Chapter 59: Farewell, Gao Qiqiang
The terrain around Phoenix Mountain was relatively high, yet conditions were still this bad.Elsewhere, things were probably no better.
Just as A-Biao hesitated about whether to return to the Green Forest Hotel, two faint beams of light suddenly appeared in the distance.Amidst the pouring rain, these two beams were very weak, barely noticeable unless the sky darkened.
"Is that... a vehicle coming?"
A-Biao and the others froze for a moment, then their spirits lifted!Since being trapped on Phoenix Mountain, they hadn't contacted the outside world or seen anyone from outside.Now with vehicles approaching, how could they not be excited?
After a moment, a vehicle emerged from the heavy rain.Then a second, a third—four or five vehicles came one after another.Most of them were SUVs or off-road vehicles, with a small bus trailing behind.
"Here! Here!"A-Biao, Xiao Mei, and the others frantically waved to signal the convoy to stop.
The lead SUV seemed to notice them and slowed down.The vehicles behind followed suit, stopping one by one.
As the doors opened, several figures holding umbrellas stepped out first.When they approached, A-Biao felt something was off.These men were all big and burly, with bulky items hanging from their waists—probably weapons.
"Brothers, what's the matter?"A middle-aged man spoke with a smile.
Although he looked friendly, A-Biao, having dealt with many people, instinctively sensed these were no ordinary folks.
But at this moment, he had no choice.He gave his men a subtle warning to stay alert, then forced a greeting:"Sir, we are tourists trapped on Phoenix Mountain for a long time.We finally escaped and want to know how things are outside."
The middle-aged man was slightly surprised:"You're from Phoenix Mountain?"
"Yes!"A-Biao nodded and asked back,"Sir, where are you from? What's the situation out there now?"
The man sighed and shook his head:"I'm from Modu (Magic City). The situation outside isn't optimistic either..."
Since the arrival of the extreme heat, most people hid in sewers, basements, air-raid shelters, and the like to survive.At night, when the temperature dropped, they ventured out searching for supplies.
At first, people believed the heat wave would pass eventually.Though chaotic, society's order still held.But as days passed, the heat showed no sign of easing.
Like underground parking lots, society began to experience violence: looting, smashing, arson.The near-paralyzed authorities were powerless to stop it.
When the government broadcast via radio that people should self-rescue, the already fragile social order collapsed entirely.People formed groups and gangs for protection and resource control.These gangs fought fiercely for supplies and territory.
In the end, the strongest gangs controlled resources and land, while the weak, old, sick, and disabled who did not join any gang hid in the shadows and perished.The cities became controlled by rival gangs.
But then, the unexpected happened.Just when everyone thought the heat would never end, the weather suddenly changed and heavy rain poured down.
At first, people were excited, thinking the apocalypse was over and society would recover.But the downpour never stopped.
Coastal cities like Modu and Yangcheng were flooded by seawater backflow.Many inland low-lying cities were also submerged by rainwater.
To survive, people had to abandon these cities and flee to higher ground nearby.The middle-aged man and his convoy were among these refugees.
"Ah, so that's the situation..."A-Biao muttered, his expression dazed.He had hoped the outside would be better than Phoenix Mountain, but now it seemed worse.Phoenix Mountain's high terrain meant fewer dangers—only scarcity of supplies.
"May I ask your name, sir?"A-Biao cautiously asked.
"My name is Gao Qiqiang, formerly the owner of a financial company.""These are all my employees.""After the apocalypse, we gathered and actively self-rescued."Gao Qiqiang smiled as he introduced himself.
A-Biao sneered inwardly.What kind of "financial company owner" was this? Probably some loan shark gang leader.Real finance people dress sharply in suits and ties—refined and elegant.But Gao Qiqiang's men looked like thugs, their faces screaming "bad news."
Still, A-Biao said nothing. After a pause, he cautiously proposed,"Mr. Gao, I'd like to join your team. What do you think?"
"You want to join my team?"Gao Qiqiang was momentarily surprised, appraising A-Biao and his group.Initially, he hadn't taken them seriously—just bicycles and tricycles.But now he saw they looked fierce and hardened, possibly killers.
His brow furrowed slightly.He wasn't unwilling to recruit them, but he didn't know their background.Inviting wolves inside could bring trouble.
A-Biao seemed to sense Gao's hesitation and smiled,"Mr. Gao, don't worry. As long as we have food, we have no ill intentions."
After some thought, Gao Qiqiang nodded in agreement.He laughed heartily and shook A-Biao's hand:"All right, welcome to join my team!"
In these end times, Gao Qiqiang wanted nothing more than loyal, ruthless men like A-Biao.Though A-Biao seemed formidable, Gao's gang outnumbered them—how could they not control him?
After some friendly exchange, Gao invited A-Biao and the others to get in the vehicles.
When everyone was onboard, Gao stepped over to check the contents in the tricycle.Though he could only see meat, his instincts told him it was human flesh.
Even Gao Qiqiang, ruthless as he was, shuddered inwardly.He wondered silently if letting A-Biao and his group join was a blessing or a curse.