Infinite Ebullience
Chapter 1232 - 97 Disturbance

Chapter 1232: Chapter 97 Disturbance

"Don’t fuss over these things," Dong Zixuan advised, completely oblivious to the consequences Tang Zheng’s distribution would bring. Not everyone could be understanding, after all—it was the seed that mattered for survival. Even survivors like Zhou Meng and He Lian, who had no share in the spoils, appeared indifferent on the surface but deep down resented Tang Zheng and even complained about the policewoman being nosy.

The girls who were in a weaker position, like Jing Lan, had no other thoughts and trusted Tang Zheng completely. After all, until now, he had faced all the challenges and never abandoned anyone—of course, scum like Li Wenbo was an exception.

Only three male students remained, and they wasted no time in small talk. Based on Tang Zheng’s loyal nature, the seeds harvested next would undoubtedly be theirs, so they took his side and eagerly chimed in, also ready to put their best foot forward.

"We have three ability users in our team, plus the powerful Tang Zheng. The situation is getting better, and we will definitely get seeds. What are you all worried about?" Xiu Yingjie was still trying to make amends for standing on the wrong side earlier.

"Tyrants and mutated creatures are nothing but trash in front of us. I don’t know what you guys are so afraid of?" Qian Wen measured his words, his only desire at the moment was to get more ammunition.

"Fight hard, and we’ll distribute the spoils based on everyone’s contribution. Even if you don’t get any seeds, I’ll give you potions. But if you slack off or just look after your own escape, sorry, you’ll be kicked out of the team." Tang Zheng had long seen through most of the newbies. Giving them seeds was just an act of staying out of trouble. What could they do, even if they turned against him? As long as he had the life-saving potions, he controlled their lifeline, and they couldn’t help but comply, "By the way, don’t be afraid if you’re bitten by a zombie, I have a potion. One sip and you won’t be infected."

Tang Zheng’s words relaxed the newcomers, including the traffic policeman. Kong Licheng was very upset but had no recourse. His only thought was to find a vending machine quickly and gamble with his viscera—he was fed up with the atmosphere.

"Both of you, have some food and then go into the carriage to activate your abilities. I will arrange for someone to keep watch tonight." Tang Zheng handed over a can of canned food to Zhao Dongtao, "Liu Man, you watch over them. I’ll find someone to take over in two hours."

Liu Man nodded reluctantly, planning to find an opportunity to bond with Tang Zheng. She was treated entirely as a stranger, which was unacceptable. Even if she had to be a loyal dog, she should at least get a bone to chew on.

"Good, in the future, try to always keep your firearms close. Take advantage of this free time to familiarize yourselves with how to use them. Zixuan, you teach them. There are some spare police firearms on the armored vehicle that we don’t need for now. I’ll go and exchange them for food." Tang Zheng stood up, patted the dust off his buttocks, and walked towards the armored vehicle. He had observed that there were many people in the camp, far from enough for one gun per person. Plus, after escaping, ammunition consumption was also a big issue; they would undoubtedly need supplies.

"I’ll come with you." A young man named Li Ranhao and Qian Wen stood up simultaneously to follow Tang Zheng.

Carrying ten unnecessary SCAR Assault Rifles and a backpack full of Ammo Clips, Tang Zheng and his two companions walked through the camp, looking for someone to trade with.

Within a hundred meters, a shirtless middle-aged white man called out to Tang Zheng.

"I want to buy a gun. How much?" The exhausted-looking white man took out a wallet from his pocket, flipped through it to find only a few hundred US dollars, and, feeling it was too little, hurriedly dug deeper, pulling out a few coins.

"Sorry, we’re not looking for money," Qian Wen declined, and Tang Zheng glanced at the white man’s bonfire pile. His likely wife, a pregnant woman, was sitting next to it, looking hopefully at her husband. Having a gun also meant a chance to survive. Next to her was an open backpack with only a small amount of food.

"Just one, please, just one." The white man blocked their way, slinging a shotgun over his shoulder, which made Li Ranhao very wary.

"Out of the way. We’re only trading for food. Move if you don’t have any." Qian Wen, who had killed zombies before, didn’t care about one person, pushing against the white man’s chest as Li Ranhao pulled out his Glock Pistol, ready to fire at any moment.

The white man was strong and only staggered back a step. He gripped his Remington M870 instinctively upon seeing Li Ranhao’s move.

"Stop, or I’ll shoot!" Li Ranhao yelled, holding the gun with both hands, aiming at the white man. His wife’s face paled with fear at the scene, filled with panic as she struggled to stand.

"Don’t shoot, he’s a good person."

The natives camping nearby had been paying attention to the situation, with those armed holding their weapons ready, yet none intervened. After all, with Tang Zheng’s tall and blood-stained figure, exuding a rugged warrior’s aura, anyone with decent judgment wouldn’t cause trouble, especially since the MG3 slung across his chest exerted tremendous pressure.

