Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Sudden Collision (Part 2)
This was a situation where it was very difficult to make a choice, and the girl’s tear-filled eyes made Tang Xiaoquan start to feel uneasy about his previous decision.
Yes, who doesn’t have parents, who doesn’t have loved ones? If it were him, could he leave these people behind?
Tang Xiaoquan couldn’t find an answer!
He subconsciously glanced at Hu Xiaodong, who was futilely pulling the door in front, then at Du Jiancheng on the rooftop, anxiously gesturing for retreat, and finally drew his gaze back to the weak man inside the car.
The man’s lower body was completely stuck in the driver’s seat, unable to move, and the continuously flowing blood made him appear more defeated, with his gradually drooping eyelids indicating that his life was already on a countdown.
Therefore, barring any surprises, even if they managed to rescue this man, he would find it very difficult to survive in this post-apocalyptic world lacking medical resources.
However, while that was the logical explanation, when it really came to making the decision, it was hard to face his own conscience.
At least, at this moment, Tang Xiaoquan hesitated, as the reality of ethics and morality constantly clashed within him, making him feel extremely conflicted.
Reason told him: You should immediately abandon the man in front of you and lead your team to retreat indoors.
But feelings told him: This is a child’s father. If you don’t save him now, he will surely die.
The two ideological forces were constantly intertwining in his mind, and for a moment, Tang Xiaoquan felt confused and at a loss.
He once was so confident that he could view the lives and deaths of others calmly, but now, as he watched the man’s breath weaken inside the car, and heard the girl’s despairing cries for help in his ears, Tang Xiaoquan suddenly realized he was wrong. He wasn’t as rational as he thought.
To save or not to save was now truly a question!
If he saved him, it meant the team could fall into the danger of being surrounded by zombies at any moment!
And if he didn’t save him, the guilt from his conscience would make him uneasy!
Tang Xiaoquan was truly trapped in a dilemma, but...
At this moment, the man, almost at the brink of death, suddenly turned his face upwards to meet Tang Xiaoquan’s gaze.
Through the man’s slowly nodding head and slightly moving lips, Tang Xiaoquan vaguely understood his meaning.
He was entrusting him, hoping he could take his daughter away.
This is what they call paternal love!
Tang Xiaoquan suddenly felt a deep sting in his heart, and the image of his parents appeared in his mind.
Yes! Regardless of the time, no matter the danger! Parents always leave the hope of life to their children, even if it means sacrificing their own lives.
With a very complex emotion, Tang Xiaoquan nodded towards the man, knowing now what he had to do.
But what he never expected was that as he nodded in agreement, the man’s pale face broke into a slight smile!
This was a smile that couldn’t be described with words, because it was filled with so many emotions that only the person involved could truly understand the meaning behind it.
Once again, he looked at the man in the car. This great man, with his actions, showed Tang Xiaoquan the responsibility and duty a man, a father, should have.
The situation had developed to this point that there seemed little to hesitate or waver about.
Tang Xiaoquan walked indifferently to the girl’s side, sincerely saying, "I’m sorry," and then grabbed her smooth arm, forcefully dragging her backwards.
Obviously, Hu Xiaodong and Wang Qiang were caught off guard to see Tang Xiaoquan acting so forcefully, but soon they understood, because the approaching zombies left no room for further consideration.
Undoubtedly, retreating was their only option. Although it was somewhat distressing, if they continued with futile rescue efforts, not only the man but the girl and themselves would end up as delicious meals for the zombies.
Hu Xiaodong knocked down a zombie behind Tang Xiaoquan with an arrow and decisively drew the cleaver sheathed on his back.
Now his task was clear, to escort Tang Xiaoquan and the woman on this escape route of less than 50 meters along with Wang Qiang.
On both left and right, Hu and Wang occasionally lunged forward, taking a few swings, and with each charge, one or two zombies would fall to the ground.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, as their team steadily moved towards the iron gate outside the building.
But...
"Ah! What are you doing! Let me go! Let me go!" the girl shouted loudly as she came to her senses from her surprise, her bound arms beginning to struggle fiercely.
It’s hard to imagine the strength a woman can exert in terror and despair. At least from Tang Xiaoquan’s perspective, he felt he was losing control over the woman in front of him.
"Hey! Miss! Calm down! We’re trying to take you to a safe place! You~"
"No! I’m not going! I want to save my dad!" The woman, extraordinarily persistent, waved her arms forward like she was swimming, struggling fiercely, making Tang Xiaoquan look even more disheveled.
Clearly, if this stalemate continued, it was only a matter of time before the woman broke free, so...
Forcing the woman to the side, Tang Xiaoquan walked over to Hu Xiaodong and slightly panting, said in a deep voice, "Hu, Brother Hu, you, you take her!"
Nothing more needed to be said at this critical moment, Hu Xiaodong immediately handed over his cleaver and then spread his arms, surprisingly lifting the girl in a bear hug.
Tang Xiaoquan was dumbfounded, but there was no time for amazement at Hu Xiaodong’s strength because, in their moment of delay, several shadowy figures were creeping silently toward them again.
"Go!" Taking a quick step in front, Tang Xiaoquan signaled for Hu Xiaodong to take the lead.
The woman continued to struggle fiercely, but Hu Xiaodong’s strength was tremendous, and since she was lifted off the ground, no matter how she twisted and flailed, she couldn’t stop their swift strides.
"Please! Please save my father! Save him!" Staring blankly at the car gradually surrounded by zombies across the way, the girl’s eyes were filled with tears.
Finally, after Hu Xiaodong’s relentless sprint, the three on the rescue team successfully reached the iron gate.
Once they entered in succession, Wu Chao hastened to re-secure the gate latch.
After exhaling lightly, Hu Xiaodong slowly put the woman down.
Surprisingly, as soon as the woman touched the ground, she frantically rushed toward the iron gate.
But...