ebookland Chapter 1133
Chapter 1133
“Captain Chen, we have air-conditioned suits that can withstand high temperatures,” Qi Mingyu said. “And you know our combat capabilities; we won’t be a hindrance. Right now, the safety of the fortress is our top priority. Every extra person adds to our strength, and we can better monitor the enemy’s movements.”
Captain Chen pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I agree to your joining. But you must be careful. If things go wrong, retreat immediately and don't be reckless. Xiao Qi, make sure to protect Dr. Zhou."
"Yes!" they both responded in unison.
After leaving the watchtower, Zhou Shuwan and Qi Mingyu quickly returned home, changed into protective gear, and took plenty of water and weapons.
Mu Mu wanted to go with them, but Zhou Shuwan stopped her: "Mu Mu, you stay in the fortress, protect Mom and Dad, and keep an eye on the situation inside the fortress."
Although Mu Mu was unwilling, she knew that the overall situation was more important, so she nodded and said, "You must be careful."
At this time, Captain Ma had already assembled the vanguard, with two teams of soldiers each boarding a civilian vessel, ready to depart.
These two ships were originally abandoned, but were temporarily requisitioned because of their relatively sturdy hulls.
However, sailing in seawater at 52°C would cause the hull to suffer severe corrosion and damage, limiting its use to a short period.
Zhou Shuwan and Qi Mingyu boarded the first ship. Captain Ma whispered to them, "Dr. Zhou, Mr. Qi, when you encounter the other side, try to stay in your cabins and don't show yourselves. We will handle the negotiations. If the other side fires first, we will retaliate."
Zhou Shuwan nodded: "Okay, we will be careful."
The ship slowly sailed away from the shallows and headed towards the fleet on the sea.
The sea was scorching hot under the blazing sun, and a hissing sound came from the part of the ship's hull that was in contact with the seawater. The hull was shaking slightly, as if it might break down at any moment.
The soldiers on the ship were all wearing simple cooling gear, their faces covered in sweat, but their eyes were very determined.
Zhou Shuwan sat in the cabin, observing the distant fleet through the porthole.
As they drew closer, she could clearly see the crew on the other ship; the men were armed and watching them warily.
On the lead cruise ship, He Chengshi still stood in the cockpit, his eyes fixed on their ship like a hawk.
"They've stopped," Captain Ma said in a low voice, bringing the ship to a stop about 500 meters from the opposing convoy.
At this moment, a small boat was launched from the other side's cruise ship, carrying three people, one of whom was He Chengshi's confidant, the bald man he had seen during the fierce battle at sea.
The small boat slowly approached, and the bald man stood on it, shouting loudly, "Friends over there, we've come to seek cooperation! Our leader wants to see your manager to discuss matters of mutual survival!"
Captain Ma sneered upon hearing this: "Cooperation? You came to our territory armed and heavily guarded, and you call that cooperation? Only a fool would believe that!"
The bald man forced a smile: "Sir, you misunderstand. In the apocalypse, it's too difficult to remain unscathed. We know you've established a safe haven and hope to join you. We can provide supplies and labor to help us expand this base."
He spoke sincerely, but Captain Ma, influenced by Zhou Shuwan and Qi Mingyu's words, was prejudiced and scoffed at them: "Supplies and labor? If you had supplies, would you have come all this way here?"
The bald man's fake smile froze. He wanted to say something more, but Captain Ma waved his hand impatiently: "Don't give me that crap! Either turn around and leave right now, or don't blame us for being impolite!"
The sea breeze, carrying waves of heat and the salty smell of evaporated seawater, swept over the bald man. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes.
He glanced back at the cruise ship in the distance, seemingly waiting for instructions.
A moment later, there was movement on the cruise ship again.
On the small boat that was launched this time, there was a person standing in the middle—it was He Chengshi.
Zhou Shuwan squinted and looked in that direction from the window with Qi Mingyu.
He had more wrinkles than when we last met, and it was clear that he hadn't been having an easy time lately.
The small boat rocked on the scorching sea, slowly approaching the vanguard's ships.
He Chengshi stood on the boat, his usual arrogance gone, his eyes filled with weariness and sincerity, a stark contrast to his previous fake smile and sinister demeanor.
“Sir, please calm down.” He Chengshi’s voice came across the waves: “We are truly desperate, which is why we have come to ask for help. We have no ill intentions.”
Captain Ma remained silent.
He Chengshi continued, "These weapons are only for self-defense at sea. In the apocalypse, you can't move an inch without weapons! Our ships are already dilapidated and our supplies are exhausted. We would never disturb them unless we had no other choice."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers on the ship before finally settling on the direction of the cabin, as if he already knew that Zhou Shuwan and Qi Mingyu were there.
"We are all Chinese, ordinary people struggling to survive in this apocalypse. These past years at sea have been incredibly difficult, filled with all sorts of natural disasters, hardships, and dangers! Our population has dwindled from several thousand to just a few hundred. We've come seeking help because if... if you don't take us in, we probably... won't see the sun rise tomorrow..."
His tone was sincere, and his voice even trembled with tears as he spoke, his eyes red-rimmed.
Captain Ma and the other vanguard soldiers on the ship, who initially had a bad impression of them, frowned slightly, but their wariness had dissipated considerably.