3. Being targeted
In the dim light of dawn, an SUV bumped along the cracked road, its tires making a monotonous sound as they rolled over gravel. Abandoned farmland flanked the road, and a few dead trees sparsely stood on the parched earth, their branches reaching toward the gray sky like desperate arms.
Lei Qing gripped the steering wheel intently, his knuckles turning slightly white from the strain. His gaze flickered across the rearview mirror, alert for any potential threats. In the passenger seat, Mu Lin was carefully examining a map, his slender fingers sliding across the yellowed surface.
"Based on this fuel consumption," Lei Qing suddenly said, breaking the silence in the car, "it can only last two or three days at most."
Mu Lin looked up, his light blue hair gleaming softly in the dim light filtering through the car window. "We're running low on food and clean water." He closed the map and turned to the back seat. "Ayan, let me see the first aid kit."
A Yan reluctantly picked up the almost empty first aid kit from his feet, "Tsk, you just know how to order me around." His short fiery red hair was a little messy and his face was still sleepy.
Mu Lin took the first aid kit and carefully counted its contents. "There are only two rolls of bandages left, the disinfectant is almost gone, and the painkillers... only three tablets." His brow furrowed further and further. "Ayan is always so impatient. While Su Lin's ability can heal serious injuries, it takes a heavy toll on both physical and mental strength. We need regular medicine as a supplement and backup."
"Hey, hey, why are you dragging me into this again?" Ah Yan protested, but there was no real anger in his voice. He looked out the window at the desolate scene passing by and fell silent, a rare moment.
Su Lin retrieved the last few bottles of water from his space and handed them to his teammates one by one. "I remember it was marked on the old maps I collected earlier," he said softly, his voice a little hazy over the bumpy carriage. "There should be a human settlement nearby called 'Blackstone Base.' Perhaps we could go there and try to trade for some necessities."
Lei Qing glanced at Su Lin through the rearview mirror. The young man's clear eyes shone brightly in the morning light, a stark contrast to the lifeless scene outside the window. Lei Qing's fingertips tapped lightly on the steering wheel, weighing the pros and cons. A large stronghold meant more resources and information, but also more complex interpersonal relationships and potential dangers.
"Stay alert," he finally decided. "We'll only take the necessary supplies and leave immediately after exchanging them."
Following the map and the occasional crude road signs, they finally arrived at the Blackstone base in the afternoon. The first thing that caught their eye was the towering wall, a massive structure made of rough concrete, junked cars, and twisted metal plates, gleaming coldly under the scorching sun.
"This place... is so depressing." Ah Yan leaned out the car window, looking up at the rusted barbed wire atop the wall. A few crude watchtowers stood atop the wall, the figures atop them slightly distorted by the heat.
Outside the walls lay a vast expanse of scorched earth, devoid of any shelter, evidently to prevent the zombies from approaching and launching a surprise attack. The entire base resembled a massive iron prison, emitting an aura of "keep away from strangers."
The base's single gate, reinforced with heavy steel, was lined with a sparse queue. Most of them were gaunt, tattered, and waiting with blank stares. Their faces wore the fear and exhaustion characteristic of apocalyptic survivors, a stark contrast to the uniformed, armed guards stationed on either side of the gate.
As the team approached, they immediately caught the guards' attention. Their SUV, though covered in dust and dented by collisions, was considered a rare "luxury car" in that era.
"Stop! Check!" A guard rudely stopped the car and knocked on the hood with the butt of his rifle, making a dull sound. "Who are you? Where are you from?"
Lei Qing stopped the car and calmly rolled down the window: "Just passing by, restocking supplies."
The guard narrowed his eyes, peering into the car. Seeing four men, dusty but clearly energetic and well-equipped, he softened his demeanor slightly, though his tone remained harsh. "To enter the base, each person must hand in three days' worth of food or equivalent supplies as an 'entrance fee,'" he announced arrogantly. "Vehicles parked in the designated area outside will be charged separately."
