Duong Quang Apartments, filled with enterprising spirit, welcomed four survivors.
"Is this Duong Quang Apartments?"
The clean and tidy street before them made them feel it was somewhat unreal.
Since the apocalypse arrived, the environments they had seen were all filthy, messy, and poor. Compared to the scene before them, it truly was a night-and-day difference.
Sis Van sighed with emotion, "This place is very clean."
"Of course, this road was all cleaned by me. A clean environment often makes people feel more comfortable. Wait a moment, I'll open the gate for you." Lam Pham leaped over the iron gate, opened it from the inside, letting them drive the armored vehicle in.
Now the residential area had three vehicles.
Te Thinh had one, Old man Vuong had one, and the remaining one belonged to Han Suong and her group.
Upon entering the residential area, they were shocked by the community's situation. This kind of old residential area, in their eyes before, was just that. But now, it was truly different.
"I smell the aroma of bread," Tu Trach Duong said.
Lam Pham said, "Mm, our community has a cake shop. The shop owner, To Tieu Hieu, is very skilled in this aspect. The cakes and bread she makes taste delicious. If you want to eat in the future, you can use money to purchase."
Tu Trach Duong: "Use... money?"
"That's right." Lam Pham understood they had lived in the apocalypse for quite some time, their mindset affected. But even if affected, he could still see in their eyes a hope full of anticipation for the future. So, not anxious at all, slowly guiding, they would all understand.
Just as Tu Trach Duong was about to say something, he was cut off by Han Suong, "Compared to outside, this place is truly a paradise on earth, a shelter countless survivors yearn for. To be able to use money to move into such a place, anyone would agree."
Thinking of their encounters outside, truly incomparable.
Unable to sleep peacefully at night.
Eating only simple food.
Even more necessary to be wary of other survivors coveting them.
Lam Pham said, "It's not as good as you say, just an ordinary residential area."
They were silent.
Ordinary residential area?
They looked at Lam Pham, always feeling this big boss who had surpassed ordinary people, his understanding of the two words "Ordinary" was different from others'.
Then, they saw other survivors in the community: old people, children, men, women. From their faces, could see their moods were all very good, fundamentally not seeing that kind of fatigue, tense feeling of being in the apocalypse.
It could be said, this group of survivors lived very well in Duong Quang Apartments, better than they imagined.
For Lam Pham, life was just that ordinary. As the residential area's security guard, he had to maintain the community's safety, protect every household's safety. This was his responsibility, cannot shirk responsibility.
"Little Pham, are these new tenants?" Old man Vuong asked with a smile.
He assessed the fourth group of survivors rescued by Lam Pham.
All sorts of people. Didn't expect there was also a young lady. This young lady, at a glance, was a capable person. Able to survive in the apocalypse, still maintain composure, more or less, psychological endurance still very strong.
His judgment of people was extremely accurate.
Little Pham has found a capable assistant young lady for Duong Quang Apartments.
Nhan Ny Ny and To Tieu Hieu were also very good.
But compared to this young lady, lacked a kind of decisiveness and maturity.
Lam Pham said, "That's right, Old man Vuong. Let me introduce you. She is called Han Suong, Tu Trach Duong, Sis Van, Mao..."
When mentioning Old Mao, he looked at the opponent. After all, when they communicated, always called him Old Mao. As for Mao what, he really didn't know.
Old Mao said, "My name is Mao Vất Vả Cần Cù (Mao Hardworking Diligent). Just call me Old Mao. Old Sir, you can call me Little Mao." (Translator's note: "Mao Vất Vả Cần Cù" is a humorous full name meaning "Mao Works Hard and is Diligent". He prefers to be called Old Mao.)
The last two characters of his name, read in Mandarin, indeed had no flaws. But just afraid of people with non-standard Mandarin calling him; one call and it sounds particularly strange. So all along, when others asked his name, he just told people to call him Old Mao.
