The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

Without Liu Xin's group, the remaining people were all their own, and they felt much more at ease. Some things no longer needed to be hidden—for example, when Grandpa Mo cooked, he didn't dare to use too many good ingredients, lest those who couldn't eat them harbor any resentment. Although it wouldn't cause any real problems, it would still be awkward to be eating fish and meat while others couldn't even get enough to eat.

After passing the Guangming Base, they had covered two-thirds of the journey, with only one-third remaining. Everyone clearly felt the terrain getting higher and higher.

After passing the winding mountain roads, the path became much easier to travel. Although they still encountered occasional obstacles, they weren't a problem. At least they no longer had to climb over mountains and take long detours.

However, they still didn't travel fast. Whenever they passed through towns and it was convenient, they would gather supplies. They collected not only food, clothing, and daily necessities, but anything they thought might be useful, with food being the priority. Lou Zhan collected seeds whenever possible, even though he knew Lou Dian had some stored in his space. Since Lou Dian hadn't mentioned the quantity, Lou Zhan naturally assumed it was a small amount and tried to gather more.

Therefore, when they occasionally passed through towns with fewer zombies, they would assess their strength and explore inside. Towns with fewer zombies had naturally been visited by many survivors, but if there were high-level zombies guarding certain areas within the town, those survivors could only sigh and give up, even if they knew there were abundant supplies inside. This made things easier for Lou Zhan and his group.

It just so happened that Lou Dian and Tan Mo alone could sweep through the zombies, making it convenient for them to collect supplies.

Once the guarding high-level zombie in a place was killed, the remaining first and second-level zombies were no match for them. It was a pity they had limited manpower. Even though they had changed to several large trucks along the way to carry supplies, they couldn't take everything and had to give up on some.

Yan Ge was the most excited about their ability to collect so many supplies and escape unscathed. His mind was filled with thoughts of the supplies, calculating how long the base could be sustained, how many people could be fed, and how to utilize them in the future… He got so carried away with his daydreams that he seemed a little dazed.

So, when they finally arrived at the Northwest Base, in addition to the original four jeeps, there were five large trucks following behind, fully loaded with supplies, just like a triumphant return home.

The Northwest Base was located amidst green mountains and clear waters. It was originally a military camp, later converted into a base. As survivors from nearby areas continued to come here, the base leader, Lou Tang, had expanded it considerably. Of course, the area around the base had been cleared of mutated plants by wood-type ability users, and the army had been dispatched to clear out mutated beasts, creating a safe and pleasant environment.

Just sitting in the car and looking out at the base built against the mountain, they felt a sense of fondness. Yan Ge, the big mouth, boasted that because the base was located in the sparsely populated northwest, there were still few people in the base, and the houses were spacious. Unlike the capital, where a sixty-square-meter house had to squeeze in ten people. He further bragged about their base's many benefits, making it sound like a paradise on earth…

The others listened to his bragging with smiles. Even if they didn't entirely believe him, they still felt very pleased.

When they returned, they took a different route. Lou Zhan directly showed his identification card, so they didn't have to queue with other survivors at the main gate. They didn't even have to undergo the time-consuming body checks and observation required of first-time visitors to the base. They only needed to be scanned by a device at this special passage.

However, their five large trucks were still very eye-catching. As they drove in, the survivors on the road showed expressions of surprise, joy, and envy. The five trucks were packed full, and although covered, it was clear they had a great harvest. This meant more hope for survival, so how could they not be happy? When they heard that it was Base Commander Lou's son who had returned, they were even happier. Only members of other factions sighed inwardly, wishing they could also obtain so many supplies.

Lou Tang at the base also received the news and came to greet them with his adjutant and several senior officials.

The vehicles drove straight to the military parking lot and stopped. Lou Zhan led everyone out of the car and saluted Lou Tang and the others. Lou Tang and the others returned the salute. Lou Tang's stern face couldn't hide his smile, relieved that his son had returned safely and happy that he had completed his mission successfully.

The senior officials of the base also smiled. They all knew the content of Lou Zhan's mission. Since he had returned safely, it meant he had achieved something, so they all came to welcome him back. Even if he had failed the mission, the five trucks of supplies alone were enough to earn their respect.

While Lou Zhan was exchanging pleasantries with the senior officials, Lou Tang's attention shifted to the group of men and women behind his son. He recognized Lou Dian and Lou Ling at a glance. Seeing that they were also well, he was even happier, his gaze filled with affection.

This was the second time Lou Ling had met her uncle. The first time was when her mother took her, the "tag-along," to marry into the Lou family. Uncle Lou had rushed from the capital to attend the wedding. It had been twelve years since then. In her memory, her uncle was very imposing. Back then, she didn't understand that it was the aura of a seasoned soldier; she only felt she couldn't be presumptuous in front of him. Now, seeing him again, she noticed the gray hairs at his temples. He still looked energetic, but his eyes were much gentler, and she felt a little more relaxed.

After the official greetings, the senior officials finally left, and the five trucks were driven to the base's warehouse under everyone's watchful eyes.

With no outsiders around, Lou Zhan introduced the people behind him.

"This is my father, Lou Tang!" Then he said to his father, "Dad, these are Lou Dian's companions." He then introduced everyone by name.

