NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 39
CHAPTER 39: Calculated Risks
The zombie horde, once a menacing tide, met a swift and decisive end. Under Lu Ming’s leadership, the situation remained under control throughout the night. While a few stray zombies managed to breach the perimeter, Wang Xiong and Zhang Chengcheng’s combined efforts ensured their swift elimination. By the time dawn approached, the chaos had subsided, replaced by an eerie silence.
Lu Ming carefully stowed his slingshot, his gaze settling on Zhang Chengcheng. After a thoughtful pause, he spoke. “Come see me at eight tomorrow morning. There’s something we need to discuss.”
Zhang Chengcheng’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of his request, though she quickly schooled her expression, offering a demure nod. “Sure, Brother Lu.”
Turning away, she couldn’t suppress the surge of happiness bubbling within her. What could this meeting entail? Could it be…? Her mind raced, but she quickly dismissed the more audacious possibilities. Things were progressing at a steady pace, and rushing matters wouldn’t serve her well.
The fact that Lu Ming initiated the conversation filled her with hope. Perhaps their relationship was progressing quicker than expected. Could a shared moment be on the horizon? Just as she indulged in her rosy daydreams, Wang Xiong’s voice, devoid of its usual cheer, cut through her thoughts.
“We’re seriously understaffed,” he remarked, walking toward them from the back window. His gaze swept over the floor littered with corpses, a grim reminder of the struggle to clean them later.
Well, that certainly dampened the celebratory mood. Dealing with the sheer volume of bodies would likely occupy the small group of survivors for several days. Despite the arduous task ahead, there was still cause for celebration. They had successfully defended themselves, not only repelling the zombie horde but also leveling up two of their Awakened.
With renewed determination, Wang Xiong approached the small fortress and called out to Zhang Lixin and the others, his voice tinged with emotion. “Brother Lu, you were incredible!”
Nightfall…
The magnitude of the task ahead necessitated immediate action. The group, including Lu Ming, retired to their respective homes for much-needed rest. The following day would inevitably bring its own challenges.
A satisfied sigh escaped Lu Ming’s lips as he finished devouring twenty large buns for breakfast. He ascended to the second floor and reached the window overlooking the street. There, he found Wang Xiong and his men already diligently clearing the debris and bodies left behind from the previous night’s conflict.
Zhang Chengcheng stood outside Lu Ming’s house, her figure easily identifiable in the morning light. She seemed to have spotted him, waving enthusiastically toward the darkened second-floor window.
“Brother Lu, you said you wanted to see me. I’m here now,” she called out, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. How long she had been waiting remained unclear.
Lu Ming opened the window, a question in his voice. “Don’t you have any other tasks today? I thought you mentioned checking the original gathering place and gathering supplies.”
“No, no, that can wait,” Zhang Chengcheng dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. “Anything you need, Brother Lu, takes priority.”
Her immediate response caused a flicker of awkwardness in Lu Ming. He had simply requested her assistance, and she had readily abandoned her plans. “Perhaps my matters can wait,” he offered, though the words sounded hollow against her resolute declaration.
“Mine too, then,” Zhang Chengcheng readily agreed.
If she was willing to wait, then so be it, Lu Ming thought, a decision already forming in his mind. Wang Xiong, meanwhile, continued the grim task of clearing the corpses, a silent sigh escaping his lips. The weight of their dwindling food supplies pressed heavily on him.
Taking Zhang Chengcheng’s words to heart, Lu Ming considered for a moment before speaking. “Alright, wait here for a moment. I’ll come down shortly.”
“Sure, Brother Lu,” she replied with a cheerful smile.
Lu Ming ascended the stairs, returning to the second floor. He began gathering his workout equipment—barbells, dumbbells, the squat bench, and anything else he could find. With his arms laden, he descended the stairs and reached the front door.
Standing there, a wave of indecision washed over him. Should he go outside?
If he wanted Zhang Chengcheng’s help with his training, close socialization was necessary. One thing was certain—Lu Ming wouldn’t allow her inside his house. He would have to venture out into the potentially hazardous post-apocalyptic world.
