"Mine?" Wei Hong was confused, "What's the matter with me?" ”

"Don't think I didn't recognize you, man. You are from Aoyama. The guard sneered, "Don't worry, there's no word from the top to clean you up, just be honest." ”

Wei Hong actually didn't care about the threat of the guards at all, he took the opportunity to take the guards' words, and asked again: "Then you mean, someone from Qingshan is coming?" ”

"That's right." We happened to be stuck in the crowd of people who were preparing, and the guards simply stopped, intending to let us see who was coming, "It's almost time, see for yourself." ”

We poked our heads out of the crowd for a while, and two slightly modified vans drove into the maintenance room in full view. So the scavengers immediately lifted their spirits, and the huge maintenance room was silent for a blink of an eye, and after the car engine was turned off, only the small friction and compact breathing sound of weapons colliding in people's hands from time to time remained.

"Welcome, welcome!" Zhang Xing shouted loudly and walked out of the crowd in front of the van. He spread his hands open, not at all worried about being raided by the people in the car, "Welcome to the surviving brothers and sisters of Aoyama to Wanxiang City." ”

The sliding doors on the side of one of the black vans opened with a slightly sarcastic welcome from Zhang Xing. A short, thin man led the way out of the van. Dressed in a thin gray coat, he felt like a crumbling puppet, standing in the midst of the other Aoyama scouts who came out of the car, slightly comical, but not imposing.

"I'm the representative of Qingshan, Zhang Xizheng." Zhang Xizheng pushed the silver-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, and his slightly pretentious tone reminded me of the first time I met him.

"Hello, Hello, Representative Zhang." Zhang Xing took the initiative to step forward and shake hands with Zhang Xizheng, he was taller than Zhang Xizheng, so he deliberately bowed his back forward as if he was laughing at Zhang Xizheng's short stature, "I heard that Qingshan has been reorganized again, and the safety zone is gradually thriving, which makes me very pleased." ”

"Thanks to you." Zhang Xizheng shook hands with Zhang Xing politely, but there was a disdainful smile on his face.

"I believe that the previous misunderstanding can be resolved. In particular, I was really touched by the sincerity of Aoyama's offer to contact us this time. ”

"In that case, why don't we just move somewhere else and sit down and talk?" Zhang Xizheng naturally understood that the group of scavengers around him had bad intentions.

Zhang Xingyao's purpose of raising his might had been achieved, and he smirked sneeringly: "Okay, okay, look at me, it's really inhospitable." It's better to let the rest of the brothers in your car come out, and I will naturally arrange for someone to entertain them well. ”

Zhang Xizheng glanced at the guards beside him, and the guards gestured to the van behind him, only to see the remaining people in the two vans walk out in an orderly manner and circle the car on the spot.

"The city lord is gracious, but my brothers are already vigilant. Just let them rest near the car for a while. Zhang Xizheng said with a smile.

"Okay then." Zhang Xing understood that there was no need to compete with Zhang Xizheng in such an absolutely dominant situation, so he simply agreed to his request like a salute before a soldier, "Please." ”

Zhang Xing politely gave up a position for Zhang Xizheng. The two walked side by side and left the training room. The confrontation between the surrounding scavengers and the Qingshan scouts also came to an end, the crowd dispersed, and under the many vigilant and malicious eyes, the Qingshan soldiers around the van calmly leaned on the van to rest. They turned their heads to each other, seemingly completely oblivious to the potential enemy in front of them.

"Du Yuheng." A scavenger with a scar on his face came up to me, and he took a picture with the scavenger guards around us, and said to me straight to the point: "The city wants you to go now." ”

"Zhang Xing? Aren't they going to negotiate something? What are you calling me for? "Naturally, the messenger wouldn't tell me the answer, but I asked naively.

The other party shook his head, but just looked at me with straight eyes, feeling that even if I didn't agree, he would have a way to take me to the errand.

