Chapter 36 Long-Range Reconnaissance
Morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting soft bands of light on the bedroom floor. Wen Yu's biological clock made him wake up precisely at the crack of dawn.
The moment consciousness returned, the first thing I noticed wasn't my physical condition, but the familiar, soft weight in my arms and the clean, sweet scent of Su Ran lingering around my nose.
Su Ran was still asleep, curled up on her side in his arms, her face buried in the crook of his neck, one hand unconsciously resting on his chest, her breathing long and steady. Her soft black hair was a little messy, scattered on the pillow and around Wen Yu's chin, the ends brushing against his skin, bringing a slight tickle.
Wen Yu didn't move, but lowered his head slightly, looking at the sleeping profile of the person in his arms in the dim light. Long eyelashes hung quietly, casting thick fan-shaped shadows under the eyelids, the cheeks were flushed with a healthy pale pink from deep sleep, and the lips were a natural, slightly moist pale red, opening and closing gently with each breath.
An indescribable, overwhelming warmth flowed quietly through Wen Yu's chest. He could hardly recall how cold and empty those mornings he woke up alone were before Su Ran appeared. But now, every day began with this real warmth and peace.
He couldn't resist, and with utmost gentleness, placed a kiss on her smooth forehead. It was so light, like a feather brushing against her, as if afraid to disturb the tranquility.
Su Ran seemed to sense it, her eyelashes fluttered, and she unconsciously rubbed against his neck, letting out a muffled, sleepy murmur. Instead of waking up, she snuggled even closer into his arms, searching for a warmer and more comfortable spot.
Wen Yu's lips curved into an almost imperceptible smile. He remained in that position for a while longer, until his scheduled wake-up time approached. Then, carefully trying not to disturb Su Ran, he slowly withdrew his slightly numb arm and prepared to get up.
However, the moment he moved, Su Ran woke up. Her eyes, still misty with sleep, opened groggily. She blinked blankly for a moment, but when she saw Wen Yu's face so close to hers, her eyes cleared instantly. Then, very naturally, she tilted her head back and placed a warm, soft kiss on Wen Yu's lips.
"Good morning, Brother Yu." His voice was hoarse and soft, as if it had just woken up, like it was mixed with honey.
Wen Yu's heart felt gently tickled by the natural and intimate kiss and call. He paused in his act of getting up, lowered his head, and responded with a deeper and longer good morning kiss until Su Ran's breathing became slightly rapid and his cheeks flushed. Only then did he slowly pull away, gently stroking Su Ran's slightly hot cheeks with the pad of his thumb.
"Good morning." His voice was hoarser than Su Ran's, with a unique magnetism that came with the early morning.
The two cuddled together for a few more moments before getting up together. Dressing and washing up were done with an almost identical rhythm, as if they'd rehearsed it a thousand times. Su Ran habitually picked up Wen Yu's discarded pajamas, intending to wash them later. Wen Yu, on the other hand, went to the window and checked the morning data transmitted by the external sensors. The humidity was still high, the temperature was comfortable, the external surveillance was functioning normally, and there was no trace of any uninvited guests from last night.
Breakfast was prepared together in the kitchen. Su Ran was the head chef, and Wen Yu assisted. Today's meal consisted of thin noodles cooked in the chicken broth left over from last night, accompanied by freshly picked bok choy from the sunroom and golden-brown fried eggs. Su Ran also specially prepared a small dish of her own pickled radishes, which were refreshing and appetizing.
"Brother Yu, taste it and see if it's salty enough." Su Ran picked up a mouthful of noodles, blew on it, and held it to Wen Yu's lips.
Wen Yu ate with his chopsticks, chewing slowly, "Just right." He picked up the vinegar bottle next to him and poured a little into his own bowl, "You seem to have a good appetite today?" He noticed that Su Ran had served more noodles than usual today.
"Mmm!" Su Ran nodded, his eyes bright with anticipation and a hint of excitement. "Because I'm going out with Brother Yu! I need to eat more so I have the energy." He paused, then added softly, "Besides, I'm a little nervous, and when I'm nervous, I want to eat more..."
Wen Yu chuckled and reached out to ruffle his soft hair: "Don't be nervous. Just think of it as a... hike." Although the destination of this "hiking" is the perilous post-apocalyptic ruins.
During the meal, Wen Yu's thoughts had already shifted to the upcoming reconnaissance mission. The decision to conduct this relatively long-range reconnaissance was not made on a whim. The fortress's self-sufficiency plan was progressing steadily, and its internal ecological cycle was beginning to take shape.
But Wen Yu knew that information was like oxygen in another dimension. He needed to understand the situation in a wider area: the movements of other survivor factions, the distribution and consumption of resources, long-term climate trends, and even... whether unexpected threats were brewing. Holding the fortress was certainly safe, but if he became blind and deaf, danger might strike without him even realizing it.
