Rebirth: Exclusive Love in the End of the World-Chapter 71 - The Huddled Convoy

Han Jiaojiao listened quietly on the side without saying a word.

In her past life, she could never figure out what they actually were… now it seemed somewhat clearer… they were neither mutant plants nor mutant animals; they turned out to be alien creatures…

How did it come to Earth? Along with alien spaceships, perhaps?… Did it have companions? Was it injured? Those people… what was their purpose in capturing it?

These questions, she had no way of knowing the answers.

However, speaking of the Long surname, an indistinct face came to mind in Han Jiaojiao’s thoughts… seemed like she encountered someone with the surname Long during the charity auction last time? Her memory was a bit hazy. Never mind, they were all unimportant people anyway.

The group continued discussing this topic for a while without dwelling too long before quickly resuming their journey.

Perhaps because they had gathered supplies, everyone’s mood was quite relaxed; they didn’t rush and even stopped to rest more frequently. During their arrival, they were on a tight schedule, spending nearly eleven of the twelve daylight hours in the vehicle. Now they were in no hurry, driving only about seven to eight hours during the day. As a result, they could take normal turns keeping watch at night without Han Jiaojiao having to bear it alone.

As they left Wusu Province, they encountered a military truck on the road, attracting everyone’s attention. The people in the truck seemed to take notice of them too. As they drove by, the driver glanced at Bai Kairui behind the wheel, and the two vehicles quickly passed by, heading in opposite directions.

“Who are these people? Coming into Wusu at this time?” Yan Xiao poked his head out, glancing at the retreating truck.

Han Yi opened his eyes and said steadily, “Thirty people in total, each carrying sophisticated weapons, and there’s a large piece of equipment in the truck, but I don’t know what it’s for.”

“They must also be sent by the Long Family. Those few we came across are probably just the scouts,” said Lu Changyuan.

Yan Xiao scoffed, “Such a big operation, they must be aiming for something big. Who’s currently in charge of the Long Family?”

“Long Yueze… In an apocalyptic world, everyone’s ambitions grow, especially someone like Long Yueze who’s always had a big appetite.” Lu Changyuan chuckled and then closed his eyes again, speaking slowly, “That man… better not be offended lightly… would be quite troublesome.”

Han Yi listened, silent and unresponsive, his dark pupils profound and remote, his thoughts inscrutable.

After leaving Wusu Province, their motorhome re-entered the highway and headed towards Beicheng Base. Due to Han Yi’s abilities, they always chose to rest at the places farthest from the Alien Species nests, making the journey exceptionally smooth. They encountered a few nocturnal foraging Alien Species just one night, but Han Yi detected them early on and dealt with them easily.

As they neared their destination, they began to come across more vehicles on the road. These vehicles were likely heading to nearby bases, each covered in dust and packed with families and luggage crammed into the trunks.

Approaching evening, Han Yi, noticing the fading daylight, decided to stop for the night at the next service area. He habitually used his spiritual power to scan the surroundings and couldn’t help but slightly furrow his brows.

Han Jiaojiao was particularly sensitive to his reactions and softly inquired, “What’s wrong?”

Han Yi grasped her hand and gave a slight smile.

“There are a lot of people at the service area ahead.”

Humans are creatures that seek the comfort of community, especially in the anxious apocalyptic world, where banding together is a means to feel more secure and grounded.

But Han Yi didn’t like crowded places. To him, more people meant more trouble.

Within two or three minutes, Xiao Jian had driven the car into the service area. He saw the hustle and bustle of people and couldn’t help but frown. Some frowned, others were relieved, like Yan Xiao and Bai Kairui, whose expressions visibly brightened at the sight of so many people.

When parking, a jovial old man next to them greeted them, “Stay here for the night; it’s getting dark, and the next service area is still far away. We’ve put together a convoy here–it feels more secure to be with more people. Some are headed to Beicheng Base, others to Lingchuan Base. Where are you planning to go?”

Seeing the older man, Xiao Jian responded more gently, “We’re heading to Beicheng.”

The old man uttered an “Oh” and pointed them in a direction enthusiastically, “Over there, a few cars are also going to Beicheng. The kitchen and the toilets are shared, but once you get out of your car, try to keep it down to avoid attracting monsters.”

“Okay, thank you,” they replied.

After the old man finished speaking and prepared to leave, he suddenly turned back and asked, “Will you take turns keeping watch at night? We already have enough people for the night watch, but you can join in if you don’t feel safe.”

Xiao Jian exchanged glances with Yan Xiao and the others in the car and told the old man, “No, we’ll keep our own watch tonight.”

The old man nodded, not surprised, “Hmm, times have changed. It’s always safe to be cautious when you’re out and about. You guys go ahead.” Then, as if reminded of the changed state of the world, he waved his hand helplessly and left, his silhouette tinged with a sense of desolation.

After getting out of the car, Han Jiaojiao surveyed the service area, where roughly thirty vehicles had stopped. Most were small cars, with a few vans and off-roaders, and several motorhomes like theirs. All in all, there were about a hundred and sixty or seventy people in the service area.

Perhaps these people had all been cautioned by the old man, for everyone moved quietly and spoke in hushed tones. Even the very young children were sternly warned by their parents not to make noise at night.

“Brother,” Han Jiaojiao looked uneasily at Han Yi. With so many people gathered, if something were to cause a disturbance at night…

Han Yi saw her concern and smiled reassuringly, “Nothing will happen.”

For Han Yi, these people were merely a buffer. Should the Alien Species come, these individuals could conveniently provide them with the time and opportunity to escape.