The very thought caused a tremor of fear to run through him. It was dangerous outside, filled with the ever-present threat of zombies. Caution was paramount.
Furthermore, the human heart is a treacherous thing. What if Wang Xiong and Zhang Chengcheng harbored malicious intent? How would he defend himself?
Just as he was about to abandon the idea, the doorbell chimed, startling him. Lu Ming glanced at the electronic display and saw Zhang Chengcheng’s face.
“Brother Lu, are you moving things? Do you need help?” she inquired politely.
“No need!” he barked back, a touch too quickly, perhaps, in his haste to reject the offer.
Letting out a long sigh, Lu Ming wrestled with his internal conflict. “Alright,” he conceded, a gamble forming in his mind. After days of interaction, he felt a tentative trust toward the group outside. The likelihood of them harboring ill intentions seemed low, and even if they did, they probably lacked the means to overpower him.
The presence of zombies outside remained a concern, but Lu Ming reasoned that as long as he stayed within a ten-meter radius of his home, he could retreat inside quickly if danger arose. Additionally, the potential benefits of Zhang Chengcheng’s ability in his training far outweighed the minimal risk. For the sake of significant gains, Lu Ming decided a calculated risk was acceptable.
He acknowledged that this was indeed a gamble, but in the harsh realities of the apocalypse, calculated risks were often necessary for survival and advancement.
“Alright,” he declared with newfound resolve.
A series of clicks echoed through the house as he meticulously unlocked the five locks on the front door. As the gate creaked open, a shaft of sunlight streamed in, illuminating Lu Ming in a golden glow. Zhang Chengcheng, stationed at the doorway, witnessed this entrance with a touch of awe.
Her gaze swept over his chiseled features and his robust physique, causing a slight tremor to run through her. He truly embodies the image of someone who could wield Thor’s hammer, she thought, a hint of admiration coloring her perception.
Lu Ming carefully positioned the workout equipment seven meters away from the door. He performed a series of test runs, confirming that he could sprint back to the entrance within two seconds, unlock the door in three, and be safely back inside his home within a total of five seconds. This reassurance provided a measure of comfort.
Turning to face the curious gazes of the others, Lu Ming offered a calm nod. “Hello, everyone.”
“Hello, Brother Lu!” came the enthusiastic response.
“Please, call me Lu Ming,” he corrected, a touch of discomfort creeping in.
“Sure, Brother Lu,” the reply echoed back, leaving Lu Ming slightly flustered. Being the center of attention wasn’t something he particularly enjoyed.
“So, everyone busy?” he inquired, hoping to deflect some of the attention.
Zhang Lixin, catching on to his discomfort, quickly stepped in. “Oh, yes, very busy! Why don’t you chat with Chengcheng, Brother Lu? We’ll get back to work.”
The others, taking their cue from Zhang Lixin, echoed his sentiment. “Yes, you two chat, we’re busy too.”
“Busy, all very busy.”
This well-meaning effort finally dispersed the small crowd, leaving only Lu Ming and Zhang Chengcheng face-to-face.
Zhang Chengcheng playfully flicked a stray strand of hair out of her face as she spoke in a gentle voice. “Brother Lu, what can I do for you?”
Taking a deep breath, Lu Ming formulated his request. “Your power—it controls gravity, correct?”
Zhang Chengcheng confirmed with a simple nod.
“I was hoping you could help me with something,” he continued. “Would you be willing to use your gravity manipulation to assist me with my fitness training?”
This request seemed underwhelming to Zhang Chengcheng. After all, Lu Ming was already Awakened—shouldn’t his focus be on honing his own powers rather than mundane physical training? Shouldn’t his attention be on a beautiful woman like herself? A flicker of disappointment and confusion clouded her mind. However, logic soon prevailed. She realized that her level of understanding was simply inferior to his. Perhaps his reasons, though beyond her immediate grasp, were valid.
With a smile that banished her momentary doubts, Zhang Chengcheng readily agreed. “Of course, no problem at all!”
End of Chapter 39