Rotting Land: Survive-Chapter 480 - 475: Arrival (Part 2)

"Is Captain Xu there?"

As soon as the voice was heard, the villa’s commotion abruptly ceased, and everyone’s eyes were focused on Xu Renjie.

Xu Renjie was equally surprised.

Undoubtedly, he wasn’t familiar with the male voice coming through the microphone, and in reality, the only people who would use "military rank" to address him were from the army.

Could it be that someone from the army is contacting me?

But how did the other party know I was still alive? How could they contact me so precisely, and most importantly, how did they know the frequency band?

With many questions in mind, Xu Renjie picked up the hand-held radio and gently pressed the talk button: "This is Xu Renjie, may I ask who you are..."

"Oh, Captain Xu! Hello! Hello! I’m Liu Yunpeng’s father, Liu Fugui!"

So that’s it! The survivors, who were initially puzzled, immediately understood everything, and Xu Renjie looked at Liu Yunpeng at the side of the table, who lowered his head somewhat evasively, focusing on digging into his bowl of food, looking guilty like a thief.

Perhaps sensing something, Liu Fugui, who hadn’t received a reply in a while, spoke again: "Captain Xu?"

"I’m here, what’s the matter?" As things developed to this point, even a fool would know that Liu Yunpeng had privately communicated with his father, but now wasn’t the time to pursue this matter. Xu Renjie, with a lowered voice, asked.

Understanding the wary tone, the seasoned Liu Fugui immediately comprehended the implication, and laughed: "Hehe, Captain Xu, it’s nothing really. Mainly because my son has benefitted from your care these days, so I specifically called tonight to express my gratitude."

An experienced old hand! Upon hearing Liu Fugui say this, Tang Xiaoquan immediately made his judgment.

After all, everyone knew the implicit meaning behind Liu Fugui’s call, but he didn’t state it directly, rather using gratitude to eliminate Xu Renjie’s concerns, thereby drawing the two parties closer. Indeed, he was a master of social interaction.

Xu Renjie naturally understood what Liu Fugui was up to, but he didn’t point it out, simply following along politely: "Mr. Liu, you don’t need to be so polite; staying in your villa and taking care of your son is only natural, and besides, protecting civilians is our soldiers’ duty."

"Well said! Well said! What a soldier’s duty! Our Huaxia is strong because of dedicated soldiers like you!"

Wang Qiang merely felt goosebumps from head to toe; he’d never seen someone speak such "grandiose words" so "confidently."

Of course, Wang Qiang wasn’t denying the essence of Liu Yunpeng’s words itself, but in this scenario, especially spoken by Liu Yunpeng, it was just... strange.

Xu Renjie’s expression remained unchanged, showing no trace of pride due to the other’s praise, instead he replied rather indifferently: "It’s nothing, just a soldier’s duty."

The understated words brought a faint smile to Liu Yunpeng’s lips.

He felt that the groundwork was nearly complete, so he said tactfully: "Yes, indeed, it’s your soldier’s duty! It’s also the people’s hope! You see, I was hesitating to speak about it earlier, but hearing you say such things, Captain Xu, I feel assured! Let’s be frank, contacting you this time is first to thank you for taking care of Quan, and secondly, I have an uninviting request."

Sure enough, upon hearing the phrase "uninviting request," almost all the survivors present anticipated what Liu Yunpeng was going to say next.

However, this straightforward request, after being fussed over with so-called "gratitude" by Liu Yunpeng, instantly changed in tone.

At the very least, after hearing it, the survivors felt quite uncomfortable.

"Damn, truly a businessman, unscrupulous!"

Just as Wang Qiang was silently cursing in delight, Xu Renjie asked mildly: "What is it?"

"Here’s the situation, I suppose Captain Xu learned from my son that, when the apocalypse first erupted, I contacted Yunpeng and advised him to stay home and not wander. During this time, I tried to send people over to rescue him, but unfortunately, due to various reasons, all efforts failed, and eventually, due to communication breakdowns, I completely lost contact with Yunpeng."

"Considering the days, it’s been almost 4 months since I’ve seen Yunpeng. I don’t know whether Captain Xu has family or children, but as a man, I believe you can understand how I’ve felt these 4 months, practically restless day and night..."

The latter remarks, Xu Renjie automatically screened out, he deeply disliked the intentional emotional appeal made for some purpose.

Even if Liu Yunpeng sincerely missed his son, Xu Renjie didn’t approve of treating others as fools.

After a moving confession, Liu Fugui finally approached the topic: "So I hope, if possible, Captain Xu could escort my son to my location. I know this request is a bit abrupt, but on behalf of a father’s longing for his son, please assist me! Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to help for free; as compensation, I will supply you with essential resources. I presume Yunpeng has informed Captain Xu of my situation here. I’m no expert, but I was fortunate enough to be at the factory when the apocalypse struck, and due to relatively adequate emergency measures, we managed to secure the factory. Now, resources at the factory are relatively abundant, and the facilities are quite comprehensive. If Captain Xu is willing, you and your people are welcome to stay here."

Undoubtedly, the conditions offered by Liu Fugui were extremely enticing, but Xu Renjie didn’t want to be beholden to anyone, especially since the soldierly ethos in his very nature made him unable to accept the offered "exchange of goods for people."

To him, this was utterly insulting.

However, as the saying goes, different times call for different measures; in the past, Xu Renjie might have retorted angrily.

Yet now, looking at the brothers surrounding him, he had to consider their future.

So weighing options, Xu Renjie calmly replied: "Mr. Liu’s kind offer is appreciated, but I’m sorry I can’t comply with your request for now. Here, it’s not just Liu Yunpeng; I have other civilians needing protection. So until the villa is safely secured, I fear I can’t proceed with escorting Liu Yunpeng. But rest assured, I will ensure Xiao Liu’s safety while he is here, and as for when to send him to you, I can only say when the time is right, I will contact you."

An impeccable reply, against such comprehensive words of refusal, even the seasoned Liu Fugui was momentarily lost for words; eventually, he could only express gratitude a few times, then emphasized the request for Xu Renjie not to forget about escorting, and ended the call. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)