His chosen target was an area about thirty kilometers northwest of Cuiping Mountain. Before the apocalypse, there was a medium-sized industrial park and several warehousing and logistics centers there, possibly still some undiscovered resources useful to the fortress, such as special metals, electronic components, chemical raw materials, or stored vehicles and fuel. More importantly, unusual radio signals had been detected in that direction, though weak and intermittent, but worth investigating.
This time, he decided to bring Su Ran along.
This wasn't just because Su Ran's abilities in navigation, recording, and logistics had been fully proven, but also because, after the "Rock Base Camp" incident and the joint construction efforts during this period, Wen Yu's trust and reliance on Su Ran had reached a new level. He no longer saw Su Ran merely as a part of the fortress that needed protection, but as a reliable companion who could venture out side by side and face unknown risks together.
He hoped that Su Ran could see the real world firsthand and gain experience. He also hoped that through this joint operation, their tacit understanding and bond would be further strengthened in the environment outside the fortress.
Of course, risks exist. But Wen Yu believed that with their preparations, equipment, and teamwork, they were capable of handling most emergencies. If all else failed, they had a final escape route—his meticulously modified off-road vehicle and several hidden evacuation routes.
"After you finish eating, go do the final checks." Wen Yu put down his chopsticks and said to Su Ran, "Vehicles, equipment, communications, first aid kits, go through the checklist again. Especially your protective gear and personal weapons, make sure to check their condition."
"Okay! Understood!" Su Ran immediately replied, quickly finished his noodles, cleaned up the dishes, and walked briskly towards the equipment room. His back was straight, and his steps were steady. The initial timidity was long gone, replaced by a competence and composure honed through training and combat.
Wen Yu watched his retreating figure, his eyes deep. Taking Su Ran out with him, he wasn't entirely without worry. The outside world was a thousand times more cruel than the fortress; anything could happen. But he had even more faith in Su Ran's growth and potential.
Su Ran is like a rough gem, gradually radiating an increasingly dazzling brilliance through his polishing and the tempering of the cruel post-apocalyptic environment. He needs a wider world to experience, and I will be his strongest support and most vigilant eyes.
An hour later, the heavy, concealed gate of the fortress, used for vehicle access, slowly rose with a low, hydraulic hum. Outside the gate, the familiar fortress courtyard was no longer visible, but a winding path leading downwards to the exit of a hidden tunnel beneath the destroyed mountain road. This was one of the few emergency passages reserved by Wenyu, its exit hidden among dense forest and boulders, making it extremely difficult to spot.
Parked at the tunnel exit was Wen Yu's "masterpiece"—a thoroughly modified and reinforced dark gray SUV. The body was fitted with heavy bumpers and side skirts, the windows were replaced with multi-layered bulletproof glass, and the tires were specially designed puncture-resistant off-road tires.
The vehicle is equipped with a retractable reconnaissance platform and multi-functional searchlights on the roof. The interior has been redesigned, with the rear seats transformed into a space that combines storage and rest functions. It is also equipped with independent communication equipment, a small generator, a water purification system, and a medical supply cabinet.
The engine has been tuned to be deep and powerful, balancing power, range, and quietness.
Su Ran was already fully dressed. He wore the same dark gray tactical jacket as Wen Yu, with a cut-resistant lining, durable work pants, and high-top tactical boots. A multi-tool, a high-powered flashlight, and a walkie-talkie were strapped to his waist, and a compact pistol and several magazines, provided by Wen Yu, were strapped to his thigh. On his back was a medium-sized tactical backpack containing emergency food, water, medicine, spare batteries, and several self-made "gadgets" that he insisted on carrying. He wore goggles and a mask, revealing only his clear, focused eyes.
Wen Yu's equipment was heavier. In addition to similar protective gear and weapons, he also carried a sniper rifle, a crossbow, and a wider variety of tools and explosives. He checked the vehicle's key components and then helped Su Ran make final adjustments to the backpack's shoulder straps and waist buckle to ensure it wouldn't slip or cause discomfort during the bumpy ride.
"Get in the car." Wen Yu opened the driver's side door.
Su Ran nimbly sat in the passenger seat, fastened his seatbelt, and then fixed an electronic map with pre-marked routes and key points onto the bracket, connecting it to the vehicle's navigation system. He then checked the communication channel between the vehicle's communication equipment and the main control room of the fortress to confirm that it was working properly.
"Navigation ready."
"Communication is normal."
"Backup power is at full strength."
"The emergency plan has been confirmed."
Su Ran's voice was steady and clear as she reported each point, like a well-trained co-pilot.
Wen Yu nodded and started the car. The engine emitted a deep, smooth roar. He glanced one last time at the fortress exit gate in the rearview mirror, which was slowly closing and disappearing back into the mountainside. Then he shifted gears, and the dark gray SUV, like a silent cheetah, quietly drove out of the tunnel and disappeared into the unknown forest outside, shrouded in morning mist and a faint smell of decay.
