Chapter 244: Conquer Others with Virtue
Chapter 244: Conquer Others with Virtue
Anran stands up, picks up Doll from the bed, and gently coaxes her. Meanwhile, Yun Tao rises from the windowsill and whispers to Anran beside the bed,
"Don't come down yet. Just act according to the situation. Don't worry about me."
He's still referring to the gas station incident from last time. Yun Tao fears that Anran might recklessly reveal her ability again. If things turn dangerous this time, Yun Tao hopes Anran will focus on protecting herself and the three children instead of worrying about him.
Anran nods while holding Doll. Seeing Yun Tao already heading out of her room, she can’t help but call out, "Brother Tao."
Yun Tao pauses and turns back. Anran hesitates for a moment before saying softly, "Be careful."
In the moonlight, Yun Tao gives a silent nod, then strides along the wall and goes downstairs.
When he meets Lei Jiang on the stairs, Yun Tao wears a timid yet flattering smile. His face shows envy as he bows slightly and says, "Brother, you're amazing. Taking out so many zombies on your own... I’m so envious, really envious."
Standing on the dimly lit first floor, Lei Jiang returns a modest smile. His eyes flicker as he glances toward the second floor. The faint sound of a baby’s whimper confirms what he had suspected. Connecting this with what Zeng Fan mentioned — that the mobile granary is carrying a child barely over a month old — Lei Jiang is now almost certain the so-called mobile granary is upstairs.
Still, Lei Jiang prefers to start with courtesy before resorting to force. The reason he has managed to gather so many followers in the apocalypse is because he believes in "conquering others with virtue."
Of course, the term "conquering with virtue" is more than a little ironic in these desperate times. Everyone just wants a stable life and someone strong enough to protect them. Lei Jiang believes that as long as he displays his strength, the people upstairs will eventually follow him.
Yet the man standing before him — dressed in a black security uniform — doesn’t look like someone easily intimidated. Although Yun Tao’s expression is full of flattery, Lei Jiang senses that this man won’t be easily manipulated.
But that doesn’t bother him. Lei Jiang prides himself on recruiting talented individuals. This security guard could be useful.
After some fake pleasantries, the two men are soon calling each other "brother" as they share half-truths about their lives. Lei Jiang openly tells Yun Tao about his base near the park and the group of survivors there.
All the while, Lei Jiang keeps an eye on Yun Tao’s expression. Noticing Yun Tao's hesitation, Lei Jiang immediately stands up and says his goodbyes without pressing further.
"That's it then, brother," Lei Jiang says casually. "There’s a lot going on back at my place. Surviving these days isn’t easy. My base is at the corner at the end of the street. If you’re ever looking for some stability, you’re welcome to join me. I can’t promise much, but I can at least offer a steady life."
Who can truly promise stability in a world like this?
Yun Tao maintains his admiring smile, nodding along as if intrigued. Yet inside, he remains cautious. Lei Jiang still seems unaware that his so-called "mountain" in the park has already been smashed.
Author’s Note:
Zhan Lian: "Wife, where did you go with the child?"
Anran: "Please call me ex-wife!"