"Three days' supply? Why don't you just go grab it!" Ah Yan's rage flared up, and he poked his head out and shouted. His fiery red hair shone like a ball of flame in the sunlight.
The guard sneered and pointed his gun at the ordinary people queuing behind him: "Think it's too expensive? You can wait outside like them and see when it's your turn to go in! Or get out now!" Several of his companions behind him also gathered around him, clenching their weapons with unfriendly expressions.
Mu Lin held down A Yan, who was about to explode, and spoke gently but unquestionably: "We will pay." His voice was as calm as water, but it carried a power that could not be refuted.
Lei Qing glanced coldly at the guards without saying a word. He simply counted out the corresponding amount of supplies from Su Lin's space and handed them over. It was unwise to start a conflict in such a place.
After the guard finished counting the supplies, he moved aside, satisfied, and tossed over four crude wooden tags. "These are your temporary ID cards. Don't lose them. You might be inspected at any time while inside." He grinned menacingly. "You know the rules, right? Don't cause trouble, or else..."
Driving through the gates, the scene inside assaulted their senses even more vividly. The base's interior was vast, constructed from several interconnected warehouses, yet incredibly crowded and noisy. The air was a mingled stench of sweat, rotting garbage, and a sense of despair, making it almost suffocating.
Most ordinary people huddled in corners or shacks made of rags, staring blankly at passersby. A gaunt old woman sat by the roadside, cradling a baby, its cries so faint they seemed poised to die out at any moment. Several children squatted by a sewage ditch, trying to fish something out of the murky water to fill their stomachs.
"Damn, what a hell of a place!" Ah Yan cursed softly, his fists unconsciously clenching as he watched the scenes outside the window. Although he had a hot temper, he had his own bottom line and sense of justice.
The psychics they passed by were a completely different sight. Dressed in relatively respectable clothing, they walked with their heads held high in the middle of the road, enjoying the awe or fear of ordinary people. A tall psychic unceremoniously kicked aside a homeless man who was blocking their way and snatched the meager food he had in his hand.
"It seems the rulers here have unusual methods," Mu Lin said softly, his brow furrowed. He noticed some eyes hidden in the shadows, greedily scanning their vehicles and equipment.
Lei Qing parked his car in the designated, run-down parking lot. This so-called parking lot was actually just an empty lot surrounded by barbed wire, with a few rusted cars parked inside. A one-eyed old man sauntered over and held out a grubby hand.
"Parking fee and one ration per day." The old man's voice was as hoarse as sandpaper.
Lei Qing paid the fee expressionlessly, then turned to his teammates: "Don't act separately." His eyes fell on Su Lin in particular. "Su Lin, follow me closely."
Su Lin nodded, surveying his surroundings with a heavy heart. The oppression and despair here were even more suffocating than the ruins outside. His striking appearance, like a pearl amidst the gloom and despair, quickly attracted a number of glances. Some were curious, some were amazed, but more often than not, there was an undisguised, uncomfortable scrutiny and covetousness, as if assessing the value of a rare commodity.
"It seems we have to finish our business as soon as possible and leave." Lei Qing's low voice sounded. He also noticed those malicious gazes, and his eyes became sharper and colder.
They walked along the main road, trying to find the trading area. The road was filled with various stalls, but most of them sold some broken and discarded items. One stall owner was selling a few stained clothes, while another was selling some rusty tools.
"Fresh mutant rat meat! Freshly caught!" A fat man with a greasy face shouted loudly. Several skinned corpses of small animals were hanging on his stall, and flies were buzzing around them.
A Yan wrinkled his nose in disgust: "Can this thing be eaten?"
"For some people, there is no choice." Mu Lin said softly.
As we moved closer to the center of the base, the atmosphere became relatively "better." Here, stalls began to sell real goods: weapons, ammunition, and even a small amount of fresh vegetables. However, the prices were also shockingly high, with a loaf of black bread costing the same as a bullet.