"Let's do it." Chen Mo whispered in my ear.

I nodded, motioning for the scavenger to lead the way. Everyone was about to leave, but the man suddenly said, "The city lord only asks you to go alone." ”

It's not going to be easy. We looked at each other suspiciously, and Wei Hong was even more humorous for some reason, giving me a non-obvious grimace like self-deprecation. Wu Fei's face was a little unhappy, I guess she probably couldn't get used to Zhang Xing's arrangement of playing with people.

"It's okay, I'll go alone." I smiled bitterly and comforted my companion, and then leaned closer to Wei Hong and whispered, "You will go find Long Hao and Liang Minxuan later, and tell them all about the situation." ”

"Okay."

"So be it." I smiled at the impatient Scar Man.

He was polite, and without saying a word, he took me out of the maintenance room. We should have followed the road that Zhang Xing and the others had just walked to the third floor of Wanxiang City, where the combat headquarters of the scavengers was located, and a lot of important materials were hoarded. Even if the residents of Wanxiang City die, ordinary people can't come to this level. Perhaps prepared, the security on this floor was actually tighter than that of the maintenance room, and the wandering guards were mostly well-armed with sophisticated weapons and some well-made homemade firearms, and the people here looked more like well-trained private troops than the bravado rabble I had just seen.

Before coming to a shop cubicle that was much larger than the others, the man with the scar who led the way turned back to me and said coldly. "You wait here, I'll go in and let you know."

I shrugged and said it didn't matter. In the tiger's den, what else do I dare? Be honest.

This shop is a glass-separated room like the others, but the curtains have been drawn inside, so I can't see anything inside. What's special is not only this, the scavenger guards guarding this room are holding regular military and police firearms used by the armed police in the past. They were all tall, but they were dressed casually and lazily, and they looked like bandits, and they were not easy to mess with. In contrast, the four Aoyama scouts who were resting and chatting against the railing not far from the opposite side of the room gave people a sense of security, and their armed police camouflage and bulletproof vests printed with the armed police logo were more or less worn, but they were still neatly dressed. The equipment carried is also standard armed police equipment. The only thing that shows their sophistication and casualness is the cigarettes in their mouths and the whispers of their conversations.

"Come in." The scarred man who had just gone in to report shouted at me half-covered the door, instantly tensing my nerves again.

I didn't say much, and walked into the room nervously. As soon as I walked in the door, all eyes were on me. Zhang Xing leaned comfortably on the sofa, and behind him stood Liu Yijing and the two scavenger guards. Sitting across the table from them were Zhang Xizheng and a tall, thin young man I had never seen before, as well as two Qingshan scouts behind them.

"Du, Du Yuheng?" Zhang Xizheng half-turned around and looked at me in surprise, raised his body and said in surprise, "I didn't expect you to be really alive?" But, how do you ...... Will it turn out like this? ”

When Zhang Xizheng said this, I realized that perhaps in his impression, I had already died on the night of the Qingshan fire. Although the relationship with him in the past was not good, I can see that at this moment, Zhang Xizheng's eyes are full of only the surprise of reunion. So I should have given him a friendly response.

"Long time no see, Professor Zhang." I tugged at the corners of my mouth slightly and shook my head stiffly, "It's hard to say." ”

"Now you believe what I just said, right?" Zhang Xing put on a look that he had known everything for a long time and said with a smile, "It was based on Du Yuheng's blood research that my people discovered the immune cells hidden in his body, so they developed the vaccine. ”

"Is that so? Du Yuheng? Zhang Xizheng looked at me expectantly. I think he wants me to take out a vaccine from my back at this moment, and then admit to him that what Zhang Xing said is the truth; But I'm not sure.

"I also just learned about it for a short time." As soon as I spoke, Zhang Xing's brows twitched slightly, and he didn't seem to be quite satisfied with my answer.