Lam Pham introduced the situation of the currently residing survivors to them. Learning Old man Vuong and Old man Chu were both old men who contributed to the country, all felt respect. At the same time, the way they looked at Lam Pham also changed.
Han Suong and her group believed Lam Pham was a good person in the apocalypse; leading them to Duong Quang Apartments had no other intentions.
In the apocalypse, the least welcomed are the elderly.
Old people have no ability to survive in the apocalypse; keeping them around is just a burden. Now not only taking them in, but also taking in five elderly people at once, one even in a wheelchair, made them very shocked.
The next matter was very simple. Lam Pham pitched housing to Han Suong and her group. When mentioning paying rent, Han Suong appeared very calm, not feeling strange in the slightest. Two units in total: the three men lived together, Han Suong lived alone.
Old Mao's money over the years had all been spent on modifying the steel beast. Tu Trach Duong and Sis Van were just ordinary young people, like Lam Pham, without much money. Conversely, Han Suong was a company manager, salary not low, saved quite a lot.
After preparing good housing for them.
Lam Pham led them around the community area, introducing the situation.
"This is the vegetable garden, planting some vegetables and fruits: chili peppers, chives, green vegetables, etc. When mature, can eat fresh vegetables and fruits."
Looking at the scene before them.
Han Suong's group was somewhat dazed. No one expected the survivors here had actually started planting vegetables in the community area. Although the planting area wasn't considered too large, at least later can eat self-grown vegetables. This, for many survivors in the apocalypse, was an extravagant hope.
Lam Pham pointed to one side, "This is the fish pond, raising crabs, fish, shrimp, aquatic products. Every day I will also go to the Chao River side to collect nets, put the caught aquatic products in here. When want to eat, just scoop out a fish, still quite convenient."
What satisfied him most was the pond; watching the aquatic products inside increase daily.
Mood, don't even mention how joyful.
Just like playing a farming game, slowly developing.
Han Suong and her group looked at each other, surface calm, but hearts in turmoil. Is this really a residential area in the apocalypse? For a moment, actually didn't know what to say.
Co Hang and Vuong Khai, who were repairing the fence, looked at these four newly joined survivors, understanding very well in their hearts, how shocking the various aspects of Duong Quang Apartments were for this group of people surviving in the apocalypse.
Co Hang said, "You are safe coming here. Later, let's build the residential area well together, definitely can live well in the apocalypse."
Han Suong's group looked at the two people repairing the fence, couldn't help but nod.
Old Mao said, "Hello. I used to repair cars, have some ability in welding. How about I join you to repair the fence together?"
Co Hang smiled, "Good! We just happen to be short-handed here. Your joining is more than welcome."
Old Mao understood in the apocalypse must utilize one's own strengths. His specialty was modifying vehicles. At their previous shelter, a little movement, and feared attracting zombies. But the current situation clearly didn't exist. With such a safe place, he could modify the steel beast to be even taller, more offensive and defensive.
Lam Pham smiled, hoped everyone could live together amicably.
At least now looked very good.
Lam Pham said, "I still have things to do. You can look around freely. If encounter any problems, can ask them. If there's anything difficult to resolve, can find me."
"Goodbye."
Waved his hand, turned and left.
He did what should be done.
No need to continue staying. Everyone isn't a child, has their own thoughts. Always influencing others' thoughts, that's not a good idea.
After Lam Pham left.
Han Suong stood before the pond, looking at the water's reflection, heart never so relaxed.
"Have you been here long?" Han Suong asked.
Co Hang smiled, "Not too long for me. The old gentlemen came relatively earlier, considered the first batch of households in Duong Quang Apartments. You've been drifting outside for so long, must have lived very hard. But now it's okay. Little Pham brought you back; can sleep peacefully in the future."
He knew this group was very tired; that surface expression very hard to conceal.
Han Suong said, "He is very formidable. We witnessed him cut down a helicopter with one sword strike. Is he a super soldier, or someone possessing some kind of terrifying power?"
