In a world under the apocalypse, words like "kill and burn" were not mere rhetoric, but actions backed by power.
Peng Yansheng was left speechless by Wen Shangcheng's words. He paused, then slumped into his chair.
Wen Shangcheng's words reminded him of how the Lucheng base had been acquired.
Initially, the Lucheng base did not belong to his uncle.
It was taken from others by his uncle in league with him. The original owner of the base had long since been killed by them and fed to the zombies.
So, in the end, it was karma. They killed others, and others came to kill them.
He had luckily escaped death because he was out collecting supplies.
Wen Shangcheng was not an ordinary person, and his thoughts quickly shifted. He looked at Peng Yansheng, who was distraught by his few words, and continued, "This is the way of survival in the apocalypse. If you are stronger than me and can kill me, then do it."
"If you can't kill me, then either strive to become stronger and surpass me, so that one day you can kill me and avenge your uncle. If you can't do that, then don't keep talking about paying for lives with lives."
What Wen Shangcheng said was the truth. Peng Yansheng looked up at Wen Shangcheng. "You are right. The strong prey on the weak, and only the fittest survive. So, please, always stay strong and don't let me surpass you. Otherwise, I will definitely take your life."
This statement meant Peng Yansheng's mindset had shifted.
Under the apocalypse, survival was the paramount.
He had finally managed to secure his current stability, and he couldn't let it be ruined by recklessness or impulse.
Wen Shangcheng smiled, "Then I will wait for you to take my life."
Peng Yansheng grunted and said no more.
A conflict that was expected to erupt into a major battle subsided so quietly.
Zhang Wenbin, smoking a cigarette, found it quite surprising.
***
The dock.
Su Ling and Shang Qi retrieved the boat Peng Yansheng had docked. The two of them stood on the dock, enjoying the sea breeze.
The sun was shining, the sea was azure, and the sea breeze carried the scent of the ocean.
Shang Qi held an umbrella, which was Su Ling's umbrella used to store the Tang dao.
The two not only retrieved the boat but also their mode of transport.
They walked down the dock and onto the beach.
With no tourists or pedestrians, many shells had accumulated on the beach, washed ashore by the waves. They sparkled in the sunlight, showcasing a variety of colors and shapes, making them a beautiful sight.
Though the shells were beautiful, Su Ling had no intention of collecting them. She walked side by side with Shang Qi on the beach.
The sea breeze blew, and Su Ling's long hair danced in the wind.
Occasionally, strands of hair would brush against her face, playfully kissing her cheek. She reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear.
Her shoes were long gone. She walked barefoot on the beach, constantly washed by the sea.
The sand that clung to her fair feet was quickly washed away by the incoming waves.
Su Ling held Shang Qi's arm. The black umbrella shielded them both, protecting them from the scorching sun.
On the reef, standing tall on the beach and battered by waves, were dense clusters of plump seafood. Without anyone to harvest them, and with no "natural predators," they had become incredibly succulent in a short period.
Su Ling looked at them, her heart filled with longing, her hands itching.
She looked at Shang Qi, "How much time until noon?"
Shang Qi knew what she was thinking. He gently stroked her hair, "We can dig some, but make sure to protect yourself from the sun. The sun by the sea is fierce and can burn you. Be careful not to get sunburned."
Su Ling's eyes curved into a smile as she agreed. Soon, she was fully geared up, her face completely covered.
Except for her legs, the rest of her body was completely covered. She carried a small red bucket and held a hook and shovel.
Shang Qi, standing beside her, was dressed in the same attire.
After Su Ling was fully equipped, she looked at Shang Qi, "Remind me when the time comes, and we'll head back early for a seafood feast at noon."