Sun Ruixing sighed helplessly, watching the old man below continue his increasingly bizarre statements, even questioning whether Sun Ruixing himself was a reactionary. A group of middle-aged women, who had never experienced the cruelty of the post-apocalyptic world, were also blindly chiming in.
"Enough! Listen to me," Sun Ruixing shouted.
"Tomorrow, I will lead everyone out. As for myself, I can only do my best to guarantee your safety." When his attempts at persuasion failed, Sun Ruixing had no choice but to compromise.
Grandpa Sun, seeing he had gotten the outcome he wanted, smiled gleefully and announced to those around him, "Alright, Little Sun, donât worry! We wonât cause you any trouble. Everyone, letâs eat!"
Looking at Sun Ruixingâs utterly dejected expression, Wen Yu immediately understood. This man would sooner or later be doomed by this burdensome group.
)
After heartily finishing his meal, Wen Yu greeted Sun Ruixing and then headed to his room. He still hadnât had enough rest.
ă...ă
Night deepened. In the mountainous areas surrounding Hualin Town, a plump rat quietly poked its head out.
Its elongated snout kept sniffing the air, trying to find something edible, because this Level 1 mutant rat hadnât eaten all day.
It wasnât due to a lack of food, but because the animalâs keen instinct warned it of a terrifying presence nearby, like a giant slowly awakening from a deep slumber.
The rat moved forward cautiously, then stopped in a deserted patch of farmland.
An alluring aroma, the smell of food, wafted up from the ground.
Its front paws rapidly pawed at the loose soil. Its mutated claws were exceptionally sharp, and in no time, the large rat found its meal.
It was a plantâs root, about five centimeters in diameter, elongated, with even finer root hairs squirming on it.
The large rat didnât bother to identify the plant species. Hunger had already driven it beyond reason. It opened its large mouth and viciously bit down on the root before it.
But it couldnât bite through.
The fat rat was puzzled. What could possibly resist its sharp teeth?
As if on cue, the plant root on the ground began to writhe violently. Before the large rat could react, the slender root, like a snake, coiled around its body.
The rat struggled frantically, but the plantâs grip only tightened, dragging the struggling rat directly underground.
The ratâs squeals gradually faded, leaving only a large pit in the ground. After a short while, the ground began to stir. Upon closer inspection, countless slender root hairs were incessantly smoothing out the marks on the ground. Then, the farmland returned to its previous calm.
ă...ă
In Sun Ruixingâs settlement, not far from the main house.
Within a small, independent courtyard, the low murmur of conversation could be heard.
"How are the preparations?" an unfamiliar voice asked.
"Everythingâs ready. Tomorrow, Iâll fight tooth and nail to ensure that reactionary Sun Ruixingâs scheme doesnât succeed." This was Grandpa Sunâs voice.
"Good. Grandpa Sun, you truly live up to your reputation as an old revolutionaryâa man of principle! The country wonât forget your contributions. That Sun Ruixing, daring to carve out his own territory and ignore the nationâs laws! This is a betrayal of the people, and the nation will certainly not let him off." The stranger first flattered Grandpa Sun for a few sentences, then began to list Sun Ruixingâs faults.
"Take this, Grandpa Sun. Tomorrow, as soon as you and the others get on the vehicle with Sun Ruixing, light this incense. After that, you wonât have to worry about a thing. The nationâs power will ensure Sun Ruixing is severely punished." As his voice fell, a rustling sound was heard as the stranger fumbled for something, then handed an item to Grandpa Sun.
Grandpa Sun took the incense, yawned, and walked back towards the house. After all, an old manâs energy is limited, and Grandpa Sun was already feeling drowsy.
As soon as Grandpa Sun entered the house, the voice in the courtyard spoke again, "Mayor Li, can we trust this old man?"
"Whatâs not to trust? These old folks are loyal to the state. Besides, with my status, as long as I invoke the nationâs banner, these old folks will definitely listen to me. That Sun Ruixing is truly pitiful. The very people he painstakingly rescued, whom he treated like honored guests, sold him out in the blink of an eye. Tsk, tsk. But then again, this patriotic fervor and sense of national belonging truly declines with each generation, doesnât it?" Mayor Li said with a sigh.
Another voice chuckled awkwardly before speaking directly to Mayor Li, "Iâll be on watch tomorrow, and Iâve already bought over most of the patrol team. When you arrive with your men, Mayor Li, you can directly take over this small camp. But once itâs done, the benefits you promised, Mayor Li...?"
"Rest assured, Lin Hu. Women, power, strengthâyou wonât miss out on any of it."
"Thatâs good, thatâs good," Lin Hu, also known as Tiger Kid, said with satisfaction.
"By the way, Mayor Li, what was that incense you gave him? Make sure it kills Sun Ruixing. If he comes back alive, things could get complicated." Tiger Kid felt a twinge of guilt towards Sun Ruixing. After all, he owed his survival entirely to Sun Ruixing. Tiger Kid didnât want Sun Ruixing to find out about his betrayal, so the best solution was to ensure Sun Ruixing never returned.
"Heh. Rest assured. This is a little trinket I found in the treasure land. It will absolutely ensure Sun Ruixing never returns," Mayor Li said confidently.
"Treasure land?" Tiger Kid asked, puzzled.
"Heh. When you join us, youâll know everything. Youâve seen what a screwed-up world this is, Brother Lin Hu. Following me is much better than sticking with Sun Ruixing. I, your big brother, wonât treat you unfairly. Then, we can be the local emperors in this little Hualin Town. Wouldnât that be great?"
Seeing Lin Hu nod thoughtfully, Mayor Li sneered inwardly.
With Lin Huâs strength and methods, heâs only fit to be a patrol captain. He wants to share wealth and glory with me? He should take a good look in the mirror at his own pathetic self!
"Now that everything is arranged, Iâll take my leave. Iâll bring my men over tomorrow at noon," Mayor Li nodded to Tiger Kid. Then, his figure blurred, and he vanished on the spot.
Lin Hu watched the spot where Mayor Li had disappeared, his expression flickering indeterminately for a moment before a look of utter ruthlessness took over.
Isnât the purpose of life to seek wealth and prosperity? Big brother Sun, since you canât offer them to me, Iâll take them myself.