It wasn't that they didn't want to speak, but they didn't dare.
They had rewatched many zombie films. Among them, the most ideal zombies were those in a certain movie, the kind that even a wheelchair-bound old grandma couldn't outrun.
If it were truly that kind of zombie, perhaps it would bring changes to the world, but the lucky survivors could use tools in hand, successfully fight their way out.
But reality was zombies that had reached the peak of human evolution. Their running speed reached that of world-class athletes; their explosive power, endurance, even more terrifying.
There were even mutated, evolving zombies.
This completely slammed the door shut on humanity's hope of survival.
Even hiding at home.
How long could supplies last?
Going out to find supplies was even more dangerous to the extreme. As long as seen by zombies, without transportation, it was basically a free offering.
Quy Thu Nguyet said, "Fortunately, there is one piece of good news. Until now, only humans will be infected and turn into zombies. Animals still exist. Those in remote mountainous areas can use the terrain advantage to survive. This can be considered one of the few pieces of good news so far."
Everyone remained silent.
This perhaps truly was one of the few pieces of good news.
If even animals turned into zombies, that would be truly terrifying. Especially rats; those would be humanity's nemesis. Any shelter with openings would be breached, absolutely no possibility of survival.
Quy Thu Nguyet was very helpless.
The major bases were all stalled, at their wit's end, completely unsure how to proceed. Felt this disaster was aimed at them, humans.
The purpose was precisely to wipe out humanity.
Where is hope?
Cannot see it.
Truly cannot see it at all. Even a sliver of hope could invigorate people's hearts, thereby filling the future with hope.
Early morning.
Chao River, by the bank.
Lam Pham collected the fishing nets.
These were set yesterday, three in total.
Anticipating, didn't know if there would be a harvest.
As he pulled the nets, heard the sound of splashing water. Inside were fish, shrimp. The quantity wasn't considered large, but definitely a good start.
He placed the caught aquatic products into the fish basket, then put some bread into the fishing nets, threw them towards the river, the rope tied to plants on the side.
Meetings are truly better.
Accepting the masses' opinions can lead to very good methods.
Catching fish from the river is good.
If can't finish eating, can put them in the dug fish pond.
Carrying the water bucket, very happily headed home.
Far away.
A sedan sped along.
In the car, a family of three; the child was eight years old.
The driving man gripped the steering wheel, staring ahead, but also constantly looking at the rearview mirror. Through the rearview mirror, saw zombies chasing behind.
That group of zombies, for his family of three, caused immense harm.
His name was Chu Minh.
Before the apocalypse erupted, he was a high-level executive at an internet company. Was originally resting at home, suddenly heard his wife scream "Ah!" Instantly woke him up.
He hurriedly went to check the situation.
Only saw his wife trembling, pointing at the door being pounded violently. His first thought was to call the police, but while calling, looking through the peephole outside, who knew his own nanny carrying a grocery basket was actually banging on it repeatedly.
The image was like a demon, savage and terrifying. In his mind, images of zombies instantly appeared.
He hurriedly called the police.
But the other end of the phone was always busy.
Turned on the TV, watched the news. TV stations empty. Even if there was sound, only tragic screams and roars. Scared him into instantly predicting something major had happened.
Pulled open the curtains. The scene on the street downstairs made him lose his composure, stunned on the spot.
Chaos everywhere: car crashes, biting, tragic screams, shouts. Past peace vanished without a trace in an instant. The scenes before him were like hell on earth.
Then he took out his mobile phone again, checked the situation of his parents in his hometown.
He and his wife were from the same hometown. Went to the same middle school. Later, after graduating from university, went to Hoang city together to work hard. Many years passed, also had achievements. Originally planned to bring both sets of parents to the city to enjoy their old age.
But the old folks were used to the countryside, didn't want to come to the city. Finally, just built a villa for them on their homestead in the hometown, letting the three old folks live together.
Through the surveillance.
Saw parents were all very safe.
Immediately called them, told them to lock the main door, don't go out. Don't respond even if someone knocks. Wait for them to return.
Over there, no lack of supplies. Old folks all like to hoard grain at home, also like to farm in the yard. Also have a well. So as long as not breached by zombies, basic life can be guaranteed.
He, his wife, and child hid here. Still had food at home. Rationing a bit could last for some time. He had been waiting for a chance to leave, but there were truly too many zombies outside; it was impossible for them to run.
During this period.
The mental pressure was truly too great.
Fortunately, wife and child were both present.
Supporting each other.
