Apocalypse Showdown: Carrier Conquest

Chapter 17: The Early Signs of Chaos

The sky was growing lighter later each day. By 10:30 AM, the outside still seemed dim and gloomy. Zhou Lin had just gotten up and grabbed a quick bite when Ai Bing came rushing out to call him.

"This afternoon, Qi Qi's friend will be arriving. We're going to pick them up at the train station. How about you drive us there?"

Zhou Lin paused, thinking about Tang Yili, who was apparently acting desperate despite the chaos outside. It was amusing how someone could still be so eager at a time like this. "I'll be busy this afternoon," he replied coolly.

"Then just give me a car. I have a license, and I can go with Qi Qi. By the way, didn't you say you had that... Conqueror car?" Ai Bing added with a teasing smile.

"The Conqueror... Yeah, we have it," Zhou Lin nodded. "But it's not convenient to park it here. Why do you ask?"

"I just want to see it. I mean, can we really afford a car that costs over ten million?" Ai Bing grinned, her curiosity piqued by the extravagant idea.

Zhou Lin wasn't exactly rich enough to casually buy such an expensive car, but his family's financial standing was decent. "It wasn't that expensive at the time. I'll bring it back in a couple of days," he said.

Although the Conqueror was parked in the Fuhuo Hangar, Zhou Lin realized Ai Bing's comment was a good reminder. Maybe he should head into the city to check out car dealerships, rental shops, and even second-hand dealers. After all, vehicles were in high demand after the end of the world. Even if they couldn’t manufacture new ones, the ones already out there would be highly valuable.

"Bro, are you out of your mind?" When Zhou Lin discussed it with Zhou Li, she gave him a blunt retort. "After the apocalypse, if you take a walk down the main road, you could collect hundreds of cars. There are probably lots of good ones in the garages around the neighborhoods. Why bother taking risks now?"

It was true; Zhou Lin couldn’t argue with her logic. But he also had his own ideas, even if they seemed risky.

"Okay, okay, you're right. Now, where’s the list? Did you go over it with Mom? What else do we need?" Zhou Lin quickly redirected the conversation.

"We still need weapons and some medicines," Zhou Li replied.

Weapons weren't much of a problem. Zhou Lin had already stocked up on firearms and other equipment, but medicines were a different issue. Without proper channels, obtaining large quantities was nearly impossible. Most pharmacies were already running out, and the government had started to control supplies. "Tell Mom to get more herbal medicine. I’ve got the western meds covered," Zhou Lin assured her.

While they were preparing, Zhou Li also mentioned some unfinished business with the windows. "We won’t be able to replace the glass in time," she said regretfully.

Unlike ready-made doors, multi-layered glass required custom orders and installation, which was time-consuming and complicated. They wouldn’t be able to install it without a crane, and they didn’t have the resources for that right now.

"Just seal the windows for now. It’ll block out the light and make it harder for others to see in," Zhou Lin suggested. With the ventilation system in place, it wouldn't be a problem for them.

Later, Ai Bing called Zhou Lin. There had been a robbery at the logistics park. Though his mother wasn't directly targeted, several others had been, and some warehouses had been broken into.

"I’m coming right now," Zhou Lin replied, his voice tense. He immediately told his mother to lock herself inside the warehouse and to use her gun if necessary.

However, Zhou Lin didn’t anticipate what would happen next. Just three minutes away from the logistics park, he found himself blocked on the road by a series of dilapidated vehicles that narrowed the eight-lane street to just enough space for one car to pass. It was clear that people were hiding behind these cars, likely waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Though there were alternative routes, Zhou Lin decided to proceed directly. He quickly put on a military uniform, aimed his gun out the window, and drove straight through. Fortunately, no one tried to stop him—whether due to the uniform or the gun, they didn’t risk challenging him.

Once at the warehouse, Zhou Lin called out, "Mom, it’s me."

"Finally!" his mother, Cheng Yali, emerged from behind a pile of bags. Zhou Lin couldn’t help but laugh. "Mom, you could’ve hidden better. There’s no way I wouldn’t spot you with all those bags."

"Well, you didn’t notice, did you?" she grinned back, showing him the gun she had been holding. "See? This is the empire I’ve built for you, now all yours!"

"Long live the Queen!" Zhou Lin jokingly saluted as he began loading the supplies into the storage space. The space on the Fuhuo was large, and he had figured out a way to maximize it.

"That should be enough," Zhou Lin muttered after packing the final items. He quickly gave his mom instructions to leave while he prepared to destroy the warehouse.

The time to act had come.