Chapter 7: The Desert Town

The monotonous journey dragged on. Three days later, the jeep arrived at a small town called Gao Harbor. This was the last township on their itinerary; after this, they would venture into the desert and begin their expedition.

Despite its name, Gao Harbor was clearly a place with no connection to water. The entire town was surrounded by lush woods, and beyond the expanse of forest lay the boundless desert. The population of Gao Harbor was sparse—after all, few people chose to live in a desert town. Even the native residents had gradually relocated to other cities over the years. The so-called desert charm was something found only in television dramas.

Zhou Yirong parked the vehicle in an alley not far from the restaurant. Though the town was small, he remained cautious—this would be their last supply point before entering the desert. The group was likely to stay here for two or three days to prepare their provisions, so he had to be extra vigilant. Armed, wearing his military cap, and carrying a lunchbox, Zhou Yirong hurried off.

Han Xue moved from the front passenger seat to the rear compartment, took two packets of liquid food from the storage cabinet, handed one to Wang Dawei, and carried the other to Xu Lang. Using a mouth expander, she pried open Xu Lang's mouth and inserted the feeding tube.

Rong Hao sat quietly in his seat, watching her without a word. The initial hostility in his eyes had faded. On the contrary, after these days of being fed by Miss Han Xue, he even felt a subtle affection for her deep inside.

“Sister, has my brother been using your blood these days?” he asked.

Han Xue looked up and replied, “Yes, mine and the uncle who's driving. Why do you ask?”

“Will you die from giving blood?”

Han Xue was momentarily stunned, then understood the little fellow’s concern and smiled, “Don’t worry, I won’t die. I still have to take care of you all, don’t I?”

“But if you give your blood to my brother, won’t you run out?”

Han Xue thought for a moment. “No, we just gave a little. We still have enough.”

“Today you didn’t give my brother blood—isn’t it almost gone?”

“Yes, their blood is almost depleted, so we need to rest for a while before giving more. Besides, your brother barely needs it anymore.” Wang Dawei chimed in from the side.

Han Xue glanced at him, saying nothing. Wang Dawei offered an apologetic smile; he felt it necessary to instill the right values in the child, rather than let him believe everything was simply taken for granted.

Rong Hao asked again, “Can you use mine? My blood hasn’t been used yet.”

Han Xue looked up. “You’re still young. Children’s blood can’t be used. Only when you grow up can you help your brother.”

Disappointed, Rong Hao murmured assent and lowered his head, quietly watching Xu Lang again.

Ten minutes later, after feeding Xu Lang, Han Xue stood up to leave, but Wang Dawei called after her, “Um... Xiaoxue, could you do me a favor and hand me another packet of liquid food?”

Han Xue nodded and turned to open the storage cabinet.

At that moment, Wang Dawei spoke again, “Actually, could you give me two more? Sorry, I just feel really hungry...”

Han Xue frowned. “Really hungry?”

Wang Dawei nodded. “Yes, truly.”

“But that shouldn’t be. One packet is 250 grams—a half pound should be enough. Two packets is a full pound. If you have three, you might make yourself sick.”

Wang Dawei, embarrassed, stammered, “Then... just give me one more.”

Han Xue handed him a packet. She wasn’t being stingy, but she knew food shouldn’t be eaten recklessly.

A dozen minutes later, Zhou Yirong returned with a stack of lunchboxes. The food was lavish: roast duck, marinated dishes, and several stir-fried plates.

Han Xue’s mouth watered at the sight, unable to swallow it all down.

“My goodness! Is it the end of the world today? Professor Zhou actually bought so much food. Is he trying to kill me with a feast?”

Zhou Yirong couldn’t be bothered with her antics. “I used to stop you from eating these for your own good, but since we’ll be heading into the desert soon... we might as well enjoy it while we can.”

Wang Dawei and Rong Hao in the rear compartment also caught the aroma.

Rong Hao looked up, swallowed, then lowered his head again.

Wang Dawei couldn’t resist, “Assistant Zhou, could I have some hot food too?”

Han Xue was surprised, “After all you’ve eaten, you’re not even full?”

Wang Dawei, thick-skinned, replied, “I’m really starving. Even after all that, it’s like I haven’t eaten.”

Zhou Yirong was puzzled. “What’s going on?”

Han Xue spread her hands. “Persistent hunger—he’s had two packets of liquid food, but still feels ravenous.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yirong walked into the rear compartment, lifted Wang Dawei’s shirt, and pressed his hand to his abdomen.

“Assistant Zhou, is there a problem?”

Zhou Yirong frowned, thought for a moment. “You did eat two packets?”

Wang Dawei nodded.

“If you’re still hungry, keep eating. If you still feel it, check your stomach—see if it’s distended. If not, you can continue, but have Xiaoxue record your meals. Don’t make yourself sick.”

Han Xue frowned, feeling this wasn’t quite right. Still, considering possible scenarios, she withheld her opinion.

...

As the group began their meal in the jeep, a middle-aged man appeared in their sight, seemingly passing through the alley.

He walked, then suddenly stopped, staring intently at the jeep as if lost in thought.

Zhou Yirong put down his chopsticks and drew his pistol.

The eerie scene lasted three or four minutes, then the man’s expression began to change—from harmless and honest to baring his teeth, face twisted and menacing.

His mouth stretched wide, eyes bulging.

Inside the car, Han Xue pointed at him, exclaiming, “Complications of beastification disease!”

Just then, a woman passed by the middle-aged man. “Old Chen, what’s wrong? Are you feeling ill?” she asked.

Clearly, she knew this Old Chen. Unfortunately, Old Chen did not recognize her—he was in the throes of his illness.

Roaring, Old Chen threw his head back and let out a howl, then began pounding his chest with his fists, like a crazed bear.

The woman, terrified, stumbled back several steps before turning to flee.

But it was too late.

Old Chen quickly caught up, grabbed her, and sunk his teeth into her neck.

Blood sprayed everywhere.

The woman struggled desperately, flailing and beating at Old Chen.

But the more she resisted, the wilder he became.

He clamped down on her neck, shaking her violently, as if intent on snapping it in one bite.

In moments, she fell limp.

Crimson blood flowed down her body onto the ground, dripping steadily.

Old Chen continued to gnaw for a while, then, seeing she was still, tossed her aside and rushed toward the distant crowd.

The group in the jeep watched in silence, making no move to intervene.

Zhou Yirong’s face was dark, his hand clutching the gun trembling.

Han Xue, expressionless, calmly observed; her nerves were steeled, unfazed by the bloody scene.

“Your father once punched a hole in the conference table when he was lucid. I suspect after beastification, their physical abilities increase dramatically.”

“What’s your point?”

Zhou Yirong gave a bitter smile. “I suspect if a bullet doesn’t hit a vital spot, it might not kill them at all. Worse yet... I seriously doubt bullets can even penetrate beastified scales.”