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“Hurry, before the zombies return!”

Within the building, large iron drums of diesel were already available, eliminating the need to search elsewhere. They swiftly secured carts from the electric bike area, loaded the drums, and ensured there were no nearby zombies.

Liu Tao and Lin Feng were efficient, loading two carts in a flash and then assisting Liu Mengqi.

With each person managing a cart, they set out towards the swimming pool, taking advantage of the zombies’ absence.

“We could use another ‘Chick, You’re Too Beautiful’ distraction, right?” Hao Jian suggested, gazing uneasily at the road ahead. Once, they’d have breezed through on e-bikes, but the path now teemed with zombies, making it far more menacing.

“I have one left,” Lin Feng responded, retrieving it from his backpack.

“But let’s reroute through the girls’ dormitory. There’s better cover there,” he recalled, thinking of the tall, meticulously trimmed hedges that would shield them somewhat.

“Are you alright?” Lin Feng asked, noticing Liu Mengqi’s fatigue after pushing her cart just a short distance.

“I’m managing,” she replied, wiping away sweat, her weariness apparent.

“We might have to abandon this cart,” Lin Feng decided after a brief reflection. From his earlier estimates, four drums should suffice. Although he’d suggested Liu Mengqi bring an extra for safety, it seemed excessive now.

“Liu Mengqi, join me with this cart,” Lin Feng instructed. “I’ll clear the way, and you can assist from the back.”

The group maneuvered four oil drums towards the girls’ dormitory, staying close to the fence line to dodge any lurking zombies. As they advanced, Lin Feng often dispatched any zombies blocking their path, while Hao Jian provided distant cover, taking precise shots at the undead from afar.

Despite the palpable tension, they successfully reached the swimming pool area. However, this trek was notably slower than Lin Feng’s earlier journey. Along the way, they paused atop the girls’ dormitory for a quick refreshment break, indulging in an array of snacks and hydrating with water. The majority of available treats were sugary, leaving Lin Feng with a slightly less than satisfying taste.

By the time they arrived at the pool, it was edging towards mid-afternoon.

“It’s stunning, Lin Feng!” Liu Mengqi exclaimed, intertwining her fingers with his as she gazed at the showering cherry blossoms. Their soft pink hue set against the fresh green backdrop provided a serene view, an unexpected transformation from the area’s previous identity as a swimming pool.

“Stay alert, everyone. Make sure your hazmat suits don’t get damaged. We don’t want anyone inhaling the pollen; it could turn you into something like… that,” Lin Feng cautioned, pointing towards the pool’s roof after giving Liu Mengqi’s head a gentle pat.

After a recent rainfall, a deteriorating infected individual was visible atop the structure. Their unnaturally pink skin was intertwined with branches, each festooned with charming cherry blossoms.

“Eerie,” Song Zhe whispered, looking disdainfully at the once-familiar, now vacant-eyed student.

The main structure of the pool had been dramatically bisected by an imposing cherry tree which pierced its center, making for an awe-inspiring sight. This majestic tree, towering over ten meters, was undoubtedly the centerpiece of the cherry blossom garden.

The split in the building unveiled the pool’s locker rooms and several ambiguous pink entities—creatures that were hard to categorize as either human or zombie.

“Look over there! It’s huge!” Liu Mengqi gasped, her hand covering her mouth as she indicated towards a hulking creature adjacent to the pool building.