Wasteland Rebirth

"Shanshan, why are you giving them sweet potatoes? We barely have enough to eat ourselves," Zhao Yang complained to Xie Shanshan.

Xie Shanshan smiled faintly and replied, "Zhao Yang, our sweet potatoes were taken from them, weren't they? Besides, we just took half a pot of 'porridge' from them earlier. One should not take advantage of others too much, or we may face retribution."

Zhao Yang chuckled. "You still act like a child. If there is really retribution, this viral infection is probably the greatest punishment the Earth could have."

Xie Shanshan's expression darkened at the mention of the virus, reminding her of her parents who hadn't survived the catastrophe. She was now an orphan. Fortunately, she still had her boyfriend, Zhao Yang, by her side. Otherwise, she didn't know how she would have coped on her own.

"Shanshan, you should rest in the car once you're full. The weather tonight is so cold," Zhao Yang said.

His gaze held a trace of desire, but Xie Shanshan didn't notice. She nodded silently and climbed into the Mercedes. Zhao Yang followed her, entering the rear cabin. Xie Shanshan furrowed her brows and said, "Zhao Yang, you should sleep in the driver's seat. It's too cramped in here."

Zhao Yang frowned, replying, "Shanshan, look, the world is nearly destroyed, and you're still being reserved. Even those bodyguards were mocking me today. We've been dating for so long, yet I've never touched you. Now we don't even know if we'll survive tomorrow. Please don't reject me anymore, alright?"

Xie Shanshan's expression shifted slightly, but she still pushed Zhao Yang away. "Zhao Yang, let's talk about this once we reach Tong City. I'm not in the mood today. Honestly, look at how many people are outside—how could I agree to you now?"

Zhao Yang, somewhat irritated, held back his temper but didn't return to the driver's seat. Instead, he turned away and found a wind-sheltered spot to smoke. Gu Hai and his four subordinates had finished eating, and for the first time in days, they were able to enjoy a hot meal. The five of them lay contentedly beside the fire.

"Boss, do you think there really is a human stronghold in Tong City, as they say?" the cross-eyed man asked Gu Hai.

Before Gu Hai could respond, a man named Sun Gaoqiang spoke up, "Theoretically, it's highly likely that Tong City has become a refuge for survivors. It's a strategic gateway to Shishi City. Many survivors would aim to seek shelter in the provincial capital, and when they fail, Tong City becomes the best place for refuge. The government would have considered this as well."

Gu Hai turned to Sun Gaoqiang. "Gaoqiang, weren't you in appliance repair before? Can you tune into the radio and get us some news? Damn it, I'm still confused—what the hell is going on in the world? I'm even starting to wonder if we're still on Earth."

Sun Gaoqiang hesitated, then said, "I know a bit about radios, but most of the local stations must have been destroyed. The only way to get news now would be through satellite digital signals, but private radio transmission is banned in our country. I don't have the equipment to make a receiver."

Gu Hai thought for a moment, then slapped his thigh. "Take theirs then. Someone from their group mentioned hearing on the radio about survivors in Tong City. Wang Wu, go check. If they have a radio or something, take it. There are enough of us—I'm sure they won't dare refuse."

Sun Gaoqiang interjected, "Wait, I've noticed that they don't have a receiver. It's likely they destroyed it after listening to it for some reason, so there's no need to get into conflict with them."

Gu Hai remained silent, acknowledging Sun Gaoqiang's words. When the team member Wang Wu tried to get up, he immediately sat back down. "Damn, I can't do this anymore. That woman is just too unwilling. How do you think she looks? Her eyes, her nose—they fit together perfectly. And her body... especially her round, perky ass, it makes my hands itch. I just want to grab it."

Sun Gaoqiang replied, "Forget about it. Zhao Yang's girlfriend won't approve. Our boss has always been a man of his word. We took their gold, so we must keep our end of the deal."

Gu Hai praised Sun Gaoqiang, "Well said. I've always kept my promises. Whoever gives us gold, we work for them. Even though the world's gone to hell, we still have to stick to our code of honor."

The cross-eyed man, seeing Zhao Yang was far away, whispered, "Boss, don't pretend. I've followed you for so many years—do you think I don't know what's going on in your mind? Gaoqiang has only been with us a few days. He's only seen the surface. Zhao Yang's just a dead pig now. Should we kill him, take all his wealth, and have our way with his woman?"

Gu Hai's face darkened. "Not yet. Zhao's family has considerable power in H Province. When we get to Tong City, we may need his connections. Always look further ahead. Don't ruin the bigger picture for small gains. Do you know why I'm the boss and you're not? This is the difference."

The cross-eyed man, cowed, muttered, "Of course, of course. Our boss is wise. By the way, boss, I have a secret to report. I heard from He Er that the woman named Su Yulian has a treasure. It seems to be a copper dragon head."

A team member named Hou Shan scoffed, "Tch, what's a copper artifact worth now? In this world, relics are worth less than a steamed bun. Even gold is more reliable. Speaking of gold, I'm from this area. Our city, Ji City, has produced gold since ancient times. There's a gold museum in the city, and the gold there is abundant. Each piece is worth more than the copper artifact you're talking about."

Gu Hai furrowed his brow. "Ji City? That's the small city we just passed, right? There's gold there? Is that information accurate?"

Hou Shan nodded. "Yes, absolutely. I'm sure of it. I escaped from the city myself. My house is near the gold museum. The virus outbreak was sudden, and none of the gold artifacts were removed. I can't sleep at night just thinking about it. There's a small mountain of gold inside, weighing at least two and a half tons."

The cross-eyed man jumped up, excited. "Damn, really? Boss, let's go and get it!"

Gu Hai kicked him back down. "Sit down. Do you think this is a peaceful world where you can just rob people? Dealing with zombies is not as easy as dealing with the police."

The cross-eyed man, still eager, said, "Boss, are you really going to let all that gold slip away? This might be our chance to turn things around! Even if we can't take it now, we can hide it somewhere safe. When the world settles, we'll be on top!"