Lam Pham revealed a smile to Tao Khanh.
"Wait..."
At this moment, someone from that group of cowering survivors spoke up.
Lam Pham turned his head to look.
A male survivor walked over, his face full of haggardness, looking at Lam Pham, "Big Brother, can you take me along? I beg you."
Lam Pham looked at him; he saw indifference in the opponent's eyes.
As this survivor wanted to leave with Lam Pham.
The remaining survivors all ran out.
Basically all kneeled before Lam Pham.
"They are not human! They oppress us, bully us, don't give us food, don't give us drink!"
"That's right! They also kill people, killed so many people!"
Everyone spoke of Khau Tam and his group's evil deeds. The meaning was very clear: It's not that we want to be like this, but we were forced, no choice. We are just ordinary people, etc...
Lam Pham looked at them calmly.
"Sorry, you may have your own grievances, but Duong Quang Apartments is not suitable for you."
He didn't want to say more, took Tao Khanh's hand, and headed towards the rooftop. Tao Khanh turned her head to look at this group of survivors. Although she was young, she understood what should be understood.
She had seen them fighting each other for a bit of food.
Also saw their terrifying expressions during conflicts.
Street.
"Your father will always be watching over you." Lam Pham handed the wallet to Tao Khanh, "Inside there's a photo. Keep it well. Your father protected you until his death. Having such a good father, you are very happy."
Tao Khanh held the wallet, looked at the photo inside, tears in her eyes.
"Mm, my daddy always told me, if one day he suddenly disappears, I must be strong, must be brave. I listened. I will be strong. I will be brave."
Lam Pham smiled, "That's right. You are the brave daughter in your daddy's heart."
Took Tao Khanh's hand, walked towards Duong Quang Apartments.
One tall and one short figure gradually receded into the distance.
In the dawn of the apocalypse, that figure was unusually tall, as if radiating a brilliance that enveloped the surroundings. He rescued the child from despair.
Leading her to seek the light of hope.
In this cold apocalypse, transmitting the warmth of light.
Life might be terrible, but such terrible life, as long as one is full of hope, will surely change. People in the apocalypse, once fallen, find it truly hard to find themselves again.
Influenced by the environment, just step by step running further and further into the darkness.
Tan Phong Guesthouse.
The survivors left here were silent.
Khau Tam, leaning against the wall, coughed up blood, his consciousness growing dimmer, breath weaker.
He saw a group of people surrounding him.
His mouth opened wide, wanting to say "help."
But...
"I'll kill you!"
"Let you bully me! I'll strangle you!"
"Let you rely on numbers to mess with me! Now see who can help you!"
This group of survivors, under no threat, cruelly attacked the already dying Khau Tam. No matter how weak a person, at such a moment, following the crowd, releasing the devil in their heart, cruelly attacked the person who once oppressed them.
Khau Tam died.
He didn't expect to die like this.
Somewhat regretful.
As if thinking his grand ambitions had just taken off, yet encountered such a fatal destruction. Didn't even have a chance to resist. This was something he never expected.
At this time.
A survivor saw a perfectly good knife on the ground. He stepped forward, picked up the knife, an evil thought appearing in his heart, an idea similar to Khau Tam's.
That is to become the leader of this place.
Big Brother.
Boss.
Having absolute say here.
Any evil dragon slain, its territory will surely be occupied by other existences, thereby taking over the evil dragon's position.
This is inevitable.
"Hey..." He raised the knife, shouting towards everyone.
The remaining survivors, still mutilating Khau Tam's corpse, heard the voice, looked towards him. Seeing him holding a knife, their expressions instantly changed.
"From now on, I call the shots here! You all have to listen to me! Otherwise, don't blame me for not being polite to you!" He revealed a fierce expression towards everyone.
"What do you mean? You want to be like Khau Tam and his group? Let me tell you, that's impossible! We are all survivors, all harmed by Khau Tam! Now you want to be the leader here, that also depends if you have the skill! I think it's best if I do it! I used to be a leader in a government unit, managed a group of people! Experience, status, qualifications all much richer than yours!"
