Chapter 46: Return

“I’ll drive!”
A man stepped forward, volunteering.
“Alright, you follow the police car, and I’ll be behind you. Don’t try anything funny. You three get in this car.” Wang Zhi gestured to the four men behind him.

Wang Zhi’s car had Su Muxiang, Yang Liu, An Qing, and two other women left.
Yang Liu had to ride in his car—Wang Zhi wasn’t trusting anyone else with her safety. As for the others, Wang Zhi couldn’t let them face the survivors alone, at least not without having two people together for mutual support. He couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t be backstabbed.

“Phew, finally a chance to rest.” Su Muxiang sighed comfortably from the passenger seat.
“By the way, when we get to the Dawn Tower, will it really be safe?”
Yang Liu sounded a bit apprehensive.

“It will guarantee your safety, but not necessarily theirs,” Wang Zhi replied after thinking for a moment.
“Why’s that?”
“Because the Dawn Tower doesn’t keep idle people.”

“Ah, I see. That makes sense. I thought…”
Yang Liu trailed off, not finishing her sentence.
“Thought we might just kill anyone on sight?” Wang Zhi chuckled.
“No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Don’t worry, everyone’s just trying to survive. We won’t do anything reckless.”
Wang Zhi gave her reassurance, and Yang Liu seemed to relax.

“Wang Zhi, do you think that family is still over there?”
Su Muxiang asked, eyes closed as she relaxed.
“They should be. It’s only been half a day.”

Click! Su Muxiang lit another cigarette, staring out the window in silence.
“What’s wrong, Sis?” Wang Zhi asked, noticing Su Muxiang seemed a bit down.

“Once, this world was so prosperous. Now, it’s just a wreck. Humanity is like rats, hiding everywhere. It’s really pathetic.”
“It will get better,” Wang Zhi said seriously, gripping the steering wheel.
“Let’s hope so.” Su Muxiang turned her head and continued smoking.

Wang Zhi glanced at Su Muxiang, who was so hard to read. He knew she was good at hiding her emotions—when she looked sad, she might not actually be sad, and when she looked happy, it could just be a facade. When her face was expressionless, it was impossible to guess what she was really thinking, and that made her seem even more intimidating to Wang Zhi.

“Are you scared of me, Wang Zhi?” Su Muxiang suddenly asked.
Wang Zhi froze. He had just been thinking about Su Muxiang, and now she was asking this? Was she a mind reader?

Gulp.
“How could that be? I just think you’re very charming, Sis.”
“Really? Then why haven’t you ever made a move on me?”

Wang Zhi’s mind blanked. He quickly said, “Next time, I definitely will!”
He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, fearing Su Muxiang might press him on when that “next time” would be.
Luckily, Su Muxiang didn’t press the issue. She simply hummed and fell silent again.

Maybe he should have put her in Lao He’s car—at least Liuli was more understanding and gentle.
“Who’s prettier, me or Liuli?” Su Muxiang suddenly asked again.
Wang Zhi turned to look at her as if seeing a ghost. He had just been thinking about Liuli, and now Su Muxiang mentioned her? Was she reading his mind?

“Well, you each have your own charm. You’re more of the ‘mature woman’ type, while Liuli’s more of the ‘young girl’ type. You have different body types and personalities, but overall, Sis, you’re more attractive.”
Su Muxiang slowly nodded, contemplating Wang Zhi’s answer.

As expected, Wang Zhi’s words seemed to please her. If he had said Liuli looked better, he’d be in big trouble.
After that, Wang Zhi dared not think too much and kept driving in silence.

“Beep—Wang Zhi, the turn ahead leads to the West Ring Road. Should we change plans?”
Lao He’s voice came through the walkie-talkie.

“No change. Keep the speed around 40.”

They drove for a while, and then Lao He’s voice came again. “We spotted that car from last night.”
“Got it. Be careful, check if they’ve been infected.”

When Wang Zhi’s car got closer, they saw two zombies lying near the car. The other party quickly got out of the vehicle.

“Big brothers, why are you back so soon?” Hao Chenggong asked eagerly as he got out.
“Hmm, everything went smoothly. The outside is dangerous. No one wants to stay out longer than necessary,” Wang Zhi replied.

“That’s great! Can we go with you guys?” Hao Chenggong asked.
“Of course. Are you all alright? Any injuries?” Wang Zhi checked.

“We’re fine, no injuries. Wife, son, come thank the big brothers!” Hao Chenggong called out, and his wife and son got out of the car.

“Thank you, big brothers, for saving us. We are forever grateful,” Hao Chenggong’s wife said, bowing down.
“We just did what we could. Please, get up. We need to keep moving. It’s already afternoon, and it’ll be dark soon,” Wang Zhi said, looking at the time.

“Alright, we’ll follow you,” Hao Chenggong said.

So, Wang Zhi’s group now had three more people. The four cars set off toward Route 2, the route they had taken earlier.
An hour later, they had left the West Ring Road and entered Route 2.

If all went according to plan, they would reach the evacuation point in less than half an hour. Just as Wang Zhi was thinking this, Lao He’s voice came through the walkie-talkie again.
“Wang Zhi, something’s wrong. A large group of zombies up ahead!”