However, this also prompted the residents in the opposite buildings to draw their curtains tightly shut, too terrified to show their faces.
An Bai and Sun Ting had made significant progress in their marksmanship. The bodies scattered around the central area of the community were no longer intact—a testament to their growing skill. All that remained now was real-world combat experience. Before stepping into actual battle, they needed to practice close-quarters fighting; there would be no time for grabbing hair or fumbling then. As for hand-to-hand combat techniques, Tang Ze himself wasn't an expert—his method involved hacking away instinctively—but the women lacked such raw reflexes.
Fortunately, Ye Qingyi had learned some sanda (Chinese kickboxing), so her guidance, however basic, was better than none at all. Before heading out, they decided to run through a few drills. Most confrontations these days took place inside buildings, where the enemy's primary weapons were machetes rather than firearms. There was little reason to fear them directly, except for one thing: the attackers often didn't hesitate to risk their lives by dousing themselves with rainwater and charging recklessly. Maintaining distance would be crucial.
Next, the three women began practicing team coordination. Still, their outfits remained as provocative as ever. Tang Ze couldn't help but think they were doing it to please him. Who on earth would wear thongs and crop tops while wielding guns? Such attire belonged more in video games—and even there, it might get flagged for being too risqué.
Early in the morning, the rain continued to fall, though much lighter than before. Occasionally, vehicles appeared on the streets, driven by desperate scavengers risking everything to find supplies. After all, once the wind picked up, fewer people would dare venture outside.
The sound of clicking echoed through the living room. The three women were cleaning their pistols, their movements now fluid and practiced. Tang Ze, running his fingers through his messy hair, walked into the living room. "Looks like we're ready. We'll head out today."
The three women immediately stopped what they were doing, overtaken by a mix of excitement, nervousness, and apprehension about the unknown.
Tang Ze gave Ye Qingyi a playful nudge and chuckled. "Dressed like this, you won't be able to hide your guns when we go out."
"Master, we've been prepared for ages," An Bai replied, slipping on a long down coat that left only her delicate ankles exposed. But when she opened the coat slightly, the sight was undeniably provocative—too sexy, with her gun tucked neatly along her side.
It was clear they'd put effort into pleasing Tang Ze. With the coat off, they were ready at a moment's notice, prioritizing convenience above all else.
They packed every last bit of their supplies, leaving not even a single bottle of water behind. That was Tang Ze's principle: leave nothing behind, take everything. Wherever they went, nothing was left untouched.
Since it was their first outing, the three women had dressed meticulously. "Sister Qingyi, you look stunning," An Bai teased. "No wonder you drove that rich kid wild."
"Bai, I'll tear your lips off," Ye Qingyi retorted with a smile, lunging playfully toward An Bai.
An Bai quickly ducked behind Sun Ting. "Sister Ting, save me!"
"Ting, move aside," Ye Qingyi demanded.
"All right, all right—we're about to leave," Sun Ting interjected with a forced smile. Outside, the rain continued to drizzle. Though Tang Ze claimed to have a plan, they weren't entirely sure what it was. What if they got caught in the rain and froze?
An Bai shared their concerns but used humor to distract herself. Once everything was set, she suddenly whispered, "If there's a next life, maybe we'll be friends—the best kind."
Ye Qingyi smiled softly and patted An Bai's head. "There won't be a next life. Let's make the most of this one."
"Seize the day," Sun Ting added, giving An Bai another gentle pat.
An Bai smirked. "You're patting me silly. If Master doesn't want me anymore, you'll owe me big time."
Their laughter filled the room.
Tang Ze, waiting outside, heard their giggles. What could possibly be so funny? They could at least share it with him.
Soon, the three women stood before Tang Ze, swaying slightly, exuding confidence mixed with a hint of flirtation.
An Bai's choice of a mesh outfit was striking—a perfect blend of innocence and allure, with just enough transparency to catch the eye. Ye Qingyi wore a sleek fishtail dress adorned with intricate lacework that hugged her figure, accented by delicate bows that added a touch of sweetness. Sun Ting opted for a bold black halter bodysuit with an open back and crotch, its design both edgy and practical.
But glancing at their high heels, Tang Ze raised an eyebrow. "Are those really the best choice? You won't outrun anyone in those."
Still, if women like them stepped onto the streets, men would swarm like zombies, tearing them apart without hesitation.
"Let's go."
The three women slipped on their down coats, concealing their lithe figures, though their beautiful faces remained impossible to mask. Men weren't blind, after all.
In the underground garage, the women spotted the outfits Tang Ze had prepared beforehand—they resembled protective suits.
"Full-body coverage, waterproof, and easy to put on and take off," Tang Ze explained. He had no intention of letting them die; they'd trained hard and were now valuable assets. Where else could he find such a combination of beauty and strength?
These suits came from Supply 20 and had proven effective over the past couple of days.
"They're surprisingly lightweight," Sun Ting remarked after trying hers on and moving around.
"I feel like we're secret agents," An Bai joked, attempting a quick stretch. Her flexibility impressed everyone. "Does he have magical powers or something? How does he always come up with these things?"
"Are we walking?" An Bai asked curiously.
Tang Ze shook his head. "Do I strike you as someone who walks? Here."
He pressed the car key, and a soft beep sounded. Not far away, a modified Tank 300 flashed its lights.
An Bai ran over excitedly. "Wow! Come see this—it's incredible!"
Sun Ting and Ye Qingyi joined her, equally stunned. The vehicle's tires had been replaced with treads, likely designed for snow but perfect for their current situation.
Tang Ze approached and patted the hood proudly. "Upgraded from a 20 to a 40 engine, reinforced bumpers, bulletproof glass, and zero rubber parts. With this beast, we can go anywhere."
Ye Qingyi couldn't wait to reach Yunhai City and rescue her niece. As for her fiancé, her thoughts were tangled.
"You drive," Tang Ze said, tossing the keys to Ye Qingyi.
Ye Qingyi hesitated. Wasn't he afraid she'd drive off? She had guns, protective gear, and now a powerful vehicle. The world was vast, and freedom beckoned.
What Tang Ze failed to mention was the two C4 bombs hidden in the car. If they tried to flee, the explosion would send them sky-high.
He'd probably mourn for three days—after all, An Bai was quite endearing.
But Ye Qingyi wasn't naive. Tang Ze wouldn't hand over control so easily. Perhaps he'd installed a tracker. If she fled, he'd track her down in no time.
Her mind worked quickly, yet she overlooked one critical fact: betrayal carried only one consequence.
Death.
"For now, take off the protective suits. Nothing will happen in the car. Put them back on when we disembark," Tang Ze instructed, taking a seat in the back.
Sun Ting and An Bai obediently sat on either side of him, while Ye Qingyi took the wheel, focused and determined.