Xu Qian closed her eyes, drew out a wisp of spiritual energy to lock onto the gatekeeper's crystal core, and abruptly retracted it.
They instantly collapsed, their fates unknown.
The two walked into the prison, only to find it lined with people in white clothing, either standing or sitting, emitting not a sound.
Upon hearing footsteps, some raised their heads, while others remained unresponsive.
Uncle Fatty's eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up.
He stared at the shorter figure and asked in a low voice, "Are you a girl?"
"Mm, are all the people here?"
The young woman pulled down her mask, revealing a cold yet beautiful face.
Uncle Fatty's eyes welled up with tears; he knew he hadn't mistaken her.
"Yes, everyone is here."
Even in her haste, Xu Qian felt it was important to explain the situation outside to them first.
"I can save you, but the outside is overrun with zombies. Are you sure you want to go out?"
Everyone was stunned, then began to chatter.
"Of course, we want to! Staying here is like being dead. Better to go out and try our luck!"
"Right!"
"Worst case, we die!"
Xu Qian's expression remained unchanged as she scanned them.
She saw resolute faces, devoid of any hint of hesitation.
"Alright, I'll lead you out. Whether we live or die depends on fate."
Xu Qian's thoughts stirred, and a small clip appeared in her hand.
Presumably, no one had anticipated a jailbreak, so unlocking their restraints was simple.
After everyone was out, Xu Qian asked, "Does anyone know how to fly a cargo plane?"
The group exchanged glances. They were used to taking commercial flights, not piloting planes.
"Jin Tian, you fly. I'll figure out how to open the mechanism."
During the cold snap, she had learned a bit from Xiang Jin Tian, but only enough for helicopters. She couldn't handle such a large aircraft.
Xiang Jin Tian's brows furrowed slightly, the softness in his eyes fading.
"Qian Qian, but..."
Xu Qian's eyes flickered upward, and she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his slender waist.
She smiled softly, "Don't you trust me yet?"
The others subtly averted their gazes or looked away, pretending not to see.
Xiang Jin Tian sighed, a myriad of conflicted emotions flashing in his eyes as he looked at Xu Qian. He said softly, "You must be careful."
"Understood."
Since there were so many people, they could only be transported out of the prison in batches.
Fortunately, most people had gone out searching for her, and aside from the office building, there weren't many people elsewhere.
Even if there were, Xu Qian dealt with them quickly.
The two found a warehouse not far from the prison, summoned the plane, and settled everyone before she returned.
Before leaving, Xu Qian instructed, "Jin Tian, if you hear any commotion, take off immediately."
"Wait for me near the exit. I'll be out within an hour."
Xiang Jin Tian's eyes were fixed on her, his worry almost spilling from his gaze.
But he believed her.
Just as she believed him.
"Qian Qian, I'll wait for you."
Xu Qian's dark eyes flickered, then she nodded heavily and turned to leave.
Xiang Jin Tian watched her receding back, his heart touched.
This was Xu Qian, a person both cold and affectionate.
[Ding, Xiang Jin Tian's favorability +2, total favorability 88.]
Xu Qian paused for a moment, then rushed forward again.
After a month together during the cold snap, filled with intense intimacy and affection, she had only gained five points.
This time, something must have stimulated him to add another three points...
Only two points shy of ninety.
A trace of unease inexplicably spread through Xu Qian's heart.
She shook her head, why was she thinking so much?
She'd take things one day at a time.
As soon as Xu Qian entered the office building, she activated her invisibility item. The control room was indeed crowded, with people packed tightly around it.
Even with invisibility, she could only slip through the gaps.
The door was open, and the interior was eerily quiet.
Two men were there: one slumped on the sofa, the other standing by the window, motionless.
Xu Qian ignored them and walked directly into the control room.
The control room was small, with one wall covered in glowing buttons.