Although this is the case, my appearance is enough to prove that what Zhang Xing said is not necessarily a lie. At least the picture of "coming back from the dead" now that I don't look like a human ghost or a ghost, I'm afraid Zhang Xizheng has been surprised enough.

Zhang Xizheng didn't hold on to my answer and embarrassed Zhang Xing, but changed the conversation, took a sip of tea, and said, "Okay, it seems that it is not unreasonable that the people of Jiangshang will be so anxious to trouble you." So I'll talk about the purpose of coming to Wanxiang City now. Please release the officer who survived the crash and let him go back with us. ”

Zhang Xinghu looked at Zhang Xizheng suspiciously, and said without changing his face: "The officer you are talking about is ......?"

"Yang Shanao. Let's hope he didn't change his name. Zhang Xizheng took Zhang Xing's words and said.

"That's right, that officer is indeed this name, and it is in Wanxiang City that he is doing well now. But why do you know his name and suddenly become interested in this person? ”

"It's not surprising to know his name, after all, it was the scouts of Aoyama who found him before your people met him, and if it hadn't been for an accident on the way, I'm afraid he should have been with us by now. Truth be told, we restored a weather forecast station on Castle Hill during the days we rebuilt the security zone. I have also recently been in contact with the outside world to learn about the current situation of this global crisis. ”

Zhang Xing propped his hands on the table with interest, leaned forward, and smiled crookedly: "Oh? That's big news. ”

"That's true. The situation around the world is similar to what we are experiencing. There are very few countries left that can still function normally, and the situation is not very rosy. However, our country has rebuilt a security zone on the whole island of Hainan, and the central government has also moved there, and has cooperated with the United States and Australia to make breakthroughs. ”

"A breakthrough?"

"Although a vaccine for humans has not yet been developed, they have found a way to eradicate this viral crisis." Zhang Xizheng straightened his posture and said solemnly, "Plant vaccine, I'm afraid you already know this from that Lieutenant Colonel Yang Shanao." Now scientists in the three countries have concluded that the virus in our humans is actually spread in the air through the spores of diseased plants. Usually, as long as you don't get in close contact with mutated plants that are emitting spores, they are generally not infected, and being scratched and bitten by zombies is only a catalyst for infection. In fact, when an infected person is scratched and bitten, our immune system collapses and becomes unable to resist the spores emitted by the diseased plants. ”

"So they want to eliminate the diseased plants with a plant vaccine, so that the spores can't be transmitted and people don't have to worry about getting the virus?"

"That's right, the source of this virus crisis is actually a Southeast Asian drug, which is extracted from the pollen of a plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The spread of drugs paved the way for the widespread spread of the virus in several places. People who use that drug can catch a cold, which looks unremarkable, and they can also pass it on to others. ”

"That flu ......," I muttered as I stood aside and listened to the adults.

"Yes, it's the abnormal flu. At that time, the flu vaccine was made by implanting an enzyme to break it down, and the effect was really good. But no one thought that this enzyme is actually a decomposition element of drugs, and the reason why it breaks down the virus is just a long process of recombination. ”

"Well, I've understood that you already have a way to solve this crisis on your own. So what else do you want me to do? Zhang Xing looked a little frustrated, perhaps because his wishful thinking of having the vaccine to threaten others had been broken, "You didn't come to laugh at me, did you?" ”

"No, we want to work together. The official approach is now intended to eliminate the mutated plants in the area, thus stopping the spread of the virus in the region. But if you had a way to directly prevent human infection or even cure people who are already infected, wouldn't that be a hero? As soon as Zhang Xizheng said this, Zhang Xing seemed to be interested.

"Well, then you've said so much. What's the use of that Yang Shanao? ”

"That's right. First of all, when we got in touch with Hainan, we informed them about the plane crash, and they were eager to talk to Lieutenant Colonel Yang Shanao to discuss how to use the plant vaccine he was carrying to solve the disease in Nanning. ”

"Wait, Representative Zhang, don't be in such a hurry, I want to ask why Wanxiang City wants to cooperate with you?" Zhang Xing finally said this problem, if he didn't mention it, I might have to look at it differently.

