then they saw many women among the survivors on the deck and were even more excited, wanting to "resolve" things on the spot.

"Brothers, don't be hasty! First, help me capture Ha Khanh!" Chu Chan waved his hand and shouted.

"Awooo..."

The subordinates howled.

Chu Chan raised the muzzle of his gun and fired a chaotic volley upwards. He didn't see anyone, just wanted to shoot, to let the other party know how fierce they were.

Topmost deck.

The commotion below naturally reached the top.

Bodyguard Tu Dung said gravely, "Master Ha, that group's firepower is too strong. What should we do?"

They indeed had guns, but their firearms, compared to the guns in the other party's hands, were like toys, without a shred of threat.

Ha Khanh, who was usually calm and composed, couldn't help but panic a little at this moment. The group below was not small, and everyone had firearms. Moreover, one look and you knew these weapons were absolutely military-grade.

The other party's purpose in coming was very clear.

It was to seize the May Man Hao.

Ha Khanh's mind raced. He thought of Lam Pham from Duong Quang Residential Area and said, "Tu Dung, I'm sending you on a mission. Go to Duong Quang Residential Area and invite him to help me."

Tu Dung understood Master Ha's meaning. Only that person could resolve the current crisis. However, the boarding ladder was now blocked by the other party. Wanting to leave the May Man Hao that way was impossible.

"Yes, Master Ha, I'll go right now," Tu Dung said.

"Mm, go then."

Ha Khanh could only maintain his composure, but in his heart, he was more panicked than anyone. Even if he pretended to be calm now, the final result would still not change in any way.

Tu Dung instructed the other bodyguards to protect Master Ha no matter what, then hurriedly headed downwards, avoiding being discovered. He went to the place where the speedboat was stored, opened the side door of the ship, lowered the speedboat, and without a second thought, rode the speedboat away.

"Boss, someone ran away over there!" a subordinate reminded.

Chu Chan looked at the departing speedboat, carefully at that back, "It's fine, that's not Ha Khanh. It's probably someone scared by us, taking the opportunity to flee. No need to worry about it."

"Let's go, come with me to capture Ha Khanh."

Just as Chu Chan was preparing to charge towards the rooftop.

A voice came.

"No need, I've come myself. I don't know where I, Ha Khanh, have offended you, to trouble you all to mobilize such forces. If there's anything to say, why don't we sit down and talk slowly? If you need anything, just say it. I, Ha Khanh, am not a petty person."

Ha Khanh arrived with his bodyguards.

Chu Chan's subordinates beside him aimed their guns. Ha Khanh opened his hands, indicating he wasn't carrying weapons. Even his bodyguards weren't carrying weapons. "Please rest assured on this aspect."

For Ha Khanh, resisting was a wrong choice. Firstly, in terms of weapons, they simply couldn't compete with the other party. Secondly, the bodyguards beside him were all personally trained by him, had followed him for many years, and had high loyalty.

Wanting to find such bodyguards in the apocalypse.

The difficulty was very high.

"Awesome! When others see us, they're all scared into kneeling and begging for mercy. I didn't expect you to dare to come out proactively. This courage is quite sudden." Chu Chan puffed up, then tilted his head and walked up to Ha Khanh, sizing him up with some amusement.

"Looking at you, a former wealthy tycoon of Hoang City, there's nothing special about you. Now I truly believe, times create heroes. In the past, you could rise, but now, it's time for me, Chu Chan, to rise."

Chu Chan laughed.

The bodyguards following Ha Khanh clenched their fists, their eyes fiercely staring at Chu Chan. Truly too arrogant. Where on earth did this White Hair come from?

The expression he showed was completely one of looking down on everyone, not holding anyone in regard.

Ha Khanh said, "Nothing special, it is indeed true that times create heroes. I just caught the benefits of that era, that's all. However, at that time, you were still a child. If you were my age, with your dare-to-fight, dare-to-risk impulsiveness, among the entrepreneurs of Hoang City, there would definitely be a place for you."

"Haha, I like hearing these words." Chu Chan was very satisfied, his smile even more arrogant. He then squinted, looking at Ha Khanh, "Come, you kneel first, let me think carefully about how to deal with you later."

At this moment, a bodyguard beside him said angrily, "Don't go too far!"

Bang!

Ha Khanh's pupils suddenly contracted. He stared blankly at the bodyguard who had just spoken up for him. He hadn't expected the other party to actually open fire directly, without even a prelude, just so straightforwardly shooting.

Such an action completely stunned him.

He understood now, this person before him absolutely could not be treated according to common sense.

Far away.

Chu Duong lay on a rooftop, looking through binoculars, "Well now, he's really gone mad."

He saw clearly.

When Chu Chan arrived at the May Man Hao, it instantly led to chaos. Just now, he saw one of Ha Khanh's bodyguards shot dead. This was a prelude to a massacre.

"Lam Pham should have been notified by now."

Chu Duong estimated the time; it should be about when he would meet Lam Pham.

He hadn't expected Chu Chan to arrive so quickly. It was simply early in the morning; others might still be dreaming, and he had already arrived with his men.

May Man Hao.

"Damn it, like he's sick or something. I really want to know, is my gun more ruthless, or is your body tougher?" Chu Chan looked at the idiot he had sent flying with one shot, not even bothering to look again.

This move of his completely intimidated everyone present.

The bodyguards staying by Ha Khanh's side also hadn't expected it to be like this.

Ha Khanh looked at Chu Chan before him, having clearly figured out the other party's temperament. Simply put, he was a master who had no thoughts, no principles, did whatever he wanted, and was no longer restricted by any rules.

He knew the apocalypse was extremely cruel.

But throughout history, regardless of whether there were rules or not, any conflict was built on interests. And during conflicts, negotiations would usually take place to finally determine the outcome.

This guy skipped negotiations and directly wanted the result.

"All of you, kneel."

Ha Khanh said softly, leading his bodyguards to kneel.

"Haha..." Chu Chan laughed loudly, "Damn it, look everyone, this guy used to be a wealthy tycoon in Hoang City with connections in both legitimate and shady circles! Now he kneels when told to kneel, so scared! Brothers, do you believe it now? Follow me, and I'll lead you to dominate the apocalypse, maybe even reach the moon bridge!"

"Awooo..."

The subordinates howled excitedly, feeling exhilarated, thrilled, witnessing all sorts of impossible things happening before their eyes.

"Damn it, meaningless. Sending you on your way."

Chu Chan was too lazy to keep Ha Khanh. He was just playing around. Now that the play was over, it was time to end the other party's life.

Ha Khanh's body trembled slightly; he was already in despair.

He had truly miscalculated.

He originally thought he could stall the other party through exchange, but who would have thought the other party didn't play by the rules at all, appearing crazy and confident. This was truly something he hadn't expected.

Ha Khanh slowly stood up. Under Chu Chan's surprised gaze, he stared fixedly at the other party. For Ha Khanh, since it had come to this, there was no need to kneel. To die standing. He hadn't thought that in the end, he would fall at the hands of a young punk.

The bodyguards beside him also stood up.

They understood Master Ha's thoughts, but now it was no longer necessary. Suddenly, a bodyguard abruptly rushed out, tackled Chu Chan to the ground, his movements coordinated. He pulled a dagger from his waist and suddenly placed it at Chu Chan's neck.

"All of you, drop your weapons for me!"

This bodyguard held Chu Chan hostage and shouted at the surrounding people.

A joyful color appeared in Ha Khanh's eyes; he felt there was hope. The bodyguards beside him were all professionally trained.

"Hahaha..."

Chu Chan laughed, not showing the slightest fear from being taken hostage.