Before entering the base, Yan Ge had briefed them, so they naturally knew Lou Tang's status in the base. Being received by him personally, even if it was thanks to Lou Zhan and Lou Dian, still made them feel honored. They all stepped forward to greet him.

Upon hearing they were Lou Dian's companions, Lou Tang's usually stern face softened a bit. He said, "Everyone has worked hard. I've arranged accommodations for you; I hope you won't mind. In a few days, when I have time, I'll have my wife host a welcome dinner for you at home. I hope you won't refuse."

After some more pleasantries, Lou Tang had someone take Grandpa Mo and the others to the prepared houses to rest. Yan Ge thoughtfully asked Hua Zhu to help, as Hua Zhu had become familiar with Lin Bao Bao and the others during this time. With him accompanying them, everything would be taken care of. Lin Bao Bao, Tan Mo, and the others had considerable strength and would likely become the backbone of the base in the future, so they naturally needed to be well-accommodated.

Although Lin Bao Bao was reluctant to part with her friends, she couldn't impose when they were having a family reunion. However, glancing at the still-dazed Tan Mo beside her, her mood brightened again.

After the others left, Lou Tang patted Lou Dian's shoulder, his eyes slightly moist. He said, "I've been worried about you since the end of the world began. It's good that you're all right. I can finally face A Ran and the others."

Lou Dian smiled gently and said, "Uncle, don't say that. Even if something happened to us, it wouldn't be your fault. So don't put too much pressure on yourself; you'll get more white hairs."

Lou Tang couldn't maintain his stern expression any longer and laughed, "You've always had a way with words, nothing's changed since you were young." Then he looked at Lou Ling, his expression even gentler. "This is Xiao Ling, right? You've grown so much, a young woman now, ready to get married! I remember your father's words. Even though it's the end of the world, I'll still carefully choose a fine young man for you and give you a grand wedding. Don't worry, A Zhan has many subordinates, any one of them would be excellent. You can choose freely! I'll back you up; no one is allowed to bully our Lou family's daughter!"

Lou Ling: =O=! What's he talking about? What did Dad Lou Ran say?

Lou Dian: =_,=! Annoying Dad! What nonsense did he tell Uncle? Doesn't he understand keeping good things within the family?

Yan Ge almost burst out laughing, having to hold back so as not to provoke Lou Dian into kicking him again. Uncle Lou probably didn't know that Lou Dian had already "nibbled the grass near the nest."

Lou Zhan sighed. Lou Dian wouldn't get angry with his elders, but if his father continued to make a fool of himself, it would affect his authority. He quickly said, "Dad, Lou Dian and Xiao Ling just arrived at the base and are still hungry. Let's go home first."

Lou Tang was so happy to see his niece and nephew that he momentarily forgot. Hearing this, he nodded and turned to Yan Ge, "Yan, you come along too! You haven't cooked a proper meal in half a year, so don't go back and mess around by yourself."

Yan Ge didn't refuse and said with a smile, "Then I'll impose on you again, Uncle. But you go ahead; I'll go to the warehouse to check the records and then come over."

"Good work, go ahead."

After Yan Ge left, Lou Tang took the three younger ones to the Lou family home.

Along the way, everyone who saw them greeted Lou Tang, and he waved back in response. When they entered the inner city of the base, the number of pedestrians decreased, and security tightened.

Lou Tang brought them to a house with a courtyard, swiped a card to enter, and a 17 or 18-year-old beautiful girl, with distinct Lou family features, jumped out of the house and shouted, "Dad, is Big Brother back?" After seeing Lou Dian and Lou Ling behind him, the girl's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Who is this handsome brother? I remember now, it's Little Brother!"

Lou Zhan's eyes softened when he saw the girl. As she jumped over and hugged his arm, he patted her head and introduced them, "Lou Dian, Xiao Ling, this is Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan, you've met Lou Dian before, this is your second uncle's daughter, Lou Ling."

"Sister!" Lou Yan called out sweetly.

Lou Ling quickly smiled and called out affectionately, "Xiao Yan."

Lou Yan was lively. After the introductions, she raised her voice—although she looked like a delicate young girl, her voice was quite loud: "Mom, sister-in-law, Big Brother and Second Brother are back, we need extra food tonight!" She then bounced back into the house, full of youthful energy.

Lou Zhan's face turned serious. He said, "Xiao Yan, be more ladylike! Your voice is too loud, and your movements are too boisterous! You'll disturb the neighbors!"

Lou Yan immediately adjusted her behavior and walked back into the house with normal movements, speaking softly to everyone, "Welcome home, Dad, Big Brother, Little Brother, and Sister!"

Lou Ling couldn't help but chuckle, and even Lou Tang couldn't keep a straight face. He even mildly reprimanded his eldest son for being so strict with his sister.

When the door opened, two women came out to greet them. One was around sixty, her hair slightly gray, but well-maintained, like a refined and educated lady. The other was a beautiful woman in her thirties, holding a three-year-old boy. She wore loose clothing, her hair casually tied back. Despite wearing home clothes, she couldn't hide her capable and intelligent aura.

Author's Note: Today's goals:

Lou Ling's goal: Strive to be liked by Uncle's family!

Lou Dian's goal: Strive to prevent Uncle's wild imaginations!

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