"Why? Does this need a reason? Zhang Xizheng's righteous and awe-inspiring words will definitely not play a role in front of Zhang Xing, "We are saving mankind!" Think about it, you spearheaded the development of a human vaccine, and at the same time helped solve the root cause of the virus, and our children and grandchildren will definitely consider you a hero in the future! ”

"Heroes?" Zhang Xing smiled and leaned back on the back of the seat, "I am not uncommon to be called a hero...... However, I'm more than happy to do it. ”

Zhang Xing's words made me a little confused, he is not a good person, with his character, he should be able to blackmail Zhang Xizheng well, but this is not the case. Liu Yijing behind him seemed to feel the same way as me, she frowned slightly, her eyes were full of doubt, but she remained silent.

"Okay, Deputy Zhang Xizheng. Now that I've expressed my attitude, you don't have to worry. But then again, Qingshan and Wanxiang still have some grievances......" Zhang Xing stood up, walked to the side of the desk, supported the table with one hand, pondered for a moment and suddenly smiled at Zhang Xizheng, "That's it, why don't we set up a banquet in Wanxiang City to entertain the master of Qingshan, and invite your Mayor Liao Daiping to come over in a few days, everyone will eat and drink, and then start our cooperation!" What do you think? ”

"This ......," Zhang Xizheng thought for a while, straightened his eyes and said, "I need to go back and report to the mayor before I can give you an answer......

"Hey, Representative Zhang, this is not very refreshing. I've already promised you, and you still don't seem to trust me. Zhang Xing sat back in his place, played with the water-based pen on the table, and sneered, "I now put forward a request for cooperation, that is, the leader of Qingshan can come to Wanxiang City to have dinner with me to show his trust." It's as simple as that. ”

"City Lord, this ......"

"That's it." After Zhang Xing made a decision, he leaned back in his chair, put his feet on the desk, and patiently waited for Zhang Xizheng's reply, he was not in a hurry, and time was more or less for him at this time.

Mr. Zhang may be familiar with some official rhetoric and know how to preach, but he is by no means a smart negotiator. At this time, Zhang Xing had already made a final decision, and he had no room for maneuver at all.

"Since the city lord has said so, then I can only go back with words."

Zhang Xizheng got up and bowed slightly to Zhang Xing, and was about to take someone away. When they almost walked to the door of the office, Zhang Xing added another sentence coldly. "Oh yes, Representative Zhang, I'll give you a time. The day after tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, I will arrange good people, prepare good wine and food, and wait for the leader of Qingshan, your mayor, in Wanxiang City. ”

"Understood." Zhang Xizheng turned around and nodded to Zhang Xing, his expression was obviously not as confident as just now, and he felt a little disheartened between his words. However, he didn't come in vain, after all, he once again won a bargaining chip for Qingshan to negotiate with Wanxiang.

After Zhang Xizheng left, Zhang Xing immediately asked Liu Yijing and the two scavenger leaders to leave, and he and I were left in the office. Zhang Xing motioned for me to sit down, so I honestly sat down in the position where Zhang Xizheng was sitting just now.

"How do you feel like you're not as energetic as you used to be?" Zhang Xing looked at me for a long time, and suddenly asked.

"Maybe it's because there's been so much going on these days."

"Or maybe your friend's fate is uncertain?" Zhang Xing answered the question he asked knowingly.

I ignored him, just stared coldly at this self-righteous fellow, watching his ugly face of villain.

