parentshiftbook Chapter 91 Receiving Stolen Goods
Chapter 91 Receiving Stolen Goods
Chapter 91 Receiving Stolen Goods
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Xu Mo woke up.
After a good night's rest, Xu Mo felt refreshed and in top condition. After washing up and checking his equipment, he went downstairs to check out and headed straight for the vehicle rest area.
The SUV's windshield was completely shattered during the previous ambush and must be repaired as soon as possible.
Upon arriving at the vehicle rest area, Wang Qi was indeed already in the guard post. Seeing Xu Mo approach, he immediately stood up, his face beaming with an even warmer smile than yesterday: "Brother Xu, so early? Don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can help you with!"
Hearing Wang Qi call him "Brother Xu," Xu Mo chuckled inwardly. He was clearly younger than Wang Qi, yet he was being addressed as "Brother."
However, Xu Mo did not refuse, but simply nodded and stated his purpose: "My car's windshield is broken. Where in the base is there a reliable repair shop?"
"Car repair?" Upon hearing this, Wang Qi's smile widened. "Brother Xu, you've come to the right person! Our rest area has its own repair service. We have some connections with the logistics department, and their skills and parts are much better than those unlicensed repair shops outside. The prices are also fair. I'll take you to a mechanic right away!"
Wang Qi was very efficient and quickly called over a middle-aged man in greasy overalls with rough fingers from the rest area. The man, carrying a toolbox, followed Xu Mo and Wang Qi to the SUV.
When Xu Mo led the two to the SUV and gestured for the mechanic to check the windshield, the sharp-eyed Wang Qi and the experienced mechanic almost simultaneously noticed a bullet hole above the driver's seat back, with clear edges that ran through thick foam and leather.
For a moment, the air seemed to freeze.
The experienced craftsman's expression turned serious. He carefully examined the angle and location of the bullet holes, said nothing, and silently began to assess the dimensions for glass installation.
Wang Qi's heart skipped a beat, and a fine layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back. He knew all too well what that bullet hole meant. Zombies and mutated creatures didn't use firearms; this was clearly an attack caused by someone shooting from outside the vehicle—an attack that occurred on a moving vehicle.
And at this moment, standing unharmed before him was Xu Mo. What did this mean? It meant that in that perilous ambush and counter-ambush, Xu Mo was not only one of the survivors, but also appeared to be uninjured, and even able to drive the car to the base.
"My goodness!" Wang Qi gasped inwardly, his assessment of Xu Mo's danger level instantly rising several notches. This was definitely a ruthless character, decisive and powerful. He was incredibly grateful that he had returned the bullets in time yesterday, expressing goodwill. If he had actually been held grudge by such a person because of that small favor, he felt he would have to sleep with one eye open every night.
"Brother Xu," Wang Qi's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible awe, "this glass can be replaced. We have tempered glass in stock. Although it's not as good as the original, it's fine for impacts and minor scratches. It's just that the price might be a little higher."
"How much do you need?" Xu Mo asked calmly, as if the bullet holes were just an insignificant decoration.
"Hmm, normally replacing a glass pane costs about the price of three cans of meat. Yours might require five cans," Wang Qi quoted the price, carefully observing Xu Mo's expression. The price was indeed a bit higher than elsewhere, but the quality and speed were guaranteed.
Xu Mo answered without hesitation, "Sure, how long will it take?"
"If things go smoothly, it can be done this afternoon!" Wang Qi patted his chest and assured him, "Brother Xu, don't worry, I'll personally oversee it and make sure it's fixed perfectly for you!"
"Okay, then I'll trouble you." Xu Mo took six well-sealed cans of fish from the trunk and handed them to Wang Qi. "Five cans are for the car repairs. The other can is a tip for your trouble. Please keep an eye on the car for me."
"No problem! I've got it covered!" Wang Qi was overjoyed and took the can of food, nodding repeatedly.
After arranging the car repairs, Xu Mo opened the trunk and tidied up the unused spoils and odds and ends. The main item was the civilian hunting rifle he had seized from the three ambushers.
Some loose ammunition that didn't match the guns he had, along with an old military water bottle, a worn tactical vest, and several unopened packs of compressed biscuits of mixed brands.
