Underestimating Their Determination to Escape

They had underestimated their determination to escape!

There was no turning back now that the words were out; it wasn't realistic to only let half of them stay.

The Allen family stood outside watching them move their belongings, opting not to join the commotion.

Alexander exclaimed joyfully, "I just inquired, and the Base Commander was inspired by our family."

Arnold nodded knowingly.

Neighbors passing by couldn't help but remark, "You're still fortunate; you don't have to squeeze with others."

The office building and the distant building seemed spacious, but cramming so many people inside would undoubtedly lead to congestion.

Thinking of that scenario, resentment brewed in everyone's hearts. They had chosen to live in the small courtyard for peace and quiet, but now they were all crowded together.

"Why can't each household be equipped with a power grid? I can cover the electricity costs myself."

"Forget about equipping each household; even installing power grids in the office building and the distant building is a stretch. Let's endure for now; hopefully, these days won't last too long."

"Yeah, let's give the base some time. They'll figure out a way to repel the pirates."

As envy towards the Allen family grew, some shameless individuals approached and asked, "Hey, your family isn't large, and the yard is big enough. Could you let me stay for a few days? I won't stay for free; I'll provide supplies."

The person's eyes darted around as they calculated internally, then reluctantly said, "I'll let you stay for a day for a dried fish and ten points."

Passersby also stopped upon hearing this, staring at the members of the Allen family.

Arnold refused without hesitation, "No, my home isn't a shelter, and we don't lack these supplies."

The person persisted, "Two dried fish and twenty points per day."

He really didn't want to go to the crowded office building. He had stayed in shelters before, encountering people who didn't bathe for months, didn't maintain hygiene, and relieved themselves anywhere. It was truly unbearable.

If only he could stay at the Allen family's place—it was close to his home. Pausing for a moment, he added, "I won't stay long. If the pirates attack, can I seek shelter at your place?"

Here, being a distance away from both the office building and the distant building, if pirates were to arrive, he wouldn't have time to run to seek refuge. And if the people inside refused to open the door for him, wouldn't he have nowhere to hide?

This time, it was Alexander who refused, "Can't you understand human language? We're not interested, and we don't need your measly points."

Seeing their resolute attitude, the person became annoyed and embarrassed, "Hmph, I don't care. Just wait, when the pirates come, they'll definitely head straight for your house."

After saying this, the person was about to kick the wall with a show of strength. However, upon seeing the electric grid, they cowardly withdrew their foot.

Blanche watched speechlessly, then turned to look at the father and son trio, "Let's not stand here watching the spectacle. Someone else will come asking soon."

Arnold also didn't want to deal with them. The family turned and went home, closing the door behind them.

Two hours later, everyone in the courtyard area had moved out, leaving only the Allen family.

...

Alice and the others were unaware that the base had been raided by pirates last night. They slept until daylight, then began their morning routine after a simple wash.She took out a red bean bun and a red sugar cake from the storage space and finished them before drinking some milk.

Then she opened the curtains of the car window. To save time, she hadn't parked the RV; life wasn't that convenient.Alice got out of the car, and Hurley had just finished eating.

There was no movement from the three cars behind. Alice said, "I'll go call them."

Hurley immediately stopped her, implying something unknown, "I'll go."

Before Alice could understand the meaning behind his final glance, Hurley had already walked towards the cars behind.

Hurley knocked on the car window from the outside, "It's morning, time to wake up."

The people inside the car heard the noise and opened the window. Several men were in shorts, half-naked, with messy hair, yawning.

This was why he didn't want Alice to come and wake them up. Because it was an eyesore!

After waking everyone up from the three cars, Hurley returned to the car. After a while, he took out a small plate of strawberries and handed it to Alice."​They've just finished washing up and some are still waiting. Let's go eat some fruit first," Alice said, not bothering to be polite.

Taking the plate of strawberries, Alice asked, "Have you had breakfast?"

Hurley nodded, "I had a piece of bread."

"So little?" Alice glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before asking softly, "Is it because you don't have ready-to-eat food in your space?"Ready-to-eat food referred to cooked porridge, noodles, or buns, fast food-like items. Alice stored a lot of ready-to-eat food in her space and preferred to take them out for a meal instead of cooking.

Hurley was different; his space was small and probably couldn't fit ready-to-eat food.

Hurley wasn't embarrassed; he nodded slightly, "There's still some, but not much left."

"Wait here for a moment," Alice returned to the car and took out twenty steaming meat buns, ten cans of eight treasure porridge, and five plates of dumplings from her space.She put the food in a basket, then opened the car door and handed it to Hurley, "Quick, put it away."The smell of food was strong and could easily arouse suspicion from others.

Hurley quickly took it and walked to the back of the car, putting it into his space while no one was around.

An hour later, they continued their journey.

...

Five days later, they finally arrived at Peach Blossom Village.

Alice stopped at the entrance of the village, looking at the overgrown road, almost suspecting they had taken the wrong path.

But the three words "Peach Blossom Village" engraved on the stone at the village entrance proved they were in the right place.

"The villagers here should have moved away long ago. If no one lives here, the village will be deserted," Hurley said, observing the surroundings with binoculars.

The convoy continued driving until they reached the large square in front of the village committee.

Fletcher got off the car, looking puzzled as he walked towards them, "Mr. Hurley, why have we come to this remote wilderness?"