"I know you've had a problem with me, ever since you heard my name." Zhang Xing put the teapot he put on the desk in front of him, looked at the tea in the pot, took out a teacup for me, poured it full and put it in front of me, "Huang Weizheng was the same as you at first, but then he changed his opinion of me. Me and him...... There was a lot of cooperation. You see, bringing Wanxiang City's vaccine to Qingshan is one of them. Do you want to know if your best friend knew about the vaccine beforehand? ”

Although I didn't respond to any of Zhang Xing's words verbally, I think he must have seen the slight change in the expression on my face, and maybe he had already counted me down over and over again in his heart at this time.

"Okay, I'll take your acquiescence." Zhang Xing filled himself with tea again and took a sip intoxicatedly, "But maybe it's better for you to solve this matter yourself." Huang Weizheng has indeed done a lot for me in Wanxiang, and sometimes he may perceive that what he is doing may hurt others, but he will still be willing to work for me. You know why? ”

"Why?"

"Because only then can he survive, and you who care about him can survive." Zhang Xing put down the teacup and talked eloquently like self-absorption, "Today, when the survival of the fittest is alive, living is a big gamble." You must have gradually understood this truth, right? ”

Survival of the fittest, what a cruel eschatological principle, but is such a living really alive?

"Yes, I'm slowly getting it." Looking at the tea that Zhang Xing handed me, and then at him who was appreciating my predicament, "What do you want me to do for you?" ”

"First of all, you have to understand that I don't force you to do it for me, but if you do, I'd appreciate it." Zhang Xing walked up to me and patted me lightly on the shoulder, "Actually, it's not a big deal, it's just an insurance." ”

"Insurance?"

"Yes, you also heard it just now, and the people of Qingshan will have a meal with us soon......"

"In Wanxiang City, are you still afraid of chaos? Or do you want to make a name for yourself? ”

I didn't say what Zhang Xing thought, he shook his head proudly, and said: "When they come to Wanxiang City, of course they won't do anything to me easily, but they must be guarded against people." At the wine table, who knows what will happen? Just when I was still lamenting Zhang Xing's caution, he added, "The reason why I invited the people from Qingshan over is nothing more than to see if this group of people who are inseparable from our grievances really want to cooperate." But then again, it's also a little test for you. ”

"Mine?"

"That's right, since you want to save Huang Weizheng, then you have to do something for me; And for me to reassure you, that little word on your lips is not enough. I want you to prove yourself with something tangible at that dinner. Zhang Xing walked to the display cabinet on the wall of the office, turned on the CD player, and the high-end stereo in the room sounded melodious classical music.

Those brand-name high-end stereos must have been the treasures in the most dazzling display cabinet of a store in this Wanxiang City department store in the past, and now, including this stereo, the entire Wanxiang City is actually owned by Zhang Xing.

Zhang Xing leisurely watered the potted plants he had carefully cultivated one by one, not caring at all about me sitting behind him. "Du Yuheng, in fact, you are not as smart as Huang Weizheng, he understands the rules of survival in this world better than you. I can make a bet with you that the people of Aoyama will make a big fuss on dinner day, and maybe even want my life. ”

"Mayor Liao doesn't have as many conspiracies as you."

"Don't say it so early. In fact, you have experienced many things, but you don't want to admit the facts. You can go," Zhang Xing waved his hand with his back to me, "Anyway, if there is an accident that day, I hope you can be on my side, and this can be regarded as the beginning of our gamble......"

"Gamble?"

"That's right." Zhang Xing nodded and turned to look at me as a matter of course, "Your actions are in exchange for the vaccine I provided for Huang Weizheng, so that you can be regarded as putting your chips on my side, so let's wait for the exciting moment when the two sides show their cards." ”

This old fox, in fact, my only choice is to die for him, this is to make a deal with the devil.

"Come on, that's all that needs to be said. I've got your room to keep, so go back and have a look. Zhang Xing didn't care how I would answer, turned around and took care of his potted plants by himself, and when I just got up, he seemed casual but actually warned me, "Du Yuheng, please remember: when you can't help yourself, don't think too much, otherwise you will suffer a big loss." ”