While Xiao Wenqiang was meticulously crafting the soul weapon, Wang Hu secretly observed everyone present. Realizing that he and Lu Feiguang were the only two males, Wang Hu was inwardly delighted.
He had a premonition that this apocalypse would be the starting point of a life-changing journey for him. Therefore, he decided to make these fortunate individuals his first batch of followers!
In Wang Hu's mind, women were incapable of much. As for Lu Feiguang, he was a year younger than Wang Hu and wore a pair of black-rimmed glasses. He appeared fair-skinned, thin, and weak, likely lacking any intimidating presence.
Thus, it was only natural for Wang Hu to take on the role of leader!
Seeing everyone looking up at him, Wang Hu mistook it for his imposing aura increasing his influence. He secretly rejoiced but maintained a stern expression, tilting his chin towards Lu Feiguang and saying, "Xiao Lu, explain the situation we discussed earlier."
Lu Feiguang was a sophomore and didn't object to Wang Hu, a year his senior, addressing him in such a familiar manner. He took out his phone, found the chat records, and said to the others, "A few of my buddies were playing basketball at the gymnasium, and I came here to buy them some water..."
Before Xiao Wenqiang and the others arrived at the convenience store, Wang Hu and Lu Feiguang had already discussed going to the gymnasium to assess the situation. After all, males who enjoyed sports likely had decent physical stamina.
However, they were also concerned that these individuals might have already mutated or been bitten by zombies and were on the verge of transformation. Therefore, they planned to go in batches, first scouting the gymnasium.
"Since I'm quite familiar with those guys, the original plan was for me to go first. If the situation there was okay, I'd come back to inform everyone. We have this convenience store, so we can hold out for a while with the food and supplies," Lu Feiguang said, scratching the back of his head with a somewhat bewildered expression.
"Are you going alone?" Xiao Wenqiang asked the crucial question. "What if you encounter zombies on the way, or if the people in the gymnasium have already turned into zombies? Can you handle it by yourself?"
Lu Feiguang knew he didn't look very strong and said somewhat helplessly, "There's no other way. There are so many supplies here, and Zhang Wei is a girl. Brother Hu needs to stay here to protect the food and Zhang Wei, so I'm the only one who can go."
"Then why isn't he going, and you and Zhang Wei stay in the small room?" Ye Yao, having suffered at Wang Hu's hands in her past life, knew this man had deliberately arranged things this way. She pointed at him and asked, "Aren't you just a coward, trying to send Xiao Lu to take the risk?"
Wang Hu's expression turned grim, and he glared at Ye Yao with a frown. "What nonsense are you spouting! Xiao Lu is familiar with the people at the gymnasium, and I'm not. They might not believe me if I went. Besides, this is a convenience store; if someone breaks through the glass door, they'll quickly find this small room. I naturally have to stay to protect Zhang Wei and these supplies."
Indeed, Wang Hu's reasoning was hard to refute for a moment. Ye Yao was momentarily startled by his fierce demeanor, and her eyes involuntarily welled up.
"How can you be so dirty-minded to assume everyone else is as malicious as you are!" Zhu Yan, Wang Hu's girlfriend, couldn't stand it. "My Hu Zi is a real man, unlike you who not only refuses to help but also shoves companions in front of zombies at critical moments!"
Ye Yao was truly crying now, tears streaming down her face like a pear blossom after rain. Perhaps due to the protagonist's halo, Wang Hu felt a flicker of pity. Just as he was about to offer the girl a way to save face, displaying his gentlemanly demeanor, another girl's voice intervened.
"I'll go with Xiao Lu! I have a knife, and I can protect him!" Xiao Wenqiang brandished her new soul weapon knife.
An Xin chimed in, "Yes, yes! Classmate Xiao is very capable. She's saved me twice since the zombies appeared."
Wang Hu was extremely displeased with Xiao Wenqiang's action. He believed women should be like his girlfriend, Zhu Yan, completely trusting and dependent on men. This woman surnamed Xiao, by virtue of having killed a few zombies, dared to make such a suggestion. It clearly undermined his authority as the leader, making him seem inferior to even a woman.
"What's the rush! I never said Xiao Lu would go alone right now!" Wang Hu interrupted. "The plan was made when there were only three of us. Now that there are more people, naturally, there will be different arrangements."
Wang Hu's gaze swept across the crowd before he made his arrangement. "How about this, you two go with Xiao Lu. Three people can look out for each other." He pointed at An Xin, who had challenged him, and Xiao Wenqiang, who had undermined him.
Xiao Wenqiang, fully aware of Wang Hu's intentions, knew he wanted to send the people he couldn't control to take the lead if things got too dangerous outside. Even if they died, it wouldn't be a significant loss to him.
"I'm not going!" An Xin shrieked. "I... I can't kill zombies, and it's too dangerous outside."
Xiao Wenqiang ignored An Xin and addressed the group instead. "It's fine for us to go, but since we're seeking cooperation, we need to show some sincerity beforehand."
"What kind of sincerity do you mean?" Wang Hu became wary.
"It's simple. Right now, food and water are the most important things for the survivors at the gymnasium. We need to bring some supplies to them first," Xiao Wenqiang suggested.
"Yes, yes! I was originally coming to buy water for them; they'll definitely be thirsty after exercising," Lu Feiguang agreed repeatedly.
"If you bring them here and they confirm they're joining us, they'll naturally be allocated food and water," Wang Hu immediately rejected their proposal.
"If that's the case, then I'm afraid you'll have to handle the negotiations yourself. I don't think Xiao Lu and I have the ability to get something for nothing!" Xiao Wenqiang continued to show no deference to Wang Hu.
"That's right, Brother Hu. I think this senior student is right!" Lu Feiguang continued to cooperate. "And... and this food belongs to Sister Zhang Wei. We should probably ask for her opinion before taking it out!"
Wang Hu had long envisioned himself as the leader here and naturally assumed he would be the one to distribute these supplies. He was stunned when Lu Feiguang shattered his illusion, and a murderous intent arose within him.
At this moment, Zhang Wei, who had not participated much in the conversation, spoke up. "I agree with your opinion. Let's bring some biscuits and water for the people at the gymnasium!"
"Zhang Wei, don't forget you're just a cashier. What right do you have to dispose of this food?" Wang Hu, seeing that everyone was starting to disregard him, clenched his fists.
"At least I have more right than you!" Zhang Wei, who had been somewhat fearful before, straightened her back upon seeing so many girls arrive. "If communication is restored, I will contact the boss and compensate for any losses."
Before Wang Hu could react, Xiao Wenqiang stood up and unzipped her backpack. "Sister Wei is magnanimous. Let's start packing the supplies!"