Chapter 72: Goodbye, Lin Yingying
They say skill is never a burden.Su Chen had just gained a new sharpshooter skill, and combined with the two rifles—QBZ and QBU—not only could he protect himself, but if he wanted, wiping out Gao Qiqiang's faction outright wouldn't be impossible!
To save ammo, Su Chen didn't continue practicing and stored both rifles back in the Nomadison's storage space.Though he had the two long guns now, he still carefully kept the previous short shotgun.He had no intention of handing it over to anyone else.Even though people like He Wang and Sun Yuan had earned his trust, in this apocalypse, it was better to be cautious.
In the following days, neither Su Chen's nor Gao Qiqiang's people made any moves.Instead, more and more outsiders kept pouring into Phoenix Mountain.A rough estimate put their number at several hundred!Just like back in the underground parking lot of the Green Forest Hotel, these survivors formed various groups, each taking control of different hotels on Phoenix Mountain, creating a standoff among themselves.
According to reports from scouts, many of these newcomers entered the Green Forest Hotel, apparently communicating with Gao Qiqiang and his people.Su Chen wasn't surprised.After all, many still believed in unity as the key to survival in the apocalypse.
Some of these people even tried to meet Su Chen, but his survivors firmly refused all their requests.And after seeing the corpses of Zhang Ying and Zhou Jun hung at the hotel entrance, these visitors were smart enough not to cause trouble.
Su Chen kept busy these days and didn't let his survivors idle.Feeding them but letting them do nothing would only cause problems.So he had He Wang and Sun Yuan organize the survivors into training sessions.Compared to Gao Qiqiang's men, these survivors were too weak in combat.Training was necessary to ensure they wouldn't be at a disadvantage in the next encounter.
...
One day, Su Chen was playing "It Takes Two" with Liu Linger.They were about to pass the level when, due to Liu Linger's clumsiness, they failed.
"Sorry, Achen, it's all because I'm so clumsy," Liu Linger pouted unhappily.
"Games are for relaxation and fun. Don't take it to heart," Su Chen waved it off.If it were League of Legends, he might have teased her a bit, but no need to make a fuss over a single-player game.
Just then, the walkie-talkie suddenly rang."Su Laodi, are you there?""Yes, Brother He, what's up?"Su Chen put down the controller and picked up the walkie-talkie."Some people just came outside, said they have something to discuss with you!"He Wang said.
Su Chen frowned."Didn't we agree not to see them at all?"These survivors who came to visit Su Chen usually brought the same old talk: either wanting to ally or asking for supplies.Su Chen was tired of it and had told He Wang to refuse all visitors.
"Yes, but there's a woman among them claiming to know you."Hearing this, Su Chen raised an eyebrow.A woman claiming to know him?His first thought was Xiao Mei, but he quickly dismissed it.He Wang had met Xiao Mei; if it were really her, he would have told Su Chen right away.
Su Chen thought for a moment, then said,"Alright, Brother He, get ready and let them come to the conference room to see me.""Got it!"He Wang nodded.
Su Chen put down the walkie-talkie and prepared to leave.At that moment, Liu Linger, who had been eavesdropping, hurriedly said,"Achen, I haven't left the Nomadison for days. Let me come with you to get some fresh air."Su Chen didn't hesitate and agreed.
The two left the Nomadison, holding umbrellas, and went into the hotel.Thanks to the survivors' efforts, the original hotel lobby had been renovated.Besides a stage for gatherings and discussions, some other facilities were turned into a common activity center.On the second floor, a room was specially designated as a conference room.For important matters, Su Chen, He Wang, Sun Yuan, and other trusted middle-level personnel would meet there.As for each survivor's living quarters, they could basically pick any room they wanted.But to respond quickly in a crisis, most chose rooms between the first and third floors.
Su Chen brought Liu Linger to the conference room on the second floor.Inside, besides He Wang, Sun Yuan, and a few middle-level members, were several men Su Chen didn't know.One looked ordinary but had sharp eyes, seeming like the leader.Behind him stood a few others, one of whom was young and handsome.But what caught Su Chen's attention was the girl standing next to him.She was pretty, tall, and slender.Su Chen immediately recognized her—Lin Yingying, the medical representative who had dealt with him before!
"Miss Lin, long time no see!"Su Chen was a bit surprised but greeted her warmly.
"Indeed, it has been a long time!"Lin Yingying's beautiful eyes flickered with a complex expression upon seeing Su Chen.Women never forget their first man.Though they had been apart for a while, how could Lin Yingying forget Su Chen—especially someone so unique?
After they parted ways, Lin Yingying hadn't left Modu but had prepared many supplies in advance as per Su Chen's instructions.When the high-temperature apocalypse came, these supplies helped her survive!She was grateful she had listened to Su Chen's advice.
When the heavy rain caused rising water levels, Lin Yingying and other survivors left Modu together.They intended to go inland but had to change course due to a river breach and headed toward Phoenix Mountain.On the way, Lin Yingying saw Su Chen's Nomadison.Before she could stop the vehicle and greet him, Su Chen had already sped away.
After arriving at Phoenix Mountain, Lin Yingying learned that Su Chen was at the Yuelton Hotel and decided to visit him in person.
"He's been checked; no weapons," He Wang came over and whispered to Su Chen.Su Chen nodded slightly and sat down casually."Is there something you need?"
"This is our team leader, Song Linfei. He has something to discuss with you."Lin Yingying pointed to a middle-aged man and introduced him.
"Mr. Su, hello. I'm Song Linfei. I've organized nearly a hundred people and am responsible for their survival."Song Linfei smiled politely.