Chapter 100: Chapter 100: The Mystery of Tiger’s Infection (Part 1)
At the dinner table, Tang Xiaoquan spoke his mind frankly.
Of course, the main purpose of his speech was not to demand that everyone must live according to his so-called "bland" dietary standards. Rather, he wanted to convey a principle: "Adversity leads to survival, while comfort leads to death."
After all, in this post-apocalyptic world, you can’t expect to call for takeout when you’re hungry or visit a supermarket with a wallet when you’re thirsty.
You must understand that everything now is obtained through life-and-death struggles, so as a survivor, why wouldn’t you cherish it?
However, Tang Xiaoquan’s elevated discourse wasn’t entirely accepted by everyone, as they saw it as just an ordinary lunch, not something to be taken so seriously.
Despite their objections, everyone acknowledged the fact that Tang’s thoughts were for the team’s well-being, so they readily accepted his words. Even Wang Qiang, known for his straightforwardness, unusually refrained from any sarcastic remarks.
But, after Tang Xiaoquan’s speech, everyone’s enthusiasm dwindled. The dishes on the table suddenly seemed tasteless.
After lunch, Wu Chao fished out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Although they weren’t as prestigious as "Chunghwa" in the storeroom, at least they were legitimately sourced and posed no health threats.
He handed one out to each person. Enjoying a smoke on this apocalyptic afternoon was indeed a rare luxury and happiness for these people amidst the catastrophe.
Wang Qiang, accompanied by Wen Quanxin, and Wu Chao huddled on the sofa in a corner, passionately discussing the hottest MOBA game at the time, "League of Legends."
They talked about things like being unstoppable; sneaking a comeback with tower stealing; having a dreamlike mid-lane; jungle assassins; one coming after another, their words full of excitement and spit flew everywhere. Listening, A Cheng on the side was so fired up he wished he could rush to an internet cafe for a few matches right away.
But in these times, even if you borrowed some extra courage, you wouldn’t risk going to an internet cafe.
Silently puffing on his cigarette, Hu Xiaodong had no clue what the three in the corner were talking about. To him, the gaming jargon sounded like an incomprehensible tale, leaving him in confusion.
Finding no interest, Hu Xiaodong turned his gaze to the frail young man standing in the sunlight.
Tang Xiaoquan, without a word, frowned and stared into the distance. As he inhaled and exhaled, white smoke enveloped his sharp-featured face.
"What’s on your mind, Xiao Tang?" A deep and profound voice spoke as Hu Xiaodong quietly approached Tang Xiaoquan. Patting his shoulder, he continued, "If you don’t mind, you can talk to me about it."
After a deep drag on his cigarette, Tang Xiaoquan glanced at the cigarette between his fingers and said in a vague tone, "Hu Bro, do you think I’m a bit too...?"
With a knowing smile, Hu Xiaodong clearly understood what Tang meant by "too" but didn’t provide a direct answer, instead...
"In reality, Xiao Tang, no matter what or how you do things, you’ll never satisfy everyone. So whatever you do, having a clear conscience is enough. As for what you mentioned earlier, I wholeheartedly agree, and I believe that with time, others will understand your good intentions too."
Meaningfully patting Tang Xiaoquan’s shoulder again, Hu Xiaodong believed the young man in front of him understood his message.
Nodding with a hint of realization, Tang Xiaoquan’s stern face finally showed a slight smile.
People are often like that; a bit of hardship and toil doesn’t matter, as long as they’re recognized by others.
Hu Xiaodong’s simple words served as the greatest affirmation for all of Tang Xiaoquan’s past efforts.
Feeling good, even smoking felt better. Enjoying himself, Tang Xiaoquan lifted his head in anticipation of a big inhale, but before he could bring the cigarette to his lips, he heard Hu Xiaodong sigh beside him.
"Ah~"
"What’s wrong, Hu Bro?" Gently lowering his cigarette, Tang Xiaoquan turned around puzzled, only to see Hu Xiaodong’s face filled with sorrow.
After a brief pause, Hu Xiaodong pondered for a moment before saying, "There’s a question I’ve always been curious about, Xiao Tang. You previously mentioned that Huzi’s mutation was because of the zombie virus infection, but what basis do you have for that?"
"Well~" Tang Xiaoquan hadn’t anticipated this question from Hu Xiaodong, but he quickly adjusted and earnestly replied, "Honestly, I was just speculating at the time, because before meeting you guys, I had encountered two similar incidents..."
Concisely, he explained the symptoms exhibited during the infection and mutation of Huang Yaru and A Cheng’s father to Hu Xiaodong.
Finally, Tang Xiaoquan didn’t forget to explain why he didn’t initially tell everyone the reasons behind this.
The explanation was simple—they had just met and weren’t familiar with each other. Mentioning Huzi’s possible infection at that time might have made others feel like he was deliberately "cursing the kid."
However, Hu Xiaodong didn’t seem to mind as he was entirely focused on the reason for his son’s infection.
The cigarette in his hand burned quickly, indicating Hu Xiaodong was deep in thought. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke again:
"So, according to what you said earlier, Miss Huang was infected after engaging in activities with a client carrying the zombie virus, and A Cheng’s father was bitten by an infected patient, but Huzi..."
Frowning as he recalled, Hu Xiaodong asserted, "But Huzi never had those experiences!"
With Hu Xiaodong’s statement, the conversation between Tang and Hu reached a standstill.
After all, Tang Xiaoquan wasn’t omniscient; he couldn’t know things beyond his knowledge. But seeing the solemn expression on Hu Xiaodong’s face, he couldn’t bring himself to end the topic, so...
"Hu Bro, tell me what you know about Huzi and his family’s situation. Perhaps we can find some clues about his mutation!"