"We need to exchange some of the base's currency first." Lei Qing observed the trading methods around him. "Bullets or fuel should be the most cost-effective."
They found a relatively legitimate trading spot. Behind the counter sat a thin man wearing glasses, writing something in a notebook.
"Exchange currency." Lei Qing said concisely and put a small bag on the counter.
The man pushed up his glasses, carefully examined the bullet, and then quoted a price. Ah Yan was about to explode, but Mu Lin stopped him with a look.
"That price is too low," Lei Qing said calmly. "The market price is at least twice that."
The man sneered: "It's your choice, this is the price."
Just as the two sides were deadlocked, a frivolous voice came from behind them: "Hey, a new face."
Everyone turned around and saw a man in a leather jacket leaning against the door frame, looking at them with a half-smile. His eyes swept over the four of them, finally settling on Su Lin's face, a glint of surprise in his eyes.
"Brother Wang." The man behind the counter immediately stood up and greeted him respectfully.
The man called Brother Wang walked over slowly, his eyes never leaving Su Lin: "Are you new here? Is there anything I can help you with?"
Lei Qing took a half step forward and cleverly blocked Su Lin behind him: "We are just here to make some deals and leave after that."
"Don't be so formal." Brother Wang grinned, revealing his tobacco-stained teeth. "I'm the patrol captain here, Wang Qiang. Judging from your impressive demeanor, you must be no ordinary people. Are you interested in working for me? I guarantee it'll be better than living out in the open."
"Thank you for your kindness. We are used to acting on our own." Lei Qing's tone was cold and firm.
Wang Qiang's smile faded a little, but he still tried to look past Lei Qing at Su Lin. "If that's the case, then I won't force it. However..." He paused meaningfully, "When doing business here, we still have to follow the local rules. The price you just mentioned is indeed not appropriate."
He turned to the man behind the counter and said, "Old Li, give them the market price."
Old Li nodded repeatedly, immediately recounted the bullets, and gave a fair price.
After the transaction was completed, Wang Qiang glanced at Su Lin again before slowly leaving. After he was far away, Lao Li lowered his voice and said, "You can't afford to offend him. You'd better be careful."
"Thanks for the reminder." Lei Qing took the currency and distributed it to his teammates.
Walking out of the trading point, A Yan couldn't help but curse: "What the hell, those eyes are almost glued to Su Lin!"
"Calm down." Mu Lin held his shoulder. "We really should be careful. This place is more complicated than we thought."
They continued to walk through the trading area, purchasing necessary supplies. Su Lin's space gradually filled with fuel, medicine, and food, but everyone's mood grew increasingly heavy. The class divisions and the law of the jungle within this base made them, who were accustomed to the cruelty of the apocalypse, feel uncomfortable.
Lei Qing stopped in front of a weapons stall to examine a dagger. The stall owner, a scarred man, was wiping the gun in his hand with a dirty cloth.
"How much is this?" Lei Qing asked.
The stall owner looked up at him and quoted a price. Just as Lei Qing was about to pay, there was a sudden commotion not far away.
"Please, give us another day! My daughter is sick and needs these medicines!" A woman cried.
Everyone turned to look and saw a thin woman kneeling on the ground, tightly holding a paper bag. Standing in front of her were two men in uniform, obviously the base guards.
"Grace? You've already been given three days!" A guard kicked the woman away. "Either pay now or return the medicine!"
The woman fell to the ground after being kicked, but she still held the paper bag tightly: "I can't... My daughter will die..."
Another guard impatiently drew his gun: "Then don't blame us for being rude."
"Stop!" A Yan couldn't help but rush forward, "Are you still human?"
The two guards immediately turned their guns towards A Yan: "Stop meddling in other people's business, kid!"
Lei Qing and Mu Lin immediately followed, standing on either side of A Yan. Su Lin also walked over quickly and squatted down to check on the woman.
