Rotting Land: Survive-Chapter 484 - 479: Escort (Part 1)

As the saying goes, a loud drum doesn’t need a heavy hammer, but Xu Renjie used one. Nevertheless, the result was satisfactory. At least, Wang Qiang and the others showed a noticeable change in their training attitude after his scolding. Although they still had complaints about Hu Xiaodong’s teaching methods, they worked hard in practice.

Time flows and years slip by; the days passed in this dreary routine.

Survivors made some changes to their base every day, and the archery team’s training continued steadily in an orderly manner, with Ah Cheng showing the most progress.

According to Hu Xiaodong, Ah Cheng is naturally gifted for archery.

Not only talented, he was extremely diligent. Those monotonous basic movements that others might find tiresome after repeating a few times never bothered Ah Cheng, who not only had no complaints but would even practice extra after regular training.

Thus, over time, with his efforts, his basic skills surpassed those of Wang Qiang and others.

Because of this, Hu Xiaodong frequently used Ah Cheng as an example to admonish the idle Wang Qiang and others: "Ah Cheng is younger than you, yet trains better than you. Aren’t you ashamed?"

Though the archery team’s program was already tight enough, it still did not meet Xu Renjie’s standards for mission readiness.

Hu Xiaodong contemplated whether to speed up the progress and begin bow training.

But after careful consideration, he decided against it.

The current foundational training is crucial for future accuracy. If the pace is hastened, the training might seem advanced in theory, but lacking accuracy in practice is the same as not training at all.

Thus, after thorough consideration, Hu Xiaodong decided to proceed systematically.

Without a doubt, Hu Xiaodong’s decision was sound, but it forced Xu Renjie to alter his original plan.

And what was his plan? Initially, Xu Renjie wanted the archery team to take shape and bring one person along for the escort mission, while the rest stayed home.

This way, both the outgoing team and the base defense would give him peace of mind.

But a week passed and the archery team was still in the stage of bowless training, making Xu Renjie realize he needed to advance his plan.

Of course, this wasn’t due to Hu Xiaodong’s impatience, but the approaching December and increasingly cold weather.

He was worried that widespread persistent snow and rain might affect their escort mission.

Moreover, after this period of consumption, supplies previously brought from Bieyuan District were dwindling.

Despite Wei Yang’s necessary measures of ration control, daily consumption by about 20 mouths showed signs of food shortage.

Tang Xiaoquan had already privately discussed this several times with him; the latter felt it was time to meet Liu Fugui.

At dinner, after much deliberation, Xu Renjie announced the decision for the next day’s action to everyone.

Besides the already informed Hu Xiaodong, Tang Xiaoquan, Zhao Yunhai, and Lin Junfu, the other survivors showed expressions of surprise upon hearing this.

After all, the decision was quite sudden. Even Liu Yunpeng, the person involved, hesitantly asked, "Uh, Captain Xu... you mean to go to... my father’s place tomorrow?"

"Yes!" Xu Renjie confirmed with a nod. Upon seeing this gesture, the tightness of Liu Yunpeng’s lips slowly eased into a smile, followed by a burst of laughter: "Great! Haha! Fantastic! Everyone rest assured, just get me there safely, and I assure you..."

With a slight frown, Xu Renjie’s stern look choked Liu Yunpeng’s words back.

"Liu Yunpeng, you want to assure us, that’s good! There’s something I need your guarantee on!" Tang Xiaoquan interjected, timing it perfectly as Liu Yunpeng was struck speechless; the latter instinctively replied, "Ah," followed by, "What do I need to guarantee?"

"It’s simple! During the mission, you need to follow our instructions at all times along the way. Stay calm during emergencies, don’t panic! Don’t run! And definitely don’t shout! Or you’ll be responsible for any issues!"

"Uh, this... no problem!" Liu Yunpeng replied dryly but was internally cursing.

What a joke, he had nothing but disdain for these people.

Especially Tang Xiaoquan, who was of similar age; if it were not for the apocalypse and his need to rely on them, he would have ignored him completely, never making such promises.

But now...

"Damn it, let them be arrogant for now, but once I reach my dad, let’s see who’s strong!" While thinking this, Liu Yunpeng displayed a flattering smile, "Rest assured, everyone. My dad has food, drinks, and fun places. He has a special dormitory for staff, and I’ll ask him to give each brother the best rooms..."

Undoubtedly, upon hearing Liu Yunpeng’s boast again, Xu Renjie instinctively wanted to interrupt.

But this time, just as he was about to speak, Tang Xiaoquan subtly nudged him, signaling not to interrupt the boasting.

Understanding instantly, Xu Renjie realized the young man was deliberately setting the stage for the upcoming mission.

Sure enough, after Liu Yunpeng’s grand gestures, Tang Xiaoquan slowly sipped tea and said, "Liu, don’t guarantee too much. It’s true the factory belongs to your father, but you didn’t even clarify the situation and made such assurances. If you can’t fulfill them, won’t you embarrass your father? Haha!"

Tang Xiaoquan’s laughter at the end obviously provoked Liu Yunpeng, prompting him to retort, "Hmph! Xiao Tang, let me tell you clearly, my father’s factory is mine too. I’m his sole heir, and whatever I promise will be accomplished! No need for more words; wait until tomorrow when you get me there, and you’ll see what I can do!"

After speaking, Liu Yunpeng turned his head somewhat boldly, seemingly to assert his authority.

In response, Tang Xiaoquan just smiled twice. To him, the goal was achieved.

He knew that these sons of wealth valued face more than anything, and though Liu Yunpeng’s words might not have much effect, something is better than nothing.

Then, Liu Yunpeng’s girlfriend, Li Ruhui, insisted on joining the trip, which Xu Renjie didn’t oppose.

After all, taking one person or two made no difference as long as Liu Yunpeng didn’t mind, Xu Renjie figured he could extend a favor.

With this decided, the escort mission was set, and the next morning was the departure day. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)