Chapter 37
The Atmosphere of Everyday Life
The fumes rise slowly along the edge of the pan and are drawn into the range hood.
The air was filled with the aroma of food and wine.
On a rectangular table, various dishes were laid out, and people were clinking glasses, chatting and joking with each other.
The atmosphere was lively and bustling, as if at this moment, the so-called apocalypse had already passed.
Jenner sat at one end of the square table, in the main seat, watching everyone eat heartily, a happy smile on his face.
Yes, life out there is so unbearable. I'd rather die with you.
As Jenner comforted herself in this way, a faint smile appeared on her face.
Jenner ate very little and didn't talk much; it seemed as if there was a barrier between Jenner and Rick and the others.
Just as everyone was enjoying their meal, Rick stood up, picked up his wine glass, tapped it with a fork, and then pointed at Jenner.
"Everyone, tonight we are fortunate to have such a delicious meal and a wonderful night, far from the walkers and danger."
"This is all thanks to our friend, Jenner."
"Let's raise a glass." Rick raised his glass, smiling broadly at Jenner. "Thank you, Jenner!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!!!"
The joyful atmosphere reached its peak at the moment of clinking glasses.
Everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal; no one was disappointed or looked down, and everyone had a great time.
As night falls and snoring begins, most people drift into a sweet sleep.
"Tite? You're inside?"
A voice came from the walkie-talkie.
Tite glanced at the closed room door, then closed the bathroom door as well, and sat on the toilet. "Yes, we're in."
"You're right, there are very few people at the CDC, but I didn't expect there to be only one person."
The walkie-talkie crackled to life again: "It's normal. Even if it's the end of the world, family is more important. Going back to your family is perfectly understandable."
"How did your investigation go today?"
Tite scratched his head, frowning as he spoke.
"The ground floor of the CDC building, which used to house various meeting rooms and offices, is now completely abandoned."
"Mainly the first and second basement levels."
"Today we're only operating on the basement level; the living area, restaurant, library, and activity rooms are all on that floor. As for the second floor, I'm not sure."
The voice on the other end of the walkie-talkie paused for a moment before continuing, "The second basement level should be where the researchers work, storing a large number of dangerous viruses and power generation areas."
"Don't you dare wander in! It's very dangerous inside. If you break any containers and release any viruses, you're finished."
The voice spoke urgently, as if worried that Tite's recklessness might lead to his death.
Tite waved his hand: "How could that be?"
"I can't go down there at all. They require a work badge and authorization."
The voice paused for a long time, remaining silent. So you actually did consider it?
"You don't need to do much else. Just secretly bring Jenner back tomorrow. I'll talk to him."
"Don't worry about anything else. Just eat and drink as you please and enjoy these few days."
"OK." Tite hung up the phone after saying that, quickly crawled into bed, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.
As for the voice's instruction to enjoy these few days, he didn't take it to heart at all.
For Tite, every moment of her life is one of enjoyment, regardless of the good or the bad.
On the other end of the conversation, Caesar looked at the silent walkie-talkie, shook his head and chuckled; he hadn't finished speaking yet.
I haven't told her yet that the convoy found so much food.
However, it's the same to talk about it after we meet, and seeing it will be even more shocking.
Caesar thought with a smile.
As night deepened, Caesar stood up and looked around.
Several tents were arranged in a staggered pattern, forming circles, with fire barrels made of various books or wooden furniture burning at the center of each circle.
The temperature difference between day and night in Atlanta is still quite large. If you don't cook something at night, you're likely to get sick.
Caesar crossed several circles and arrived at the edge of the encampment.
The edge of the encampment was lined with various vehicles, one after another, and there were all sorts of small traps outside.
Walking into a circle, Caesar patted a tent.
The tent was pulled open, revealing Guillermo inside.
His once neatly trimmed beard now looked extremely unkempt, with the upper lip and chin hairs joined together, of varying lengths, giving him a very slovenly appearance.
"What's wrong?" Guillermo's voice was a little hoarse, perhaps because he had drunk a bit too much today.
Caesar frowned as he looked at his dejected state. "Mo, are you still conscious?"
"Ha~ Sober?" Guillermo scoffed, pointing to himself. "Am I not sober enough?"
Guillermo emerged from the tent, spread his hands, looked around at the few tents nearby, and his sadness was almost overflowing.
"See? This is all because of me. I was powerless, which led to all the elderly people in the nursing home being harmed."
"There are only about a dozen people left who have survived."
"Am I not sober enough?" Guillermo reeked of alcohol and suddenly stepped forward to approach Caesar, who could clearly see the bloodshot in his eyes.
boom--
A powerful punch landed squarely on Guillermo's abdomen.
With his stomach severely injured, Guillermo lay on the ground, vomiting profusely, his body hunched over, looking very uncomfortable.
At that moment, the other tents stirred, and several men carrying weapons rushed out.
The watchmen standing on the edge of the vehicle also noticed, and they all raised their guns, aiming them at Guillermo and his group who had stepped forward.
Although Guillermo had taken a punch, he mostly spat out alcohol, and once he stood up, he was much more sober. He wiped his mouth and raised a hand: "Go back, everyone. I'm fine."
Philip's bald head bobbed as he walked over to Guillermo. "Guillermo, are you really alright?"
Philip's eyes were red; his loved ones had also lost their lives in the battle at the sanatorium.
Guillermo patted Philippe on the shoulder. "It's really nothing. We're just friends talking."
After saying that, he nudged Philip, who was standing next to him, and told them to go back to their own tents.
Caesar raised his hand, and the Night's Watchmen lowered their guns.
Caesar led Guillermo to the office area of the parking lot, where the zombies had been cleared away and the place was very clean.
"Have a seat," Caesar said casually, plopping down in a chair.
After Guillermo sat down, he heard Caesar's words.
"Are you more awake now?"
"I'm sober now, I'm sober now." Guillermo nodded; he had indeed drunk too much and was not sober.
"Alright, you're awake now, let's talk business." Caesar crossed his arms and placed them on the table, looking directly at Guillermo.