These things are not very useful to Xu Mo, and carrying them would only be a burden. It would be better to take this opportunity to get rid of them and exchange them for some contribution points to prepare for entering Jiangcheng.
Looking at the spoils, Xu Mo couldn't help but think of the ambush. He hadn't known the purpose of the three guys' identification tags at the time, and hadn't taken them after the kill. Now, he realized those tags likely contained their contribution points. That would have been a considerable windfall, a pity he'd missed it back then.
"Forget it, what's done is done. I'll just be more careful in the future." Xu Mo shook his head, putting these distracting thoughts aside.
Shouldering a large backpack full of items for sale, Xu Mo left the vehicle rest area and headed back to the trading market.
The market was even more bustling than yesterday, teeming with people and filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares. Xu Mo found a relatively empty corner, spread a thick canvas on the ground, and then neatly arranged the items he wanted to sell. The well-maintained hunting rifle was particularly eye-catching, immediately attracting a lot of attention.
However, before the business even opened, the management arrived first.
A middle-aged man wearing a red armband and with a stern expression walked over and tapped the wooden board he was holding: "New here? Stall fee, one contribution point per day. Twenty for a month, a good deal."
Xu Mo was helpless; this base really required money in every aspect. He had no choice but to pick out a decent rifle bullet from the loose ammunition he was preparing to sell and hand it over.
The man in the red armband took the bullet and then handed over a plastic number plate with a number on it: "Keep this safe, it's your stall number." After saying that, he put his hands behind his back and continued his patrol.
Only after paying the "protection fee" could Xu Mo's stall officially open for business.
Sure enough, that hunting rifle became a star attraction. People kept gathering around, curiously examining and asking questions.
"Dude, how much for this gun?"
"How much is the rifle? Can I trade it for something?"
Are the scopes sold separately?
Xu Mo had already gained a general understanding of the market price through yesterday's stroll and the intelligence handbook. Although this kind of civilian hunting rifle was not as powerful or accurate as standard weapons, it was still a hot commodity among survivors. Depending on its condition and accessories, the price usually fluctuated between eight hundred and one thousand contribution points. Based on the condition of his own rifle, he priced it at nine hundred contribution points.
When the price was announced, most of the survivors who were watching clicked their tongues, shook their heads, and walked away.
The purchasing power of contribution points is not low. A multigrain steamed bun and a bowl of vegetable soup with visible oil only cost 0.5 contribution points, while a hearty meal with meat costs 1 contribution point.
Nine hundred contribution points is undoubtedly a huge sum of money that most ordinary scavengers and survivors struggling to make ends meet would need to save for a long time.
Several people who seemed to have some wealth offered to barter with bullets or other supplies, but Xu Mo refused them all, stating clearly, "I only accept contribution points."
Xu Mo spoke these words in a calm tone, but inadvertently revealed a key piece of information: they were not short of ammunition.
In the apocalypse, anyone who dares to say they "have no shortage of ammunition" is either bragging or genuinely has the confidence and source to back it up. But when this statement comes from someone who carries an AK47, a pistol, and an extremely conspicuous AWM sniper rifle, its credibility and the associations it evokes are astonishing.
The AWM is not a common weapon, and its dedicated .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition is even rarer. Anyone who can afford such a weapon and claims to have no shortage of ammunition immediately attracts the attention of some shrewd individuals in the shadows of the market.
Xu Mo's enhanced senses were still quite sharp; he clearly caught several gazes from different directions, filled with scrutiny and inquiry. He remained outwardly calm. He understood the principle of "possessing a treasure invites trouble," but he also knew that within the Sixth Forward Base, especially in this bustling trading market, no one dared to openly do anything to him.
As for leaving the base, he was going to Jiangcheng anyway, which was a safe haven with even better security. Even if someone foolishly tried to do something on the road, Xu Mo wasn't someone to be trifled with.
Although the gun didn't sell immediately, other miscellaneous items sold quite well.
The extra tactical equipment, scattered ammunition, and unused food and miscellaneous items gradually earned Xu Mo a considerable number of contribution points. The contribution point count on his identity card was finally no longer zero, which made Xu Mo feel much more at ease.
As noon approached, Xu Mo was preparing to pack up his stall and go get something to eat when three people walked straight toward his stall.
