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Despite his confident promise, Fu Shiwu's heart was pounding as Tang Xuhai pushed him towards the seven individuals brought over by Wen Zhaoming.
He had never been in a position of leadership before.
Quietly taking a deep breath, Fu Shiwu carefully recalled the description of his unit's director, attempting to mimic it.
Tang Xuhai felt his body go weak, starting to walk with an awkward swaying gait.
Seeing this, he couldn't help but feel puzzled. What was Fu Shiwu doing with that wobbly walk?
He nudged Fu Shiwu's back and quickly caught up, whispering, "What are you doing?"
"I'm imitating our director," Fu Shiwu inexplicably looked at him. "Isn't that what you told me to do?"
Tang Xuhai wiped his forehead, both amused and exasperated. "You don't need to imitate an official! Just be yourself."
Though not fully understanding, Fu Shiwu abandoned the idea of learning from the director under Tang Xuhai's insistent gaze.
"Okay," Fu Shiwu nodded, returning to a normal stride.
Wen Zhaoming had already stepped beside these people, intending to introduce both parties.
Approaching the group, Fu Shiwu couldn't help but feel nervous, lips pressed tightly, his gaze cold, his expression even more stern.
Observing Fu Shiwu's intimidating aura, Wen Zhaoming mentally applauded. As Tang Xuhai would lead these people in battles ahead, it was necessary for Fu Shiwu to set a tone and impose a strict rule, ensuring discipline without being too harsh.
Ordinary leadership might not sit well with these non-conformists or individuals with special abilities. But Fu Shiwu was different; despite his seemingly just decent marksmanship, his aura was formidable enough to instill a natural sense of wariness.
As Tang Xuhai intentionally stepped back, Wen Zhaoming respectfully introduced the group, prompting speculation about this lean man and how he commanded such deference from two individuals with special abilities.
Fu Shiwu nodded calmly, not knowing exactly what to say, just silently observing the seven individuals before him.
Scanning each of them, he mentally repeated Wen Zhaoming's introductions.
Three with special abilities: the water-based Horn Ting, the earth-based Ma Dong, and the wood-based Liu Peiqi. Among the four mutants, there were three men and one woman, including a foreigner! These four were named Liu Zhao, Wu Shan, Orland, and Wang Dan.
Inspecting them, Fu Shiwu's prolonged silence added a heaviness to the confined space.
Tang Xuhai cleared his throat lightly, signaling Fu Shiwu to speak.
After a moment's pause, Fu Shiwu's voice sternly declared, "Since you're all here, it means we share a common goal! Surviving and reaching a safe place. I won't say much more, just one requirement!" His voice turned severe as he continued, "From now on, I expect no concealment of anything detrimental to the team. Any command that benefits an individual or a group must be executed without compromise! Understood?!"
His gaze swept over them, causing all seven to involuntarily respond in unison, "Understood!"
Once Fu Shiwu finished, fearing another lull, Tang Xuhai stepped forward. "Get ready; we leave the warehouse center in an hour. Whoever has a car, bring it here. For those without, find a ride among those available."
Some nodded, some shook their heads. Tang Xuhai sighed at the disorderly response; after all, they weren't trained in such matters.
"Now disperse! Gather in 50 minutes!" Tang Xuhai stood firm, bellowing with authority.
The seven hesitated, glancing at each other before scattering. Some had driven here, but their cars were parked at the warehouse entrance, unsure if they were functional.
Some hadn't finished packing, now rushing back in haste.
"These guys are even less efficient than Shiwu was initially," Tang Xuhai shook his head.
"Cut them some slack; they were all just regular people before," Wen Zhaoming, controlling his wheelchair, chimed in.
"Zhaoming, what about your wheelchair? We might not find a way to charge it on the road," Fu Shiwu frowned worriedly.
Wen Zhaoming smiled lightly. "Don't worry. Miao Jia has a small solar charging panel from the police logistics. He intended it for his computer but gave me the charger. That should suffice for charging."
"Great," Fu Shiwu said, relieved.