Co Hang's heart jumped. Knew about chopping zombies. As for cutting down a helicopter with one sword strike, honestly, he had never seen it.
"Mm, Little Pham is very formidable, is our Duong Quang Apartments' guardian god. Without him, actually, all these repairs of ours are useless actions. But we can't always rely on him, but want to do some things, change the residential area, change its appearance. At least in some matters, we have the ability to resolve them ourselves."
Hearing Co Hang say these words.
Han Suong and her group were silent.
No mistake.
Spoken very correctly. Everyone lives in Duong Quang Apartments, cannot be useless parasites. Must exert one's own abilities, contribute to the residential area.
Co Hang said, "Look at him. He used to work at the water plant. After the apocalypse happened, the city could continuously supply water, all because he risked inspecting equipment there. Honestly, all survivors in Hoang city should thank him properly. Later he was rescued by Little Pham, has to take Little Pham to the water plant every day, continue maintaining the tap water supply."
Vuong Khai, cutting materials, scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "Bro Hang, overdone it, overdone it. What all Hoang city survivors thank me? I just take salary to do some small things."
Sis Van gave a thumbs up, "Brother is awesome! Within that thin body, contains great energy!"
He put his hand on his chest and asked himself, if it were him, he definitely couldn't do it.
Vuong Khai said, "Don't praise me. This person of mine can't stand praise, very easy for butt to crack. All small matters, trivial matters. If talking about thanks, we all have to thank our Bro Lam. Without Bro Lam, there's no me, no Duong Quang Apartments..." (Butt crack = becoming too arrogant/cocky)
He chattered on praising, the only regret was Bro Lam wasn't here, couldn't hear his own heartfelt ass-kissing.
"Ai, pity. I traded my crossbow. If had crossbow in hand, I could also play a big role."
Tu Trach Duong, wearing a baseball cap, was very helpless.
Co Hang said, "Crossbows are controlled items. However, you can go find Old man Chu. He's a military industry expert. Getting some materials should be able to prepare one for you."
"Oh right!" Tu Trach Duong had an epiphany.
Vuong Khai, sorting materials, looked up, "Bro Hang, not enough steel materials."
Co Hang thought, perhaps should tell Lam Pham, take them to buy some steel materials back. Ordinary materials can't defend against zombies; must use steel materials to resist zombie impact.
Street.
Lam Pham entered a shop selling maps.
He wanted to buy a map of Hoang city, to systematically search for survivors. Although many survivors now were very bad, became cold, ruthless, but he still believed there were survivors full of hope, in places he didn't know, radiating their remaining strength, illuminating the surroundings with faint brilliance.
"Found it."
Took the Hoang city map, paid, and left.
Walking on the street, looking at the surrounding situation. Sound of a car running behind. He turned his head, saw it was a bus speeding over.
The front of the bus was stained with sticky blood.
Clearly zombies were run over and killed.
Looking at the situation, definitely encountered a zombie siege, finally crashed open a bloody path.
"Indeed, survivors are all striving hard." Lam Pham stood by the road watching the gradually approaching bus.
He watched with a smile on his face.
Hoped to bring them courage with a smile. Work hard! Live well! Regardless of whether the opponent met the conditions for moving into Duong Quang Apartments, everyone is human. Before disaster, all should give the opponent the purest blessings.
The bus stopped.
The driver urgently waved towards Lam Pham, mouth moving, as if saying, Come here quickly! Hurry over! Don't hesitate! Outside is very dangerous!
Seeing the driver waving.
Lam Pham thought, Maybe the driver and his group encountered trouble. As an enthusiastic person, very willing to help others. Prerequisite is you cannot be a bad person.
As he walked over.
The driver opened the door.
"Get on quickly!"
The driver was a middle-aged man, expression haggard, urging.
Lam Pham got on puzzled. The driver stomped the accelerator, increased speed, and left.
Such a scene left Lam Pham somewhat dazed.
You didn't even ask me what I was doing, just drove off. What if not on the way?
