The distance was a bit far.
Still hadn't arrived at this place.
"You all be safe on your journey." Lam Pham waved goodbye to Chu Minh's family of three. The surrounding environment always made them feel panicked; an uninhabited, quiet place was just like that.
Accompanied by wandering zombies, yet able to maintain a relaxed mood standing here, was also only Lam Pham.
Chu Minh looked at Lam Pham gratefully, "Thank you. I used to have no hope for the apocalypse, but seeing you, I discovered hope is still there."
Lam Pham smiled. Gaining others' approval was truly a very joyful thing.
"Work hard, travel well."
Chu Minh started the sedan, heading towards his hometown. He didn't know what he would encounter on the road, but these were no longer important. He wanted to go home; there were important people to him and his wife there.
Passed by the car they had encountered.
Chu Minh looked towards the opponent; the opponent also looked towards them. All survivors in the apocalypse, but under unfamiliar circumstances, no one dared to actively converse.
"Their numbers aren't few," Chu Minh felt worried for Lam Pham's encounter, then shook his head. How could I have such thoughts? So formidable, so strong, even zombies are casually slaughtered by him. Definitely no danger.
At this time.
Lam Pham still stood in place, watching that approaching car.
As it got closer, the car's design attracted his attention. If not mistaken, this was also an SGMW (Wuling). The exterior had been modified, enhancing its defensive capabilities.
Every piece of glass was welded with iron mesh, to prevent glass shattering and other possible situations when encountering zombie attacks.
The survivors in this modified car were somewhat surprised when they saw Lam Pham.
"What's this guy doing?"
"Gutsy, actually daring to wait foolishly here."
"I think he was most likely abandoned here by the survivors in the car just now."
"Ignore him. No zombies around now, let's quickly fill up on gas."
This modified truck had four survivors in total.
The vehicle drove to the gas station.
Only saw three survivors get out of the car, all glancing at Lam Pham. From their eyes, one could see they were extremely vigilant. Now is the apocalypse; living people are more dangerous than zombies.
Of course, they weren't too scared either.
After all, they had four people.
And the opponent was merely one person.
"Hello."
Lam Pham greeted them amicably.
As he spoke.
The three survivors getting gas were slightly stunned, as if not expecting the opponent would foolishly dare to speak. If heard by zombies, the situation would become extremely unfavorable.
The survivor holding a club exchanged low words with the two beside him, then walked to the front of the car, again whispering with the driver. Clearly, Lam Pham's existence could very likely bring them some trouble.
Lam Pham saw they ignored him, not angry at all. Environmental setting; anyone encountering a stranger would be vigilant. After all, trust is built on acquaintance. He wasn't familiar with them; it was very normal for them to be wary of him.
"Don't be afraid, I have no ill intentions," Lam Pham said softly.
The four people heard Lam Pham's words, were all rendered a bit dazed. Damn, how confident must one be to say such words as "don't be afraid"? They really wanted to tell the opponent.
We are four people, you are only one. If talking about fear, it should be you who is scared.
Continued vigilance.
Still didn't say a single word.
Soon, those two survivors had arranged the gas, carried the jerry cans, and quickly headed towards the truck, not daring to delay, just afraid delaying one more second would mean encountering zombies.
Since the apocalypse until now, they had encountered zombies many times. Those zombies were truly terrifying. Face-to-face, one-on-one, no one could easily kill a zombie.
All relied on terrain.
Got in the car, closed the car doors tightly.
The three survivors instantly sighed in relief. Going out to search for supplies was the most dangerous job; a slight carelessness could lead to misfortune. Returning to the car felt secure, a full sense of safety.
Seeing his companions return, the man in the driver's seat looked at Lam Pham, slowly said, "You should go. We won't take you. That car just now belonged to your companions, right? They threw you here, meaning you are an unstable factor for them."
Not speaking just now, he didn't hope to anger the opponent, thought about leaving a sliver of hope for him. Lest after being rejected, he becomes angry from embarrassment, thinking of mutual destruction.
Now the gas was obtained, companions also on board. Even if zombies charged this way, they could also drive away immediately.