Later, finally waited for an opportunity. Didn't know how an explosion sounded, actually attracted all their surrounding zombies. Also because of this reason.
He could take his family, quickly go to the parking lot, drive the car and escape from the community.
The destination was his hometown, over five hundred kilometers away from here.
"Honey, the zombies are chasing us!" The woman occasionally looked behind. A group of zombies chased like mad, running very fast, looking truly too scary.
Chu Minh comforted, "It's okay, I'm here. We're driving; they definitely can't catch up. You don't need to be afraid."
At this time.
Chu Minh, driving, continuously accelerated. Suddenly, a terrifying thing happened: unexpectedly, the car ran out of gas. Suddenly remembered something.
He had lent his car to someone else to use.
He also didn't pay attention, didn't check if the car had gas.
According to normal social etiquette, borrowing a friend's car out, when returning it, filling up the gas is very normal behavior.
Gradually.
The sedan stopped.
"Honey, what's wrong?" the woman hurriedly asked.
Chu Minh said, "Out of gas."
Huh?
The woman heard, her face changed drastically.
"Don't panic! Don't panic!"
Chu Minh thought of a way, observed the surrounding situation, then looked at the continuously chasing, ever-nearing zombie horde. He knew staying here was certainly a dead end.
He looked at his wife, then at the child huddled in her embrace.
"Wife." He looked at his wife, as if wanting to engrave this face in his heart. "Remember, you and the child hide well in the car. Don't move around. Don't make a sound. Absolutely, absolutely cannot make a sound. I'll go lure the zombies away."
If they all hid in the car.
Zombies would surely surround the sedan. Through his observation during this period, this group of zombies was very terrifying, would go crazy ramming. Even if hitting their heads until bleeding, still wouldn't stop.
"Don't!" the woman said, grieving, desperate. How could she not know the consequences once her husband went out?
Chu Minh looked at the zombies behind getting closer and closer, hurriedly said, "Listen to me! Don't be willful! Remember not to make a sound, don't move around, take good care of the child!"
Finished speaking.
Directly opened the door and got out.
Closed the door tightly.
Looked at the zombies behind, waved, "Come on! Come on..."
Then bolted and ran forward.
"Ugh ugh..."
Could hear zombie roars.
The mother and child hiding in the car seats heard rumbling sounds from the car roof; that was the sound of zombie footsteps. Scared her into covering her son's mouth, not letting the child get frightened and make a sound.
She despairingly watched her husband's running back. Clearly so tired, yet still striving for hope for them.
Damn zombies, damn apocalypse! How I wish these things never happened!
"Huff! Huff!"
Chu Minh was very tired. Lacking exercise for years, already felt like couldn't run anymore. But thinking of buying time for his wife and child, he must lead this group of zombies away, cannot be caught so quickly.
Otherwise, if zombies wander within clear sight of the car, how could wife and child escape safely afterwards?
He already heard the zombies' "Ugh ugh" sounds getting closer and closer.
Knew the zombies were right behind.
He didn't dare turn his head.
Afraid as soon as he turned, he would be pounced on by zombies.
Thud!
He, wearing leather shoes, fell to the ground. Knew in his heart there was no hope. He felt the zombies' sense of oppression; that feeling was so real.
"Done for."
"Wife... Son, you..."
Just as despair filled his heart, preparing to bid farewell to this world.
"Are you okay?" A gentle voice came.
Chu Minh sluggishly turned his head, looked at the mysterious young man standing beside him. The opponent carried a water bucket, a sword on his back. Felt a bit strange.
But...
"There are zombies..." he shouted.
"Oh, I see them. It's okay. Wait until they get closer. I'll help you up first." Lam Pham helped the opponent up, then looked towards the zombies. Still twenty or thirty meters away, not too far, not too close.
Chu Minh slowly retreated, wanting to continue running. For him, zombies were an unbeatable, terrifying existence.
"Don't be afraid. With me here, I'm very strong."
Own strength, must let the opponent know, to reassure them, make them have absolute confidence in oneself. However, he felt the effect wasn't very good. The opponent's expression already told him: I really don't believe what you say.
Put down the water bucket in hand.
Drew Frostmourne.
When the power of words isn't enough to convince people, then should display action, use action to tell the opponent: Your worries are unnecessary, unnecessary.
"Ugh ugh..."
Zombies got closer and closer, roars transmitting by his ear. He took a large stride forward, momentum very strong. Frostmourne in hand swept out horizontally, silver light flashing. The leading several zombies were cut in half at the waist.
