She glanced at everyone and continued, "As you all know, hospitals are always packed, even during holidays. Now, they are one of the most dangerous places, filled with zombies."
"Not to mention us—even strong ability users might not be able to get medicine from a hospital. So rather than getting sick, it's better to prevent illness in the first place."
Hearing her reasoning, the survivors found it logical and nodded in agreement.
"But Sister, we are short on drinking water. Is it really okay to use so much for washing clothes?" a young man asked.
"Brother, don't worry. Before you leave with the soldiers, I will make sure to fill up everyone's water containers. That way, you will have your own supply, in addition to what the soldiers provide," Jiao Lizhi assured him.
Hearing her promise, everyone finally felt at ease. Since arriving at the camp, they had seen how the soldiers prepared meals and drinking water for them.
Although they didn't know where the supplies were stored, they had witnessed one of the soldiers creating water out of thin air and using it for their drinking water.
While everyone was either bathing or washing clothes, Jin Xuyan and his team were meeting with the Eagle Team.
Instead of asking Wen Mo and Wen Kai to create a metal partition, Zhang Yuan and Zhou Huajian used their wood and earth-type abilities to construct a simple room, 20 square meters in size.
In the center of the room stood a wooden table with several wooden chairs. Jin Xuyan, Zhang Yuan, and Wei Ying sat around the table, while the rest of their teams stood behind them.
Zhang Yuan handed a supplies list to Wei Ying and said, "Captain Wei, this is the list of supplies we have prepared for your team and the survivors. For now, we don't have any medicine, so we will have to ask you to find some on your way back to the camp."
Wei Ying scanned the list, then frowned. He put down the list and asked, "Old Zhang, the supplies on your list are only enough to last us two weeks."
At this, Zhang Yuan glanced at his captain but remained silent. Noticing this, Wei Ying turned to Jin Xuyan and asked, "Didn't you promise me a month's worth of supplies? Are you going back on your word now?"
Jin Xuyan tapped his finger on the table and replied, "Wei Ying, I found rice and coarse grains at the seed factory today—enough for us to divide. I plan to take you and your team to collect the supplies tomorrow."
"But if you'd prefer instant noodles or ready meals instead of rice and grains, I can arrange that for you," he added with a smile.
Hearing this, the Eagle Team's eyes lit up. If they could have rice and grains, why would they settle for instant noodles?
Wei Ying considered it for a moment before asking, "How much did you find?"
Jin Xuyan and Jiao Lizhi hadn't checked the rest of the warehouse district, but based on the survivors' reactions and the size of the warehouse buildings, he was sure the amount wasn't small.
"It should be enough for your team and the survivors to last at least half a year," he replied casually.
Wei Ying was excited but kept a calm expression. After a brief silence, he said, "Alright, my team will go with yours tomorrow."
Jin Xuyan nodded and said, "Then prepare your team and trucks first. If you need anything, just ask my team members—they will arrange it for you."
"Okay."
Wei Ying stood up, and since they had reached an agreement, he and his team left the room.
Once they were gone, Jin Xuyan looked at his team and said, "I believe by now, everyone has realized that I have no intention of returning to the military. I have decided to retire. Some of you may think this decision is absurd given the current chaos."
"After tomorrow's trip to the seed factory, we will part ways with the Eagle Team. Those who wish to remain soldiers can go with Wei Ying. I won't stop you."
The soldiers were taken aback when they heard his words.
Raising his hand to stop them from talking, Jin Xuyan continued, "For those who choose to stay with me, you are welcome to stay. But from now on, we will establish our own rules and no longer follow military regulations."
At this, Gao Bohai raised his hand and asked, "Captain, what's your plan?"
Jin Xuyan met his gaze and replied, "When our brothers sacrificed their lives for us to escape, I promised to find and protect their families in their place. So, I will be traveling to their hometowns to locate their families."
"Captain, do you have any plans to build a base?" Shen Jinzhe asked.
Jin Xuyan shook his head and said, "For now, my priority is fulfilling my promise to our fallen brothers, so I don't plan on settling in one place. Instead, I want to establish a mercenary team. In the future, we will take on missions to earn rewards."
After hearing his plan for the future, some of the soldiers hesitated, but no one voiced their thoughts yet.
Noticing this, Jin Xuyan added, "If you follow me, you will be risking your life with no guarantees of enough supplies or stable life. So, think carefully before making your decision."
As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Luzi stepped forward and said without hesitation, "Captain, I will follow you."
One by one, the Wen brothers, Zhang Yuan, Gao Bohai, Shen Jinzhe, Chen Qianfeng, Zhou Huajian, Li Sikai, Xiao Qi, Feng Yun, and Yin Yusheng followed suit.
They looked at him and said in unison, "Captain, we will follow you."
Jin Xuyan saw their determination and nodded with a smile, "Good."
Then, he turned to the others and asked, "What about the rest of you? It's okay if you choose to join Wei Ying. Everyone is free to make their own decision. I won't force you, and you don't need to feel guilty if you decide to leave."