With their objective unified, the five decided to set out, following Su Ling’s tracks.
Li Yunlong held Zhang Miaomiao’s hand the entire way, doing his best to look after her and prevent her from falling behind.
However, Zhang Miaomiao seemed to be in a mood. She genuinely didn’t want to chase after Su Ling.
She was completely indifferent to whether Su Ling could become their teammate, even feeling it was an unnecessary effort.
The group walked quickly, and Zhang Miaomiao hadn’t eaten all morning, leaving her famished.
Coupled with the running and climbing stairs to catch up to Su Ling, she truly couldn’t bear it anymore.
The more she thought about it, the more wronged and miserable she felt. Zhang Miaomiao suddenly stopped, yanking her hand away from Li Yunlong.
Her sudden halt and the forceful pull made Li Yunlong brake abruptly. He turned to look at her, "Miaomiao, what's wrong?"
With Zhang Miaomiao stopping, the team's plan was disrupted. The other members had no choice but to stop and wait for her.
"I'm not going anymore," Zhang Miaomiao looked at Li Yunlong, her eyes a little wronged and red. "I don't want to chase Su Ling, nor do I want her to be our teammate. Don't you understand? We need her, but she doesn't need us. In fact, to her, we are a burden, a weight."
"Moreover, everything you're saying is speculation. It doesn't mean it's true, and no one can prove your guesses are real. We've been sending friendly signals to Su Ling, but she hasn't accepted them."
Zhang Miaomiao spoke with reason and evidence, sniffling occasionally, clearly feeling very wronged.
"Perhaps she really is someone we need, but if she has clearly stated she doesn't want to team up with us, and we're still shamelessly chasing after her, do you think she'll be happy? She probably wishes she could get rid of us quickly."
Zhang Miaomiao's words, though her personal opinion,
Upon closer thought, wasn't there truth to them?
From the very beginning, when they extended the olive branch, Su Ling had very clearly refused.
After refusing them, she left decisively without any hesitation or lingering.
Even when they caught up to her later, Su Ling had left without a backward glance.
Seeing the four silent, Zhang Miaomiao continued, "We five know each other well. To survive in the apocalypse, I don't think it will be difficult. We don't necessarily have to rely on Su Ling."
"Don't you see her personality? She prefers to go solo and dislikes being burdened by others. Also, even if she really has something like a portable space as you speculate, so what?"
"That's her possession. We can't force her to serve us just because she has it, can we?"
It had to be said, Zhang Miaomiao was quite capable.
In a few words, she had hit the nail on the head, pointing out the crux of the problem.
Listening to her, Li Yunlong and the other three calmed down and considered. It did seem to be the case.
Yes, from beginning to now, it had all been their one-sided desire.
And Su Ling had clearly rejected them from the start.
Continuing to chase after her was truly impolite and selfish.
The four fell silent. Finally, Xu Lin broke the silence, "Since that's the case, let's discuss now whether to continue chasing or to turn back, return to our third floor, gather supplies, gather information from outside, and prepare to leave here?"
"Those in favor of the first option, please raise your hand." Xu Lin finished speaking and looked at them. No one raised their hand.
Xu Lin's throat bobbed, and he continued, "Those in favor of the second option, please raise your hand."
As the words fell, all five raised their hands in unison.
The plan was unanimously approved. Xu Lin smiled, "Then, we're returning the way we came."
Yet, for some reason, Xu Lin felt a hidden sense of loss.
He had wanted to follow that girl!