"Take me? Unstable factor?" Lam Pham was surprised, then said, "You are mistaken. I don't need you to take me. They were also people I just met. I saw their car had no gas, so helped their family of three push the car over. After refueling, watched them leave. Just happened to see you guys arrive, so wanted to see what you were up to."
Hearing these words.
The four survivors exchanged glances, couldn't help wanting to laugh.
"It's the apocalypse now. Given your situation, I think ordinary survivor teams wouldn't possibly take you in. I think you should still go to Tan Phong Guesthouse over there to try your luck. There's a survivor team there." The driving man was called Chu Duong, over thirty, accustomed to deceptions. In his heart, Lam Pham was just a survivor hiding his true nature. If really allowed to join the team, the days until the team's demise wouldn't be far.
No one is willing to take risks; they are also the same.
Just as Lam Pham was about to speak.
The car spewed exhaust fumes, speeding away like a wisp of smoke.
"I still wanted to ask if you paid for the gas..." Lam Pham looked at the departing truck.
Then looked at the gas nozzle dropped on the ground, shook his head. Even if not paying after refueling, should at least put the gas nozzle away properly.
Lam Pham put away the scattered gas nozzle, carried the water bucket, and headed towards the residential area.
Encountering survivors is a good thing.
Just not gaining trust.
Understandable.
...
...
The truck, speeding on the road, ignored the surrounding zombies, soon arrived under a bridge, stopping before a steel beast.
Chu Duong observed the surrounding situation.
Didn't see any zombies.
Two people also got out from the steel beast vehicle: Tu Trach Duong and Sis Van.
Chu Duong carried the full gas can towards them.
"The gas you want is right here. That crossbow you promised should be given to us," Chu Duong finished speaking. They had also seen this steel beast before. The first time seeing it, was like being awestruck by a celestial being. Thought if they could obtain it, wouldn't they be able to rampage unrestrainedly?
Thinking inwardly, just see if this is ownerless property.
Who knew there were actually people.
For Big Sis's group, it was also a helpless move. Wanted to refuel, but the gas station zombies were frighteningly numerous. With their then-current fuel level, very difficult to last long.
However, still attempted to ram through.
Sure enough, as they rammed, more and more zombies were attracted.
Fuel level was already about to bottom out.
No choice, could only drive away.
She knew they were being targeted by an unknown group of forces, just wanting to get their car. The current situation, for them, was a crisis.
When a truck passed by, their spirits instantly tensed.
But soon, they also sighed in relief.
Because this group of survivors wasn't that group of forces.
This group of survivors told them, Are you out of gas? We can get gas, but must trade item for item. What can you possibly have to exchange with us? Finally, they chose Tu Trach Duong's crossbow.
At this time.
Tu Trach Duong and Sis Van walked up to the opponent. Sis Van took the gas can. Tu Trach Duong looked at the crossbow in his hand, also the specially made bolts. Honestly, he was really reluctant.
This was his weapon.
An essential item in the apocalypse, capable of dealing with zombies from a distance. At critical special moments, could play a crucial role.
"Brother, we agreed, we won't go back on our word. Just hope you can take good care of it." Tu Trach Duong reluctantly handed the crossbow to the opponent.
After all, this thing couldn't be bought just anywhere.
A real crossbow has lethal force, is a controlled item, not sold anywhere.
Chu Duong said, "I see you guys are not bad. Actually, we can cooperate, form a survivor team. Do you have any thoughts?"
He really hoped the opponent could join.
That steel beast was truly very domineering. In the apocalypse, having such a vehicle, safety level absolutely highest.
Tu Trach Duong said, "No, thank you for the invitation. Our Big Sis said, just keep it like this."
Chu Duong showed regret, "Alright then. If so, won't force you. Ah, right, if you encounter a survivor carrying a sword, you must be careful. That guy is no good, very deceitful. However, he might not necessarily still be alive. Abandoned at the gas station, I think his chances of survival are extremely slim."
Tu Trach Duong frowned, "Isn't it Frostmourne?"
"Yes, it's Frostmourne."
Instantly knew who it was.
"Thanks."
...
Duong Quang Apartments.
Fish pond.
"So many!"
Vuong Khai, sorting materials, saw the harvest in the water bucket, couldn't help but exclaim in surprised admiration. Felt the current life was really different from the apocalyptic life he imagined.
In the movies he watched, survivors in the apocalypse were very miserable, desperately fighting for food, also drifting everywhere, searching for safe havens everywhere.
How could it be like them?
Relaxed, very hard to feel the oppressive sense of the apocalypse.
Have everything, even can dig a fish pond at the residence to raise fish. Not an exaggeration. Thinking carefully, truly very excessive.
Lam Pham smiled, "Chao River is indeed a good place."
He poured the caught aquatic products into the fish pond. The current fish pond was also two meters wide, three or four meters long, about one meter deep. Didn't dare dig too deep, afraid children might fall in, causing danger.
Threw the aquatic plants fished up from Chao River in, dressed it up a bit, could serve a very good purpose.
...
Gate, shop.
"Little Thanh, I'm buying some snacks."
Quiet shop, snacks displayed on the shelves. These were all arranged nicely for Little Thanh by Lam Pham. Before, the shop was really messy, a headache just looking at it.
Selected from the container.
Potato chips, Coca-Cola.
He selected some snacks for himself, thought about buying some for Phi Phi, Dinh Dinh, Co Tu Thanh too.
"Little Thanh, I'm going."
No reply, always so quiet.
Paid and left.
Entering Room 603, just joined the room, heard Grandma Liang's lecturing voice. He didn't disturb, but waited for a moment. When Grandma Liang's voice stopped, then carried the snacks in, let the children share. Dinh Dinh and Co Tu Thanh were very happy.
Phi Phi, however, looked cautiously, as if thinking, will there be test papers under the food?
She was now deeply traumatized, already had a deep sense of fear towards Lam Pham. In her heart, Uncle Lam was the big BOSS in Duong Quang Apartments.
"Little Pham, let me tell you something. Tu Thanh is in sixth grade, but has already learned everything he should. Can you go to the bookstore to see if there are first-year middle school textbooks?" Grandma Liang said.
"Okay, no problem. I'll go take a look later," Lam Pham said.
This kind of matter, he would surely agree.
Nothing is more important than children's studies. Now having Grandma Liang to teach, for these children, truly very happy. After all, now is the apocalypse; even if wanting to study, don't have such conditions.
Perhaps now, in various parts of the world, many children are cherishing the happy times of studying in their hearts.
Just a pity, everything can no longer return.
Hearing "go to the bookstore," Phi Phi's spirit tensed.
Uncle Lam's favorite thing to do seemed to be bringing extra test papers for people.
Phi Phi's pupils darted slightly, a plan forming in her mind, "Grandma Liang, recently I have so many test papers I can't finish. Can you let me think about the tests for a while longer?"
Her meaning was very clear.
Don't bring me test papers; I have so many I can't finish now.
Grandma Liang patted Phi Phi's head, "Good. Your foundation isn't too good; being slow is very normal."
"Mm, mm, mm..." Phi Phi nodded her little head, very happy.
Lam Pham looked at Phi Phi. Studies not very good, but Phi Phi is a very polite good child. He didn't hope such a good child always carried the situation of a weak foundation.
"Grandma Liang, look, I bought some fourth-grade test papers for Phi Phi. Let her thoroughly re-learn fourth-grade knowledge. When she can fully comprehend fourth-grade knowledge, then come to study fifth grade?"
Lam Pham thought of this method.
Grandma Liang thought for a bit, "Mm, makes some sense. I think this is possible."
Phi Phi stared dumbfounded at Uncle Lam, a mask of pain covering her self. Had many words to say, but momentarily didn't know what to say.
If really had to say it.
Perhaps this is it...
Uncle Lam, I must have offended you somewhere in my previous life.
Lam Pham patted Phi Phi's head, which wore a mask of pain, said gently, "Phi Phi, work hard. Don't worry. Regarding your study problems, Uncle Lam will definitely do his best to help you. Let's work hard together, build a good foundation. Ah, right, there's one more thing to tell you. I talked with Nhan Ny Ny. She wants to teach you dancing. After studies end, also on holidays, can teach you dancing."
