Chapter 22: Decision (Part 2)

Chapter 22: Decision (Part 2)

After a long while, the discussion finally came to a stop.

The three of them turned towards Xiao Hua and the other five. Bai Mu summarized, “For both the soldiers and survivors, we’ll let everyone decide for themselves. Those who want to leave can do so, and those who wish to stay will remain.

“After that, we will proceed with integration. The survivors need training. We’re not expecting them to fight zombies, but at the very least, they need to build up their courage.”

This was Bai Mu’s proposal. He didn’t want the cowardice of some people to endanger their own team or the soldiers defending their country. To receive protection, they must pass the test.

Xiao Hua strongly agreed in her heart. A thorough selection was necessary to reduce casualties at the root.

In the original storyline, the male lead was delayed by several days. By then, the situation in C City was already set in stone. Because the survivors had attracted a large number of zombies, the only military unit couldn’t hold them off and was completely wiped out.

Without the military’s suppression, those who could escape did so, while the rest were left in despair, awaiting their final judgment. This time, with their early intervention, Captain Li and his team should avoid the same fate.

Captain Li was still troubled. “What if the survivors riot when we announce this tomorrow morning? And for the training, we need someone who can keep them in line.”

As soon as he finished, everyone turned to look at Xiao Hua.

Captain Li smacked his forehead, realization dawning. “Of course! Xiao Hua’s strength is more than enough to keep them in line!”

Xiao Hua shook her head. “What kind of looks are all of you giving me?”

Zhao Ye instinctively replied, “The looks of people about to do something big!”

Xiao Hua: “……”

No, she really didn’t want to.

Xiao Zui lightly coughed and spoke. “Xiao Hua, your powers are strong enough to keep the survivors in line. You’re the most suitable person for this.”

Xiao Hua leaned back on the sofa, offering a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m just a woman with some powers. How could I possibly handle that? Brother, you’re the most suitable. Just your icy face alone has great deterrence.”

Managing thousands of survivors would drive her crazy—she’d be stressed, irritable, and probably lose all her hair. With that time, wouldn’t it be better to fight zombies and enhance her powers?

Xiao Zui: “……”

Zhao Ye quietly agreed. “Indeed.”

Bai Mu glanced at him and then looked back at Xiao Hua, explaining. “We are soldiers and might be morally bound.”

Xiao Hua really wanted to say, if you have no morals, moral obligations won’t bind you.

But she was outnumbered and didn’t want to get ganged up on.

Xiao Hua silently thought: It’s not a big deal, just go with your gut.

Then, glancing at Bai Mu, she sighed and gave in. “You guys try first. If it doesn’t work, I’ll step in. But I still prefer to fight.”

Bai Mu smiled back at her and assured her. “Don’t worry, we won’t keep you stuck on this.”

“Alright.” Xiao Hua was barely satisfied.

The night passed without further discussion.

The next day, at 9 a.m.

Captain Li stood on the first floor and began to speak:

"Everyone, listen up! I'll brief you on our upcoming plans," Captain Li's voice instantly snapped the survivors to attention, their eyes turning toward him.

Seeing that all the survivors were paying attention, Captain Li paused, then continued:

"In three days, we plan to head to Base F City. Anyone who wants to leave can go now, and those who want to follow can do so.

But just so you know, we won't protect you unconditionally. You must follow our arrangements and earn your keep through work."

His words immediately sparked an uproar in the crowd. The survivors started murmuring, discussing Captain Li's announcement.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "How can you soldiers ignore us civilians?!"

With someone taking the lead, others soon followed suit.

"That's right! You soldiers are supposed to protect civilians like us!"

"Has the government abandoned us?"

"Is this how you honor your uniform?!"

...

Captain Li, not being eloquent, had no idea how to respond. He was momentarily at a loss, quietly turning to Bai Mu and Xiao Zui for backup.

Bai Mu, having anticipated this, looked at Xiao Hua: "Xiao Hua, take the stage."

Xiao Hua nodded. "Got it, right away."

Without another word, she swung herself out the window.

The show was about to start.