Chapter 97: Chapter 87: Internal Strife or Cooperation

Zhang Su squinted his eyes, remaining calm as he said, “I’ve already stated, you didn’t clean up properly. We took out many zombies ourselves, so there’s no protection fee. As for those brothers of yours, it was internal fighting; it has nothing to do with us!”

“Internal fighting? You’re talking nonsense. That’s impossible! The brotherhood of our Salvation Society is as strong as steel. There’s no way they would turn on each other!”

Zhang Xin immediately dismissed Zhang Su’s statement, considering the protection fee just an additional part. The real extortion lay in the four lives lost, and he couldn’t let the other party dictate the narrative.

“Heh, whether your brotherhood is strong as steel or not, I don’t know. What I do know is they started fighting madly over resource distribution. We were hiding in the wardrobe and heard everything clearly. It was quite the scene, and when we finally came out, only Wu Daqiang was still alive, although he was heavily injured.”

“Out of humanitarian concern, we didn’t hassle Wu Daqiang and let him leave. We even gave him a few cans as he was leaving. What, he didn’t go back?”

Zhang Su remained composed as he spoke, gesturing vividly as if this were the exact truth, causing Zheng Xinyu and the others to question their own memories.

“I don’t believe your bullshit! Even without a protection fee, four lives, two bags per life!”

Zhang Xin shook his head, unmoved.

“So you think you’ve got us figured out, right?”

Seeing the other party completely unreasonable, Zhang Su’s negotiation smile faded, his eyes turned cold, and he said, “Zhang Xin, right? I came over to negotiate with you as a courtesy. If you’re disrespectful, I have ways to play dirty!”

As he finished speaking, Zhang Su opened the clasp and drew out the Dog Leg Military Saber meant for dealing with people.

Without needing Zhang Su to instruct them, the other four had already reached an understanding. Seeing him draw a weapon, they naturally entered a defensive stance.

With over a week’s training and experience battling zombies, Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan exuded an imposing spirit as they assumed a combative stance.

Lu Yubo, already known to fight fiercely, shook the blood-stained grooves of his food sampler and smiles grimly, clearly of the don’t-care-who’s-life-is-on-the-line mindset.

Tan Huajun, plump and amiable, had slightly weaker presence. But with her hefty size and peculiar, assertive weapon tilted across her chest, the blood-stained claw induced fear in onlookers.

“Master Xin, these people aren’t easy to deal with!”

“Damn it, could these folks be more than show? Don’t tell me even those two young women can fight…”

“Maybe we should think this through.”

The people around Zhang Xin were taken aback by Zhang Su and his group’s aura, causing some to lose their nerve. Several of them, who had respectable jobs before the catastrophe, showed visible fear.

Everyone was just after some supplies; few wanted a true life-and-death struggle. The claim of brotherly love within Salvation Society was just empty talk.

“Master Xin, something’s not right.”

An eyeglass-wearing man, seemingly a key figure in Salvation Society, approached Zhang Xin and murmured into his ear, “Look at the color of the blood on their weapons; they’ve all seen combat. We shouldn’t provoke them after losing four members ourselves!”

Zhang Xin hadn’t expected the other party to be even more aggressive, seemingly ready for a real confrontation. The cold glare reminded him of some old jail acquaintances. As he hesitated, the other party spoke again.

“You know about the explosion at the gas station next door yesterday?” Zhang Su pointed towards the gas station with his knife.

Zhang Xin nodded, “Heard a loud noise.”

“The explosion over there attracted over a hundred zombies. We fought our way out of there! If your Salvation Society insists on challenging us, I can lure those hundred-plus zombies over, and we’ll see who can kill more!”

Zhang Su flashed a wild grin.

“There’s no need for that!” The bespectacled advisor quickly intervened.

“There’s no need!” Zhang Xin almost spoke simultaneously, raising a hand and saying, “Brother Zhang, humanity’s survivors are already scarce. We should support each other, unite, and share love, not engage in such dangerous contests!”

Whew…

Upon hearing their leader’s concession, Salvation Society members secretly sighed in relief. Even the one who initially urged to take out Zhang Su with his knit cap secretly gulped; the world’s full of madmen!

They’re living quite well now, with food and drink. Shark Arms only goes for broke when he has to…

What happens if there’s no more food and drink in the future?

That will be dealt with then!

Most people like to bully the weak while fearing the strong; when they encounter someone willing to risk their life, they all lose their courage.

On Zhang Su’s side, the contrast was stark. No one made a move; the others maintained their tense posture, not relaxing an inch.

After about five seconds of stalemate, Zhang Su slowly sheathed the Dog Leg Military Saber, and those beside him also gradually lowered their weapons, their cold gazes still fixed firmly on the other group.

“Supporting each other, unity, and friendship are great, so you can help us clear out the zombies at the entrance of the neighborhood!”

Zhang Su pointed his axe towards the gate.

“Brother Zhang, I advise you not to push it!”

Zhang Xin twisted his rough brows, shaking his steak knife in a warning that he wasn’t easy to provoke, and a little face shouldn’t give him too much attitude!

“You’re both named Zhang, but your brain isn’t as useful as my husband’s!”

This time, it wasn’t Zheng Xinyu calling Zhang Su her husband, but Zhong Xiaoshan.

“What’s that supposed to mean, you bitch?”

Zhang Xin couldn’t believe he’d be looked down upon by a woman, an unnamed fire blazing in his heart, restrained only by the presence of the madman in her company.

Zhang Su said nothing, knowing Zhong Xiaoshan was too shrewd to speak recklessly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep