Chapter 208: Three Superhumans
The call abruptly ended, leaving only the ābeep beepā sound echoing in the control room. Zhang Yi sat in his chair, eyes half-closed, deep in thought. Initially, he thought it would be a simple rescue mission, but now it seemed more complicated, involving unexpected dangers. He disliked complications.
At this moment, Yang Siya nervously clung to Zhang Yiās arm. "Zhang Yi..." Her eyes were full of pleading, even teary. Her sisterās danger made her desperate, hoping Zhang Yi would save her.
Zhang Yi smiled reassuringly at Yang Siya and Zhou Keāer. "Donāt worry. I said I would save her, and I will."
Though the situation might be troublesome, it wasnāt difficult for Zhang Yi now. After all, he had two superhuman allies. With Uncle You acting as a tank in front, Fatty Xu controlling the field as a mage, and Zhang Yi finding the right moment to strike from behind, the formation was perfect. In the early days of the apocalypse, a trio of superhumans could sweep through most territories. Besides, he desperately needed a top-tier computer expert now.
With Zhang Yiās promise, Yang Siya and Zhou Keāer felt relieved. After comforting them, Zhang Yi contacted Uncle You and Fatty Xu, asking them to join him for the rescue mission. Uncle You agreed immediately. Fatty Xu, not daring to disobey Zhang Yi, saw it as a simple rescue operation and agreed too.
Given the potential danger surrounding Yang Xinxin, Zhang Yi decided to depart for Tianqing Academy the next day. As for the eerie, ghostly wail heard during the call, Zhang Yi could guess its nature. It was either a gene-mutated superhuman or another mutated creature. Though it sounded terrifying, the fact that Yang Xinxin, a paralyzed girl, had survived a month suggested it wasnāt beyond their capability to handle.
The night before departure, Zhang Yi meticulously checked his weapons and equipment. Facing mutants required more caution than dealing with ordinary people. Despite their higher recoil, he even switched his handguns to models with greater power, loaded with armor-piercing rounds. All equipment was prepared as usual: small items carried on him, large weapons stored in his spatial space, ready for immediate use.
The next morning, Yang Siya and Zhou Keāer prepared a lavish breakfast for Zhang Yi. He wasnāt going to take them along. Despite their exposure to some brutal scenes, they would likely freeze up in a life-and-death situation, having no combat skills and becoming liabilities.
Seeing the table full of food, Zhang Yi ate sparingly, sampling each dish but avoiding overindulgence. Eating too much could hinder his actions, and drinking too much soup or porridge could lead to inconvenient bathroom breaks in the freezing weather, risking frostbite. Having learned from past mistakes, Zhang Yi never ate too much before going out and drank little water. If he exhausted his energy, he had ample food and water in his spatial space.
After breakfast, Zhang Yiās phone rang. It was Fatty Xu. He answered, "Hello."
"Brother Zhang, Iāve crossed the river! Waiting by the roadside for you!"
Fatty Xu knew Zhang Yiās area was full of traps and didnāt dare approach. Under the snow lay the buried bodies of his second brother and sixth grandpa.
"Wait for me. Iāll be there soon."
Zhang Yi hung up and turned to Yang Siya and Zhou Keāer. "Iām leaving now. For your safety, stay in the basement while Iām gone."
Yang Siya, puzzled, asked, "Why the basement? Isnāt this house safe?"
Zhou Keāer tugged at her sleeve. "Just do as he says!"
Zhou Keāer knew Zhang Yi too well and understood his intention. The information came from Yang Siya and Zhou Keāer, and the person to be rescued was their relative. There was a chance this was a trap they set up. Though this was highly unlikely, Zhang Yi never trusted probabilities, only himself.
Feeling confused, Yang Siya followed Zhang Yi and Zhou Keāer to the basement. Zhang Yi locked them in separate alloy rooms with his high-security key, ensuring no one could let them out until he returned.
"This way, even if someone breaks in, they wonāt threaten your safety," Zhang Yi said with a smile. He left them with enough food and water, and the rooms had private bathrooms, so cleanliness wouldnāt be an issue.
Zhou Keāer smiled warmly. "Thank you, Zhang Yi. Weāll wait for you to come back!"
Now understanding the situation, Yang Siya felt slightly uncomfortable being suspected but wasnāt angry since Zhang Yi was risking his life to save her sister. "Zhang Yi, please bring Xinxin back safely!"
Zhang Yi patted his nose, smiling. "If sheās safe when I arrive, Iāll bring her back safely."
With his promise, Yang Siya sighed in relief, her ample chest rising and falling. She blew Zhang Yi a kiss. "Iāll be waiting to keep you company when you return!"
"Now I have to hurry back, or Iāll feel bad for neglecting you," Zhang Yi replied with a grin. Sweet words, though cheap, were effective.
Yang Siya shyly bit her lip, murmuring, "As long as you care for me, Iāll be happy."
This promise to rescue her sister stirred something in Yang Siyaās heart, making her believe Zhang Yi was doing it for her. If this wasnāt love, what was there to hope for?
A gentle ripple spread in her heart, lingering long after.
...
Locking the two women in the alloy rooms, Zhang Yi left the house, taking a deep breath. He didnāt like guarding against those close to him, but to live safely in these times, he had to be cautious and never let his guard down.
Moreover, the basement rooms were comfortable and warm, and he left them plenty of food. They were much better off than him, who had to face danger outside. With this thought, Zhang Yi felt his actions were justified.