At this moment, Lam Pham was like a butterfly among flowers. Footsteps light and fast, Frostmourne in hand continuously reaping.
Not a dragonfly skimming water, but violent output.
Any zombie colliding with Frostmourne, head separating was considered light. Severe ones were chopped in half, sticky fluid splattering all over the ground.
Chu Minh, wanting to continue running, was scared stiff by the scene before him.
Even felt like deep in a dream.
Is this something a human can do? Even made him think, if I also had such a sword, wouldn't I also be able to fight zombies?
Often this is mistaken confidence.
One doesn't know oneself, thinks this is the truth, finally tragically taught a lesson by reality, even paying with one's life.
Lam Pham felt Frostmourne in his hand getting sharper and sharper. Didn't know if it was his own strength increasing, or the sharpness's reason. Zombies are fierce, yes, but he wasn't scared at all.
Zombies' killing moves are very simple: just pounce, ram, bite, also no fear of death.
After a moment.
Lam Pham looked at the pile of zombies before him, very helpless. Another pile of sticky fluid, fragmented corpses everywhere. A not-so-good smell wafted in the air.
Swung Frostmourne in his hand, weng weng vibrations, as if air was exploded by high-frequency vibrations.
Blood peeled off.
Returned to the scabbard.
"It's okay." Lam Pham walked towards Chu Minh, bent down to pick up the water bucket. Inside was his harvest. Being able to meet survivors when coming out was indeed a good thing.
He observed the opponent.
Felt not bad, didn't have that evil intent. This, in the apocalypse, is a very rare quality.
Continue observing, continue conversing, see what the opponent does. When the time is ripe, if feels okay, can invite the opponent, ask if they have a place to live. If not, can consider Duong Quang Apartments.
A commission fee can then be earned.
Chu Minh thought of something, hurriedly ran towards that side.
Lam Pham followed.
Normally in this situation, always receive thanks from the opponent. This one running over there now, definitely something up.
Just about to carefully see what was happening.
Arriving there, saw the opponent hugging a woman, also a child.
The scene before him instantly made him think of various possibilities. Limousine parked in the middle of the road, hiding inside, someone ran to lure away zombies, also very safe.
This man probably just wanted to lure the zombies away, create a chance for them.
"Wife! He saved me! That group of zombies were all killed by him!" Chu Minh thought of the scene just now; besides shock, was gratitude. If not for meeting him, might have already become zombie rations.
The woman looked at Lam Pham, looking thin and weak, yet so formidable, "Thank you for saving my husband."
Lam Pham revealed a friendly smile. This family of three before him was the happiest trio he had met. Not missing, not few, all survived. Thought of the survivors he pulled into Duong Quang Apartments before.
All missing people.
"Did you encounter trouble?" Lam Pham asked.
Chu Minh said, "I was driving, wanting to take my wife and child to my hometown. My wife's family and mine are both in our hometown. Who knew this car would run out of gas?"
Going home to find family?
This is an important matter.
Lam Pham said, "Outside is very dangerous now. Will you be okay going back like this?"
Chu Minh said, "Our hometown is in the countryside. With societal development, residences in the countryside are very few, all turned into rice paddies. Just that my homestead wasn't sold there, but found some connections, built a residence. Parents all live there, relatively safe."
"So that's how it is. Self-introduction, my name is Lam Pham, live in Duong Quang Apartments, am the residential area's security guard. A group of survivors already lives there, very safe. Originally thought if you didn't have a place to live, I could introduce housing to you." Lam Pham knew this matter couldn't be forced. They wanted to go home, taking such risks, definitely made a huge determination.
Chu Minh and his wife exchanged glances. No other meaning, just felt the opponent was a bit strange.
His profession was high-level executive; his ability to judge people was there. Felt this young man who saved him was very good, not like those survivors who became extremely terrifying due to the apocalypse.
He knew how terrifying survivors were now.
Self-interest is normal; he could understand. Scariest is, besides self-interest, to get things not belonging to oneself, any means can be used. Even without threatening the opponent, just for the hobby of harming others.
"Hello, my name is Chu Minh. This is my wife Ho Anh, my son Chu Vang Vang," Chu Minh introduced.
Lam Pham smiled, greeted them.
"I remember there's a gas station ahead. Let me help you push the car over to refuel," Lam Pham said.
Business might not be done.
But lending a hand, he was very willing to help. Who dares say they won't encounter troubles? Being indifferent, one day when trouble falls on oneself, will also receive indifference.