As he spoke, he walked towards the Knife Man.
He also wanted to be the leader here. Regardless of who becomes the leader, the benefits are surely enormous. Can control the supplies here, have absolute say. As the apocalypse continues to develop, perhaps can attract more survivors, thereby establishing a power faction centered around him.
In peaceful times, always thought of various ways to climb up. Now the apocalypse arrived, felt with his ability, as long as he could first subdue a group of people, brainwash them into loyal followers, surely could develop further.
He also wouldn't resort to violent oppression; that thing can only cause stronger backlash. Must use both grace and power, from the spiritual level, from the pursuit, slowly make the opponent's thoughts lean towards his side.
Looking at the knife in the opponent's hand, he didn't get too close, but turned to look at everyone.
"Comrades! Compatriots! At this most dangerous moment, we should unite, not be like now, a heap of loose sand! Perhaps some still don't know who I am. Let me introduce myself. My name is Tran Phi. Surely someone should have seen me on TV, right? I am Hoang city's district chief."
"If everyone trusts me, let me lead everyone. I am confident I can let everyone live a good life in this current chaotic era. Firstly, I will openly and fairly announce the amount of existing supplies, then distribute them equally. What I eat, everyone eats. Also, going out to find supplies, we can arrange a schedule, absolutely ensuring fairness and justice. Of course, we can let those aged fifty-five and above enjoy the treatment of not going out to find supplies. After all, already old, don't have that kind of stamina."
Tran Phi noticed among this group of survivors, several were aged fifty-five and above. Stating this condition, how could it not draw them to his side?
Sure enough, he noticed those people already had some thoughts.
Pfft!
So painful.
Back so painful, like being backstabbed.
"You're f**ing bullshtting me here!" The Knife Man grabbed Tran Phi's shoulder, the knife in his hand fiercely stabbing into his back, fresh blood gushing out.
The pain made Tran Phi scream heartbreakingly.
Lived a comfortable life, usually faced with flattery. When had he ever suffered such injury?
The Knife Man pulled out the knife, fiercely stabbed in again. Tran Phi gradually lost breath, collapsed paralyzed on the ground.
The Knife Man, holding the bloody knife, pointed at everyone, "Lao Tzu tells you very directly, from now on I am the leader here! Whoever dares to disobey, I'll kill them!"
Bang!
Someone secretly appeared behind the Knife Man, swung the iron rod in his hand, fiercely smashing it on the Knife Man's occiput.
"What are you fierce about?! I am the leader here! All of you f***ers listen to me! Don't listen to me, I'll kill you all!"
The Iron Rod Man said fiercely.
"Damn! Lao Tzu can't stand it! Why listen to you guys?! I'll fight you to the death!"
"I'll fight too!"
"F***!"
Gone mad.
Completely mad.
After experiencing Khau Tam's affair, everyone's violent tendencies completely erupted. No one could stop it. In an instant, this place became a chaotic mess.
The sound of fighting attracted the attention of zombies outside.
They howled.
Roared.
Fortunately, the number of zombies wasn't large. Otherwise, when the zombie number reached a certain extent, the situation of stacking Arhats would occur. Even living in a tall building, hard to escape death.
After a moment.
The fighting ended.
Everyone lay on the ground screaming tragically, injuries all very severe. Some had bleeding abdomens, some had necks slashed, some eyes blinded, some already motionless, died in the conflict.
The Knife Man not only suffered severe head trauma, but even his chest was cut open, bleeding profusely, unable to move, but still letting out soft "ah ah" sounds.
The Iron Rod Man's situation was no better, had lost combat ability, could only lie on the ground screaming tragically.
"Haha."
At this time, a woman stood up from a corner. Her hair was disheveled, expression somewhat crazed. Picked up a knife from the ground. When passing by someone, she would swing the knife towards their head, regardless of whether they were dead or not, she still wanted to deliver another blow.
Walked before the Knife Man. Under the Knife Man's panicked gaze, pfft! The knife chopped into the Knife Man's face, chopping it into a bloody mess.
