C7 Leaving

After Zou Feiyun departed, Yan Cheng posed the question, "Has the apocalypse just begun, and humans are already turning on each other?"

"It's a matter of life and death, after all. Human nature is selfish," Huang Qiu remarked.

Lang Zhe let out a sigh before inquiring, "How much food do you still have in your bag?"

With a smile, Yan Cheng opened his bag, and the food inside spilled out.

"Wow, you've still got so much. I knew you wouldn't obediently hand over half to them!" Lang Zhe muttered under his breath, spotting an apple. Without bothering to wash it, he bit into it.

Yan Cheng chuckled and shook his head, offering an apple to Huang Qiu, "Here, have an apple. No need to wash it."

"Who's worried about whether it's organic or not at a time like this? We're lucky to have anything to eat at all," Huang Qiu replied with a wry smile.

"Hold on, you never buy fruit. How come you have apples?" Lang Zhe asked, puzzled.

"Is it so strange that I found a few apples after scouring the entire men's dorm?" Yan Cheng countered.

Lang Zhe nodded, conceding, "Fair point."

"What's our next move?" Huang Qiu asked, more concerned about the future than the fruit.

"We'll wait and see if anyone comes to rescue us," Lang Zhe suggested.

Yan Cheng shook his head, "Have you considered that with the virus being so virulent, not even the military could respond in time? With infection rates over 70%, what organization could possibly have the capacity to rescue us?"

"So, you're saying no one will come to our aid?" Lang Zhe pressed.

Yan Cheng shook his head again, "Someone will, but it may take a while. They'll need to stabilize their own situation first. We can't just sit around waiting."

"So, what should we do?" Huang Qiu pressed for an answer.

"We save ourselves," Yan Cheng asserted.

"Save ourselves?" Lang Zhe echoed, somewhat bewildered.

"The world has changed, and it might stay this way for a long time. Should we always rely on the protection of others?" Yan Cheng challenged, "If we're not strong enough and the time comes when sacrifices must be made, we, the vulnerable, will be the first in line."

"Survival of the fittest!" Huang Qiu declared.

Yan Cheng nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The apocalypse has forced the whole world to revert to the most basic laws of nature."

"So, we really have to venture out?" Lang Zhe inquired.

"Yes," Yan Cheng confirmed.

Lang Zhe scoffed, "If even you, with your lack of strength, dare to step out, what do I have to fear?" He then turned to Huang Qiu, "How about you, class monitor?"

"We'll go together," Huang Qiu responded.

"Great, then let's find ourselves some suitable weapons first!" Yan Cheng suggested. "Lang Zhe, you're strong. Find a tabletop to strap to your right arm as a shield and grab a short stick for your left hand."

"Got it, no problem," Lang Zhe agreed.

"Class monitor, you should find a solid long staff to keep the zombies at bay," Yan Cheng advised.

"That's easy!" Huang Qiu said, promptly retrieving an aluminum clothes rack from the balcony.

"Is it strong enough?" Yan Cheng questioned.

"Let's see," Lang Zhe said, dropping what he was holding and forcefully jabbing the clothes rack against his thigh. He grimaced and began to groan, holding back from yelling out loud.

"This rack is one we invested in after breaking countless others. It's reliable, or we would've complained and returned it by now," Huang Qiu explained.

Yan Cheng nodded. "Alright, you use that."

Yan Cheng and Huang Qiu then helped Lang Zhe craft the makeshift shield.

Once finished, Yan Cheng instructed, "Both of you, grab a couple of backpacks and pack what you need. We might not have a home to return to after this."

Lang Zhe nodded. He didn't have much to pack, so Yan Cheng shared some food with him to lighten his own load.

"Should we let Zou Feiyun and the others know?" Huang Qiu asked.

"Why bother telling them?" Yan Cheng retorted dismissively.

"Yeah, our leaving has nothing to do with them," Lang Zhe agreed.

"Okay, everyone's ready. Let's take advantage of the low zombie density and head straight to the school's supermarket!" Yan Cheng announced.

Yan Cheng and his two companions made their way downstairs, ready to open the main door of the dormitory building. Their movements, however, didn't escape Zou Feiyun's notice.

"What kind of madness are you three up to now?" Zou Feiyun demanded, eyeing them as they worked the door open.

"We're heading out. We refuse to be part of your schemes any longer!" Lang Zhe retorted.

"You've lost your minds!" Zou Feiyun exclaimed.

"It's not for you to comment on our sanity," Yan Cheng shot back. "We're off now. Good luck to the rest of you!"