Rotting Land: Survive-Chapter 398 - 396: All Set Except for Unlocking (Part 1)
Three days later, Tang Xiaoquan used the same method to deliver new instructions to Wei Dazhuang.
This time, he did not test the other party but instead laid out his plan in full detail, requesting Wei Dazhuang to try to confirm the position of the passageway inside the sports stadium and, if possible, find a way to open it as preparation for the final action.
Having received the instruction, Wei Dazhuang did not slack and immediately went to the target location to investigate.
Of course, he did not blatantly run over to inspect but rather moved slowly along the track in the name of exercise, checking each section of the separate area one by one.
Through his inspection, Wei Dazhuang discovered the large iron gate mentioned in Tang Xiaoquan’s note, and indeed, there was an iron padlock hanging on it.
From a logical perspective, opening it wouldn’t be difficult, but in the current unique environment, it really seemed "a bit too demanding."
Wei Dazhuang informed his teammates of his findings, with the usual practice of Ah Cheng standing guard outside, the rest used the guise of "daily quarrels" to begin a new round of secret discussion on how to accomplish the task given by their "brothers outside the wall."
Firstly, smashing or prying was definitely out of the question, because either would create enough noise to be noticed by others.
Secondly, such an act must be carried out at night, similarly to avoid the possibility of exposure.
Of course, the focal point of everyone’s concern was still on how to unlock the lock. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
Because if the lock couldn’t be opened, everything else would be pointless.
"Hey, it would be great if we could get the key to this iron gate!"
Wei Dazhuang’s suggestion was not a bad idea, but the problem was that the key was most probably in Scar’s office.
The risk of stealing it was too high, and there was basically no opportunity to do so.
Telling them directly would be equivalent to revealing the secret of the passage, leading the other party to bolster their vigilance.
So after discussion, Wei Dazhuang’s suggestion was naturally vetoed.
"What about picking the lock? I’ve seen on TV that people can open locks with just a spoon!" He Jing also shared her idea, but she seemed to overestimate the men in front of her.
After all, though lockpicking seems somewhat like a "shady business," it undeniably is a technical skill, and it’s not something the average person can pick up just by fiddling with it.
As this suggestion appeared to be going nowhere, Yan Hua, who was pouring water for Fangfang, seemed to suddenly recall something and paused his action, saying, "There actually is someone in the base who can pick locks. If we can get his help, maybe we could..."
The person Yan Hua mentioned was Guo Xiaohua, 30 years old, and before the apocalypse, he ran a small locksmith company, certified by the police.
Yan Hua knew this person because he was among the group rescued by the military to this base.
"Oh?" Upon hearing Yan Hua’s suggestion, Lin Junfu immediately grew interested, questioning, "So~ Xiao Yan, do you know this Guo Xiaohua? What kind of person is he? Do you think if we tell him the truth, he would betray us?"
"Well~" Yan Hua did not rush to answer but rather pondered it carefully.
After all, he knew this matter was of great importance; once spoken, there’s no turning back.
After a moment of careful consideration, he responded truthfully: "I only met Guo Xiaohua once, we exchanged a few words while riding the rescue vehicle to the base. After that, we rarely had contact in the base, so I’m not very sure about his character. But if you ask whether he would help us, I think he might!"
"Why do you say that?" Given the seriousness of the issue, Lin Junfu could not simply take Yan Hua’s few words during this major decision; he needed to understand Guo Xiaohua’s real motives before making the final decision.
"Sigh~" Yan Hua sighed deeply: "Guo Xiaohua came to the base with his fiancée. Later, after Scar established the Civilian Corps, the underlings, including that short guy who got taught a lesson by Brother Wei few days ago, harbored ill intentions upon seeing Guo Xiaohua’s fiancée was attractive. They not only threatened her but also beat Guo Xiaohua half to death. As for now, after Scar took power, I heard Guo Xiaohua’s wife has been completely taken to the rooms by that short guy’s group, whether she’s dead or alive...sigh~"
Another deep sigh; without needing Yan Hua to continue, Lin Junfu basically understood why Yan Hua would suggest Guo Xiaohua.
"Hmm, according to what Xiao Yan said, Guo Xiaohua indeed holds a grudge against the base authorities for insulting his wife. If he is a man, if he has any spirit left, he should respond to our call. But to be on the safe side, I think it is necessary to first investigate him before revealing our mission to ensure nothing goes wrong."
With the plan set, Wei Dazhuang, as usual, led Wei Yang out of the tent after a spate of curses.
Before long after he left, Yan Hua led Lin Junfu directly towards the tent where Guo Xiaohua resided.
Upon entering the tent, without needing a reminder from Yan Hua, Lin Junfu immediately spotted the target huddled in the farthest corner of the tent.
"Xiao Guo! Xiao Guo!" Maybe out of curiosity about who the visitor was searching for, since everyone in the tent knew what had befallen Guo Xiaohua and generally avoided contact, fearing trouble upon themselves. So it was rather surprising when outsiders came seeking him.
After calling softly three times without results, finally, some "helpful" folks privately informed Lin Junfu and the others about Guo Xiaohua’s circumstances and "kindly" advised maintaining a record.
To this, Lin Junfu just smiled, then looked again at Guo Xiaohua lying on the bed like a dead pig.
Is this man really reliable? Judging by his appearance, he seems thoroughly crushed by reality.
Lin Junfu didn’t see Guo Xiaohua as pathetic; rather, he felt great sympathy for the man who had been humiliated and beaten.
After all, who wouldn’t have spirit? Who would willingly watch their woman be abused?
He believed that this man must have fought back, but his opponent was just too strong, leaving him helpless.
Many times, living requires more courage than dying. Since this man hadn’t chosen the tragic path of death, it was time to grant him another chance at rebirth.
Determined, Lin Junfu waved over Yan Hua, who was still calling out.
After all, with so many people in the tent, continuing to question could easily backfire.
So he decided to leave first and wait for a more appropriate moment to act.
That moment finally came after Lin Yan and the other one patiently waited for half an hour.
Guo Xiaohua, you’ll show whether you’re a sheep or a wolf; I just hope you won’t disappoint me!
With this hope in mind, Lin Junfu strode swiftly to meet the newly arrived Guo Xiaodong... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. For mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)