"Young man, your guts are too big! Hurry and find a seat!"
Lam Pham said, "I don't want to take the bus."
Driver said, "Young man, don't be nervous, don't be afraid! The apocalypse is terrifying, but now we might have a chance to survive! Look at the group sitting there, all experienced many difficulties and dangers! Originally we had dozens of people, now only a dozen or so left!"
Lam Pham looked at the survivors sitting there.
Men and women.
Some thirteen or fourteen-year-old teenagers.
Didn't see any elderly people or young children.
Very clear, under zombie threat, vulnerable groups had been eliminated.
When he looked at this group of survivors, this group also assessed him.
Some puzzled.
Some different.
Some strange.
"Where are you guys heading?" Lam Pham asked.
A relatively well-dressed man said, "Kid! Your f***ing luck is really good! We risked our lives to get here! You walking on the street and met by us! Count your life as big!"
Hearing these words, truly somewhat impulsive young man.
The man continued, "Let me introduce you. This is Duong Giai Vu, young lady of the Duong Conglomerate. Her father might be our Hoang city's richest man! We found a satellite phone, contacted her father. Her father has a manor on Duong Island, no zombie threat there! Now we just want to go to the pier, take a yacht over! When we get there, we'll be safe! If not for Miss Duong's great kindness, seeing you standing alone and desolate on the street, you think the bus would stop?"
He frantically licked Duong Giai Vu's boots.
Joking aside, her father is the richest man, moreover still alive. That private small island is extremely safe. When get there, can live safely, still have to rely on her old dad for survival.
Lam Pham looked towards this haggard-faced young lady, "Thank you. However, I don't want to go to the island with you. I came out just to buy a globe. Still some distance to the pier. I'll just escort you there."
He could see this Miss Duong Giai Vu was very kind-hearted, just didn't like talking, always appeared somewhat cold.
As he spoke these words.
Everyone on the bus looked at Lam Pham in shock.
Some picked their ears, as if mishearing.
What did he say?
Buy a globe?
Escort us there?
Damn!
Truly hard to describe in one word.
"Holy crap! Is there something wrong with you, kid?! Miss Duong kindly brought you along! Not only do you not appreciate it, but also say these psycho things! If I had my way, should just throw you off!" The young man was extremely upset. "Look at that toy you're carrying! People who don't know would think you're cosplaying!"
The crowd looked at Lam Pham.
Professionals already saw this was Frostmourne.
Seems this young kid's illness isn't light. Thinking about it, also understandable. Terrifying apocalypse, being scared into some problems is very normal situation.
Duong Giai Vu said coldly, "Shut up for me."
The young man shrank his head.
Didn't say a word.
Although under apocalyptic conditions, lawless, but he didn't dare have any ideas about Duong Giai Vu. The woman sitting beside her was her bodyguard. Don't just look at her being forty, but a fierce character. That was someone who held a gun and fought in chaotic war zones.
Later recruited by Duong Le, became Duong Giai Vu's personal guard. Combat power extremely strong; handling seven or eight of him definitely no problem. (Duong Le = Duong Giai Vu's father)
"What I'm carrying isn't a toy, it's Frostmourne, a very formidable divine artifact," Lam Pham said softly.
He knew people's tempers nowadays were somewhat irritable.
But didn't expect actually irritable to this extent.
Duong Giai Vu glanced at Lam Pham, then lowered her head.
Even the female bodyguard beside her frowned slightly.
Lam Pham said nothing, but sat in front escorting them to the pier. Them willing to stop the bus to pick him up indicated someone in this bus was still very good. He didn't say whether to go to Duong Quang Apartments; after all, they had a destination.
Also, there was a male in this bus who didn't meet Duong Quang Apartments' conditions.
Zombies appeared ahead.
Number not considered large. The bus crushed past, also didn't cause damage to the bus.
Lam Pham slightly lifted his butt then sat down again.
He saw.
As long as not encountering a very large zombie tide and Strength-type zombies, the bus's safety could be very high.