The leader was a woman, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with neat short hair. Her features were not particularly beautiful, but her eyes were sharp, and her brows exuded a heroic and capable air that rivaled any man's.
She wore a faded but clean old combat uniform, her steps steady in military boots. Behind her followed two men: one tall and muscular, taciturn, his eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk; the other lean, with a seemingly amiable yet shrewd smile. The three moved with an indescribable sense of coordination and discipline, giving the impression of seasoned veterans.
The short-haired woman's gaze fell directly on the hunting rifle, which was of better quality and priced at nine hundred contribution points.
"May I take a look at this gun?" Her voice was crisp and carried a hint of competence.
Xu Mo gestured for him to proceed.
The woman picked up the rifle and moved with practiced ease, removing the magazine, cocking the bolt, checking the rifling, inspecting the wear inside the barrel, then installing and removing the scope. Her series of checks were as smooth as flowing water, and her professionalism far surpassed that of the survivors who had previously inquired about the price.
A moment later, the woman put down the gun and looked at Xu Mo: "The gun is in good condition and well-maintained. We'll take it for nine hundred contribution points." She stated the price directly without any further words.
Xu Mo glanced at her, then at the two obviously formidable companions behind her, and knew that he had encountered someone knowledgeable and probably not short of money. This price was within his expectations.
"Okay." Xu Mo nodded.
"Deal." The short-haired woman was equally decisive, immediately taking out her identification card. "Transfer the money."
Xu Mo also took out his identity card, and the two of them operated the simple trading terminal provided in the market. Nine hundred contribution points were instantly credited to their accounts. Looking at the numbers flashing on his identity card, Xu Mo felt a sense of relief.
The transaction was completed. The short-haired woman picked up a rifle, nodded slightly to Xu Mo, and then turned and left decisively with her men, without any hesitation.
After they walked away, a stall owner who seemed to recognize them approached Xu Mo and whispered, "Brother, you're in luck! Xu Lingwei, the vice-captain of the 'Wildfire Squad,' came to buy some herself. They're one of the top scavenging teams in our Base Six—strong, reputable, you won't regret this deal."
"Wildfire Squad? Xu Lingwei?" Xu Mo noted down the name. The fact that they could so readily spend nearly a thousand contribution points to buy weapons speaks volumes about the team's strength and financial resources.
Having achieved his main objective, Xu Mo did not linger any longer. He quickly disposed of the remaining few odds and ends, packed his things, and left the market.
Back in the vehicle rest area, Wang Qi immediately greeted him, a relaxed expression on his face, indicating he had completed his mission: "Brother Xu, you're back! The car is all fixed, the windows have been replaced, and I even had the mechanic check the oil and tires for you—everything's fine!"
Xu Mo walked to the front of the car and saw that the previously empty windshield had been replaced with a slightly thicker but more transparent reinforced glass, almost indistinguishable from the original glass. The seatback with the bullet holes had also been replaced, presumably as a return gift for the extra canned food he had given him. He nodded in satisfaction: "Thank you for your hard work."
"It's no trouble at all, it's nothing!" Wang Qi quickly waved his hand.
"Well..." Wang Qi hesitated, glancing at the repaired car.
Xu Mo glanced at him, her eyes calmly awaiting his next words.
Wang Qi felt a chill run down his spine under Xu's gaze and quickly explained, "Brother Xu, don't misunderstand! I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just reminding you that there are a lot of people and eyes around in this base, and if you act like this, you might attract the attention of some unscrupulous individuals. Although they wouldn't dare to do anything reckless within the base, you'd better be careful once you leave."
"Hmm? Got it, thanks." Xu Mo thought for a moment and guessed that Wang Qi had reminded him after seeing his outfit while he went out for a stroll, so he nodded to express his gratitude.
Seeing that Xu Mo seemed to understand, Wang Qi didn't say anything more and tactfully withdrew.
After checking the vehicle and confirming that everything was in order, Xu Mo returned to the "Anxin Hotel" to stay.
Silent all night.
The next morning, as soon as it was bright, Xu Mo checked out of the hotel and drove his newly repaired SUV toward the main road leading to the core area of Jiangcheng.
The forward base 6 gradually shrank behind them and eventually disappeared into the rising dust.
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