Chapter 327: Misunderstanding, It

Zheng Xinyu leaned over to Zhang Su's ear and asked, "Is there something wrong with them?"

"We're going to fight soon!"

Zhang Su gave Zheng Xinyu a simple answer, and those who heard it tensed up, instinctively gripping their rifle stocks.

"Don't act rashly—follow my orders!"

Hearing the commotion beside him, Zhang Su warned again, then ordered specific individuals to head to the warehouse first, to avoid giving away their deception; everything before him confused him—he didn't know their intent, but he had to lure those two distant vehicles over at all costs!

"Hey, big brothers and big sisters, how's it going!"

The pickup slowly drove across the playground; Xiao Bo rolled down the passenger window, leaned out into the cold wind, and grinned as he greeted them.

Zhang Su stepped forward two paces, hands in his pockets, his face tinged with mild curiosity: "Where'd you guys come from? That vehicle looks unfamiliar."

As he spoke, he kicked the front tire with his foot, producing a thudding sound.

The stronger side has the right to ask first; the weaker side can only respond passively.

Xiao Bo got out of the car, pulled out cigarettes, and offered them around; seeing no one take one, he didn't care, pointing eastward: "We came from Shanhai District. What about you guys?"

"Us? We're from Kuanzhuang to the south," Zhang Su casually gestured toward the direction of Kuanzhuang.

Hssss…

A cold wind blew through.

Zhang Su noticed the other side stiffen noticeably, as if the atmosphere itself had grown awkward; he didn't understand why, until the man unconsciously glanced back at the rear window of the car—he suddenly had an idea, and inwardly clicked his tongue.

He hadn't expected he'd lied the same lie as Qi Xiaoshuai.

Just as Zhang Su was mentally preparing to strike and capture the two men, the man's stunned expression vanished, replaced once more by a smile.

"Ah, hahaha, so you're from Kuanzhuang? Caopo Township, Kuanzhuang—great place, great place! I've been there before on business, just a few kilometers south, right?"

Xiao Bo grinned and gave a thumbs-up, feigning flattery while probing for information.

Zhang Su instantly caught the hidden meaning; he feigned surprise, then laughed in realization and nodded: "Yes, yes—Kuanzhuang in Caopo Township, a few kilometers away. That's right."

Seeing Zhang Su's reaction, Xiao Bo's heart eased—he thought: These guys definitely aren't from Kuanzhuang…

Whether it was the half-dead guy's reaction or the brief freeze after hearing Caopo Township, it was clear they weren't allies—but why did both sides use Kuanzhuang as cover? What was special about this place?

"Wow, coming from Shanhai District isn't close—how long did it take you to drive here? What's the situation on the road?"

Zhang Su didn't want to dwell on this any longer; as the vehicles drew closer, he could see Qi Xiaoshuai had suffered serious injuries and needed immediate treatment—or he'd die—but first, he had to lure those two vehicles on the other side of the playground into a trap!

"Not far—we're west of Shanhai District, near Qingxian border. Not many zombies on the road; they probably all clustered somewhere, who knows where."

Xiao Bo shrugged and spread his hands.

"That's still fifty or sixty kilometers—why'd you come all this way?"

Zhang Su asked curiously, trying to sound as friendly as possible.

"Haha, to be honest, we… we came to trade with the Qinglong Militia for medicine and weapons. But guess what—jeez, brother, you know how life is."

Xiao Bo gestured vaguely around with a strained expression; his meaning was obvious.

"Oh, so you came to trade with the Qinglong Militia? That's too bad—last night, a zombie horde of a hundred thousand attacked here. Artillery rained for half the night; everyone died."

Zhang Su said with a look of regret, then pointed to the warehouse: "We've taken over the base now. Whatever medicine or weapons you need, we can trade with you—price is negotiable!"

"Oh wow, that's fantastic! Brother, you're a real good guy! But… there's something I'm not sure whether to say."

Xiao Bo rubbed his hands nervously.

"We're all survivors of the apocalypse—speak your mind."

Zhang Su patiently waved his hand.

"Brother, this base is packed with supplies—you probably can't carry it all away. Could you spare us a little? I'd be deeply grateful."

"That's… a pretty bold request," Zhang Su smirked. "Who ever has too much supply? Besides, a lot of this stuff was originally taken from our Niujian—no, from our Kuanzhuang—by the Qinglong Militia. Now we're just taking it back. We can't spare any for you."

Hearing Zhang Su slip up, Xiao Bo grew even more certain of his suspicions, his smile widening: "Brother, we've got top-grade raccoon dog pelts. Wrap one around you in this freezing weather—it's soft, comfortable, and warm. Want to trade some for food or weapons?"

"Raccoon dog pelts?"

