The convoy soon arrived at the resort Sixth Brother had mentioned—White Swan Resort.
It was truly isolated! Miles of uninhabited land surrounded it—how could a resort here ever turn a profit?
The entire resort was enclosed by high walls, its main gate tightly locked.
The men first got out to scout the area—no signs of zombies.
I signaled the driver to let me out, then he quickly closed the door behind me.
Approaching the resort's main gate, Sixth Brother joined me.
"Seems empty inside?" I peered through the iron gates.
"Yes, usually no one's here," Sixth Brother seemed familiar with this place.
"It's locked. That Lao Wu guy—the one who boasted he could open any lock—let's have him try!" I recalled the self-proclaimed divine thief.
"Sister Duo! Honored!" The slick voice sounded behind me before I finished—Lao Wu was already there!
Finally seeing the "divine thief" up close: a frail man with a pale, unremarkable face, narrow eyes gleaming cunningly. Beside him stood a burly man with dark skin, thick lips, and a buzz cut, wearing camouflage—undoubtedly Meng Yidong, the ex-special forces demolitions expert Lao Wu had mentioned!
Retired yet still in camouflage—did he want everyone to know his skills?
"Sister Duo, just say the word! Lao Wu's at your service! This lock? Child's play…" Lao Wu swayed his head with slight pride.
Aren't divine thieves supposed to be low-key and mysterious? Why was Lao Wu shouting his identity to the world?
"Lao Wu, can you open it without damaging the lock? We need to relock it after entering." I stepped aside to give him access.
"No problem!" Lao Wu pulled out some small tools—no skeleton keys visible—and picked the massive lock in seconds.
My friends and I were stunned! A true master!
Lao Wu gently opened the lock, hung it on the gate, and gracefully gestured: "After you!"
We gave him thumbs-up. In the zombie apocalypse, what's most precious? Talent!
Meng Yidong wordlessly pushed the iron gate open—likely leaving all talking to Lao Wu.
These two were quite the pair!
Following Sixth Brother, we entered White Swan Resort!
The world behind the walls awaited.
The courtyard was roughly soccer-field-sized. At its center stood a four-story main building. To its left was a single large structure labeled "Cafeteria"; to its right, simpler rooms likely for storage.
We first scouted the courtyard. Behind the main building was a pit latrine near the rear wall—terrifyingly isolated. Even without zombies, I wouldn't dare use it at night!
The walls were high and intact, no security gaps. We felt relieved.
The main building had only one entrance: heavy bronze doors like those of banks or luxury hotels! First-floor windows were barred with anti-theft grilles—who were they keeping out? What thief would come to this deserted place?
The building felt eerie. Why would a resort need such security?
Sixth Brother told Lao Wu, "Brother, please open these bronze doors without damaging the locks."
Lao Wu complied swiftly.
The bronze doors swung open, revealing dim interiors. Dusk had fallen.
The building was silent. Flashlights illuminated the lobby—empty.
"It's safe. The locks are undamaged—no people or zombies inside. But check every room carefully!" Sixth Brother instructed.
I returned to guide the vehicles inside. Many cars, but the courtyard was spacious enough.
Once all were inside, we relocked the main gate.
Sixth Brother's team reported all rooms cleared—ready for occupancy.
Each floor had 20 rooms, 80 total.
The exterior looked plain, but the rooms were lavishly decorated! Surprisingly, each had a small, elegant bathroom—though taps yielded no water. Utilities were cut.
Every room had a luxurious double bed with snow-white sheets, thick soft quilts, and comfortable pillows—five-star hotel standards!
I settled my parents and Shuai Shuai in a fourth-floor room for rest.
Maidou Ma, Dr. Ke'er, and Dr. Xiaoshuang arranged other elders and children.
Elders, women, and children occupied the third and fourth floors, two to three per room.
Men took the first and second floors, providing protection.
This resort was unlike any I'd visited—those had multiple single beds per room, thin mattresses, and quilts that left you shivering.
White Swan Resort's luxury felt unsettling.
Was this really just a ordinary resort?
After room assignments, some headed to the cafeteria to prepare dinner.
Its kitchen was spacious, fully equipped like a five-star hotel's. Massive gas tanks still had fuel—ready for cooking.
Ten round tables with pristine white cloths filled the cafeteria. I touched one—dust-free! Solid wood tables with high-end padded chairs.
The eeriness deepened. What was this place???
Too tired to overthink, everyone focused on cooking a hot meal for nearly 200 people, unloading food from the trucks.
I, Jianan, and Sixth Brother rested on lobby sofas.
Sixth Brother gazed into the dark courtyard, loneliness in his eyes. I knew he had something to share.
"This wasn't publicly open—private land," Sixth Brother began. We listened silently.
"My former boss built it. He wanted a place for brothers to gamble and play safely—miles from anyone, no cops or bystanders.
Everything was star-rated. Beds imported, solid wood, odorless. Bedding custom-made in Hong Kong! Even bathroom sinks were premium brands. Boss wanted his life-and-death brothers to have their own paradise to enjoy!
Initially no walls. Then a drunk brother wandered out at night and was mauled by wolves. Boss realized beasts lurked nearby. He immediately built these walls, added the iron gate, replaced doors with bronze, and barred first-floor windows. Not even bears could break in.
Later, brothers split ways. Many left. Boss retired, not holding grudges. But the joyful times ended. After full retirement, he stayed here. Only I visited occasionally. Those ungrateful bastards!
Boss later died of cancer. He left me the resort—wife and kids already abroad. I alone was with him at the end." Sixth Brother smiled bitterly, steeped in sorrow—their bond ran deep.
"So you own this resort! Why no keys?" I understood now but had one question.
"After Boss died, I came alone once. The loneliness gnawed at me—suffocating! It highlighted human ingratitude. I couldn't bear it. Driving back, I threw all keys into the wild. Never thought I'd return." So that was why!
"Duo Duo, you two are remarkable. Never expected such talent in our compound! Wish we'd met sooner!" Sixth Brother suddenly praised us.
I felt embarrassed—mere ordinary people before a veteran like him.
We didn't even know how to respond, just blushed.
"No one foresaw this apocalyptic world. But since it's here, we adapt. Only the strong survive. Your minds are exceptional—trust my judgment. You have leadership qualities." Why this sudden praise? How could we live up to it?
"Sixth Brother, you flatter us. We're commoners with no leadership or great wisdom. This group relies on your guidance!" Jianan said sincerely, echoing my thoughts.
"I'll never shirk this duty while I live. But survival depends on collective wisdom and strength. Don't elevate me—I'm just a father wanting his sons to live. The most ordinary father!" Sixth Brother's words resonated. Indeed, the power of parents protecting children is immeasurable.