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Thank you again, Melonpan, for the sponsorship
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Wen Zhaoming noticed the two of them whispering quietly, then waited a while when they fell silent.
He maneuvered his electric wheelchair closer, reaching out to poke Tang Xuhai. "How's it going? Any discoveries?"
Tang Xuhai snapped out of it, nonchalantly replying, "Nothing, found nothing."
This method needed further experimentation; it was better not to speculate without a basis.
Fu Shiwu saw Wen Zhaoming approaching and gently struggled, prompting Tang Xuhai to release him. "I'll explore the other half; you don't need to use your ability anymore."
Fu Shiwu adjusted his glasses with an "Oh." He'd grown too weary to argue about the legitimacy of his abilities.
Miao Jia, observing from behind, couldn't make out much. Tang Xuhai had enveloped Fu Shiwu completely moments ago, and now all she saw was Tang Xuhai talking to Fu Shiwu with bowed head.
Their bond seemed strong. Miao Jia subtly thought it was a bit too intimate...
Fu Shiwu remained oblivious to anyone beginning to misinterpret their relationship. He simply opened the car door and climbed in, while Tang Xuhai turned toward the vehicle.
Wen Zhaoming maneuvered his wheelchair to the car's edge, grabbing the handle and effortlessly shifting inside. Tang Xuhai had specially modified this handle for him, conveniently positioned and sturdy.
Meanwhile, Miao Jia folded the wheelchair smoothly. In a matter of seconds, they'd completed the process from opening the door to starting the car, while the others were just settling in at the back.
At the spot designated by Fu Shiwu, Tang Xuhai alighted and took a stroll with his dual blades, finding no signs of life apart from an absence of anomalies or mutated creatures.
Fu Shiwu, with a serious expression, stood before them. "For the next two hours until dark, everyone is free to move within the town's limits but return to the parking spot by 8 PM. You're free to gather useful items during this time. Our main objectives are collecting gasoline and clothes for the upcoming temperature drop. Also, keep in mind, even if we reach the military area, supplies there might not be better than what we have here. So, gather some winter clothes as well."
Tang Xuhai stood with his hands behind his back, speaking sternly. "I suggest you explore the residential areas, but be prepared to witness scenes that might be unsettling."
Facing each other were eight individuals, and some began to show discomfort at his words.
"Unsettling scenes" meant decaying human corpses; that was the only possible explanation.
A few had glimpsed the corpses of aliens and humans fallen in the rain-soaked battle, but those left unattended in the town, decaying...
The mere thought sent shivers down their spines.
"Dismissed!" Fu Shiwu's icy gaze swept over them before he turned and left.
Walking a few steps away from the group, Fu Shiwu's tense shoulders relaxed. He secretly sighed. He wasn't used to these instructions; it was all Tang Xuhai's prearranged advice, or else his mind would've been blank with nothing to say.
Not good at all, considering his role as the leader of this small group. Nervous chattering wasn't going to cut it!
Encouraging himself inwardly, Fu Shiwu vowed to put more effort into conversing seriously with the others next time.
Instead of heading in the same direction as Fu Shiwu, Tang Xuhai ventured into one of the residential areas.
The entrance of this house faced the street. He pushed the locked door with ease and jumped over the wall without much thought, entering the premises.
A rather unpleasant smell wafted from the yard. The homeowners had fallen victim to the aliens, their bodies sprawled across the yard. Over two months had passed, leaving only skeletal remains after the flesh had decayed.
"Tsk!" Tong Xuhai clicked his tongue, circumventing the bodies to enter the house.
The house comprised five rooms, divided into east and west wings. Tang Xuhai scanned the interior.
The conditions were decent here. Simple decor, wooden floors, and even a suspended ceiling inside.
His eyes skimmed past the TV cabinet and refrigerator, heading straight into the adjacent room, the bedroom, with two large wardrobes. He moved to one, pulling it open to reveal bedding. The other held summer clothes, lacking any winter wear.
He pondered for a moment, then pulled the bedclothes aside, revealing the board beneath. Several planks formed it, housing a stash of clothes.
He dragged out the clothing, sorting through female attire. Setting those aside, he grabbed another package containing men's clothes.