Walked before the Iron Rod Man, one knife plunged into his chest. Her expression gradually became savage and twisted, turning the knife hilt. The crackling sound of flesh and blood rubbing, also the Iron Rod Man's painful sounds, finally gradually dissipated, silent without a sound.
The woman stood amidst the pile of corpses, a strange smile on her lips.
"Don't argue, all mine. Supplies all mine."
"Wuwuwu..."
No one expected, the last one standing was actually the woman who had been hiding in the corner from beginning to end, not daring to speak. And she watched everything happen helplessly. At the final moment, obtained everything.
Duong Quang Apartments.
"This child..." Old man Vuong saw Lam Pham bring back a little girl. Without asking, knew what the situation was. This child's parents must have already died. Being able to meet Little Pham was a fortunate thing; can live well here in the future.
Lam Pham said, "Old man Vuong, her name is Tao Khanh, eight years old. From now on, will live with us."
Old man Vuong noticed the child's reddened eye sockets, kindly squatted before the little girl, gently patted her head, "Child, Grandpa's name is Vuong Trung Quoc. Just call me Grandpa Vuong from now on."
"Hello, Grandpa Vuong."
"Good child."
Old man Vuong didn't want to ask about her matters in front of the child. Definitely as he thought. Bringing it up before the child would surely evoke sad old memories in the child's heart.
Lam Pham introduced the child to everyone, told them from now on she is a member of our Duong Quang Apartments.
Tao Khanh looked at the uncles, aunties, grandpas, grandmas before her. Noticed they dressed very cleanly, smiles on their faces, completely different from the place she stayed before.
How she wished Mom and Dad were both here.
But she knew, already impossible.
Tao Khanh was taken by Sis Li to bathe. Dirty, clothes also the same. Fortunately, Phi Phi still had clothes; could change into clean ones.
At this time.
Lam Pham and Nhan Ny Ny talked face to face.
"Little Nhan, can you take her in? This child is very pitiful. Her parents are both gone. Her father finally entrusted the child to me, asked me to take good care of her. But I'm a male, also have Manh Manh, definitely a bit too busy to handle. Can she live with you?"
He could only think of this method. Of course, this all depended on whether Nhan Ny Ny agreed. After all, if Nhan Ny Ny liked living alone, wanted her own space, then definitely couldn't force.
"Okay. Since Bro Lam asked, how could I not agree?" Nhan Ny Ny said with a smile.
Lam Pham praised, "Little Nhan, you are truly a good person! Not only beautiful but also so kind-hearted! Truly perfect!"
Nhan Ny Ny's face turned red, giggled, "Thank you, Bro Lam, for the praise. Feels happier than receiving a嘉年华 (jiāniánhuá - carnival/annual gala)."
"Carnival is very expensive." Lam Pham thought of this gift he saw before. Heavens! Very expensive, very expensive! Sometimes seeing people send carnivals, he felt one was almost his one month's salary. Indeed, too many rich people. This is something not to be envied.
Nhan Ny Ny: ...
She felt Bro Lam's train of thought in conversation was a bit... jumpy. We aren't talking about carnivals now.
"What's wrong? Is something the matter?" Lam Pham saw her slightly dazed, thought she had something on her mind.
Nhan Ny Ny shook her head, "Nothing. Just thinking, if I didn't agree, what would Bro Lam do?"
She thought in her mind, Bro Lam would definitely praise her in various ways as a good girl, then blah blah blah, just hoping she could let Tao Khanh live with her.
"Oh, I would go find To Tieu Hieu," Lam Pham said.
Nhan Ny Ny: ...
So straightforward?
"Bro Lam, did you rarely talk to beautiful women before?" Nhan Ny Ny felt it absolutely must be like this. If often talking, definitely would have tricks.
Lam Pham thought of Liu Weiwei, the zombie he chopped to death when the apocalypse happened. She was a very beautiful woman. Had a fleeting crush before. After all, everyone likes to look at beauties. Not liking to look at beauties definitely problematic.
"I usually work very hard, two points forming a straight line, not too many amateur activities," Lam Pham said.
Hearing this.
Nhan Ny Ny instantly understood.
