Waiting is always excruciating, especially when your mind is preoccupied with something.
Even Wang Qiang, who was so excited he couldn't contain himself because of Huang Yaru's presence, suffered from insomnia the night before the action.
None of the three of them slept. Everyone was lost in their thoughts, gathered in the living room, staring at each other without saying a word.
If there's anything these three have in common at this moment, it's undoubtedly the fear and anxiety about the action the next day.
Time passed slowly with the heat, and by the time the first ray of dawn light pierced the living room, Wang, Tang, and the others had spent the entire night sitting there in a daze.
Struggling to stand up, Tang Xiaoquan involuntarily let out an "ouch." At this moment, his entire neck felt as if it had been soaked in vinegar, aching unbearably, numb and intolerable.
Wang Qiang also stood up. After moving his limbs a bit, he headed towards the kitchen.
But Huang Yaru remained still, like a rock in the middle of fishing.
Tang Xiaoquan didn't reprimand her, as he could see that she was extremely nervous, a kind of tension that was hard to disguise and uncontrollable.
After a simple breakfast, the three gathered in the living room again. At this point, everyone knew well it's time to take action.
Tang Xiaoquan took out the memo he had prepared in advance and carefully checked everything from supplies to equipment. After confirming everything was in order, he solemnly told Wang and Huang:
"Once we go out, I'll take the lead, Yaru will be in the middle, and Qiang, you'll cover the rear. No matter what happens, everyone must remain calm, especially Miss Huang. Remember, do not scream, or we'll end up dead! Understand?"
Huang Yaru nodded blankly, feeling as if her soul had been sucked out.
Seeing her so distraught, Tang Xiaoquan hesitated about leaving her behind.
But that thought only lasted a moment before he brushed it aside.
The reason is simple: if Huang Yaru encounters zombies and screams, they can retreat back inside to continue defending. But if she stays home and plays tricks, then he and Wang Qiang would have no retreat.
Thus, after explaining the cautionary points, Tang Xiaoquan wasted no more words. He turned back to the bedroom and retrieved three down jackets, tossing them on the table, and instructed, "Everyone take one and put it on."
"What!" Wang Qiang's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the thick down jackets on the table, "Hey Quan, have you lost your mind? In the heat of summer, you're telling us to wear down jackets? Are you out of your damn mind?"
"No!" Tang Xiaoquan's tone was calm, with no ripple of emotion. He responded with unusual seriousness, "We still don't know the transmission route of this mutation virus, and Qiang, you know those mutant zombies have razor-sharp claws and teeth. If you don't want to get scraped easily, you'd better endure it and put it on."
After a moment of hesitation, Wang Qiang finally chose to comply. After all, compared to the unbearable heat, preserving their lives was more important.
"Yaru, this is for you!" After answering Wang Qiang's question, Tang Xiaoquan handed the dark red wooden-handled wrench on the table to Huang Yaru.
This was a weapon prepared especially for her, and the reason why Tang Xiaoquan didn't give her a sharper weapon like a fruit knife was mostly out of concern. He worried that if this woman lost control, it would be a major joke.
"Remember, you're in the middle of the team and only use it as a last resort. Your safety, we'll be responsible for it, understand?" He issued a final warning for completeness.
"Okay!" This was the first sound Huang Yaru had made since last night, perhaps feeling reassured at the promise of protection from the two men.
In any case, she had finally spoken, even in just a simple hmph, which at least indicated her brain had started working.
According to their prior arrangement, Wang and Tang each picked up their well-prepared supply backpacks, slinging them over their shoulders.
Their primary reason for doing so was to prevent any unexpected incidents during their mission that would prevent them from returning home.
After all, no one knew what would happen next, so bringing these two backpacks could at least ensure a supply of three days' rations and related essentials in case of a crisis.
Once all this was sorted out, the three performed a final check on each other. After confirming everything was fine, they finally picked up their weapons and headed for the front door.
At the door, the main defensive barriers had been cleared, leaving only a sofa set blocking their path.
With Wang Qiang's cooperation, Tang Xiaoquan didn't take much effort to move it aside.
Then he lifted the curtain, peered through a chink, and carefully observed the situation in the stairwell.
The corridor was desolate and silent, the occasional faint rustle merely the sound of zombies wandering aimlessly.
Because of a limited vision, Tang Xiaoquan couldn't observe the whole stairwell. However, given his current view, there were no signs of zombies for the time being.
After relaying the situation to the two behind him, Huang Yaru audibly exhaled upon hearing no zombies were outside the door.
Tang Xiaoquan understood this very well because he too was nervous, his heart pounding.
With a firm grip on his weapon, Tang Xiaoquan signaled to the others that he was about to open the door.
As his fingers touched the doorknob, Tang Xiaoquan felt the cold, metallic chill for the first time as if it were icy to the touch.
Taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Tang Xiaoquan began counting down silently:
Three!
Two!
One!
As "one" was whispered, Tang Xiaoquan twisted with effort, and with a "click," the wooden door swung open...
Sweat trickled down his cheeks, and even though it was just a simple twist, Tang Xiaoquan's shirt was already soaked through with sweat.
Once again, he tightened his grip on his weapon, his face serious, a pale face devoid of any trace of blood, clearly showing his inner terror.
At this moment, everything seemed like it was put on pause, Tang Xiaoquan stood motionless, as did Wang and Huang not daring to move.
The three of them stood there, hunched and dumbfounded, until Tang Xiaoquan snapped back from his tense state.
Rising, pushing the door, stepping forward, rushing out, this time Tang Xiaoquan hesitated no more; with unwavering resolve, he dashed out the door, yet...