Chapter 1068 - 1056

Chapter 1068: Chapter 1056

The conversation reached this point, and the Survivor Team had already shown enough sincerity.

Perhaps noticing the other party’s reluctance to disclose the children’s whereabouts, the man directly dropped a line: "Since you all are not planning to proceed with the rescue at this stage, I won’t stay here long. I have other matters, and once they’re done, I’ll return here to await your action."

After writing, the man handed the pen and paper back to Hua Biao, then fixed his gaze on the Tang Blade in Hua Biao’s hand.

The stance was unmistakably clear, demanding Hua Biao to hurry up and return the blade.

How could Hua Biao return the blade at this moment? Setting aside both parties’ positions, he could not let the man leave in the dead of night, could he?

What a joke! Since it’s known that the man is the youth’s father, if anything happens on their side, how would Hua Biao explain it to Old Xu later?

Hua Biao’s unusual expression and lack of movement caused Tang Xiaoquan to be suspicious. He thought to himself that there must be something strange with what the man wrote, so he asked, "Hua Biao, what did he write?"

"He says he wants to leave, and he’s asking me for the blade." Tossing aside the notebook, Hua Biao shook the blade in his hand.

"Leave?" Tang Xiaoquan raised an eyebrow.

This guy can’t be allowed to leave.

Of course, Tang Xiaoquan’s idea wasn’t out of consideration for the man’s safety; it was more personal.

So what was Tang Xiaoquan’s personal interest? Quite simply, he valued the man’s combat strength.

Why is that? Because earlier, when the man rushed out from the Xianghe Noodle House, Tang Xiaoquan witnessed the whole process.

If he hadn’t heard the man’s account of the situation inside the noodle house, he might not have paid much attention.

But knowing what the man faced at that time, yet managing to seize a knife to kill, the sheer courage was worthy of admiration.

More importantly, being able to fight his way through a zombie blockade is something ordinary people can’t achieve.

This man is not simple; that’s Tang Xiaoquan’s assessment of him.

And given the current situation of their team, recruiting the man would undoubtedly strengthen their combat capability.

That’s the true purpose Tang Xiaoquan had in mind.

"Haha," Tang Xiaoquan chuckled kindly and stood up, moving toward the man, "Brother, given the pitch-black night, there’s not much you could achieve outside. Besides, you know it’s a ruined city; nighttime activity here is dangerous. No need for me to elaborate; you likely understand. In my opinion, if Brother trusts us, just rest here for a night and act tomorrow at dawn... Also, I wonder why Brother is in such a rush?"

After speaking, Tang Xiaoquan pushed the notebook that Hua Biao had thrown on the table back to the man, then thoughtfully poured him a cup of hot water.

The man was not shy either and gulped down the hot water in three swallows.

Seeing this, Tang Xiaoquan was dumbfounded and quickly advised, "B-Brother, don’t, don’t rush, drink slowly, this water is hot, don’t hurt yourself."

After quenching his thirst, the man placed the cup heavily on the table and wrote again: "There are several kids at home waiting for me to return with food; I need to hurry back, or they’ll have to go hungry tonight."

Unable to verify the truthfulness of the written words, but judging from the man’s affection for his children, Tang Xiaoquan and the others chose to believe him.

Exchanging glances, Hu Xiaodong bowed his head in thought for a moment: "Brother, uh... I know you’re definitely worried about matters at home, but look outside; it’s pitch black, and it’s really too risky for you to go out. I suggest you stay with us tonight, and tomorrow morning we’ll accompany you. Don’t worry; missing a meal won’t starve the kids. Besides, even if you go back now, you don’t have any supplies, right?"

"Yeah, Brother, stay with us. We’ve just gathered quite a bit of supplies. Tomorrow, we’ll go together. Keep in mind, your son is still waiting for you. Don’t risk your life due to urgency; that would be..."

The mention of his son immediately calmed the man down.

He looked at Tang Xiaoquan and the others in front of him, weighed it over, and finally sighed lightly, seemingly having made a decision, before sitting down.

"Alright then! I’ll stay here for one day, and tomorrow morning I’ll ask you to accompany me."

Seeing the words the man wrote in the notebook, Tang Xiaoquan felt his attitude was changing; he was no longer as unyielding as when he arrived.

This was a good thing, providing convenience for persuading him to join in the future.

Presently, Tang Xiaoquan seized the opportunity to make further advances: "Brother, you probably haven’t eaten yet, right? Have some water first; I’ll make you a bowl of instant noodles."

Having said that, Tang Xiaoquan didn’t wait for the man’s reaction, and went ahead to fetch a pack of Kang Shifu instant noodles for the man.

Meanwhile, Hua Biao also brought hot water and a towel for the man: "Wipe yourself down; sorry about earlier, I didn’t intend to hurt you, it was just your sudden move, apologies."

There’s a saying that goes, "You know each other after a fight." The man was unbothered by the ambush from Hua Biao, and he waved his hand, taking the towel to freshen up.

A bowl of instant noodles and a cup of hot tea—simple and modest hosting.

But to the down-and-out man, it was a heartwarming fire in winter, comforting and satisfying.

Taking advantage of the man eating noodles, Tang Xiaoquan started asking more personal questions.

Through these inquiries, he learned that the man’s surname was Huo, given name Yuan Kai, just a name shy of master Huo Yuanjia.

Interestingly, the man was somewhat similar to Huo Yuanjia.

He was also a practitioner, although not of Secret Track Fist, but rather Sword Dao.

The man ran a Sword Dao dojo, happening to be teaching when the apocalypse broke out.

And the kids he mentioned earlier were his students.

Upon discussing these matters, the man’s demeanor turned quite gloomy.

Because the originally ten-person team was mostly lost due to zombie attacks and human schemes.

Now only he, his son, and three students survived.

The survivors present had also faced losing loved ones and partners, so they empathized with the piercing pain.

In consequence, it brought them closer together in understanding and relationship. Hu Xiaodong patted the man’s downcast shoulder and advised earnestly, "Buddy, people don’t come back to life once they’re gone. The kids’ departure might have been a relief. Look forward; the important thing is those who survived. You need to keep their spirits up. If you collapse, who else can the kids rely on?"

Upon hearing "rely on who," Tang Xiaoquan, who had been waiting for a chance, quickly seized the moment: "Brother, um, after all this is over, if you don’t mind, just join us. We’re not wealthy, but we’re a united team. You seem like a good person, and with a single word, we’d welcome you all."