Chen Wan finished sorting everything out before turning back to Jiang Yanxin and the others.
Jiang Zhaoyuan and Ye Lan were still in shock.
When had Chen Wan become this formidable?
Ye Lan let out a small sigh of relief and quickly pulled Jiang Yanxin and Yang Yang into a tight embrace."Yanxin… Weibei City is so far from here. How did you even make it?"
"Mom, Chen Wan drove us here in an RV," Jiang Yanxin replied, her voice soft but steady. "We came to take you, Dad, and Wanning with us. It's not safe here—we can't stay."
Jiang Zhaoyuan hesitated."Leave the base? Is that really safe? I heard there are uncontrolled zombies outside. Would going out there truly be better than staying here?"
"Dad, don't worry," Chen Wan said, frowning slightly. "We have ways to deal with zombies. I just killed Kaizi, but he has powerful backing. Staying here will only bring more trouble—we need to leave as soon as possible."
Jiang Zhaoyuan fell silent for a moment before nodding. She was right. They had already offended someone dangerous. Staying here would only lead to worse consequences.
"Alright… I'll carry Wanning," Jiang Zhaoyuan said, standing up to pack.
Qin Ke and Yi Yi also began preparing their things.
"No need," Chen Wan said, glancing around before smiling slightly. "Let Yi Yi carry her. There are plenty of us here."
Yi Yi stepped forward with a grin. "Uncle, you can focus on the luggage. I'll take care of Wanning."
Just as they were about to move, a group of armed men suddenly forced their way into the tent.
Chen Wan's expression darkened as she looked at the ten men outside. The leader, a man in his thirties, carried himself like a trained soldier—his stance with the gun precise and disciplined.
He swept a cold gaze over the group."Are you the ones who killed Kaizi?"
Chen Wan stepped forward calmly despite the tension in her chest."I did. It has nothing to do with the others. If you have a problem, come at me."
Behind her, Jiang Yanxin tugged lightly at her sleeve. Chen Wan turned and gave her a reassuring smile.
The man chuckled."You've got guts. Most people beg the moment they see a gun."
His tone turned colder."But you've offended someone you shouldn't have. You—and that alpha—come with me to Area A, and I'll spare the rest. Otherwise…"
He lifted his rifle slightly, the threat obvious.
Chen Wan pressed her lips together. Before she could speak, Qin Ke stepped forward and stood beside her.
"It's fine," Qin Ke said calmly. "We'll go together. We'll figure something out."
Chen Wan nodded, then silently told Yi Yi, "Take care of them. Don't come to Area A recklessly."
"Understood," Yi Yi replied.
Ye Lan and Jiang Zhaoyuan tried to protest, but Chen Wan stopped them."Mom, Dad, it's useless to argue. Don't waste your energy. Qin Ke and I will come back."
Yang Yang clung to Jiang Yanxin, her eyes red."Mammy…"
Chen Wan softened, gently touching her cheek."Be good and stay with Mama. I'll be back soon."
She then looked at Jiang Yanxin."Be careful."
Jiang Yanxin nodded, her voice tight."You both have to come back safely. There's still so much left unfinished."
"Trust me," Chen Wan said quietly.
The leader grew impatient."Enough talking. Move."
Chen Wan and Qin Ke followed without resistance. Their wrists were bound with ropes, treated like captives.
As they walked, one of the men in a black T-shirt scoffed, "Those reports were exaggerated, right? No way they wiped out Kaizi's group."
Zhou Hua, the leader, sneered."You know what kind of trash Kaizi's men were. When it matters, the boss still relies on professionals like us."
The man quickly flattered him, and Zhou Hua smirked, clearly pleased.
Chen Wan remained silent, her mind racing. The rope around her wrists was nothing—she could break it anytime. But acting rashly now would only make things worse.
Soon, they reached the gate of Area A.
After showing his credentials, Zhou Hua led them inside.
A soldier at the gate frowned when he saw the bound women."What's going on? Why are they tied up?"
Zhou Hua laughed mockingly."Kid, you're new, aren't you? Things in Area A aren't for you to question. Even your superiors wouldn't dare interfere."
The soldiers behind him laughed.
The young soldier clenched his fists."I'm just following protocol."
"Protocol?" Zhou Hua smirked. "Our boss has taken a liking to them. You understand, right?"
The soldier instinctively tried to block their way but was quickly pulled back by his companion.
"We're soldiers—we follow orders," the other man muttered.
Zhou Hua didn't bother wasting more time and dragged Chen Wan and Qin Ke inside.
Chen Wan glanced briefly at the soldier, slightly surprised that he had spoken up at all.
As they moved deeper into Area A, Chen Wan carefully observed everything—the layout, the exits, the guards. Qin Ke did the same.
Compared to the chaos of the outer zones, Area A was clean, orderly—even luxurious. Villas lined the streets, clearly reserved for the powerful.
Chen Wan let out a quiet, cold laugh.Even in the apocalypse, hierarchy still thrived.
Zhou Hua heard her and frowned."Enjoy it while you can. Once you enter the boss's playground, very few make it out alive."
Chen Wan met his gaze, her eyes icy."What are you laughing at?" he snapped.
"You don't deserve to call yourself a soldier," she said calmly. "You're nothing but a mad dog now."
Enraged, Zhou Hua raised his hand to strike her—
—but paused when she spoke again.
"Didn't you say your boss likes my face? What will you tell him if you ruin it?"
Zhou Hua's hand froze midair. His face darkened as he yanked the rope violently.
"Just wait," he spat. "After our boss is done with you, you'll know what hell really is."
Chen Wan only smiled faintly.
She had already died once.
What was there to fear?
If this was hell—
then she would tear a path straight through it.
"Move," Zhou Hua barked.
And the group continued forward.