Chapter 34: Chapter 34
Not every heart burned with ambition. Li Dong, despite his awakened “Bronze Skin and Iron Bones” ability, recognized its limits and leaned toward caution. The countryside, with its abundant food and water and relative safety, seemed an ideal refuge in the apocalypse’s early days. Not everyone shared Chen Liu’s hunger for strength. Upon returning to the sanatorium from Zhaojia Village, Li Dong animatedly described the village’s promise, igniting excitement among the ordinary survivors. For the first time, the gloom of the apocalypse lifted, and the cafeteria hall echoed with rare laughter. Yet, amid the hopeful chatter, Chen Liu grew quieter. Plans never outrun change, he mused, sensing a shift in the group’s dynamic. His vision extended beyond the sanatorium’s confines, and the allure of Zhaojia Village could not tether his ambitions.
That night, at the third-floor watchpost, Chen Liu took his turn on duty, staring into the inky sky. A single star—the North Star— glimmered faintly, refusing to be swallowed in the darkness. I can’t stay here, he thought, lighting a cigarette to quell his restlessness. The clomp of heavy footsteps announced Zhang Chong’s approach. Upon his arrival, Chen Liu offered him a cigarette, which he accepted, lighting it with a flick of his lighter. “You’ve got something on your mind, Captain,” Zhang Chong said, his rugged exterior belying his perceptiveness. Chen Liu smiled faintly. “I’ve decided to head for Liao City Base.” His disposition suggested he was going to do it, whether others followed or not. The post-apocalyptic world was a crucible of upheaval, and the first year was a critical window to amass power. If I hide in the countryside, I’ll be left behind. He didn’t want to squander his ability to replicate powers. Zhang Chong, unsurprised, chuckled. “I knew you’d never settle for Zhaojia Village. I’m coming with you.” Chen Liu raised an eyebrow. “You?” Zhang Chong bristled playfully. “What, a security guard can’t have ambition? Hardship breeds survival, comfort breeds death.” Chen Liu laughed, warmth in his voice. “Great, I’ll have company.” He’s got fire in him, he thought, pleased by Zhang Chong’s resolve.
They agreed to announce the decision the next morning. “No rush,” Chen Liu said, exhaling smoke. “Before we leave, we clear the sanatorium’s corpse horde. I won’t leave in peace otherwise.” Li Dong’s group can’t handle a tide alone, he reasoned, knowing a new Seven-Star zombie could spell disaster. His bond with the survivors, forged through shared battles, demanded this responsibility, even if it delayed their departure by a few days. Zhang Chong grinned. “Trust you to think it through.” Later, in their shared second-floor room, Zhang Chong broached the topic with Yu Dachao, who was sprawled on his bed, engrossed in his phone. “Chaozi, I’m heading to Liao City with the Captain. You in?” Yu Dachao looked up, surprised. “Liao City? I thought we were moving to Zhaojia Village.” He’s comfortable here, Zhang Chong thought, sensing his friend’s hesitation. “The Captain won’t settle for the sticks, and I want my shot too,” Zhang Chong replied. A tense silence followed, the chasm of ability—or lack thereof—widening between them. Finally, Yu Dachao’s eyes hardened with determination. “I’m going with you.” Zhang Chong, relieved, clapped his shoulder. “Alright, we go together.” He’s choosing the harder path, Zhang Chong thought, proud of his friend’s resolve.
The next morning, in the first-floor hall, Chen Liu’s announcement detonated like a bomb. “What? You’re going to Liao City?!” The room erupted, shock rippling through the crowd. Li Dong’s face darkened.
“Captain, is this your final decision?”
“It is,” Chen Liu replied, his voice steady. A puzzled voice risen.
How do I explain a heart too big for this place? Chen Liu thought, avoiding arrogance. Instead, he offered, “I’ll clear the corpse horde around the sanatorium before I leave.” The civilians had fallen silent, knowing they could ask no more of their strongest fighter, a calm and strategic leader who had been their pillar. Yet, Li Dong’s account of Zhaojia Village’s safety sparked hope. Maybe they don’t need me, Chen Liu thought, noting an older man’s thoughtful glance in his direction. The real fracture emerged within the combat squad. When Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao declared their intent to join Chen Liu, Li Dong’s expression soured further. Half the team’s power, gone, he thought, uncertainty creeping in. The promise of Zhaojia Village’s comfort—and the chance to reclaim leadership— tempered his urge to follow, while Zheng Kuncheng aligned with him, favoring safety over risk.
“Then it’s settled,” Chen Liu said, his tone final. “Once we’ve cleared the zombies, I leave. You can move to Zhaojia Village.” He had no interest in arguing further, relieved that Li Dong would stay. If he came, the whole group would follow—a nightmare to manage.
As he turned to hunt, Yu Na stepped forward, her voice firm. “Captain, I want to go with you to Liao City.” Chen Liu paused, genuinely surprised. “You?” “Yes. Wherever you go, I go,” she insisted. She’s got courage, he thought, nodding. “Then come.” He walked off without a backward glance, leaving Yu Na to face a flurry of protests from the other female fighters. “Nana, don’t be stupid! Liao City is a death sentence!” one cried.
“Zhaojia Village’s safer—no worries about food or danger,” another added.
Yu Na met their eyes, feeling a sudden distance. “You don’t understand,” she said, shaking her head. A teasing voice broke the tension. “Ooh, fallen for the Captain? Planning to give yourself to him?” Yu Na’s face flushed as she swatted her friend, the moment dissolving into playful scuffling. This is my choice, and I’ll bear it, she thought, uncertain yet resolute, knowing the others could not grasp her reasons—nor, perhaps, did she fully understand them herself.
thINKer: Is Chen Liu being fair to his people or is his decision justified?
Yuyu: I like to think he made the right decision. The others liked comfort but where is really comfortable in the apocalypse? 🤷♀️