Xu Lin, upon hearing this, busied himself with packing his bag.
During the entire journey up to the rooftop with Su Ling, he had remained silent. He led the way, placing himself in danger to ensure Su Ling's safety as much as possible.
They didn't take the elevator route but used the stairs to reach the rooftop. Along the way, they encountered only a few scattered zombies and no others.
By the time they reached the rooftop, night had fallen.
Due to widespread power outages, the entire Xuyang City experienced sporadic electricity, with some areas powered and others dark.
In Su Ling's building, some floors had electricity, while others did not, in a haphazard pattern.
"Wait," Su Ling's cold voice rang out just as Xu Lin was about to step forward.
Xu Lin quickly retracted his foot and turned to look at Su Ling. "What is it?"
"Someone's here!"
As Su Ling spoke, figures indeed approached them.
The newcomers were none other than Fatty and Skinny, who had arrived at the rooftop earlier to await Su Ling.
Fatty and Skinny had expected Su Ling to be the first to arrive, but instead, they saw a strange male face standing at the entrance.
Just as the hope in their eyes began to fade, they saw Su Ling standing behind Xu Lin.
Seeing the person they wished to meet, Fatty and Skinny hurried forward.
Skinny looked at Su Ling and said, "We've been waiting for you for a long time."
Recognizing familiar faces, Su Ling gestured for Xu Lin to step forward, and she herself moved out.
"You guys—"
"We want to be with you."
Before Su Ling could finish speaking, Skinny and Fatty voiced their intentions in unison.
"Fatty and I have discussed it. In this apocalypse, you are the only one we can trust," Skinny stated, looking at Su Ling with earnest sincerity. "We've decided to go wherever you go."
"Coincidentally, we have a modified off-road vehicle. It's in good condition and can serve as our transport. For supplies, Fatty and I will do our utmost to collect them, ensuring we don't drag you down or become a burden."
To demonstrate their commitment, Skinny gestured towards a gray tent not far away. "I don't know if you'll be satisfied, but Fatty and I, according to our own standards and requirements, have set up a tent for you. You can go take a look and see if you like it."
Listening to Fatty and Skinny, Xu Lin raised an eyebrow slightly. So, he wasn't the only one with aspirations.
What could this be called? Great minds think alike?
However, he felt a bit luckier, having temporarily gained Su Ling's approval.
As for the upcoming assessment, he was confident of achieving a satisfactory score.
Su Ling followed the direction Skinny pointed. Illuminated by flickering candlelight swaying in the wind, three tents came into her view.
Looking at the three, Su Ling uncharacteristically relented. "All three of you want to join, is that right?"
She wasn't sure why people were seeking to join her team one after another.
But for now, these three gave her a good impression, and she had time to spare, so she didn't mind giving them a chance.
The three nodded, saying in unison, "Yes."
Su Ling looked at the three with clear and resolute attitudes, her expressionless. "Alright, I need to wait for someone here. They should arrive in about a week. I'll give you a chance to join my team, and your assessment period is this week. Those who pass will be able to leave with me when the person I'm waiting for arrives. If you fail the assessment, I hope you will respect the final decision and leave on your own without any entanglement, okay?"
The three, who had initially feared Su Ling's refusal, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing her words.
However, they couldn't celebrate too soon; a week-long assessment required their full commitment.
Finally, the three said in unison again, "Understood."