"You have no business here!" the guards warned sharply, but there was a hint of hesitation in their tone. They could tell that these people were not to be trifled with.
Lei Qing looked at them calmly. "How much? We'll pay."
The guard froze for a moment before reciting a figure. Lei Qing paid without hesitation. The two guards exchanged a glance, sheathed their weapons, and left in a huff.
Su Lin helped the woman up and asked softly, "Are you okay?"
The woman shook her head tremblingly, holding the medicine bag tightly in her arms: "Thank you... Thank you..." Her eyes were red and there were traces of tears on her face.
"Where is your daughter? Does she need help?" Su Lin continued to ask.
"No need...really no need..." The woman waved her hands repeatedly, as if she was afraid of getting into any more trouble, and ran away in a hurry.
Ah Yan looked at her back, clenching his fists: "What the hell is this place!"
"The strong prey on the weak; it's the norm in the end times." Mu Lin sighed softly, "It's just more blatant here."
Lei Qing glanced around. Many people were watching from a distance, but no one stepped forward to help. Their eyes were filled with numbness and fear.
"We've almost finished purchasing supplies," Lei Qing said. "It's time for us to leave."
The four of them headed for the base's exit, but each could sense countless eyes watching them from behind. There was curiosity, jealousy, greed, and... ill intentions.
Just as they were about to reach the exit, Wang Qiang appeared again, this time with a few of his men, blocking their way.
"Leaving so soon?" Wang Qiang said with a forced smile, "Why don't you stay a few more days at our Black Stone base? Although the conditions here are average, we still have all the entertainment you need."
His gaze fell on Su Lin again, and the meaning was self-evident.
Lei Qing took a step forward, completely blocking Su Lin: "We have something else to do, so we won't disturb you anymore."
The smile on Wang Qiang's face finally disappeared: "It seems that you guys are not giving me face?"
The atmosphere instantly became tense. Ah Yan's hand was already on the weapon at his waist, a tiny mist began to condense around Mu Lin, and Lei Qing's eyes were as cold as ice.
Just then, a deep voice sounded from behind them: "Captain Wang, these are my guests."
Everyone turned around and saw a man in a black trench coat standing behind them. He looked to be in his thirties, with a stern face and sharp eyes. The most striking thing was the scar on his left cheek, which stretched from his brow to his jaw.
When Wang Qiang saw this man, his expression changed immediately: "Boss...Boss..."
The man known as Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the four members of Lei Qing's team before finally settling on Su Lin's face. His eyes were deep and difficult to read, sending chills down one's spine.
"Guests who have come from afar, why are you in such a hurry to leave?" Xiao's lips curled up in a smile. "Although the Black Stone Base is simple, it can still provide some...special services."
Su Lin subconsciously took a step closer to Lei Qing. This man called Xiao gave him a feeling of being much more dangerous than Wang Qiang.
Lei Qing replied calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, but we really should be leaving."
Xiao stared at them for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "If that's the case, I won't force you to stay." He stepped aside to make way. "I hope that next time we meet, we'll have the opportunity to have a deeper exchange."
The four of them remained vigilant and quickly moved towards the exit. It wasn't until they left the Blackrock base, got in their car, and drove a distance away that the feeling of being stared at by a venomous snake eased slightly.
"That Xiao..." A Yan broke the silence, "He gives people a really uncomfortable feeling."
Mu Lin nodded. "He should be the actual controller of this base. I think the guards are very afraid of him."
"We're being targeted." Lei Qing's voice was low. "We need to be more careful next time."
Su Lin stared out the window at the rapidly receding scenery, a shadow of unease looming over his heart. The Blackstone Base, like its name, evoked a heavy, dark, and oppressive feeling. They had entered not just a supply point but a treacherous den teeming with unknown dangers.
The look the owl-calling man gave him at the end gave him a chill. It wasn't like he was looking at a person, but more like he was evaluating a precious collection.
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