Three people, one zombie each, clean and efficient.

After they dealt with the zombies at the door of 502, Zhao Yunhai hurriedly took out his keys and unlocked the door.

As expected, as soon as the three entered, a wave of stifling humidity, heated from the long-closed windows, immediately surged towards them.

Zhao Yunhai instinctively twitched his nose a couple of times. Once he slightly adapted, he couldn't wait to rush into the inner room.

Seeing how hurried Old Zhao was, Hu Xiaodong worried he might encounter danger due to his haste and promptly signaled to Wu Chao nearby, indicating he should follow closely to prevent any accidents.

Having worked together for so long, Wu Chao naturally understood his big brother's meaning. After nodding in response, he turned and followed along.

Watching the two disappear from sight, Hu Xiaodong took a deep breath, then cautiously peeked outside the door, glancing left and right. After confirming no zombies were around, he gently closed the door, staying behind it to ensure that their escape route remained clear in case of emergencies.

It must be said that Old Zhao's house was quite impressive. Just the living room alone was easily about 40 square meters, and the overall layout was quite elegant.

The magnificent crystal chandelier paired with the coffee-colored rosewood flooring, under the light streaming through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, appeared harmonious—neither overly luxurious nor pretentious, with a hint of warmth upon closer inspection.

Zhao Yunhai's search didn't take much time. In just a moment, he had searched through the three-bedroom apartment, and when he reappeared before Hu Xiaodong, the look of disappointment on his face said it all.

"Your wife and daughter left safely, didn't they?" Hu Xiaodong spoke with careful wording, deliberately avoiding words that might lead Old Zhao to think dark thoughts.

For instance, if you were to ask, "Did your wife and daughter leave?" it could easily make the person think of tragedies like "passed away, died."

And if you asked, "They aren't here, are they?" it would similarly lead the person to imagine "accidents" had occurred.

So, just by adding the word "safely," it effectively soothed Old Zhao's anxious heart while also guiding his thoughts in a positive direction.

He nodded in confusion, then shook his head, finally letting out a long sigh, appearing quite dejected.

Hu Xiaodong could very well understand his feelings.

People, living in this world, always need something to believe in, and for adult men, their wives and children are undoubtedly their greatest source of solace.

To prevent Old Zhao from being crushed by reality, Hu Xiaodong solemnly patted his shoulder and earnestly advised, "Brother Zhao, sometimes no news is the best news. I believe your wife and daughter wouldn't leave without reason. They must have encountered a rescue organization or a survival team like ours. Besides, look at this place—it's neat, without signs of an attack, so they didn't leave in a hurry. They're surely somewhere safe now, worrying about your safety! And you, Brother Zhao, have only one thing to do now..."

Pausing slightly, Hu Xiaodong tightened his grip on Zhao's shoulder, then said emphatically, "Survive, and find them!"

Slowly raising his head, Zhao Yunhai met Hu Xiaodong's eyes, the determination and encouragement in which gradually restored his once lost and perplexed heart.

That's right! No news is the best news! My wife and child are still waiting for me! I can't just give up like this! I must be strong! I must live to find them!

With clarity dawning on him, Zhao Yunhai's eyes gradually brightened. He also placed his hand on Hu Xiaodong's shoulder, then said with exceptional gratitude, "Thank you, Xiao Hu! You're right! I really should pull myself together!"

"Alright! In that case, let's move quickly! Let's not keep Tang and the others waiting!" With that, Hu Xiaodong didn't waste any words and turned to push the door open, ready to leave. At this moment, Zhao Yunhai called and stopped him again.

"Uh~ Xiao Hu, sorry, could you wait a moment? I'll just gather a few things and leave!" With this rare return, Zhao Yunhai didn't want to leave empty-handed, as nearly half a month of cramped life in the building had made him sick of living without supplies!

He hadn't bathed or changed clothes for a good while. He believed that if he continued like this, even if the zombies didn't eat him, he'd be killed by the bacteria growing on him.

So he needed to take this opportunity to prepare some things for himself for the future. At the very least, he needed to bring a few extra changes of clothes.

Hearing this, Hu Xiaodong suddenly realized that Old Zhao's home might have supplies after all! Cursing himself for being so forgetful, he quickly said directly, "Brother Zhao, do you have any rice or grains at your place?"

"Well, you see~" scratching his head a bit sheepishly, Zhao Yunhai replied with some embarrassment, "I'm often busy socializing, and my daughter studies away most of the time, so my wife handles most daily matters. Why don't you check the kitchen? I think she might've prepared something in case our daughter came home on break. As for other items, take what you need without hesitation!"

"Okay, I'll go take a look. Let's split up! Wu Chao, you keep watch here!" After speaking, Hu Xiaodong glanced at his watch, then added, "Three minutes, let's regroup here in three minutes!"

After settling things, the two went their separate ways, each looking for what they needed.

Time flew by, and three minutes passed in a flash. When they gathered in the living room again, both Hu and Zhao had a stack of things in their hands.

"Chaozi, come help. Here, take this sack of rice; Uncle Zhao, you handle this rice bin." Pointing at the supplies on the floor, Hu Xiaodong quickly distributed them.

There were less than four minutes left until the rendezvous with the group downstairs, so Hu Xiaodong couldn't delay. He grabbed a bag of supplies and, carrying a cleaver and a compound bow, charged out ahead.

At the bottom of the building, beads of sweat were sliding down Tang Xiaoquan's cheeks like rain, the cleaver in his hand soaked with so much blood that it was unrecognizable.

It was already the second wave of the zombie attack they had repelled, but looming in the distance, more zombies were slowly dragging their feet towards them from the building.

Brother Hu! You really need to hurry, or else...

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