Rebirth: I Will Win Easily in the Apocalypse-Chapter 22 - Twelve: A Robbery on the Road_2

"Brother Zhang, Brother Zhang"

As they passed a corner, Uncle Zhang was called out again; Gu Yanzhi looked up and saw it was the young man who had been speaking downstairs.

"Xiao Lin, what are you doing here?" Uncle Zhang asked, puzzled.

"Brother Zhang, everyone, I'm really sorry, I misspoke downstairs," Xiao Lin said regretfully.

"It's okay; even if you hadn't asked, someone else would have," It wasn't a big deal to them; with so many of their belongings in plain sight, those with ill intentions had already taken note—nothing hinged on that one remark.

"Well, Xiao Lin, I'm leaving now."

"Brother Zhang," Uncle Zhang was about to start the assault boat to continue their journey when Xiao Lin stopped him again.

"Brother Zhang, can I come with you?" Xiao Lin asked hesitantly, embarrassed by the direct imposition. But thinking of his hungry daughter and incapacitated mother at home, he steeled himself to continue, "We've run out of food at home, my kayak can't go very far, and I haven't found anything these past few days. Brother Zhang, can I join you? I promise I'll work hard. Just share enough food with me to last a few days."

Uncle Zhang did know a bit about Xiao Lin's family situation; his wife had died in childbirth three months ago, his daughter was not yet weaned, and his sick mother was now looking after his daughter.

After telling Xiao Lin to "wait a moment," Uncle Zhang quietly discussed the matter with the others.

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Aside from Gu Yanzhi's family, the other members of the group were familiar with Xiao Lin and knew him to be an enthusiastic and kind young man. Without much thought, they all agreed to let Xiao Lin join their effort.

Xiao Lin had no assault boat; he had only brought a kayak and was waiting for them. Mr. Zhuang let Xiao Lin onto his family's assault boat and tied the kayak to the stern, speeding towards their destination.

With Xiao Lin's help, their stockpiling efforts indeed picked up pace. Even though there were others competing for supplies, their second trip still yielded a rich bounty. On the way back, Xiao Lin's kayak was towed behind, laden with supplies.

By then, the sky had grown dark.

The group decided on the boat that this was enough for the day; the small village was now known to many, and another trip would not only be unsafe but might also yield no further supplies.

Halfway through their journey, darkness had completely fallen, and not many people were active on the roads, but the group remained on high alert, closely watching their surroundings.

Gu Yanzhi and Zhang Qian turned on their flashlights to light the way for everyone.

The four assault boats lined up in single file, moving forward. As they reached the end of a narrow passage, the exit was blocked by a wooden boat.

By the dim light of their flashlights, Gu Yanzhi and others spotted several shadowy figures around the wooden boat. As they were about to turn around and exit, a roaring noise from behind blocked their retreat with two assault boats.

Three more assault boats appeared in front, enclosing them with a total of five assault boats manned by more than twenty figures, trapping them securely.

Flashlights were turned on all at once by each person, lighting up the narrow waterway as bright as day and temporarily blinding everyone on the boat.

"People on the boat, we only want the supplies, not your lives. Jump off the boat voluntarily and hand over the supplies, and you can leave. If you refuse, you'll bear the consequences."

After adjusting to the light, Gu Yanzhi squinted at the lead figure standing on the dilapidated wooden boat in the water, evidently the leader of these bandits.

"We can leave you the goods, but at least leave us one boat, or we can't get back," Gu Yanzhi spoke up first.

"Sister Yan Zhi"

"Miss Gu"

Zhang Qian and Xiao Lin both exclaimed in shock.

Although the bandits were numerous, their own group was not small, and all were strong; it wasn't certain who would win if a fight broke out, Zhang Qian thought.

Xiao Lin, however, thought of his elderly mother and daughter. If they lost this batch of supplies, it was uncertain when they'd find food again.

Adults could cope with less food, but his three-month-old daughter had been drinking rice soup for several days now.

Xiao Lin's heart sank bit by bit.

This robbery was clearly premeditated; their visibility on the first trip had made them a target, which was not surprising.

Now, Gu Yanzhi only worried about home; so many supplies back home were left with just Gu Yanlin and Zhuang Nanyang, two young men, along with an old man and a child.

Uncle Zhuang, Aunt Zhuang, and the young couple Liu Sisi were also frantic, hoping the bandits would quickly let them go.

"Word has it you brought back quite a haul today; be sensible and hand it all over. From now on, give us 70% of your supplies, and I guarantee your safety in City C," the leader suddenly changed his demands.

Gu Yanzhi's eyes narrowed slightly; she shielded her eyes with her hand, hiding the murderous intent in her gaze.

"Fine, send us back first. As long as our lives aren't harmed, you can take whatever supplies you want," Gu Yanzhi suppressed her rage and spoke evenly.

"Generous, Miss."

"Brothers, let's move, we've struck it rich today" the leader waved his hand grandly and was the first to jump onto an assault boat and paddle forward.

Excited shouts echoed all around in response.

The boats passed through the narrow waterway into an open area, where the bandits' boats quickly encircled Gu Yanzhi and her group, leaving no gaps.

Gu Yanzhi noticed several people on the boat murmuring, wanting to say something, but then swallowing their words.