Chapter 14: City B
The chaotic and decaying streets were thick with the stench of blood. Paradise and hell, it seemed, were only a second apart.
In just one night, former prosperity had been replaced by desolation.
Following the car in front, Su Mo carefully observed her surroundings. The men, though lacking in finesse, were surprisingly resourceful. They’d encountered a few zombies along the way, but avoided the larger hordes.
This indicated familiarity with City B, and a degree of planning. Letting them lead the way was far better than blundering through an unfamiliar environment.
Faint lights flickered in the dim streets, accompanied by the whoosh of wind. The two vehicles, like nocturnal cheetahs, darted through the streets.
After what seemed like a long time, dawn broke, the eastern sun hinting at its arrival, illuminating the surroundings.
There were no skyscrapers, no dense housing. Only desolate patches of weeds and scattered low houses stretched as far as the eye could see.
Soon, the cars slowed. Su Mo looked up. A ruined school building loomed nearby, devoid of vibrant colors or ornamentation, only drab gray and decay.
Following the lead car, the two siblings quickly alighted. They watched as the other men swiftly gathered their bags, containing the food they’d been given.
Noticing their gaze, the leader’s eyes narrowed, his voice laced with menace. “What are you looking at? Don’t try anything.”
Su Hao’s face tightened. Seeing his sister calmly turn to observe the surroundings, he protectively positioned himself beside her.
After a quick survey, Su Mo fixed her gaze on the dilapidated school building.
Compared to the densely populated and dangerous city, this desolate location was far more suitable for hiding and escaping, minimizing the risk of zombie encounters.
A car door slammed shut. Su Mo turned to see the men distributing their supplies, ensuring everyone had a share to prevent imbalances or losses.
She raised an eyebrow. The large man, while seemingly clumsy, possessed surprising foresight, earning her respect.
Once everything was prepared, the leader turned, pistol in hand, gesturing towards the school building. His voice was rough and harsh. “You two, go first.”
Su Mo glanced at him, then started walking, only to be stopped by a hand on her arm.
“Follow me,” Su Hao said, his three words laced with unwavering determination. He drew a curved knife from his waist, his hand firmly holding hers, his vigilance palpable.
Even knowing zombies weren’t likely to be inside, Su Mo felt a surge of warmth.
The empty school building was thick with the smell of death and decay. Filthy gutters emitted foul odors; the dilapidated hallways were in disrepair, the railings rusted, and damp patches showed signs of moss.
The place had clearly been abandoned for a long time.
After cautiously ascending to the first floor, the leader spoke. “Go straight ahead to the classroom at the far end.”
Su Hao, without hesitation, started walking. Even leading the way, they were all in this together, and any danger would affect them all.
They soon reached the classroom. Su Hao opened the door. Inside, it was far cleaner than the other rooms, with bricks haphazardly stacked in one corner, presumably for shelter construction.
Su Mo turned. The side of the room was lined with old, broken windows. Opposite, a small hill connected to the school building by a short bridge.
Though seemingly rough, the men had chosen a strategically sound location for safety and escape.
Suddenly, a gruff, menacing voice interrupted her thoughts. “What are you looking at? Let me warn you, you have half a day to rest. This afternoon, you take us to the place you mentioned. If you lie, you’ll regret it.”
The man’s face was twisted in a confident smirk. Su Hao, who’d been observing their surroundings, frowned.
“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t lie,” Su Mo said coldly, pulling Su Hao towards a corner.
The sky began to lighten. The snow abruptly stopped, as if the night’s blizzard had been a fleeting illusion.
Su Mo reached into her bag, feigning to take out bread and drinks, secretly retrieving them from her spatial storage. She offered them to Su Hao, whispering, “Brother, make do with this for now.”
With outsiders present, she couldn’t reveal her secret. Su Hao understood this, shaking his head; they were lucky to have food at all.
In contrast to the siblings’ calm demeanor, the others, cold and hungry, devoured their food, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.
Observing the siblings close their eyes and lean against the wall, several men greedily eyed Su Mo’s bag. One approached the leader. “Boss, can we trust that girl?”
“Yeah, Boss. They just came from City A. How would they know about supplies in City B?” another chimed in, his eyes glued to Su Mo, filled with lustful intentions.
“For safety, we should just kill them. What do you think, guys?” another suddenly suggested.
They exchanged uneasy glances, furtively eyeing the sleeping siblings, before nodding in unison. “Boss, I think Ming is right. We should…”
“Should what?” the leader interrupted, his eyes hard as he scanned them. “What? You’re already scheming on the first day?.”
Their faces fell. They shrank back, silent. The leader looked at the sleeping siblings, his eyes icy as he addressed the others. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. I’m warning you, get those filthy thoughts out of your heads. Until we get what we want, anyone who touches that girl will die. And remember, it’s the end of the world. If you want pleasure, you have to survive first.”
The leader ignored them, glanced at the sleeping siblings, and closed his eyes.
The others dared not speak, silently closing their mouths and taking turns keeping watch as they rested.