Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 719 - 706: He’s Still Alive (Part 1)

"What’s going on with Spring Boss over there? Why has there been no movement for so long!" He Lei reached into the dish and grabbed some peanuts, crunching them loudly as he chewed.

"Who the hell knows? But there shouldn’t be any problem. I guess Liu Fugui got delayed by the heavy snowfall on the road!" Yang Buwei felt a bit dizzy and spoke in a drifting tone.

"Yeah, you’re right. This damn weather really isn’t helping, snowing like crazy, what a hassle!" He Lei was different from Yang Buwei; he wasn’t an original brother under Spring Xiu. His defection was due to the last time he got captured outside.

The two could be said to be brought together by conflict. At that time, He Lei already clearly felt that he wasn’t doing well with Liu Fugui, and there were safety risks — he could be sacrificed and abandoned at any time. So when Spring Xiu promised him management rights of the Factory if he helped, he didn’t hesitate to agree to the plan.

But as a newcomer, He Lei urgently needed to prove himself to quickly establish authority and secure his position within the gang.

Otherwise, wanting to join the higher-ups without any contribution was complete nonsense.

Not to mention Spring Xiu’s assurances, which were merely empty promises under mutual interests. If He Lei, with his years of experience in the underworld, took these pledges seriously, how could he have ever become one of Liu Fugui’s trusted aides?

"How about it, brother? Why don’t you contact Spring first, ask about the progress over there, and also let him know we’ve successfully taken over the Factory here, saving him the trouble of negotiating with Liu Fugui? What do you think?" He Lei honestly didn’t want to interact with Liu Fugui. Since the Factory was in their hands, why not eliminate Liu Fugui altogether? He was reluctant to face Liu Fugui, afraid of confronting him now.

"No, no, no!" Yang Buwei shook his hand emphatically: "Spring explained clearly. We’re just to handle our part here; he has his own plans over there. I privately asked too. Spring wants to use Liu Fugui’s followers. You know, in these times, manpower is key to expanding territory. So when Liu Fugui explains everything, our takeover becomes logical. That’s why, since I arrived, I haven’t let the brothers touch the original staff at the Factory."

"Ah!" He Lei suddenly sat upright, staring at Yang Buwei and said, "Brother, it seems Spring Boss has quite the ambition, judging by his recruitment. Is he planning to be a regional king?"

Yang Buwei chuckled twice, slowly stood up, staggered to the window, and pointed with a big hand: "Lei bro, look at the world outside; it’s full of both danger and opportunity. What era is this? It’s a lawless time, and we’re all marked men in this world. Really, thank the apocalypse. Without it, we’d already be eating dust. So, brother, you’ve got to make the most of this rare chance in such chaotic times. Hahaha!"

With the alcohol affecting him, Yang Buwei’s speech became more random: "Adaptation means survival; this era is all about having more people, resources, and being ruthless enough! The whole world is up for grabs; if you’ve got the skills, why not set up a kingdom? Not just region-wise; if there’s enough strength, we might build a new world!"

Yang Buwei’s speech got increasingly excited, spitting everywhere. He Lei got thrilled with the grand discourse: "Haha, it seems I’ve made the right choice following Spring Boss. Look at Liu Fugui; he’s a nobody, staying locked up in the Factory, guarding a pile of supplies and never daring to step outside. He sends brothers to risk their lives for his trivial matters. What a joke!"

Thinking of the days Liu Fugui had him under house arrest, He Lei felt wrathful, venting his frustrations with the help of alcohol.

But just as He Lei and Yang Buwei felt exhilarated, the sudden sound from the hand-held radio interrupted them: "He Lei, this is Liu Fugui. Respond immediately, repeat, respond immediately! Finished!"

"Liu Fugui!" He Yang both exclaimed the name in unison.

"How could it be Liu Fugui?" He Lei instinctively uttered. Supposedly, Liu Fugui should be with Spring Xiu. If they were to contact, it should be Spring Xiu or his subordinates, right? Yang Buwei also looked at He Lei with confusion.

"He Lei, what the hell are you doing, respond to me now!"

"General Liu! I... I am He Lei! Finished!" He Lei almost instinctively spoke these words, standing dazed afterward. Suddenly cold sweat trickled down his back. His first guilty reaction was that their betrayal was discovered, and memories of Liu Fugui’s punishments for traitors flashed through his mind, instantly sobering him up.

Yang Buwei, who hadn’t experienced Liu Fugui’s methods, was more composed than the flustered He Lei. He quickly reminded him: "Lei, stay calm, and figure out the situation to see where Liu Fugui is now."

Yeah! He Lei slapped his forehead; the Factory was under their control, with Spring Xiu’s backup. Why fear Liu Fugui? Realizing this gave him confidence, making his voice steadier than before: "General Liu, where are you now? Is Yunpeng found? Finished!"

"We’ll talk about that later. I’m asking, how’s the Factory now? Finished!"

He Lei glanced at Yang Buwei, who nodded. He Lei understood: "Everything’s normal. You instructed to watch the Factory closely. I guaranteed you that as long as we’re alive, the Factory will remain intact, so I..."

"Alright, that’s good. Listen up: there’s been a change. I’m being chased by a mob. You must ensure extra personnel secures the Factory. Absolutely keep it secure; I’m on my way back. Finished!"

He was abruptly cut off, making He Lei grit his teeth. But now wasn’t the time to act out; he feigned concern: "What? You’re being chased, General Liu? Who’s got the guts to do this, thinking our group is unguarded? General Liu, say where you are, and I’ll lead the team for backup. Finished!"

"No need. Your task is to secure the Factory. Do nothing else and don’t leave. Understand? Finished!"

"But, General Liu, what about your..."

"Don’t talk nonsense. Do as I say. Never mind me; focus on the Factory. I’m on the road. I’ll contact you if there’s an emergency. Finished!"

"Zzzz!" The handheld radio in He Lei’s hand was filled with chaotic static.

"Liu Fugui, damn you, acting all high and mighty when you’re at death’s door. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll skin you alive!" (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to recommend votes, monthly tickets on [qidian.com]. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)