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Lin Feng was caught in a web of trust and doubt regarding the enigmatic “Mr. Spider.” The creature had saved his life, sparking a modicum of trust, and Lin Feng couldn’t shake the memory of the spider’s evident tremors when recalling its human past, suggesting sincerity.

“Lin Feng, have you decided to assist them?” came the probing question.

“Yes,” Lin Feng affirmed, a touch somber. “The spider did save me. But more importantly, the menace of those plants far surpasses that of the spiders. If we can stem their growth now, we must.” Visions of the thick pollen cloud above the girls’ dormitory still unnerved him.

While a human might stand a chance against a spider, dealing with that enveloping pollen was another story. Without an aerial countermeasure, the outlook was bleak. If the plants spread without restraint, the remaining city resources would be insufficient to deal with the threat.

“But if you guys find this mission too risky, I’m alright with going solo, or just calling off the operation entirely,” Lin Feng conceded, uncertainty shadowing his words. “I can’t even be sure if I was truly trapped in a hallucination that night.” He reflected on how the peach blossoms’ hallucination had ensnared him, turning him into their unsuspecting pawn.

Yan Aoxue then weighed in, “I’m in agreement with Lin Feng. If his portrayal of those menacing peach blossom trees holds true, we need to eliminate them at the source. This isn’t just about spiders anymore. It’s a matter of survival.”

The majority seemed aligned with Lin Feng’s perspective. Yet, a logistical issue surfaced: the formation of the team. They needed five fit individuals. A faltering stamina in such critical times was unacceptable. While Lin Feng, Liu Tao, Hao Jian, and Song Zhe were definite choices, they lacked one more member. Chen De, despite his capabilities, had a physical limitation with just one arm.

Then, Lin Feng’s thoughts darted to Froggy. If only that frog was present, this wouldn’t have been an issue at all, but who could say where he and his girlfriend were now.

Anna remained bedridden due to her severe condition, with Chen Rangran staying by her side to ensure she was cared for.

“I’ll go,” announced Old Liu, determination evident in his gaze, despite his advanced age.

The principal quickly interjected, “What are you saying, Liu? Are you sure you’re up for this challenge at your age? I’ll go instead.”

“Age? If anyone here is showing their years, it’s you, Sen!” Liu retorted playfully.

Finally, albeit with a sigh, Yan Aoxue interjected, “Perhaps it’s if I go. I have some basic martial arts.”

Lin Feng looked at Yan Aoxue, his first crush, with newfound astonishment. The heiress who knew both the culinary arts and martial arts? She was nothing like the sheltered young woman he had imagined her to be. Clearly, he had much to learn about her.

“Don’t be so taken aback,” Yan Aoxue said with a smile. “Throughout my childhood, my schedule was more rigorous than any college timetable. From arts to physical exercises, my father made us choose subjects of our interest. Martial arts caught my eye. I’m not a master, but I can handle myself.”

“But it’s a zombie-infested world out there,” Lin Feng countered, concern evident in his voice. Deep down, he had feelings for Yan Aoxue and hoped to convey them once the chaos was behind them.

Yan Aoxue responded confidently, “I’ve become accustomed to the zombie threat. What caught me off guard before was its sudden emergence. But now? Just watch.” With these words, she gracefully headed for the exit, donning her sneakers.

“Be careful, Yan Aoxue,” Lin Feng murmured, the worry palpable in his voice as he hastened to follow her.