CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: LISTEN UP INSIDE

The heavy snow continued for two days.

After two days, the snow stopped, and the weather quickly became warm.

Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei had used up some water, so they replenished it outside with snow water.

They watched as the snow outside the car melted at a visible speed, making the entire grassland muddy.

The conditions weren’t suitable for a campfire, so they ate some dry food to restore energy and hit the road.

The muddy grass had a slight slope, causing the car to skid a bit.

Lu Xi’an had to drive carefully, turning the steering wheel more and avoiding flooring the gas pedal to prevent the wheels from getting stuck in the mud.

Yao Wei went to the back and unplugged the air conditioner, instantly bringing Gou back to life.

Lu Xi’an ordered, "Gou, come to the front for guard duty, dispatch the drone."

Gou and Yao Wei moved to the front seats of the car.

Yao Wei picked up a gun, checked the bullets, and unlocked the safety. As for Gou, he paused at the car’s front control panel to operate the drone, sending it out of the car for reconnaissance ahead.

"Whoosh!"

A faint whizzing sound echoed from afar, which both Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei could hear with their sharp ears.

Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei instantly became alert.

Following the whizzing sound was a distressed wail, like a dog crying in agony.

"Someone’s hunting,"

Lu Xi’an understood and said, "Gou, guide the drone to avoid people. Yao Wei, show it the direction of the gas station."

They entered the city aiming for the gas station, as there was no need to visit other places.

Hopefully, the gas station is not occupied.

"Okay,"

Yao Wei nodded, checking the map and pointing out two directions to Gou.

There are two gas stations in Tongzhou County, one in the city center, the other on the southwestern edge.

Yao Wei directed Gou to first head towards the southwestern corner of the county. The people in this city are likely further inside, making the edges relatively safer.

If they can’t pass by the city edge, then they might as well try the gas station in the city center.

Gou remained unmoving at the front console, and at the crossroads, his eyes lit up to the left.

Lu Xi’an then turned the steering wheel left.

At least three people were talking ahead, already quite close, and their voices sounded old, saying things like "This dog can feed us for several days" or "How lucky it got separated."

Lu Xi’an only hoped the speakers were not Neo-Humans; if they were, the sound of the car might have already exposed them.

However, judging by the old and hoarse voice, it was likely not Neo-Humans.

Lu Xi’an drove slowly, ensuring the tires didn’t make too much noise and draw attention.

They drove on, turning, avoiding people under Gou’s guidance, and encountered a startled dog, finally reaching the gas station.

It was a native dog, not very big, yet looked quite healthy.

Not sure if there are pedigree dogs in this world, but if there are, those with genetic defects likely wouldn’t survive in today’s world.

No one was at the gas station, but the problem was the circuit malfunctioned, rendering Gou’s connection to the electric box unable to power the fuel dispenser.

Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei, left with no choice, asked Gou to guide them to the other gas station in the city center.

The gas station is on the main axis street, labeled as "Danxin Street" in World Map One.

Streets running east-west and roads north-south, it follows the same naming conventions as in the past.

On the way to Danxin Street, they didn’t encounter anyone. They didn’t need to keep turning corners and changing roads, walking straight onto Danxin Street, then turning east towards the gas station.

The gas station was another "Changshengtian Petroleum Station." This chain has a significant presence in Mengxin City.

However, as they approached the gas station, the light in Gou’s eyes flickered twice.

Lu Xi’an immediately stopped the car, saying, "There are people in the gas station."

"Yes,"

Yao Wei nodded, watching the gas station direction, holding her raised gun.

Lu Xi’an instructed, "Gou, ensure safety while confirming how many inside. Avoid letting the drone get damaged."

Gou immediately followed the instructions, maneuvering the drone into the gas station.

The gas station erupted in chaos, with several voices ringing out. However, the gunshots Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei expected did not occur. Instead, random objects flew towards the drone.

Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei saw from a distance that among the flying debris were wrenches, bricks, blades, and so on.

Surprising, these people seem to have the same hobby as us, collecting various random hidden weapons.

Lu Xi’an felt relief, as the assortment included an arrow, but notably absent were bullets.

This indicated the group at the gas station didn’t have guns, reducing the danger somewhat.

Guided by Gou, the drone skillfully dodged all hidden weapons and flew back.

Then Gou’s eyes flashed six times, indicating he saw six people through the drone.

Lu Xi’an asked, "Six, confirmed?"

Gou’s eyes flashed three times again, showing uncertainty.

The drone only scanned from above, making it difficult to see detailed information.

"Did you see Neo-Humans or regular people?"

Lu Xi’an questioned, though he had already formed an opinion.

The "hidden weapons" flying were slow, implying weak throwing strength. If it were him, any thrown brick likely could hit the drone.

At least brushing it would be no problem.

And the steady light from Gou’s eyes confirmed Lu Xi’an’s guess.

"Should we shout something?"

Lu Xi’an asked.

Yao Wei glanced at Lu Xi’an, confused: "Shout what?"

Lu Xi’an suggested, "Like Luo Ping does, try friendly communication first. If possible, we’ll refuel and leave, avoiding conflict and saving bullets."

"Alright,"

Yao Wei nodded, then remained silent. She acknowledged the shouting task fell to Lu Xi’an, aware she wasn’t good at it.

Her intense gaze was directed at Lu Xi’an, seemingly expecting a performance.

Fortunately, Lu Xi’an wasn’t shy.

He drove the car outside the gas station, calling loudly, "Listen up inside, we mean no harm, just want some fuel for our car. If you don’t want conflict, give us a sign, and we’ll agree to refuel and leave."

No one spoke from the gas station.

Lu Xi’an and Yao Wei couldn’t even see anyone.

People there have hidden, relying on visual obstruction. Possibly, people are hiding behind the fuel dispenser.

Lu Xi’an thought a bit, then shouted again: "Or if you have no objections, stay inside quietly. I advise you not to attack us; we have enough bullets and don’t want to waste them on you."