Chapter 438: Don

Liao Youzhi truly didn't understand why Zhang Su had covered the hostage's head—he probably picked it up from old TV dramas—but since identities had been confirmed, it didn't matter. Seeing Liu Yao say nothing, he said: "We'll deal with the bodies of the three Xiao Ying members later; let's handle the matter at hand first!"

"Fine!"

Neither side objected, so the hostage exchange began—but another problem arose.

On the Tianma Yu side, Ju Wuying walked at the rear, escorting the hostage south, while Wu Baokang led the group at the front, unhooded.

On the opposite side, Liao Youzhi assigned three Guard Corps members to escort the twelve Civilization Protectors northward.

"Wait!"

Zhao Dezhu immediately halted the exchange, pointing at Liao Youzhi and shouting: "We've handed over all our hostages—why are you still holding Li Zongkai? And why did we send only one woman to escort them, while you sent three big men? Are you deliberately provoking us?"

"I know all lives are equal, but Li Zongkai is the leader of the Civilization Protectors—how can a leader be equated with ordinary members? This shows utter disrespect for Li's status! After the exchange, I need to have a serious talk with you about Li Zongkai!"

Liao Youzhi gripped Li Zongkai beside him, one arm draped over his shoulder, appearing casual—this was a vital bargaining chip, and he must trade it for something of higher value, like Tian's tank!

"As for the escort personnel… Xiao Liu, Da Zhi—you two stay back!" Liao Youzhi didn't insist on the escort team and immediately withdrew the two men.

"You fucking… fine, I'll see what tricks you're gonna pull!"

Zhao Dezhu opened his mouth to curse, then suddenly noticed the last hostage in the line, hands tied behind his back, giving him a signal—he quickly changed his tone, thinking: You don't know, but we're also holding back one who wasn't sent over.

Negotiations ended; the hostage exchange resumed.

Wu Baokang led his group forward. He understood exactly what Liao Youzhi intended, and also guessed Zhang Su's next plan—his heart was filled with complex emotions, because victory on either side brought him no benefit; it wasn't just the outcome that affected him, but the process too.

Rather than focus on their struggle, he should concentrate on himself—someone important was waiting for him at the camp; how to preserve himself and return safely to LeGou Mall was the key! The other four Survivors Alliance hostages held different thoughts, but all shared one demand: survive first. Only when their safety was guaranteed could they truly relax.

The four members of the Tianqi Corps despised Liao Youzhi—this so-called Northern Expansion Plan was nothing but a pirate ship. Once back with their leader, they'd expose Liao Youzhi's schemes.

As for Guangming Knight Fan Dahai, who had been swapped by Zhang Su and remained with the Tianma Yu members, he wasn't particularly panicked—he'd received a promise, so his life was temporarily safe. He didn't know how things would unfold, but he couldn't intervene; he simply hid inside a van, peering out with his eyes, watching the spectacle.

Among the Survivors Alliance, Zhang Xin stood tense in the crowd—he had a bad premonition; some inner voice told him that as soon as the hostage exchange ended, a storm would break! Gong Chengming had unconsciously joined the Vanguard Team One, appearing to be whispering to them, drawing no attention—everyone's focus was fixed on the two hostage groups crossing the bumpy road.

Yu Qing stood beside an SUV, gripping her rifle tightly, watching the approaching hostage group. She knew exactly where the bombs were planted—not that stepping on them would trigger them like landmines, but due to the rushed setup, the concealment was hasty; she feared the other side would spot them.

Fortunately, everyone's psychological pressure was high, eyes locked straight ahead—no one noticed the ground. Besides, the ground was littered with trash; even if they wanted to find the bombs, it wouldn't be easy.

Crossing the hundred-meter bumpy stretch took little time; soon, both groups met in the center. "Wu Ge!"

The Guard Corps member escorting the Civilization Protectors greeted Wu Baokang with a solemn nod. Their relationship was neither warm nor cold, but Wu was still his superior. Seeing how worn down Wu looked after just one night, he imagined what he'd endured—and his heart burned with anger.

Wu Baokang's mouth was bound, so he couldn't speak—only gave a brief nod in reply.

"Keep moving!"

Ju Wuying, seeing both groups stop, urged them on.

"Where else are we supposed to go? Isn't the exchange right here?"

Luo Yongzhan's brow furrowed, his gaze fierce—he showed no leniency because Ju Wuying was a woman.

Ju Wuying paid no mind to Luo's hostility, calmly saying: "You send your people to our side, I'll send mine to yours." "What's this 'this side' and 'that side'? You're insane! Exchange right here! I warn you—hurry up, or I won't hold back!"

Saying this, Luo raised his gun.

"Ah… uuuh…"

But at that moment, Wu Baokang frantically gestured to Luo—winking, shaking his head—clearly telling him not to act rashly.

"What are you all dawdling for? Move faster!"

Liao Youzhi's voice crackled from the loudspeaker.

"Chief, they demand we escort our people to their side, and they'll send Wu Ge over too—what should we do?"

Since he himself was uncertain, Luo sought orders.

"So many damn tricks!"

Liao Youzhi thought Tianma Yu was being annoyingly fussy. He knew their demand had a purpose, but couldn't figure it out right away—and he didn't want to waste more time. Seeing the hostage escort was a woman, he snapped:

"Fine, fine—this is the last time! Don't you dare make another demand!"

Receiving the order, Luo grunted, shot Ju Wuying a glare, then shoved the Civilization Protectors forward. He was furious—when two armies faced off, who'd willingly walk into enemy territory? But Ju Wuying didn't care about his attitude; she calmly pointed ahead to Wu Baokang, silently urging: Go.

A hundred meters, walked slowly, took barely a minute.

As Wu Baokang and the others neared the crowd, Liao Youzhi, Gong Chengming, Yang Xinqi, and several others of minor status stepped forward to rescue the hostages—what a moment of triumph!

On the Tianma Yu side, Wu Daqiang and others had already waited at the front, watching their comrades approach, their hearts warmed—but then they remembered their leader was still in enemy hands, and anxiety surged again.

"Come on, free our brave warriors!"

Liao Youzhi waved his hand; the surrounding Guard Corps members moved toward the hostages, ready to untie their comrades.

"You've suffered."

Yang Xinqi was even more anxious—he didn't wait for his men to act, but stepped forward himself to comfort his brothers.

But as most Guard Corps members left Liao Youzhi's side and approached the hostages, a sudden change occurred.

"Ah…"

A scream erupted from behind the crowd. Everyone turned—there, the cargo van holding the flamethrower zombies. Before anyone could grasp what happened, another shock struck: "Don't move!"

Under everyone's stunned gaze, Gong Chengming stepped forward and seized Liao Youzhi from behind, wrapping an arm around his neck, pressing a pistol firmly against his skull, dragging him backward into a group of Vanguard Team One members holding weapons!?!?! Now nearly everyone—even those on the Tianma Yu side—were frozen in shock.

"What the fuck just happened?" Zhao Dezhu stared blankly at the other side, his presence utterly shattered.

(End of Chapter)