Chapter 78: Brave Journey to the Horizon
"I want to kill that little bastard too!""But with the current situation, we really can't make a move."Gao Qiqiang sighed deeply.
Today's failed assault on the Yuelton Hotel had made him truly realize just how terrifying Su Chen was.He had even managed to get his hands on rifles—who knew what else Su Chen might have?And how many bullets did Su Chen have? Gao Qiqiang and the others didn't know.If they pressed on with the attack, they'd likely lose all their men and still fail to take him down.
"Are we really just going to stand by and let that bastard get more and more arrogant?"Zhao Xiong gritted his teeth in frustration.
Nearby, Abiao chuckled softly and tried to calm them down,"Bosses, calm down.""No matter how arrogant he is, how long can it last?"
Gao Qiqiang furrowed his brow and looked at him,"What's your idea?"
"We lost so many men today, but that's not entirely bad. At least our supplies will last us a long time."
Although Abiao's words sounded heartless, Gao Qiqiang couldn't help but admit he had a point.They originally had two hundred people, and now with half gone, that meant their supplies effectively doubled.A blessing in disguise!
"That means we can hold out longer than the other survivor groups.""When they run out of supplies, Boss Gao can step in and convince them to join forces to attack Su Chen together. They won't refuse that!"
After hearing Abiao's suggestion, Gao Qiqiang was silent for a moment, then nodded,"Alright, that's the only option.""Let that bastard keep acting arrogant for a few more days."
Zhao Xiong slammed the table and said fiercely,"Let's just retreat for now."
Yuelton Hotel.
After repelling Gao Qiqiang's attack, cheers erupted loudly inside the hotel lobby.Not only because of the victory, but also because Su Chen was about to reward them!
After putting away his guns in the RV, Su Chen returned to the hotel lobby with He Wang and Sun Yuan.All eyes turned to Su Chen.
Su Chen understood their thoughts and smiled, waving his hand,"Don't worry, everyone who participated in today's battle will get a reward."
He nodded at Sun Yuan, who stepped forward and announced loudly,"Boss Su said tonight I'll personally cook everyone a meal of twice-cooked pork on rice!"
Recently, the group had mostly eaten self-heating hot pot meals or instant noodles.Even gourmet food gets boring after a while—let alone fast food like this.Hearing about a freshly cooked meal tonight, everyone's eyes widened and saliva started flowing uncontrollably!
But that wasn't all.Su Chen leisurely added,"The bravest fighters in today's battle will get an extra reward."
Everyone held their breath and perked their ears for what he'd say next.
"You can choose either a case of beer or a pack of cigarettes!"
Everyone looked incredulous, thinking they'd misheard!
Except for Liu Ling'er, there were no women in Su Chen's team.Most of the men either smoked, drank, or both.Even those who previously avoided tobacco and alcohol had started to pick up the habits after living in this apocalypse for so long.After all, these two things helped relieve stress and clear their minds.
But the high temperatures had just started, and their cigarettes and alcohol were already gone.They had replenished some supplies by scavenging convenience stores, but after so long, everything was used up.
Not smoking or drinking for such a long time had nearly driven them crazy!When they heard about the cigarettes and beer, their eyes literally shone green with envy!
"Zhou Xinhong!"Su Chen called out. The plump young man quickly stepped forward."What's your choice?"
"I... I want beer!" Zhou Xinhong said quickly.
Su Chen grabbed a six-pack of Snow Beer from his backpack and tossed it to him.Zhou Xinhong felt the icy cold touch in his hands and his eyes went wide.Damn, it was ice-cold beer!
Amid everyone's envious gazes, he trembled as he opened a bottle.
Gulp gulp gulp...
He downed the bottle in one go, feeling an incredible relief all over, like he could take on the world!
"Next, Li Dong!""I want cigarettes!" Li Dong quickly responded.
"What brand?" Su Chen asked, making everyone surprised—You could actually choose the brand?
"Only smoke Xuanhemen, love only one person in a lifetime—choose Xuanhemen!" someone whispered.
Li Dong shook his head,"I want Huazi. If I smoke anything else, I cough."
Su Chen took out a pack of Huazi cigarettes and tossed it to him.Li Dong tore the package, lit one, and exhaled a thick plume of smoke with satisfaction.
Generally, cigarettes are more addictive than alcohol, especially for old smokers who need a pack a day.Seeing Li Dong enjoy his cigarette, other survivors scratched their heads anxiously.Some close friends of Li Dong shamelessly asked for a drag.Those with weaker connections could only edge closer and breathe in the secondhand smoke!The scene got a bit chaotic.
After handing out more rewards to others, Su Chen closed his backpack.
"That's all for today's rewards.""If you want good food, cigarettes, or alcohol in the future, you have to work hard and kill well like Zhou Xinhong and Li Dong!""Got it?"
Everyone responded in unison,"Got it!"
Thanks to Su Chen's relentless encouragement, the survivors in his team had fully accepted him as their leader.Their mindset now was to perform well and earn better supplies through this reward system.
Su Chen was very satisfied with this.
At another hotel not far from the Green Forest and Yuelton Hotels, where Song Linfei, Zhou Shixian, Lin Yingying, and others stayed, the same upgrades and renovations were underway.
In the hotel lobby, seven or eight elderly people were lying on the floor.Lin Yingying moved among them, checking on their conditions from time to time.Her delicate face bore traces of fatigue.
Just then, Song Linfei and his people came in."Yingying!""Brother Song!"
After a brief greeting, Song Linfei asked,"How's the situation?"
"Not very optimistic."Lin Yingying sighed."If we can't find medicine soon, I'm afraid..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but Song Linfei understood.
These elderly people were mostly family members of other survivors in the group, many suffering from chronic illnesses needing regular medication.But with the apocalypse, the heatwaves, and floods, people couldn't even find food, let alone medicine.