"Thank, thank you!" Chu Minh thanked. "Wife, you and son get in the car."
He and Lam Pham pushed the car from behind together.
The sedan slowly accelerated.
Chu Minh didn't expect Lam Pham's strength to be so great, actually able to push so fast.
Superman?
Mm, feels like besides superman, couldn't have such ability.
"You said Duong Quang Apartments is that old residential area, right?" Chu Minh asked. He originally wanted to take his family home together; that was something he couldn't help. Until meeting Lam Pham, gradually had other thoughts.
That is to leave wife and child behind.
He goes home.
Journey over five hundred kilometers. Whether dangerous or not, he also couldn't say for sure. But based on the current situation, might be somewhat dangerous.
"Yes, it's the old residential area," Lam Pham said.
Chu Minh said, "I want to leave my wife and child behind. Is your place really safe?"
Asking this was just a bit unwise. Who would say not safe? If really problematic, people also wouldn't say there's a problem. But he trusted his own eyes, trusted his ability to judge people.
Lam Pham said confidently, "Of course it's safe! I'm the security guard there! There's an old gentleman there, might have served in the army, gone to war."
Soldier...
Hearing this, Chu Minh already believed, already felt relieved.
These two words, "soldier," normally don't evoke much feeling. But when danger descends, can make people feel at ease.
Lam Pham said, "Renting at Duong Quang Apartments is very cheap. Besides being a security guard, I also work at Tan Phong Brokerage, can introduce good quality housing sources to you. Price aspect very cheap, monthly rent also just over a thousand."
Rent a room?
Rent money?
Chu Minh frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled. Now is the apocalypse, dangerous times clear as day. Money is just dregs, not worth a cent. But according to the opponent's meaning, doesn't this mean still using money for settlement? This line of thought temporarily incomprehensible.
"Supplies?" he asked tentatively.
Lam Pham said, "Previously supplies were all run by me as errands, collecting some errand fees to buy for them. But now no longer needed, already hoarded many supplies in the residential area."
"Wait a minute, red light."
Lam Pham stopped; ahead was a red light.
Chu Minh analyzed Lam Pham's words, then looked up at the red light. In an instant, seemed to think of something. Perception. No mistake, just a kind of perception.
Maintaining past life, using this to resist the collapse of order brought by the apocalypse.
Green light turned on.
Continued forward.
Even if zombies appeared, all easily taken care of by Lam Pham. Watching Chu Minh's eyes light up. If not for parents in hometown, he now wished he could leave with Lam Pham.
Gas station arrived soon.
Zombie corpses everywhere here, scene very terrifying.
Definitely survivors came to refuel, clashed with zombies here.
Chu Minh had a refueling card, inserted it into the gas pump, entered the password, held the gas gun, placed it into the refueling port.
"Wife, you and child stay at Duong Quang Apartments. I'll go to hometown alone, pick up the old folks, okay?" Chu Minh didn't want wife and child to accompany him in adventure. Even if could safely reach hometown, also didn't know if the old folks were still there, whether encountered accidents. Now apocalypse, being alive is good enough. Whether together or not, no longer important.
He just hoped wife and child could live on.
A man, in times of danger, shoulders, protects his family.
"No! We won't separate!" Ho Anh was resolute. "I know what you're thinking. I'll go back with you. Let the child stay here."
"Don't want! I want to be with Mom and Dad! I'm not scared!" Chu Vang Vang shook his head.
Lam Pham understood. Wanting to separate the whole family is very difficult. He seemed to feel, this family of three before him, afraid they thought, even if dying, want to die together.
Chu Minh sighed, "Lam Pham, thank you for your kindness. I can only take them home together."
Lam Pham smiled, "It's okay. Hope your journey is safe. If danger, can run back, find me at Duong Quang Apartments. Over there always welcomes people full of hope for the future."
He knew this person before him was a high-level executive at an internet company.
Seems like Tran Hac.
If exchanging with Tran Hac, definitely could think of ways to fix the internet.
"Ugh ugh..."
While refueling.
Zombies appeared. Seeing fresh flesh and blood, excitedly ran over at high speed. Speed very fast, just like a dog seeing poop, overjoyed.
Facing zombies, they were still somewhat scared.
Lam Pham, however, easily killed them.
"Truly unfriendly."
Shook his head.
Very disappointed with this group of zombies. Why always like to bite people? If you don't bite me, I won't chop you.
At this time.
A car drove towards this side from afar.