Judging by the interior decor, the homeowners were likely a couple not much older than forty. The conditions were fair, and the clothing choices didn't vary much.
Currently, practicality outweighed any concern for style or outdated fashion. He selected several long-sleeved garments and thermal undergarments for winter, along with a few thick jackets.
Inspecting the clothing, he frowned; they were too small for him and Fu Shiwu. Perhaps only Miao Jia could wear them.
It was better than nothing. He left with the selected garments.
Two months of neglect had ruined the food here. Grains were infested, and edibles were spoiled beyond recognition.
Tang Xuhai chose not to take anything for now. He'd return when there was no other option.
This small town, seemingly abandoned since the apocalypse, still held most of its possessions intact.
Fu Shiwu stepped into a supermarket, treading on shattered glass. Chaos reigned within, bloodstains visible in several places.
Enduring the discomfort, Fu Shiwu pressed forward, finding most items still intact. Their carrying capacity limited their options, so they had to choose essentials.
Salt, sugar, seasoning...
Unable to take much, Fu Shiwu grabbed a shopping basket and began filling it.
He gazed longingly at the various flavors of instant noodles but settled for bags of rice and flour stashed under the shelves.
Only when he couldn't carry any more did Fu Shiwu stop.
As he surveyed the small supermarket, his gaze paused at the checkout counter.
Lollipops.
Fu Shiwu's eyes glimmered momentarily. Knowing Tang Xuhai struggled with quitting smoking lately, an idea struck him. Maybe some candy would help him distract his cravings.
Feeling justified, Fu Shiwu casually wedged a large box of assorted lollipops under his arm. Of course, he'd partake in a few as well—just incidentally!
The town's storefronts were rather monotonous, except for two clothing stores, a pharmacy, and one selling solar water heaters.
The rest were eateries or bakeries.
There were no gas stations in town, but fortunately, some households had cars, so they managed to gather enough gasoline from mailboxes.
Everyone secured some food and cooking oil, and though the clothes weren't perfect fits, at least each had something.
Fu Shiwu was fine, but the tallest, Tang Xuhai, discovered his clothes were significantly shorter.
That was inevitable, considering his towering stature.
Suppressing a grin, Fu Shiwu received a disgruntled glance from Tang X
uhai.
Though amusing, Tang Xuhai hoped they'd find better-fitting clothes once they reached the military area.
As darkness descended, they gathered and left the town, arriving at an open area a few kilometers away.
Fields bordered the location, presumably used for drying harvested grains.
Staying overnight in houses was comfortable, but for safety reasons, having a wide field of vision was crucial. Who knew if aliens or mutated animals would approach?
Since everyone had gathered some food, they luxuriated in a meal of rice and vegetables—though a bit aged—grown by local villagers, stir-fried together.
As usual, they took turns keeping watch throughout the night. Luckily, no aliens ventured near the town that night, allowing them a restful sleep.
The following day, rain began as predicted by Miao Jia, signaling a drop in temperature.
Fu Shiwu closed the car windows; the chilly wind made him shiver.
Tang Xuhai continued driving, glancing at Fu Shiwu. "Cold?"
A bit embarrassed, Fu Shiwu admitted, "A little."
Tang Xuhai remarked, "Got clothes, but won't wear them. What's the point of looking cool?"
Although his words lacked politeness, he also closed Fu Shiwu's window.
"It's okay; keep yours open," Fu Shiwu replied sheepishly.
"Old Wen, find something for him to wear," Tang Xuhai ordered without looking.
Wen Zhaoming turned and rummaged through the nearby clothes, fetching a long-sleeved T-shirt that fit Fu Shiwu.
Fu Shiwu hesitated, holding the shirt, looking uneasy.
"Why don't you wear it?" Tang Xuhai queried, puzzled. "Aren't you feeling cold?"
Fu Shiwu's complexion paled slightly as he forced a smile, "I always wear dress shirts or cardigans, never a T-shirt."
"Tch," Tang Xuhai scoffed, shaking his head. "A stickler for style. In these conditions, just be grateful you have clothes. Don't be choosy; put it on quickly!"
Wen Zhaoming chimed in, "In these circumstances, it doesn't matter if it looks good or not. It's not good to catch a cold. Hurry and put it on."
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