Chapter 255: Xiangcheng Can No Longer Be Defended
Chapter 255: Xiangcheng Can No Longer Be Defended
Yun Tao, driving up front, glances at Anran through the rearview mirror. Seeing her calm expression, a faint smile flickers in his eyes. He sighs quietly, careful not to let Anran notice, and mutters to himself,
"I'm getting old... I’ve grown timid."
Anran has been steadily growing stronger, adapting to this new world. Meanwhile, Yun Tao feels like he's been left behind. He knows she will eventually surpass him.
Morning approaches. In a park surrounded by zombies, Lei Jiang sits in a chair, absently twisting a leaf between his fingers. Suddenly, he crushes the leaf and flings it to the ground.
"They’re heading for the Xiangbei National Highway?" he mutters angrily after hearing Zhou Xiang’s report. "So they plan to leave us behind and head for Hubei Province."
Then, as if amused by his own thoughts, Lei Jiang chuckles and says to himself, loud enough for Zhou Xiang to hear, "National highway or expressway... doesn’t matter. We’ll intercept them ahead."
"Brother, are we heading to Hubei Province too?" Zhou Xiang asks, struggling to follow Lei Jiang’s sudden shift in plans. "Didn’t you say we’d defend Xiangcheng instead?"
"Xiangcheng can’t be defended anymore," Lei Jiang replies with a grim expression. "The city’s almost completely overrun. There are barely any survivors left. On my way back, I even ran into a man-eating flower in the supermarket. We're safe here for now, but I can’t shake the feeling that thing will become a major problem." He pauses, then adds, "Besides, there are plenty of people in northern Hubei — more opportunities for growth. We’re heading there."
"But what about what you told Yun Tao before...?"
"That was just a lie," Lei Jiang sneers. "Do you really believe I meant it? I had to promise them stability if I wanted them to join us."
Since there’s no way to defeat Yun Tao directly or force him and Anran to submit, Lei Jiang figures deception is the best option. Get them into the group first — then control them.
In truth, Lei Jiang has never planned to defend Xiangcheng. He’s made up his mind to head to northern Hubei the moment he heard the broadcast about survivors there. If Yun Tao and Anran think they can shake him off, they’re wrong. Once in northern Hubei, there will be plenty of chances to cross paths again.
"That guy Yun Tao... he’s not ordinary," Zhou Xiang mutters, his brow furrowed as he watches Lei Jiang’s smug expression. "He must’ve been someone powerful before all this."
Lei Jiang waves dismissively. "Then we'll split them up. They can’t stay together forever. Besides, that woman has a child, doesn’t she? Find a way to take the kid. Once we have the child, the woman will fall in line."
A child makes the perfect hostage — a sure way to manipulate a mother.
Lei Jiang has no intention of harming the child. After all, he still considers himself a man with principles. But Anran’s value is far too great. She’s a living granary — someone he can’t afford to let go. Targeting her child is simply the most effective way to secure her cooperation.
With the decision made, Lei Jiang’s people begin preparing for departure. They repair their vehicles, gather supplies, and within half a day, they’re ready to leave.
The park they’ve occupied sits right by the highway entrance. After spending some time there, Lei Jiang’s men have already cleared the toll station barricades. They’ve even found a bus, patched it up enough to run, and loaded it with the women. The remaining men drive in pairs, each vehicle packed with supplies.