Chapter 17: Got a Gun!

Zhang Cheng, not being a military enthusiast, couldn't identify the specific model of the handgun he now held. By its appearance, it resembled a Glock from the game Counter-Strike. Regardless of the model, the presence of the gun and three full magazines further confirmed Zhang Cheng's suspicion that Chen Tianhu was no ordinary person. He must have been involved in illegal activities before the apocalypse, possibly drug or gang-related. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hidden a gun in his car.

Sitting in the car, Zhang Cheng fiddled with the firearm. Though not a military buff, like most boys, he had always been fascinated by guns. In the apocalypse, having a gun could provide some security. The handgun was surprisingly light. He easily removed the magazine and slidback the slide, ejecting a shiny brass bullet. After reloading the magazine and chambering a round, he noted the similarities to toy guns, except real guns had a functioning safety catch.

Turning off the safety, Zhang Cheng aimed the gun at a nearby zombie's head, less than five meters away. The gunshot shattered the night's silence, attracting more zombies to the parking lot. Feeling the modest recoil, Zhang Cheng thought how the gun's light weight and lowrecoil would have suited Chen Tianhu in a firefight.

The targeted zombie collapsed with a hole in its forehead and an exit wound at the back of its head – a testament to the handgun's power. Crouching down, Zhang Cheng observed the dead zombie, unconcerned about the others approaching since they wouldn't bite him. After ensuring the safety was engaged and the gun wouldn't misfire, he holstered it at his waist and rode off on his motorcycle.

Now armed with a real gun, Zhang Cheng felt more confident. He planned to drive to the nearest gym to find protein powder and search for food, water, and condoms in the vicinity. High-frequency intimate activities with Tang Ying necessitated a supply of condoms to avoid pregnancy in this perilous world.

Reaching a street with a gym, he parked his motorcycle and entered. Inside, three muscular zombies, likely former fitness trainers, roamed aimlessly. Zhang Cheng ignored them and searched the gym, finding six tubs of protein powder on the counter and fifty unopened boxes in the storeroom, along with mineral water and sports drinks.

Amused by the gym's ample supply of protein powder, Zhang Cheng took only one box of protein powder and one of mineral water, enough to last a while. As he loaded his motorcycle, a timid voice from the second floor of the yoga studio next door called out, "Sir, can you take me with you?"