Chapter 234: City Folks Really Know How to Have Fun

Puff, puff-puff!

Three corpses collapsed to the ground; a cold wind blew through, chilling their cheeks, and Zhang Xin and his seven companions stared in stunned silence at the scene before them.

This smell… right.

The ruthlessness Zhang Su showed when he led a few men to slay zombies in the garden—this was exactly it. He really was still the same man!

Those who had doubted Zhang Su luring zombies to overrun other camps now believed it…

"Ah!"

Suddenly, a scream shattered the silence.

"Shut the fuck up!"

"Keep watch all around—stay alert!"

Zhao De zhu grabbed his rifle and jumped out of the vehicle, his face twisted in annoyance—this was over way too fast.

Zhang Xin nodded, sighed deeply, and said: "Fine, at least we've got something credible to report back. Zhang Brother, you really won't come by my place for a visit? We're not old friends, but we've known each other a while—I've always regarded you as a friend. Back then, I truly wanted to team up with you and make a big move!"

After Zhang Su left Phoenix International, Zhang Xin had thought long and hard. Without comparison, there's no pain. Before, leading a group around the neighborhood and showing off felt like something grand—but seeing Zhang Su's crew in action, he realized being stuck in one corner was no way to live. He wanted to expand outward, but lacked the ability.

"To survive, you've got to trade and share with other survivor groups. Zhang Brother, next time you go to the Alliance, find me—I'll hook you up with some top-notch girls. I'll even give you half the cut, hehe!"

"What kind of situation could there be…"

Zhang Xin sneered: "I've wanted to kill him for ages—I've thought up dozens of plans, scenarios, backups. Everyone knows Yan and I don't get along. Even when we operate together, we split into two factions over details. If his team failed, what could I do?"

Zhang Su looked at Zhang Xin with a half-smile.

After listening, Zhang Su fell silent for a moment. Tianma Yu had no unified entertainment programs—only training and highly flexible free time. Everyone's mental state was fine. The Alliance's system clearly didn't suit Tianma Yu.

"Damn, this car's awesome—but I feel like I've seen it somewhere before… isn't this the one parked at Yihe Auto?"

Zhang Xin seemed tempted.

Yet Zhang Xin said something even more outrageous.

Zhang Su slung his rifle over his shoulder and smiled at Zhang Xin, whose fierce expression hadn't yet faded: "Old Zhang, owe me a big favor, right?"

Zhang Su pointed at the corpses on the ground—such coincidence couldn't help but raise suspicion.

"Only core cadres have access to this data. I, as a squad leader, can't get it. I don't interact much with other factions, but from gossip, I've heard there are barely over a thousand people left in the city!"

Those who hesitated, refusing to pick a side, thinking neutrality would let them please both sides—ended up dead.

Zhang Xin spread his hands: "Don't believe what that Xia Ji is blabbing on the radio. The Alliance only put its HQ in LeGou Mall because it happens to be in northern Qincheng—it's nowhere near ruling the northern zone. They haven't even cleared out the Three Courts! All it means is they're the largest and strongest force in northern Qincheng."

Zhang Su couldn't help laughing. Clearly, everyone who survived the apocalypse had their own tricks. He sniffed the air, grinned wryly—somewhat like Jim Carrey—and said to Zhang Xin: "Since I just eliminated a major enemy for you, Old Zhang, shouldn't you show some gratitude?"

With that, Zhang Xin followed Zhang Su onto the RV.

Zhang Su shook his head with a smile: "Old Zhang, I know you're a man of your word—but I have to be responsible for my people's safety. If you want to join me, I welcome you. If you're just here to scout, forget it."

Zhang Xin smirked slyly, recalling past events as if they'd been a dream, then waved his hand listlessly: "Zhang Brother, what's your place really like?"

"Fun places? Entertainment? No. You think this is the old days? I'll give you bars, KTV, massage—all in one? "

Thinking of the population issue, he blurted out: "Do you know which survivor groups are still active in Qincheng? How many in each?"

Talking about his own exploits, Zhang Xin was proud. In his view, the apocalypse was hard enough—once you had a stable environment, you should enjoy yourself. Especially since he was a mid-level cadre—he had to use his position to have fun!

"There's not just Flower Street—other entertainment too. Classy stuff: chess, tea. Crude stuff: mahjong, underground boxing. All distractions. Otherwise, killing zombies every day? Who wouldn't crack?"

