Chapter 135 Choice
Sun Hong gritted her teeth: "You want us to go back to those scumbags? Absolutely not! Not even if it kills us!"
The other women echoed their sentiments, their eyes resolute. Having crawled out of that hell, they would rather die fighting than return to that humiliating situation.
But the reality is clear: with their weak strength, they are easily coveted, and Ruan Ning cannot protect them at all times.
After they calmed down a bit, Ruan Ning asked, "Are you afraid of hardship?"
The women were taken aback and looked at her.
“The real hardship. More tiring than traveling, more dangerous than killing zombies, and you might even bleed, get injured, or even lose your life.” Ruan Ning’s tone was calm, but every word carried a heavy weight.
Sun Hong immediately replied, "We're not afraid! Being locked up and waiting to die is the real suffering! On the escape route, fighting zombies, every time is hardship, but we're not afraid!"
"Yes! Don't be afraid!"
Ruan Ning nodded: "If you really want to become stronger, to stand on your own two feet, and to no longer be easily bullied, there is a way."
She paused for a moment, then stated her plan: "Qin Li, the officer from before, is not only the commander of the military's special forces, but also has considerable influence within the military. I can ask him if he can get you into the reserve or basic training camp, starting as female soldiers."
These words stunned the women. Join the army? Become a female soldier?
"The military has systematic training that can teach you combat skills, teamwork, and the use of special abilities. It is disciplined, relatively fair, and you are judged by your combat merits and strength. As long as you can endure the training and perform well, you can obtain weapons and equipment, supplies, points, and may even gain a more stable promotion channel and protection."
Ruan Ning explained, "Most importantly, you can gain the strength to survive by your own fists and abilities, instead of relying on others for protection or on other men."
Sun Hong's eyes lit up, her breathing becoming rapid: "Really...really? Would the army...require someone like us?"
“I don’t know. I need to ask around, and you need to make your own decision,” Ruan Ning said. “The training will definitely be ten or a hundred times tougher than what you’re going through now, and once you’re in, you’ll have to obey orders and won’t have much freedom. You might even have to face more dangerous missions.”
The women looked at each other and began to whisper among themselves. Some were excited, some were apprehensive, and some hesitated.
"I'm willing to go!" The young woman with fire-type abilities was the first to step forward, her face still bearing injuries, but her eyes burning with passion. "I don't want to be bullied like this again! I want to become stronger! I can endure any hardship or exhaustion!"
"I'm going too!"
Count me in!
Soon, more than half of the women, including the five superhumans, expressed their willingness. The remaining women were either older or physically weaker, or still undecided.
Sun Hong looked at her sisters, took a deep breath, and said to Ruan Ning, "Captain Ruan, please ask around for us. Those who are willing to go, we'll go together. This is a way out, a way that allows us to stand tall with our heads held high."
Ruan Ning looked at the light that had rekindled in their eyes, a light that was different from the blankness they had felt when they were rescued, but instead carried a clear goal and a desire, and nodded.
“I will talk to Qin Li. Until then, you should try to minimize going out, stay together, and look after each other. As for the Black Rat Gang, I will have Qin Li keep an eye on them so that they won’t dare to come back in the short term.”
She left some food and medicine behind, and then left the Tenth District with Zhou Min, Lin Yan, and Da Huo.
On the way back, Zhou Min said, "Letting them join the army is one solution. But training and missions are quite risky."
Lin Yan said, "It's better than staying here, living hand to mouth, and being bullied at any time. Having a way out is better than having no way out at all."
Ruan Ning didn't speak. She had simply given them a choice. Whether they could seize it, whether they could continue on it, ultimately depended on themselves.
On the way back, Zhou Min told Ruan Ning the information she had gathered during the day.
"On the surface, the base is controlled by the 'Management Committee,' which is dominated by the military. The chairman is Luo Hong, a general. There are three main factions: the 'Business Alliance' manages the distribution of goods and the black market, and its leader is Zhao Chengkun, who employs many thugs and superhumans..."
"The outer city has twelve districts, and it gets more chaotic as you go further in. Districts seven and beyond basically have no stable water or electricity supply, and security is maintained by patrol teams and their respective factions. Points are the hard currency, and they are mainly obtained from missions, handing in supplies, and hunting zombies to hand in crystal cores. Prices are not low, especially for clean food, medicine, and weapons."
“Furthermore,” Zhou Min lowered her voice, “I’ve heard that the inner city isn’t a monolithic entity either. There’s a power struggle within the committee, the military, the research institute, and even the infiltrated ‘Business Alliance.’ Ordinary people struggle in the outer city, while they fight for power in the inner city.”
Ruan Ning listened quietly. This information was roughly what she had expected. In the apocalypse, the "safe zone" was never just a refuge, but also an arena for the redistribution of power and resources.
She thought for a moment and then told Zhou Min and Lin Yan something else: "Qin Li is my cousin. Our mothers are twins who were separated when we were young. My maternal grandparents live in the inner city, and I went to see them today."
Zhou Min and Lin Yan were both taken aback for a moment, but quickly realized what was going on. Lin Yan nodded: "No wonder. He treats you differently than he treats others."
Zhou Min thought more practically: "This is a good thing. Having reliable connections in the inner city will make many things easier."
“But they wanted me to move in, but I refused,” Ruan Ning said. “For now, I’ll stay with you in the outer city. However, I might visit the inner city more often in the future.”
"Of course," Lin Yan said. "Family is a rare commodity."
Zhou Min asked, "When do you plan to talk to Qin Li about Sun Hong and the others joining the army?"
"Tomorrow," Ruan Ning said, "the sooner the better. The Black Rat Gang won't wait."
They returned to their rented apartment. The fire circled the yard once to make sure it was safe before they went inside.
The outer city was not quiet at night; occasional arguments, cries, and even sporadic gunshots could be heard in the distance. But this particular area was relatively peaceful.
Ruan Ning stood on the second-floor terrace, looking towards the inner city. The lights were still bright.
Cousin, maternal grandfather, maternal grandmother… these unfamiliar words have now become her blood relatives. It still feels somewhat unreal, but there seems to be something different on her shoulders.
It wasn't just a sense of responsibility, but also a vague feeling called "belonging." Although she still chose to stay in the outer city with her teammates.
The next morning, Ruan Ning contacted Qin Li using the contact information he had left behind, and they arranged to meet near the inner city entrance. She told him about Sun Hong and the others' situation and wishes.
After listening, Qin Li did not immediately agree. Instead, he said, "The army has standards for recruiting people, especially female soldiers, and background checks are required. Their situation is special, but it's not entirely impossible. I can arrange a basic test and interview, using the fast track of 'special talent introduction.' But the prerequisite is that they must be willing and pass the most basic physical fitness, willpower, and loyalty tests. The training will be tough, and the attrition rate is not low. Moreover, once enlisted, they must obey orders, including potentially dangerous missions."
“I understand,” Ruan Ning said. “This is the path they chose themselves. You arrange the testing, and I will bring them here.”
"Okay." Qin Li nodded. "Also, I'll send someone to 'warn' the Black Rat Gang. Small gangs in the outer city can't cause any real trouble."
The matter has been tentatively settled.
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