C9 Don't Worry about Me

If they were here, they would surely be doomed. Without Shen Faang, Wu Qi and Wang Mengyan would stand no chance against the zombies and would have no hope of getting out alive. Recognizing this, they refrained from further discussion.

As they fled, Shen Faang realized the zombies were hot on their heels, compelling him to ensure the safety of Wu Qi and Wang Mengyan. Despite his exhaustion and the debilitating aftereffects of an adrenaline surge, he was determined to protect them at all costs, unable to forgive himself if he failed.

Shen Faang led the retreat, covering the rear as the relentless zombies pursued them. The situation was dire, and they were at a loss for how to shake off the horde of repulsive creatures that were all too close for comfort.

Shen Faang pressed on at a brisk pace, hoping to soon put distance between them and the zombies. But every time they increased their speed, the zombies seemed to match their pace, leaving Shen Faang uncertain about how to engage them in his fatigued state.

Wang Mengyan and Wu Qi were terrified at the sight of the advancing zombies, never anticipating such a swift pursuit. Armed with three swords, as Shen Faang had instructed, they were ready to defend their lives against the undead.

In the midst of their escape, Shen Faang urged them, "Wu Qi, Wang Mengyan, go ahead without me. I believe I can handle these zombies alone. Plus, you don't need more nightmares. So, leave now and don't worry about me—I can manage."

Shen Faang was tired of seeing their fear, but Wu Qi and Wang Mengyan refused to leave him behind, knowing full well it was Shen Faang's solo efforts that had allowed them to escape the zombies before.

Wu Qi addressed Shen Faang with resolve, "Shen Faang, call me a coward if you will, but I refuse to leave you behind. We'll fight together. I refuse to believe these zombies are unbeatable."

Shen Faang was deeply moved by what he heard.

At that moment, Wang Mengyan turned to Shen Faang and declared, "Exactly, Shen Faang, we will never abandon you. Together, the three of us will wield our swords and conquer these zombies. I'm confident they will end up as our captives."

With that, they sprinted as fast as they could, fending off the zombies' attacks.

They had intended to head for the safety of the corridor, but in their panic and fear, they mistakenly ran onto the balcony. Shen Faang was at a loss for what to do next.

The stakes were high; if the zombies caught up, anyone captured would be infected. The severity of the zombie infection was well-known, and there was a real risk of becoming like the zombies themselves, covered in repulsive matter—a fate they all dreaded.

Shen Faang urgently advised Wang Mengyan, "Mengyan, get behind me. If the zombies get to you, you'll be infected, and I know you'd hate to become what you despise the most."

Wang Mengyan, too terrified to utter another word, quickly took cover behind Shen Faang. Shen Faang, expecting Wu Qi to stand with him as a fellow man, turned to him and instructed, "Wu Qi, follow my lead shortly. Do exactly as I say, or we'll be at a loss if the zombies close in on us. Make sure you understand, alright?"

Wu Qi nodded emphatically, aware that he must heed Shen Faang's advice. The threat of being captured and infected by the zombies was too great, so he chose to follow Shen Faang's instructions without further discussion.

After some time, as the zombies drew nearer, Shen Faang grabbed a wooden plank and laid it across to the opposite balcony, creating their only chance to evade the zombies' chase.

If they could just discard the plank after crossing the balcony, the zombies would be trapped, and they could make their escape without fear of capture. This was Shen Faang's earnest hope.

When he secured the wooden plank to the balcony, he addressed Wu Qi, "Wu Qi, you go ahead. Soon, Mengyan and I will join you. You're aware this is our only escape route. If you don't cross now, I can't vouch for what might happen later."

Wu Qi was acutely aware that this was their sole path to safety, despite Shen Faang's insistence.

Yet, he lacked the courage to proceed, remaining indecisive. Despite Shen Faang's repeated urging, Wu Qi remained indifferent, fearing the plank couldn't bear his weight and that he might fall and lose his life in the attempt.

Shen Faang was frustrated by Wu Qi's timidity, but with the zombies closing in, he was uncertain of the next move.

He swiftly moved ahead, fending off the zombies with his sword. Then, he turned back, intent on guiding Wang Mengyan across first, to demonstrate to Wu Qi that the bridge could hold them both without issue, and that he wouldn't face any problems crossing alone.

Witnessing Wang Mengyan and Shen Faang navigate the makeshift bridge without incident, Wu Qi's worries subsided. He realized the danger of being left behind should the zombies catch up.

Without further hesitation, Wu Qi followed in Shen Faang and Wang Mengyan's footsteps, ascending the narrow bridge toward the 30th floor of the high-rise.