Chapter 81: Emergency Pharmacy
Chapter 81: Emergency Pharmacy
Looking down toward the area Chen Jiao points to, there’s indeed a small open space with two or three large trash cans nearby. A few zombies dressed in blue cleaners' uniforms wander around the bins. Across the open space is a row of windows where the emergency pharmacy is located.
An Ran weighs her options and decides that she needs to eliminate the zombies near the sewage passage before entering the emergency ward to retrieve the medicine. With the zombies’ hearing becoming increasingly sensitive, leaving them unchecked in the open space could easily lead to trouble.
“My uncle works in a government office in Xiangcheng. Once we get out of here and find the authorities, I guarantee you’ll have good food and strong drinks in the future!” Chen Jiao, standing beside Hu Zhen, clasps her shoulder confidently like a true comrade. It’s unclear if her bold promises come from genuine confidence or mere bravado.
An Ran considers Chen Jiao’s attitude so far. It’s possible she really does have an uncle in the government. In the aftermath, knowing someone in the administration could certainly make things easier in survivor camps.
“Aren't you worried your uncle might have become a zombie too?” An Ran can’t help but throw a bit of cold water on Chen Jiao’s optimism.
Chen Jiao pauses, a hint of emptiness crossing her expression. But then she turns to reassure Hu Zhen, who looks worried. “It’s fine! I’ve got plenty of family and friends. My uncle works in the armed forces, and I have an aunt in the Drug Administration. Just stick with me, and I promise you’ll never have to worry about food or drink for the rest of your life!”
Though she seems to be hiding her own concerns, she laughs carefreely, as if the apocalypse is just a minor setback. To her, once they break out of the hospital, everything returns to normal, as if light and happiness come back into their lives.
In response, Hu Zhen just smiles reluctantly, and An Ran remains silent. In truth, none of them knows what the future holds. They may still be bickering now, but once they leave this hospital, it’s possible each will go their separate ways, with no certainty about what the next step will be.
And seeing that the food in this hospital is getting less and less, it’s clearly time to leave.
Once the medicine is prepared, they head to the basement, where there are fewer zombies. An Ran feels hopeful about what lies ahead.
With this plan in mind, the three survivors begin their preparations.
As the main force here, An Ran takes a fruit knife and carefully descends the sewage passage on the third floor, bearing the stench of rotting garbage as she heads to take care of the zombies in cleaner uniforms. Hu Zhen is tasked with gathering food in the hospital, while Chen Jiao volunteers to watch over the children.
Although it feels risky to leave Doll and He Wen under the watch of the rather unreliable Chen Jiao, manpower is short. As long as Chen Jiao keeps an eye on them and goes to Hu Zhen if they cry, there’s little need for worry.
An Ran listens closely as she descends the sewage passage, tuning into the noises from the sky garden on the third floor. She quickly dispatches the three zombie cleaners outside the sewage passage on the first floor, then makes her way to the emergency pharmacy window. She carefully lifts the glass, finding it surprisingly unlocked.
Windows on the first floor typically have anti-theft grilles, especially in pharmacies, making them nearly impossible to access without breaking through. However, many are also equipped with safety windows, meant to be opened in case of fire, allowing for escape if needed.