The convoy arrived in high spirits, but now, as they set off on their return journey, it seemed engulfed in a deathly silence.
The private car owners who had followed along for the mission, thinking they'd pick up easy spoils, found themselves having lost friends and family instead of gaining anything.
Compared to them, Su Nian and Jing Mo, who suffered no losses and even reaped benefits, became the targets of everyone's resentment.
At noon, when they stopped to rest, Su Nian noticed many glances directed her way.
She, however, was unfazed.
Only the incompetent focus on others instead of reflecting on themselves.
Before the apocalypse, guns were indeed regulated weapons, but now, with resources in hand and the right connections, acquiring a gun wasn't difficult.
Choosing to venture out from the base for missions, especially hunting wild animals, without preparing suitable weapons was their downfall. Who else could they blame?
After taking care of her needs, Su Nian emerged from behind the abandoned building.
She hadn't walked far when a figure appeared before her.
Though wrapped up tightly, face unseen, Su Nian instantly guessed his identity.
"Zhang Pengfei?"
Being recognized so quickly, Zhang Pengfei was momentarily stunned but then scoffed.
"Recognizing me right away, you must have known I'd come for revenge."
Su Nian shook her head, "No, I just figured if someone were to foolishly confront me, it would be you."
"You!"
Zhang Pengfei was furious, his gaze turning vicious, "You ungrateful woman, since you're so stubborn, don't blame me for being rude!"
Confident in his abilities, Zhang Pengfei charged at Su Nian.
The thick clothing hindered movement significantly.
With restricted mobility, his combat effectiveness plummeted.
Zhang Pengfei's boldness stemmed from his inherent male advantage, assuming physical strength and stamina would make him superior to most women.
However, this was not a normal situation.
Every punch or kick he threw was easily dodged by Su Nian.
After a few exchanges, Su Nian lost interest.
She had thought Zhang Pengfei dared to confront her because he was exceptionally skilled.
It turned out he was all show and no substance.
Seizing an opportunity, Su Nian drew the dagger strapped to her leg.
The dagger was razor-sharp, capable of slicing through hair.
Seeing Su Nian with the knife, Zhang Pengfei opened his mouth to curse, but before he could make a sound, he felt a chill in his throat.
With a swift motion, Su Nian's dagger sliced across Zhang Pengfei's neck.
The force she used was significant, cutting through layers of clothing and skin, severing his windpipe.
The cold weather and clothing prevented blood from spurting out.
Su Nian watched as Zhang Pengfei's body fell into the snow, methodically cleaned the blade with the blood, and sheathed it before walking away.
Upon returning to the car, Jing Mo looked at her with concern.
"What took you so long?"
Su Nian smiled lightly, "Ran into Zhang Pengfei."
Hearing this, Jing Mo wasn't alarmed, merely asking calmly, "Did you kill him?"
"Yes, he insisted on joining Guan Hui in misfortune, so I obliged."
There are many paths in this world; Zhang Pengfei chose his own demise. Su Nian had no other choice but to fulfill his wish.
Kong Jianming gave them twenty minutes to rest.
The time flew by, and after taking care of their needs, they returned to their vehicles, ready to depart at Kong Jianming's command.
In a private car, Tingting realized Zhang Pengfei hadn't returned and began to tremble with fear.
Curious, someone asked her what was wrong.
Tingting shook her head, saying nothing.
Seeing her silence, the person didn't press further.
The convoy set off again, not stopping until they reached the base.
Tingting looked out the window, noticing Zhang Pengfei's absence.
Recalling his words about dealing with Su Nian before returning, she couldn't help but fear.
Zhang Pengfei failed to deal with Su Nian and lost his life instead.
That Su Nian, truly terrifying!
Fortunately, they were almost back at the base. Once there, she wouldn't have to see Su Nian again.
With this thought, Tingting's fear gradually subsided.
---
Unbeknownst to Su Nian, someone was deathly afraid of her.
At the moment, Su Nian was driving.
With the base's snowplow leading, the road was much easier to navigate.
However, due to the convoy's length, they moved slowly.
By the time they reached the base, it was already dark.
Upon entering the base, the convoy dispersed, with private cars heading in different directions.
Su Nian drove straight to their residence.
After parking and unloading the car, Jing Mo took it to the parking lot.
Due to running the heater, they had used most of their gasoline, leaving only a third in the tank.
Though gasoline doesn't freeze, it can be stolen.
Even with little left, Jing Mo siphoned the gasoline, carrying the can back.
Passing the fifth floor on his way up, Jing Mo heard voices from a slightly ajar door.
"Guan Hui is dead, and Zhang Pengfei is missing. Should we still stay here?"
"Renting this place was Guan Hui's idea. Zhang Pengfei paid a third of the rent. Without them, can we afford it?"
"Let's go back to the communal dorms."
"But with so many survivors arriving, it's probably even more crowded there."
"Better to go back than to be squeezed out later."
Jing Mo didn't linger, continuing upstairs.
Arriving home, Jing Mo brought out a range hood, taking it to Su Nian's door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Hearing the knock, Su Nian knew Jing Mo had returned.
Opening the door, she saw Jing Mo with a cylindrical air conditioner.
"What's this?"
"Remember I told you about the efficient range hood? I brought one for you. Try it out; it's simple to use. Plug it in, turn it on, and adjust the settings as needed."