In Duong Quang Apartments, there are holidays.
Monday to Saturday is for school.
Sunday is off.
Phi Phi's mouth agape, stared dumbfounded. According to this statement, doesn't this mean... holiday just like that gone?
"Wow! Dancing! I love dancing the most!" Dinh Dinh jumped up happily.
Phi Phi cast a Death Stare towards Dinh Dinh.
Lam Pham saw their appearance, mood extremely good, also very gratified. He protected Duong Quang Apartments so well, not just to make the tenants feel safe, but more so hoping these children can grow up healthy and happy.
As for the cruel matters in the apocalypse.
Just leave them for the adults to face.
Although the apocalypse is indeed very dangerous, extremely cruel, but in Duong Quang Apartments, hasn't yet reached the point where children need to charge into battle.
...
...
Prison.
Ha Minh Hien held a tool, turning over the ground. He looked at the high walls; the world outside and inside were already different. The outside used to be freedom, but now a transformation had occurred.
The supply team that went out had returned.
He watched as six people went out, and only three came back. The situation of the other three, naturally, didn't need much thought.
Here, besides having food on the first day.
Subsequent food had to be found by oneself. If you didn't bring benefits to the prison, you basically didn't get to eat.
Ha Minh Hien could go out with the team, but he didn't dare, afraid of encountering danger. After all, with his physique, wanting to successfully escape from a zombie pursuit was basically impossible.
Rumble rumble!
Ha Minh Hien touched his plump belly; a bit of hunger pangs set in. He could endure it. This kind of prison was too realistic, and controlled by others. Damn it, if I, Ha Minh Hien, could control such a prison, how good would that be.
"Bro Minh Hien, bread for you." The thin Mieu Dich handed bread to Ha Minh Hien.
"What about you?" Ha Minh Hien asked.
"I ate long ago. My sister asked me to bring this to you, said Bro Minh Hien has a large appetite, needs to eat a bit more," Mieu Dich said with a grin.
Ha Minh Hien looked at Mieu Dich's smiling face, then thought of Mieu Yen. It's already the apocalypse; are there really such good people?
Accepted the bread, devoured it wolfishly. Things he once felt he could get sick of eating, actually tasted so delicious. Truly a kind of irony.
At this time.
Movement in the distance.
Two men grabbed a tied-up man, heading towards the distance.
"What's wrong with him?" Ha Minh Hien felt something might be about to happen.
Mieu Dich said, "Heard from others, he seemed to want to steal food, got caught, now going to be buried alive."
"Bu-buried alive?"
Ha Minh Hien was stunned. Don't just look at him having killed two people; that was also under circumstances with no other choice. Don't just look at him being a Shotgun (figurative, blunt/abrasive), as if killing people was like drinking water. If not forced to a desperate situation, how could he have such thoughts?
He watched the two men dig a pit, push the tied person in, then cover him with earth.
Such methods were truly terrifying, truly hard to imagine.
Watching made Ha Minh Hien feel inexplicably panicked inside, feeling this place was more dangerous than imagined.
A man walked towards Ha Minh Hien.
"You are Ha Minh Hien, right?"
Ha Minh Hien looked at the opponent, remembered who he was: wore glasses, refined, the man who previously informed Mieu Yen to go to Tran Chi Dung. Seemed to have heard people say, called Ton Kha.
"It's me."
"You are a newly arrived survivor. Just now, Big Brother has a new rule: any survivor who just entered the prison must go out to collect supplies once within three days. If after three days still haven't participated, will be thrown out of the prison. Specially came to inform you," Ton Kha said.
This kind of rule was what he told Boss Dung.
Our prison doesn't raise useless people; must make this group of survivors somewhat useful.
Ha Minh Hien heard, his expression changed, "No, look at my physique. You also know if I go out to find supplies, that's also a dead end."
Ton Kha said nonchalantly, "None of my business. If you don't go, it's up to you. Anyway, after three days, you'll be thrown out of the prison."
Finished speaking.
Didn't bother with Ha Minh Hien anymore, turned and left.
Ha Minh Hien watched the opponent's departing figure, extremely anxious inside.