Zhang Su was puzzled—he'd never heard of such a thing.

Xiao Bo quickly explained: "Brother, you've seen women's coats, right? The kind with fur trim on the hood? Some of that fur's made from raccoon dog pelts. Even better are fox pelts. Ours are top quality—just as good as fox pelts. Back then, they sold for a thousand or eight hundred each; the lower quality ones went for two or three hundred."

To give Zhang Su a comparison, Xiao Bo specified prices for different grades.

"Oh… I get it," Zhang Su said, understanding, inwardly sneering, but outwardly smiling warmly: "I'm not one to hoard everything. Here's what I'll do—call your whole team over. Let's talk. If we're compatible, we can make a deal. Staying this far away like we're guarding against thieves? That's uncomfortable."

"Yes, yes, we were too narrow-minded. Brother, wait a moment—I'll report to our leader."

Xiao Bo was delighted—he'd just accomplished something. He leaned into the car, grabbed the walkie-talkie, smiled at Zhang Su, then walked to the rear of the vehicle and whispered.

"Jie Ge, these guys claim to be from Kuanzhuang—they're cautious, but they agreed to trade medicine, and they're willing to exchange raccoon dog pelts for food and weapons. But they don't trust me, a lowly lackey—they want to talk to you."

"How do you know they're lying about Kuanzhuang?"

Jie Ge asked cautiously.

"He didn't even know Kuanzhuang was in Caopo Township. Then he slipped up and said they came from Niujian. Most importantly, that guy in the car didn't react at all. If they were truly from the same group, that deadweight in the back wouldn't be so calm. Don't you think?"

Xiao Bo laid out his reasoning clearly.

"No, I'm still uneasy. Keep the walkie-talkie open. Tell them we have to leave for something else—see how they react."

Jie Ge put down the walkie-talkie, pulled out a compact telescope from the glove compartment, and watched from afar.

"Hehe…"

Xiao Bo walked out from behind the pickup and faced Zhang Su's group, smiling awkwardly: "Uh… sorry, guys, our leader just said he has to go handle something else—no time to trade now. Maybe we'll come back later…"

Zhang Su inwardly chuckled—knowing every trick the other side was playing was too amusing. He suppressed his anger, waved his hand: "Fine then. The road's wide—let's each go our own way. Don't waste each other's time. No need to see you off. Guys, get back to work—watch them closely, don't let them steal anything!"

But before he'd even turned, the two vehicles parked across the playground started up and drove toward him.

"Hey, weren't you leaving? Why are they coming over? Planning to just take it by force?"

Zhang Su's eyebrows shot up; everyone around him raised their rifles.

In truth, everyone nearby was confused—they could tell Zhang Su was playing the other side, but why? Just to ambush them?

Ambushing them didn't fit Zhang Su's character…

Seeing everyone raise their weapons, Xiao Bo inwardly groaned but kept smiling, waving his hands frantically: "Big brothers and big sisters, don't get excited! I—I must've misunderstood our leader. Don't get excited, please don't get excited!"

Zhang Su glanced at the flailing Xiao Bo, told his men to keep watch, then turned his gaze to the Camry and the SUV.

Soon, the two vehicles stopped ten meters away. Five people stepped out from the driver and passenger seats, still smiling warmly despite the guns pointed at them.

"Hahaha, brothers and sisters, weren't you calling us over to trade? Why all the weapons? Did my guy say something wrong?"

Zhang Su looked at the man stepping out from the Camry's driver's seat—he wore a thick northern-style down jacket, a woolen hat, a thermal headband across his forehead, and a stubbly, bluish chin. Even smiling, he had no warmth.

"You just said you had to leave, yet now you're driving over—what's your plan?"

Zhang Su tilted his head.

"Misunderstanding! This is a total misunderstanding! Xiao Bo, I clearly said I was coming right over—what the hell did you say?"

"Ah… Jie Ge, I—I misheard. I thought we were supposed to handle something else first, then come trade. Sorry, I messed up."

Xiao Bo kept bowing and clasping his hands.

"Ah, I see," Zhang Su tossed his rifle over his shoulder, signaling his men to lower their weapons, then said: "I heard you brought good raccoon dog pelts to trade for medicine and weapons?"

"Exactly—top-grade pelts, thick fur, dense pile. Back then they sold for over a thousand each; now they're worth even more, hahaha."

Jie Ge pointed to the Camry's trunk: "We want to trade for cardiovascular and anti-epileptic meds, and also… um…"

As he spoke, Jie Ge glanced at the weapons of the group before him—and his heart lurched. He was stunned: their weapons were identical to the ones on the guy in the car!

This realization sent his hormones surging; sweat instantly broke out along his spine.

(End of Chapter)