'Did my Ah Zhi also get reborn?' Jin Xuyan thought inwardly while he drove.
The realization filled him with mixed emotions—sadness, excitement, and rage.
He was heartbroken and furious that his Ah Zhi had suffered the agony of being eaten alive. But at the same time, he was exhilarated that they had both been given a second chance.
He wondered if she had returned with her abilities, just as he had. If that was the case, she would be stronger than in her previous life and better able to protect herself.
At the same time, the soldiers were engaged in a gossip session over the radio.
Zhang Yuan glanced at Qin Luzi, who was sitting in the passenger seat, and asked, "Old Qin, do you know who that girl is?"
Qin Luzi swallowed the bread in his mouth before replying, "I don't know."
"This is the first time I have seen our captain get close to a girl."
"He didn't just get close—he kissed her. If they were alone, I bet that kiss wouldn't have ended so quickly," Qin Luzi added meaningfully.
Hearing this, Zhang Yuan turned his head, nodded, and said, "I think so too! Did you see our captain's eyes? Those were the eyes of a hungry beast!"
Qin Luzi finished his bread, took a sip of water, and asked, "Old Zhang, are you sure it's wise to say that about our captain?"
The moment he said this, a burst of laughter erupted from the radio.
Zhang Yuan sucked in a sharp breath and said, "Damn it! I forgot the radio was on!"
"Brothers, please don't let the captain know what I said," he pleaded.
"Vice Captain, if you are asking for a favor, you need to give us something in return," Xiao Qi teased through the radio.
Gritting his teeth, Zhang Yuan asked, "What do you want?"
"Well, aren't we heading to the factory district? We need some clean underwear. We have been wearing the same pair for days. If we don't change soon, something bad might happen to our family jewels!" Wen Kai's wail came through the radio.
"Vice Captain, please have mercy on us!" Xiao Qi chimed in.
"Vice Captain, the itch is killing us! Be a good person and help us out!" another soldier added.
A series of wails and complaints followed.
Feeling a headache coming on, Zhang Yuan sighed and said, "Enough, enough! I will ask the captain to stop by the clothing factory."
As soon as he said this, the soldiers cheered and thanked him in unison, "Thank you, Vice Captain!"
Fearing they might push their luck and ask for more, Zhang Yuan quickly put the radio back and let out a sigh of relief. Before he could wipe away his imaginary cold sweat, he heard Qin Luzi say, "I also want some clean towels."
Zhang Yuan turned to glare at him and asked, "You have a closer relationship with the captain. Why don't you ask him yourself?"
"I'm just a regular member, not the vice captain," Qin Luzi replied casually.
Zhang Yuan rolled his eyes at Qin Luzi but didn't say anything. They drove for more than three hours before reaching the factory district. Unlike the suburban area near Lin'an University, this district was neatly divided.
Each factory occupied its own plot of land, with distances of around 200 to 500 meters between them. Since this area was designated for industrial use, it only had workers' dormitories without any residential neighborhoods.
After spotting a sign board, Zhang Yuan slowed down and parked the armored vehicle by the roadside. One by one, the rest of the convoy followed suit, bringing their cars and trucks to a stop.
As the soldiers climbed out of their vehicles, Pei Yijun and his team also stepped out and joined them. The last to approach was Jiao Lizhi, carrying a backpack and following behind Jin Xuyan.
Once they gathered, Zhang Yuan spoke up. "Captain, the nearest factories here include a clothing factory, a seed factory, a processed food factory, and a grain factory. Where should we start?"
Jin Xuyan glanced at his soldiers' eager expressions and said, "We will start with the processed food factory, then check the clothing and grain factories. Empty your backpacks before we go in."
"Yes, Captain!" the soldiers responded in unison.
After giving his orders, Jin Xuyan turned to Pei Yijun and said, "We are here to collect supplies. You and your team can take whatever you need."
Pei Yijun nodded and replied, "Thanks."
Then, he looked at Jiao Lizhi and asked, "Do you want to come with us?"
Before she could reply, Jin Xuyan cut in, "She is coming with me."
Raising an eyebrow, Jiao Lizhi said, "I will go on my own."
Hearing this, Jin Xuyan quickly said, "Ah Zhi, it's dangerous for you to go alone. I can protect you so let me go with you."
Considering the number of zombies likely lurking inside, she had to admit he had a point. Although she wasn't sure whether she could fully trust him yet, he was strong. With him around, her chances of survival would be higher.
After weighing the pros and cons, she nodded and said, "Alright."
Seeing her agreement, Jin Xuyan smiled and said, "Wait here. I will go grab my backpack."
As Jiao Lizhi stood waiting and thought about gathering more seeds and what item needed to decorate her house inside her space, Chu Zhimiao walked over and asked, "Lizhi, you and that guy—"
Jiao Lizhi smiled and said, "We are childhood friends."
"Just friends? He kissed you. Will friends kiss each other on the lips?" Chu Zhimiao said with disbelief.
"Well, we did promise to be together when we were kids, but that was years ago. I had almost forgotten about it," Jiao Lizhi admitted awkwardly.
Chu Zhimiao's eyes lit up when she heard her words and asked, "So… you and he are a couple?"
Jiao Lizhi glanced toward Pei Yijun and his team and thought for a moment.