"I thought you were playing good cop, bad cop. Good you didn't kill the wrong guy—but… your rivals are all dead now. How will you explain this back home?"

"Yes, Brother Su, you're not being fair."

No idle hands—this reason was solid enough.

"Damn, you and Old Tan moved too fast! Can't you leave one for me and Xiao Chen?"

Zhang Xin was momentarily startled, but didn't mind. He lowered his voice: "Zhang Brother, where did Duan Wu and that researcher go? No outsiders here—tell me the truth. I really don't want to run anymore. Outside is too dangerous."

Vroom-vroom-vroom-vroom…

"Keep a base, man—they're all armed… learn to wait for your chance, got it?"

Zhang Su tilted his head toward the RV: "Let's go. Oh, tell your men to post guards around—this area's damn unsafe!"

Zhang Su rubbed his face. Today had opened his eyes—he hadn't imagined some safe zones had gotten this elaborate. But he had little interest in such things. In his view, only after reaching at least two thousand people, with a disciplined combat force and solid logistics, could commercial activities begin to develop. Otherwise, morale would crumble.

"You city folks really know how to have fun…"

"That's too much trouble—I'll take the FJ Cruiser then."

"Damn, right before the disaster, I picked up a US-spec Patrol from Yihe Auto and shipped it to Tangcheng for mods—never even got to enjoy it… but I bought it with zero down payment, haven't paid a single monthly installment, hehe!"

When Zhang Xin learned about Zhang Su's camp's management style, his enthusiasm vanished: "You've got everyone on military duty? Not a single place to have fun?"

"I know you won't join our Alliance, but if you get bored, come to the city for some fun—whether trading or just relaxing, we're honest. We never cheat."

Zhang Su's pose lasted less than a second—he immediately showed his true colors. Cars were easy to get; good cars were hard. Cars with stability, off-road capability, and cargo capacity? Even harder!

"Damn, you're the real deal… haha, fine!"

Zhang Su frowned seriously: "Even if they wanted to stay in my camp, I wouldn't allow it. Look at my people—none are dead weight. Scientists are useful in your place—I asked them. They said research needs tons of equipment. I don't have any high-end gear. All they'd get here is food."

"Phew… haha, damn it, shit!"

"You have external trade? You've sealed off northern Qincheng—where are you getting people to trade with? Southern city? The east?"

Then Zhang Su shared what he could about Tianma Yu's basic situation.

Zhang Xin generously pointed to the intersection: "How about you take one of these vehicles? Makes my story more believable!"

Zhang Xin began promoting the Survivor Alliance.

"Damn, isn't this normal? The Alliance even has a dedicated Flower Street—lots of women in logistics earn points there. All kinds of services, different prices. I never go myself—those women come to me on their own. Can't keep up!"

"That's right. Deputy Team Leader Yan was arrogant and charged ahead—he walked into an ambush. Team Leader Zhang led us in a desperate rescue, but we were too late!"

Zhang Su was surprised, thinking inwardly: After two months outside the city, has it really become safe inside?

This time, Zhang Xin reacted instantly—he turned and fired several rounds at the neutralist who had screamed!

"He's really gone."

"Zhang Brother, name what you want—I've got it, take it!"

One particularly sharp-eyed squad member loudly echoed.

After eliminating the only threat, Zhang Xin's chest heaved. His mental resilience was far below Zhang Su's—his heart pounded wildly, and he could only calm himself by cursing.

"No no!" Zhang Xin waved his hands frantically, slid his weapon into a custom holster, took a deep breath, and said: "Since Team Three was formed, this bastard has been opposing me openly and behind my back. I never found the right chance to take him out. Zhang Brother, you've done me a huge favor today!"

Zhang Su pinched the bridge of his nose—he thought Zhang Xin was insane.

"Trying to dodge the question?"

Zhang Su pulled a bottle of orange juice from the fridge and tossed it to Zhang Xin, nodding: "Right. You know your stuff."

Talking about these things, Zhang Xin's old merchant-like, shrewd demeanor showed clearly.

"Hey, don't hold back, Zhang Brother—tell me about your place! I won't go to your camp, but can I at least sit in your vehicle for a bit?"

Chen Hanzhou nodded, agreeing with Zhao De zhu's view.

"A thousand or so…"

Zhang Su pondered, silently shaking his head. A city with eight hundred thousand residents—now reduced to barely a thousand? How empty would it be?

(End of Chapter)