"Miao Jia gathered quite a few things during this time, all electronic devices. I told him to bring everything to our car; we have ample space," Tang Xuhai added.
Wen Zhaoming nodded. "Though we sought these seven, until we know their characters, we shouldn't trust them too much. When we depart, the four of us will drive modified vehicles in front, letting them follow behind."
"They probably won't want to be in the front anyway," Tang Xuhai snorted, then praised Fu Shiwu, "Your speech earlier was good; I thought you'd freeze and make the situation awkward. I was ready for you to save the day."
Fu Shiwu shot him an annoyed glance. He wouldn't have rushed if it weren't for this troublemaker!
Wen Zhaoming also commended, "Your demand for obedience was correct. These people can be unpredictable without clear orders."
Glancing at both of them, Fu Shiwu pressed his lips, "I thought of you two, one who gets a cold and doesn't speak until he faints! The other always stubborn, refusing to listen and resorting to force!"
Neither Tang Xuhai nor Wen Zhaoming had anticipated this veiled criticism, momentarily silenced.
Fu Shiwu continued, glaring, "Both of you, stop these habits!"
Tang Xuhai and Wen Zhaoming, unable to laugh or cry, nodded repeatedly, hoping Fu Shiwu would let go of this embarrassing past.
Water-based ability user Horn Ting arrived in a decent car that might not navigate off-road but would manage well on highways. On the other hand, foreigner Orland brought a business car, comfortably seating five.
As they prepared to leave, Tang Xuhai didn't immediately assist in modifying the two vehicles. Having an SUV lead, he believed these cars wouldn't pose any issues.
Miao Jia returned holding something akin to a collapsed umbrella.
Climbing into the car, Miao Jia carefully placed the umbrella-like object in the back—thanks to Tang Xuhai's extra shelves in the trunk, creating more space.
"What's this?" Fu Shiwu asked curiously.
"A satellite antenna. We can't receive satellite signals in the wild without it," Miao Jia explained bluntly, then ingratiatingly added, "Hey, Shiwu, tell Brother Hai when you have time to make a bigger one for me. It'll work better."
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Fu Shiwu questioned.
"Oh, Brother Hai always sees me as grumpy; I'm too scared," Miao Jia blinked innocently, seeking sympathy.
From a bag behind him, Miao Jia pulled out a pistol and a large box of bullets.
"Shiwu, take this as a token of gratitude for helping me," Miao Jia cheerfully handed the gun to Fu Shiwu. "Take it."
Fu Shiwu's eyes shifted to the box of bright yellow bullets. "How do you still have bullets?"
Unconcerned, Miao Jia replied, "I got these from the police logistics when I first arrived here. My shooting is terrible, so I don't want to waste these precious bullets. Take them all."
"No!" Fu Shiwu halted his attempt to push them away, pondering, "You can give me half; take the gun back. In times like these, it's crucial to have a gun for protection."
Miao Jia placed his hand on Fu Shiwu's, earnestly saying, "Shiwu, not to overstate, but my shooting is genuinely terrible. If my teacher hadn't lowered the standards, I wouldn't have passed! Keeping these bullets with me would be a complete waste! Moreover, your performance the other day—your shooting could be better, not hindered by anything other than the gun's rate of fire. If the bullets were faster, you wouldn't have needed to fire so many shots to take it down. Now, with two guns, coordinating, you can definitely kill more mutants!"
Fu Shiwu felt a flicker of realization. Dual wielding?
"But..." Fu Shiwu furrowed his brows, still hesitating.
"Oh, come on, Shiwu!" Miao Jia pushed the gun and bullets into Fu Shiwu's hands, "With you killing more mutants, it means I face fewer threats, right? As a logistical guy like me, lacking any combat skills, I need protection from people like you on the front lines. Shiwu, you wouldn't want to see me in danger, right?" Miao Jia batted his eyelashes in a cute manner.
Fu Shiwu sensed something off but couldn't pinpoint it. Logically, Miao Jia, being the youngest among them, deserved care. Even in these dire times, Miao Jia didn't need to be so obsequious, right?!