The bus sped along.
After a moment.
Hoang city pier.
As the bus arrived, survivors in the car all dug at the windows looking at the surrounding situation. Not seeing zombie figures made them extremely excited.
The female bodyguard searched for the yacht, soon saw the target, "Miss, the yacht is still here! It's over there!"
Duong Giai Vu looked very calm, but actually also a bit panicked inside. Anyone encountering this kind of thing would be the same.
Upon reaching the pier, couldn't help but sigh in relief.
During this period.
Truly a kind of torture.
Zombie numbers truly too large, frighteningly many. One look, whole street full. Fortunately, the situation behind was special, creating a chance for them,得意 (déyì - proud/complacent) to escape.
The driver opened the door, led everyone off the bus.
Headed towards the yacht side.
Lam Pham stood up, followed behind.
He stood by the pier side, watching the survivors stand on the yacht, couldn't help but reveal a smile.
Their hope was on that island. Now all already boarded this flight heading towards the island of hope.
"Young man, get on board!"
The driver looked at Lam Pham standing dazed on the pier, couldn't help but speak out.
Everyone already on board simultaneously looked at Lam Pham.
Extremely puzzled inside.
What the hell is this guy doing? Perfectly fine, going or not? The young man who had been targeting Lam Pham all along even wanted to roar angrily, If he damn well isn't going, then we go! Why bother with him?
Lam Pham said, "I just escorted you here. I live in Duong Quang Apartments. There are still many people there. I have to go back. Seeing you leave safely is good enough."
Duong Quang Apartments is his place.
Very safe there.
Everyone stared blankly.
Duong Quang Apartments?
Duong Giai Vu softly said something to the female bodyguard. Then the female bodyguard nodded, walked before Lam Pham, handed him a satellite phone, "This is from our Miss for you. Going with you to Duong Quang Apartments to rescue survivors is impossible. Can only rely on yourself. When you rescue survivors, go to the pier, can call the number inside. We will send people to pick you up by boat."
"Thank you." Lam Pham took the satellite phone, then looked towards Duong Giai Vu, "Thank you, Miss Duong. If you encounter danger on that island, can contact me."
This Miss Duong seemed quite nice.
If really encountered danger, extending a helping hand, pulling people trapped deep in darkness out, is a very joyful thing.
He spoke these words.
The female bodyguard who gave him the satellite phone even felt he was strange. Could it be mentally really problematic?
Didn't think much, quickly drove the boat away.
Lam Pham stood on the bank observing, watching the gradually departing yacht, waved amicably.
Bus keys not taken out. Perhaps thinking someone might use it, so left it here.
"All very good."
This was the assessment for that group of survivors just now.
Mood much happier.
For him, the happiest thing wasn't how much he could earn daily, but seeing a group of survivors full of hope, was the happiest and most gratifying thing.
Hope such survivors can be more numerous.
Looked at the sky.
Sky seemed even brighter, as if sensing such a thing, also desperately radiating brilliance, illuminating the path of the advancing people.
Just as he was preparing to leave.
Looked at the water surface.
Another corpse floated over.
"Is it to avoid zombie pursuit, no path to escape, finally jumped off the bridge wanting to avoid zombies, yet didn't expect not knowing how to swim, drowned alive?" Lam Pham sighed with emotion.
Quietly watched the floating corpse, thought about fishing the corpse up, placing it on the ground, so the opponent wouldn't suffer the invasion of cold water.
This was, when dealing with corpses, the only thing he could do.
Individual strength is weak. Wanting to do earth-shattering great deeds, only by uniting together.
Suddenly.
He clearly saw the floating corpse; didn't look like a corpse at all, but a zombie. The zombie stared at the sky with pale eyes. Seeing fresh flesh and blood, emitted a savage "Ugh ugh" sound.
Splashing.
Wanting to bite.
Unable to maintain a backstroke posture, stirred up a patch of water foam, sank to the bottom of the water.