Four people, three men and one woman, three tents.
The final allocation was: Su Ling got one, Fatty and Skinny shared one, and the remaining one was for Xu Lin.
With the tents distributed, the four sat by the grill, preparing to enjoy an open-air barbecue under the night sky.
For Fatty and Skinny, they had only heard that Su Ling was going to the rooftop.
So, after gathering the necessary supplies, they took the elevator all the way to the top floor.
Of course, before getting into the elevator, they didn't forget to clear out the zombies inside.
Upon reaching the rooftop, they dropped off the supplies they had brought and then returned to continue bringing up more needed items. They went back and forth several times until they were sure no more supplies were needed, and then they stopped.
Afterward, they sorted and organized the supplies, and then began setting up the tents.
Once their tents were pitched, they washed and prepared the ingredients they had brought up, waiting for Su Ling's arrival.
They had waited from day to evening, and from evening until night.
During this long and uncertain wait, they had begun to doubt if their efforts were worthwhile and whether Su Ling would really come to the rooftop.
While waiting, the two even felt their actions were a bit foolish.
They hadn't asked Su Ling why she was going to the rooftop, nor had they directly asked her if she was truly coming, but just because of a casual remark from Xu Daqiang, they kept it in mind, then lugged bags and bags of supplies to the rooftop, all to wait for her and join her.
Thinking about it, such behavior was indeed reckless.
But fortunately, in the end, all their efforts were worth it; they waited for the person they were waiting for.
Su Ling picked up the bag she had set aside, took out several crystal cores given by Xu Lin, and placed them on the table. She looked at the bewildered Fatty and Skinny and explained, "These are called crystal cores, and they are found inside the heads of zombies."
"This is a good thing, and in this post-apocalyptic world, it will become very important."
She didn't explain how important they were for the moment, just gave a brief introduction.
After all, they would soon know the specific functions of the crystal cores.
While Xu Lin was grilling meat, Su Ling took the opportunity to educate Fatty and Skinny. "Starting tomorrow, we will begin from the top floor and clear out the zombies floor by floor as we descend. After clearing the zombies, we will crack open their heads to search for crystal cores."
"This is both an assessment and training for you. You must understand that the post-apocalyptic world does not tolerate the weak. To break through in this world, you must walk the path to becoming strong."
Su Ling's words were facts, and a truth that Xu Lin and the other two understood.
At the same time, they felt that Su Ling lived with too much clarity and rationality.
It was as if she had everything under control, yet was never arrogant. The description of her as possessing great wisdom hidden behind a simple exterior was most fitting.
The information Su Ling conveyed to the three was all something they would acquire in the future.
If this path was destined to have them cross paths, she would help them to the greatest extent possible without exposing herself.
As for whether they would eventually become teammates, everything would be left to fate.
After briefly outlining her plan to the three, Su Ling put away the few crystal cores and said with a serious tone, "The assessment period is one week. If anyone can't persevere midway, you can tell me. I respect your wishes."
"We will persevere," Xu Lin said, placing the grilled lamb chops on the plate. He glanced at Fatty and Skinny, then looked towards Su Ling. "Perhaps at first, our mobility and reaction speed will not be as you expect, but we will strive to keep up with your pace and rhythm. At that time, please be patient with us."