"Don’t be nervous. We mean no harm. We’re just on edge because of the zombies." Tang Zheng revealed an affable smile and stretched out his arm to lower Li Ranhao’s handgun.

"I’m just trying to exchange a gun so I can protect my wife on our way to Washington." The white man released the gun’s handle. "I have food. I can trade with you."

Before Tang Zheng could respond, the white man ran back anxiously to his wife, telling her not to worry while taking food out of the backpack. After grabbing four cans of canned food, he hesitated and then took two packets of biscuits.

"Is this enough?" The white man thrust the food at Qian Wen, reaching for his rifle.

"Hold on, that’s not enough," Qian Wen didn’t take it; he wasn’t a fool. Firearms were in great demand and short supply; he could undoubtedly ask for a higher price.

"Please, sell me one. That’s already a third of our food supply," the white man pleaded with Tang Zheng, sweating profusely. He had thought about taking it by force, but that thought circled in his mind for only a moment before disappearing. The young man’s eyes before him were too sharp, and he had no doubt that any movement from him would result in his head being blown open.

"I pity you, but who pities me? If you don’t have food, step aside," Li Ranhao extended his hand to push the white man. He rarely spoke, but was absolutely cautious, not letting emotions cloud his judgment, which is precisely why he had survived up to this point.

"Change of plans, give him a rifle and three ammo clips!" Tang Zheng stopped Li Ranhao. With so many people watching, being too stingy on their part would create a terrible impression.

"Thank you, thank you so much," the white man said, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.

The surrounding indigenous people, seeing the successful trade, also started coming forward, wanting food, but before they could speak, Tang Zheng made a gesture that choked the words in their throats.

The white man turned to leave, suddenly grabbed by the shoulder by Tang Zheng.

"Trying to be clever, eh? I’m giving you firearms because of your pregnant wife," Tang Zheng glanced at the food, a mocking smile spreading across his face, "One-third? Do you believe I could still find at least double the amount of food in your pickup?"

The white man was stunned, his body drenched in sweat like dough. Seeing his reaction, the audience knew Tang Zheng had guessed right.

"Alright, forget the food. Considering the distance from here to Washington is at most a five-hour drive, even if you have only half a backpack of food, that should last you three days. Or what, are you a pig?"

Though insulted, the man didn’t talk back, his wife wanted to come over, but he stopped her.

"Seeing as you’re a good husband, I won’t hold this against you, but don’t take me for a fool. If you want to trade, then bring sincerity to the exchange," Tang Zheng released the white man, looked at the gathered crowd, and bellowed with resonating power.

Hearing these words, those who initially wanted to take advantage of the situation promptly sat back down, yet several still gestured towards him.

"Come over here, I’ve got food," called an old man wearing a cowboy hat, with an RV beside him and a little boy standing next to him, shyly looking at Tang Zheng.

A few onlookers crowded around, the old man tried to shoo them away with his gaze, to no avail. Tang Zheng, on the other hand, was pleased with more people—it could lead to a bidding war.

"I have enough food, for two rifles, five hundred rounds of ammunition," the old man leaned into Tang Zheng’s ear and whispered his terms, "Ham, biscuits, and even desserts, take your pick."

"Wow, that’s a lot," someone overheard his offer and pretended to be surprised, stirring up the crowd.

"Agreed," Tang Zheng couldn’t be bothered with haggling. He would soon be traveling to France, and on the road, food shortages could be solved by looting, survivors weren’t exactly the kind-hearted folk.

"Hold on, I want to trade too," a massive man towering over two meters tall stood up, blocking the trade, with eight black men behind him, all wielding shotguns and looking menacing.

"What do you have to trade?" Qian Wen saw that besides firearms, the man had nothing, clearly there to cause trouble.

"I don’t have food, but I can let you join us, with us around, your safety is guaranteed," the group of black men was from a gang organization, involved in extortion, so they didn’t care about these three small timers.

"You just want free food and drinks, right?" Li Ranhao was about to draw his gun when four black men spread out, surrounding them ready to open fire at a moment’s conflict.

"Young man, don’t be hasty," the black man was smug, thinking he had everything under control, and turned to the old man, "Go prepare a rich dinner for the brothers."

The old man reached for a gun, but one of the thugs got there first, rushing over and smashing the butt of his gun on the old man’s head, knocking him down with blood covering his face.

"Don’t hit my grandpa," the little boy, irate, lunged at the thug, but was kicked over, unable to get back up from the pain.

"You guys go find something to eat," the black man ordered his lackeys and then walked toward Tang Zheng, eyeing the black baking-painted MG3, swallowing his saliva, "Nice equipment, a real zombie-slaying tool."

The black man reached out for the gun, but the next second he froze, a Desert Eagle pressed against his head, with Tang Zheng’s swiftness, the surrounding thugs couldn’t react fast enough to prevent it.

"Bro, don’t be rash," the black man got scared.

"Not just for killing zombies, it does a fine job on people too," Tang Zheng sneered, stabilizing the scene. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)