The roads are long gone. Floods, mudslides, and lack of maintenance have left the original cement or asphalt surfaces broken and covered with mud, weeds, and fallen trees.
Relying on his memory, GPS, and the detailed map in Su Ran's hands, Wen Yu carefully chose a relatively feasible route. The vehicle was quite bumpy, but the excellent suspension and Wen Yu's superb driving skills kept the journey within tolerable limits.
Su Ran kept her eyes glued to the map and the road conditions ahead, occasionally whispering a warning: "There's a large landslide to the left ahead, I suggest you detour to the right."
"There are signs of a landslide on the right side of the mountain. Speed up when passing through."
"GPS signal lost, switch to inertial navigation and landmark comparison."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough to reach Wen Yu's ears steadily amidst the bumps and engine noise. Every instruction was accurate and timely, showing that he had done his homework beforehand and had a deep memory and understanding of the route and terrain. Following his instructions, Wen Yu operated the vehicle skillfully, navigating the ruins and natural obstacles at a moderate speed, steadily approaching the target area.
The further out you go, the more shocking the signs of the apocalypse become. Blackened and rotting trees, vehicle wreckage scattered in the mud, collapsed building ruins, and everywhere, the skeletal remains of humans, gnawed away by wild animals or time itself…
The air was filled with the damp smell of earth, a faint stench of decay, and a deathly stillness after everything had withered. Occasionally, a flock of startled birds or a small animal would dart across the roadside, adding to the desolation.
Su Ran was initially alarmed, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the seatbelt. But he quickly forced himself to calm down, focusing his attention on navigation and observation. He not only watched the road but also paid attention to any unusual movements in the forests and ruins on both sides, occasionally reminding Wen Yu to watch out for a reflective spot or unusual trace. His keen observation skills allowed him to spot potentially dangerous locations several times in advance, enabling Wen Yu to avoid them.
"You adapted quickly." Wen Yu said to Su Ran as he briefly stopped the car in a relatively safe, sheltered spot to check the vehicle and replenish his water. He handed Su Ran a bottle of water, his gaze falling on Su Ran's face, which was mostly covered by goggles but still showed a calm demeanor.
Su Ran took the water, took a sip, and shook his head: "Outside... it's worse than I imagined. But, with Brother Yu by my side, I'm not afraid." He looked at Wen Yu with a determined gaze, "Besides, I know what I'm here for. I can't hold him back."
Wen Yu's heart stirred slightly. He reached out and ruffled Su Ran's hair, saying nothing more. After they resumed their journey, he sensed that Su Ran was more relaxed and focused. He even began recording useful information he observed along the way: the water quality and flow of a certain stream, an orchard that hadn't been completely destroyed, several caves or building ruins that might be suitable as temporary shelters…
Around noon, they reached the edge of their designated reconnaissance area. Wen Yu concealed the vehicle behind a broken wall of an abandoned factory, covering it with camouflage netting. The two didn't light a fire, simply eating the compressed rations and energy bars they had brought for lunch.
"The target industrial park is three kilometers ahead." Wen Yu spread out a more detailed map of the area and pointed with his pen. "We'll enter from this abandoned logistics warehouse area on the east side. Su Ran, you stay in the car to keep watch, monitor the surrounding area, and maintain communication. I'll go in to scout, which will take about two hours. If I don't return within that time, or if communication is interrupted for more than fifteen minutes, you immediately follow plan B and drive to backup point number two to wait for my signal. Understand?"
This was planned. Although Su Ran was growing rapidly, Wen Yu didn't dare let him carry out high-risk missions like infiltration and reconnaissance alone. Su Ran's role was to provide support, early warning, and backup from the rear.
"Understood." Su Ran nodded emphatically, not insisting on going with them. He knew his place and responsibilities. "Brother Yu, please be careful. I'll be here, waiting for you to come back."
Wen Yu felt a warmth in his heart when he saw the undisguised worry in Su Ran's eyes. He leaned over and gently touched Su Ran's forehead through his mask: "Don't worry."
He checked his equipment, assembled the sniper rifle and slung it over his shoulder, cocked the crossbow, and positioned his pistol and dagger. Then, like a ghost, he silently slid out of the vehicle and disappeared into the shadows of the ruins ahead in a few flashes.
Su Ran took a deep breath, suppressing his worries, and quickly got into focus. He adjusted the monitoring equipment in the car, put on his headset, and sharply scanned the screens in all directions. A map, binoculars, and a walkie-talkie were beside him. Like the most loyal sentinel, he guarded this ark that carried their hopes and escape route, and also watched the direction Wen Yu had left in, waiting for his safe return.
Outside the vehicle lay a desolate and dangerous ruin. Inside, Su Ran's steady breathing and the soft hum of the instruments filled the air. The long-range reconnaissance had only just begun. And the tacit understanding and trust between the two were undergoing a new, silent test in this unknown and dangerous territory.