Understood. The meaning was very clear, right? Just never talked much.
Nhan Ny Ny said, "Bro Lam is such a good person, so kind-hearted, lives so cleanly himself. Why didn't I meet Bro Lam before? If I had met Bro Lam, definitely would have been moved."
Lam Pham smiled, "Definitely wouldn't have met. I get up very early every day to work. You were definitely still sleeping then. Besides, I often work overtime. Even if you came out shopping at night, also wouldn't see me."
Nhan Ny Ny: ...
Sniff! Sniff!
At this time, he smelled a fragrance wafting in the residential area; it was the smell of bread.
Lam Pham touched his stomach, "This must be bread made by To Tieu Hieu! Let's go! Let me treat you to bread! Freshly baked bread definitely tastes delicious!"
Life is just like that.
Calmness interspersed with ripples.
People living in Duong Quang Apartments are all like this.
...
Highway.
A sedan drove on the road.
Chu Minh looked at the highway situation, sighed. Didn't expect it to be like this. Overturned vehicles everywhere. Some cars flipped over by the roadside, already burned to a shell.
The ground was all dead zombies, should have been crushed to death by vehicles.
Such human tragedy, descended just like that, truly caught many people off guard, even unable to react.
Chu Minh was already very satisfied. His relatives were all present, at least better than many people. Now he just wanted to know, the situation of his parents. If still alive, then he truly thanked heaven and earth, thanked Lam Pham.
Ho Anh said, "Honey, do you think parents are safe?"
Chu Minh said, "Safe! Definitely all survived! That's the countryside, and we built a villa. When the apocalypse happened, I already told them, let them lock the door, stay at home, don't open the door. Absolutely nothing will happen."
Hearing her husband's comfort, Ho Anh felt slightly more at ease. Lowered her head looking at her sleeping son, a rare smile on her face. The whole family staying together was her hope.
Just then.
Situation ahead.
A sedan parked there. A man opened the car hood, seemed to be checking something, looking very anxious.
Chu Minh saw this situation, didn't dare stop the car. Even though the opponent waved towards them, he still didn't dare. After all, too dangerous now; he was afraid of encountering trouble.
When passing by, Chu Minh glanced at their car, drove towards the distance.
That anxious man scratched his head, clearly also understood, no one would stop. He powerlessly faced the car door. But just then, a voice came.
"Did you encounter some trouble?" Chu Minh asked.
The man clearly didn't expect the opponent would turn back, face disbelieving, "You came back?"
Chu Minh pointed to the two children in the back seat, "I saw you have two children. I think you are trustworthy."
All are parents.
Understand how important children are to parents. Also understand in the apocalypse, people who can bring children along surely wouldn't be bad anywhere.
"Thank you," the man said gratefully. "My car might be broken, but don't know where the problem is."
Chu Minh instructed his wife, then got out of the car, "Let me see. Coincidentally, I know how to repair cars."
"Thank you."
While repairing the car, the two chatted casually. Chu Minh learned the opponent was called Te Thinh; behind were his two children. His wife turned into a zombie. Regarding this, he didn't continue to press.
"Where are you heading?"
"Hoang city."
"That place has become a zombie paradise. You bringing two children, afraid very difficult."
"No choice. We were in Hecheng city before. That place is messier, more zombies, also many inexplicable zombies. No way to stay, could only run here."
Snap!
"Okay." Chu Minh closed the car hood, "You go start the car and see."
Te Thinh hurriedly started the car. Seeing the car could start, said even more gratefully, "Thank you! Really, thank you so much!"
Chu Minh returned to his own car, looked at the opponent, thought for a bit.
"Are you really going to Hoang city?"
"Yes."
"Then you go to Duong Quang Apartments. There is hope there, it is Hoang city's place of hope. If you want the children to survive, then go there. Don't go elsewhere. Trust me, there is your hope and future."
"Duong Quang Apartments?"
"Yes, the place of hope. Go on, remember what I said. Don't go elsewhere."
"Okay, thank you, I understand."
"Mm, hope you can arrive safely. Goodbye, take care."