Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Room Inspection on the Ground Floor (Part 1)
The long midnight was peaceful and quiet.
In such an atmosphere, it is easy for one to become sleepy.
This is why the Law of Survival requires survivors, when conditions allow, to adopt a watch shift system whenever possible. This way, the night watch can be kept alert to the fullest extent.
Tang Xiaoquan’s eyelids drooped lifelessly, and his overwhelming fatigue left him mentally exhausted and yawning repeatedly.
If it weren’t for Ah Cheng, who occasionally engaged in idle chatter beside him, considering his current state, he might have already closed his eyes and fallen into a deep sleep.
Snoring thundered like a bolt in the silence, and even though the doors and windows were tightly closed, Tang Xiaoquan could still faintly feel the trembling caused by the "boisterous symphony" from next door.
Time slowly passed, second by second, in the stifling air and unbearable midnight. By the time the first blush of dawn coyly emerged from the horizon, Tang Xiaoquan was already frozen in place, sitting in his chair like a wooden chicken.
Looking back at Ah Cheng, slumped over the table beside him with his back rising and falling, this little guy slept soundly. Having rambled for most of the night, he eventually succumbed to sleep as well.
Every vertebra seemed to ache as if being gnawed by countless ants. Tang Xiaoquan carefully straightened his body, unwilling to disturb the boy’s sweet dreams with his movements.
About half an hour passed, and the "Symphony of Fate" that played in the living room all night finally drew to a close.
Unconsciously, Wang Qiang wrinkled his nose. A newly sprouted pimple on the tip of his nose prompted him to unwillingly reach up and scratch it.
And as he scratched, the enchanting beauty who kept him company all night in his dream faded away as well.
He opened his eyes slightly in resignation as a few slivers of sunshine shot through the gap in the curtains, bringing some light to the dim living room.
Wu Chao and Wen Quanxin gradually woke from their dreams, their faces still adorned with laziness and bewilderment.
Undoubtedly, for these young people just over 20, their biggest advantage is the speed at which their bodies recover. Although yesterday’s day-long escape and fighting took a toll on them, after a night’s restful sleep, they revived with vigor once more.
Compared to this group’s astonishing resilience, the older Hu Xiaodong, now over 30, did not fare as well, but he had his own advantages, namely, decades of consistent exercise.
So, if we talk about physical endurance, these youngsters may not even compare to a fraction of his.
Feeling the strength returning to his body, Hu Xiaodong threw a powerful punch and then stepped to the window.
With a crisp pull of the curtains, the dim living room was fully illuminated.
The sudden burst of sunlight caused Hu Xiaodong to instinctively turn his head. After a moment’s adjustment, he redirected his gaze outward through the window.
In his eyes, the street remained desolate and devoid of "living" things. The group of bodies that had gathered at the base of the wall slowly dispersed after a night of fruitless "howling."
However, a fair number of devoted "fans" still lingered stubbornly, hoping that their "idol," whom they longed to see, would appear once again.
"How’s it looking, Brother Hu? Have the beasts all left?" Wu Chao asked the question everyone was most concerned about.
Indifferently shaking his head, Hu Xiaodong slowly turned, and when he saw the traces of disappointment etched on everyone’s faces, his expression quickly changed as he added, "Most have left, just a few lingering at the wall. They should be gone by tonight."
"Phew~" Wu Chao exhaled a long breath of relief, his previously furrowed brows finally relaxing.
"Wow, everyone is awake. How was your sleep last night?" Tang Xiaoquan strolled in, juggling a big pot. His once-fair face was now full of fatigue.
"We slept well, it’s you who had it tough, Xiao Tang. Once we eat, you should rest," Hu Xiaodong said kindly, patting Tang Xiaoquan’s shoulder.
In truth, although Hu Xiaodong had only known the young man for a few days, he had grown to greatly admire his capabilities.
"Hey, Quan, what did you cook for breakfast? Don’t tell me it’s soup again!" Wang Qiang intervened, his eyes fixed on Tang Xiaoquan’s pot, his tone slightly reprimanding.
After a night’s rest, the supply in his stomach was nearly depleted, so if Tang Xiaoquan served up some "thin soup" again, Wang Qiang would definitely speak up for his hunger.
Tang Xiaoquan understood his brother’s thoughts, and with a helpless smile, he ignored the comment, opened the pot lid, revealing the white watery boiled rice to everyone.
Ignoring the rising steam, the parched Wen Quanxin eagerly scooped a bowl of the broth for himself.
Any drinker would likely agree that upon sobering, there is an immense thirst, so...
Forget a moment ago’s complaints, Wang Qiang likewise quickly helped himself to a bowl, his rush comically amusing.
Looking around, Hu Xiaodong suddenly noticed Ah Cheng was missing from the living room. He couldn’t help but ask, "Where’s Ah Cheng? Why isn’t he here for breakfast?"
"Oh, he might be tired from last night, sleeping now. Let’s not bother him, I’ll reheat the food for him when he wakes," Tang Xiaoquan replied, inviting everyone to eat as he seized the opportunity to outline last night’s plan.
"So, everyone, while we eat, let me go over today’s action plan."
"Here’s my thought: we’ll split into three groups. Group one, Wang Qiang, myself, and Brother Hu, will search inside the building; Wu Chao, in the emergency group, stays in the hallway, ready for any sudden issues; and Xiao Wen along with Ah Cheng, you’re the third group, guarding the room... Any objections?"
Having survived several life-and-death escapes, everyone had immense confidence in Tang Xiaoquan’s meticulous mind and planning skills, so naturally, there were no objections to his plan.
However...
Hu Xiaodong gently set down his porcelain bowl, pondering as he softly said, "Xiao Tang, I have no issues with your plan itself, but our current weapons..."
With a purse of his lips and a shake of his head, Hu Xiaodong’s words made everyone understand his concern.