Chapter 024 Day 2


    "I don’t understand... Why can’t even such powerful weapons deal with zombies...?"


    Zheng Xinyu crouched on the ground, sobbing softly. She mourned the sacrifices of those heroic individuals, grieved her inability to wait for rescue, and despaired over the bleakness of their future.


    "I used to think the same," Zhang Su said, shaking his head. "Carbon-based life forms should be nothing in the face of heavy firepower. But now, I don’t think so anymore."


    His earlier assumptions had been based on the military and police systems being fully operational—where overwhelming firepower could easily wipe out the zombies. However, if the zombie virus was indiscriminately infectious, then...


    Humanity’s advanced weaponry was undeniably powerful, but those weapons needed to be operated by humans. Living, uninfected humans were the key.


    "If that’s true, doesn’t that mean there’s no hope for rescue?" Zheng Xinyu’s tear-streaked face turned toward Zhang Su, her eyes filled with despair.


    If even advanced weaponry couldn’t counter the zombies, how could ordinary civilians—people who had never even held a gun—possibly stand a chance?


    "Who said there’s no hope?" Zhang Su placed a firm hand on Zheng Xinyu’s icy back and said resolutely, "Being alive is hope. We fight with all we’ve got, and only when we’ve reached the end of the road can we even think of giving up!"


    That night, despite being utterly exhausted, neither could fall asleep. They tossed and turned before eventually drifting off into a hazy slumber. By the time they woke, it was already past 9 a.m.


    "I’m going upstairs to check on Brother Li," Zhang Su said after breakfast, watching Zheng Xinyu clear the dishes.


    Neither of them brought up the cigarette from last night, as if it had been entirely natural and unremarkable. It wasn’t about who had taken advantage of whom or who had gained the upper hand—it was simply two people seeking solace in each other’s presence, both physically and emotionally, during a moment of crisis.


    Zheng Xinyu wiped the dishes dry with a napkin and nodded. "Do you want me to come with you?"


    If it had been yesterday, she might have questioned why Zhang Su was so eager to search for supplies at someone else’s home. But after what happened last night, she understood—this was going to be a prolonged battle, and they needed to plan for the long term.


    Even if nothing serious happened within Shengqin Garden, their ability to search for supplies outside was extremely limited. Starting with what was nearby made perfect sense.


    "No need. Lock the door after me, and keep training. Don’t just focus on your upper body—your lower body strength matters too," Zhang Su instructed.


    Walking to the window, he pulled the curtain back slightly and peeked outside. The sky was clear, the sun shining brightly. If it weren’t for the plumes of black smoke rising from different areas, it would have been a beautiful day.


    "Got it! Let me help you put on your arm guards," Zheng Xinyu offered.


    She carefully helped Zhang Su put on his protective gear, her voice filled with concern. "Be careful out there, and don’t take any unnecessary risks!"


    "Don’t worry. I’ll be fine." Zhang Su gave her a reassuring smile, gently squeezed her cheek, then picked up his axe from the floor and headed for the door.


    "Hm?"


    Looking through the peephole, Zhang Su suddenly noticed something strange—the zombie corpse they had beaten down yesterday was gone. In its place was a trail of dark stains stretching from the door of Apartment 802 all the way to the emergency exit.


    Originally, he had planned to examine the hallway and then consider moving the body himself. But someone else had gotten there first...


    "The zombie corpse outside is gone!" Zhang Su announced, his scalp tingling as he turned to Zheng Xinyu.


    "What... Someone’s been here? There are other survivors in the building?" Zheng Xinyu’s expression was a mix of surprise and confusion. "But... even if there is someone, why would they want the zombie’s body?" Sёarch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhang Su shook his head. "No idea. Let’s ask Zhong Xiaoshan."


    He opened the door cautiously, leaving just a narrow gap to observe the stairwell. At that moment, the sound of a door opening came from across the hall.


    Zhong Xiaoshan emerged, dressed differently from the previous day. Instead of her sleepwear, she now wore jeans and a fitted knit top, her face showing traces of exhaustion.


    "It’s me, it’s me!" she quickly reassured them upon seeing Zhang Su’s wary expression. Pointing toward the emergency exit, she said, "I dragged the corpse away. Don’t worry."


    "You?"


    "You...?" Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu exclaimed simultaneously, disbelief written across their faces. They stared at the seemingly frail woman, utterly baffled.


    The thought that Zhong Xiaoshan could have done it had never crossed their minds. Still, her admission eased their concerns about whether someone else had been there.


    "The corpse was blocking the door. Not only was it in the way, but the weather isn’t cold enough to keep it from rotting. It would’ve started breeding bacteria, which wouldn’t be good for any of us..." Zhong Xiaoshan explained softly. Despite her weary appearance, her demeanor seemed much stronger than the day before.


    "You’ve got some guts—and strength too..."


    Zhang Su opened the door wider, allowing Zhong Xiaoshan to step inside.


    She brushed a strand of oily hair behind her ear and gave an embarrassed smile. "Thanks for the compliment. Being a nurse at a hospital doesn’t exactly leave room for slacking off. It’s good training, I guess."


    "Not bad. So, are you here for food?" Zhang Su asked, remembering his earlier promise to make her instant noodles and river snail noodles.


    Zhong Xiaoshan shook her head. "No, not exactly. I came to tell you something. We might not be able to count on rescue anytime soon."


    "You mean the gunfire from last night, right?" Zhang Su frowned, gesturing in the direction of the street battle.


    "Exactly. Even with such intense firepower, they couldn’t defeat the zombies. I... I don’t want to sit around waiting to die. I want to join you. Can I?"


    Zhong Xiaoshan’s candid request caught them by surprise.


    She had spent nearly the entire night sleepless, haunted by the tragic scene of the battle. For so long, she had pinned her hopes entirely on the military. But seeing that even advanced weapons couldn’t stop the zombie horde had almost crushed her spirit.


    While Zheng Xinyu had found strength in Zhang Su’s encouragement, Zhong Xiaoshan had endured a night of torment, finally igniting a fierce will to survive.


    She knew that, as a lone woman, her chances of survival—let alone escaping—were slim. Joining Zhang Su and Zheng Xinyu was her best option.


    But the decision to let her join wasn’t hers to make.


    Zhang Su studied Zhong Xiaoshan closely, quickly realizing that her decision to drag the zombie corpse away had been a calculated display of her capabilities.


    "I don’t need a woman who screams at the sight of zombies," Zhang Su said flatly.


    Embarrassed, Zhong Xiaoshan’s pale cheeks turned slightly pink. "I promise I won’t anymore! Yesterday was just because it was my first time... But I adapt quickly!"


    As if to prove her point, she straightened her posture confidently.


    "Words won’t cut it. If you want to prove yourself useful, there’s a chance to do so right now," Zhang Su replied.


    He couldn’t ignore her determination. Putting aside her questionable past, her ability to pull herself out of despair and reignite her will to survive was impressive.


    At a time like this, a strong desire to live was crucial. Without it, one’s outlook would remain bleak, and death would follow swiftly.