The man's words shocked everyone—I was both stunned and furious. Who could say something so selfish and cold? 男人的话让所有人都震惊了——我既惊呆又愤怒.谁能说出如此自私和冷酷的话?
He was in his forties—if I remembered correctly, his name was Brother Jian, a unmarried former businessman rumored to be wealthy. 他四十多岁了——如果我没记错的话,他的名字叫健哥,一个未婚的前商人,传闻很有钱.
I was too angry to speak! Such thinking was more terrifying than zombies! Abandoning one's children and parents to fend for themselves or be devoured while fleeing alone? Anyone with an ounce of humanity would never do this! 我气得说不出话来!这样的想法比僵尸还可怕!抛弃自己的孩子和父母自生自灭,还是在独自逃亡时被吞噬?任何有一点人性的人都不会这样做!
Brother Jian indeed sparked collective fury. Many with children and elders were outraged, some even clenching fists to teach him a lesson. 健哥确实引发了集体愤怒.许多带着孩子和长辈的人感到愤怒,有些人甚至握紧拳头教训他.
But Brother Jian remained calm. He shouted, "You all act righteous now, but what if only one piece of bread remains? Will you feed your father, mother, child, or yourself?" 但健哥却保持着冷静.他喊道:"你们现在都行义了,但如果只剩下一块面包怎么办?你会养活你的父亲,母亲,孩子,还是你自己?
"If only one can escape zombies, will you let your parents live or your child?" "如果只有一个人能逃脱丧尸,你会让你的父母活着,还是让你的孩子活着?"
Like a cult leader, his words stirred dark thoughts. Many fell silent, no longer challenging him. 他的话就像一个邪教领袖,激起了黑暗的思绪.许多人沉默了,不再挑战他.
Even I envisioned that horrific choice: save Shuai Shuai or my kind parents? Of course, I'd never choose myself—that wasn't an option. 连我自己都设想过那个可怕的选择:拯救帅帅还是我善良的父母?当然,我永远不会选择自己——那不是一个选择.
As everyone sank into tortured silence, Brother Jian sneered. 当所有人陷入痛苦的沉默时,剑哥冷笑一声.
"Those willing to die with their elders and children, we won't stop. But singles and childless couples—why follow the crowd? You're young, strong, with survival chances. Why waste away with the weak? Don't you see? Resources favor the old and young. We adults get the least! Soon we'll starve while doing free security work! We take risks but get last priority! I say we form a new group and find a way out!" "那些愿意与长辈和孩子一起死去的人,我们不会停下来.但是单身和没有孩子的夫妇——为什么要随波逐流呢?你年轻,强壮,有生存的机会.为什么要浪费在弱者身上?你没看到吗?资源对老年人和年轻人有利.我们成年人得到的最少!很快我们就会在做免费的保安工作时挨饿!我们冒险,但优先!我说我们组建一个新小组,找到出路!
After his speech, many eyes shifted—singles and childless couples seemed tempted. 在他的演讲之后,许多人的目光都发生了变化——单身和没有孩子的夫妇似乎受到了诱惑.
Families with dependents naturally opposed him!
I knew it: hearts were divided, the group would split.
Sixth Brother coughed and stood.
"I understand everyone's thoughts. Normally, no one would risk their lives for others' families. But now, we must abandon blood-ties thinking! This compound is our shared home—we live or die together! Protecting others means protecting yourselves. The day you abandon others is the day you isolate yourselves!"
Sixth Brother spoke passionately—I understood! He had twin sons and deeply opposed abandoning children.
His words had impact. Many who'd eyed Brother Jian looked down.
But a small group quietly gathered around Brother Jian, silently supporting him.
My husband stood. "We won't force anyone to stay. Many vehicles are outside—those following Brother Jian can take them. Except our modified convoy, help yourselves. But please, don't take too many supplies. The compound has many elders and children. Since Brother Jian mentioned scavenging along the way—plenty of stores out there—is that fair?"
A thin man beside Brother Jian complained, "Why? We risked our lives hauling supplies! We almost died! Why can't we take more?" But Brother Jian cut him off: "We agree! Keep the original supplies. The outside world has plenty. We'll manage!"
The meeting ended with two groups: 15 young couples and 12 singles—42 people—followed Brother Jian.
Those staying included families with elders/children and many single men who despised Brother Jian's ethos.
The next day, Brother Jian's new group assembled and left within two hours.
They took about twenty vehicles from the compound's perimeter, traveling light with minimal supplies.
Watching from the 18th floor as they faded into the distance, my heart ached!
Now, excluding elders, children, and women, we had under 40 fighting men protecting over 100 dependents.
The burden on our shoulders had suddenly become heavier!
Losing so many adults shook everyone's confidence. Many elders wept at home, feeling they burdened their children. Only the innocent children still played, unaware.
That afternoon, while reading picture books with Shuai Shuai, someone rang my doorbell. It was Maidou Ma—a mom from Building 6, Unit 2, named after her son Maidou.
"Duo Duo, free? I gathered the elders in the rec room. Join us?" she said from downstairs.
Gather elders? Why? Puzzled, I agreed immediately.
Meeting Maidou Ma downstairs, she explained her plan before I asked.
"We must comfort the elders. They're already struggling to accept the zombie outbreak, and this split depressed many. Without reassurance, I fear some might… you know, give up. Elders sometimes grow confused!"
I admired her insight—I hadn't considered this! My optimistic parents dismissed Brother Jian's departure, firmly believing my husband and I would protect them.
In the rec room, elders sat orderly, murmuring and wiping tears.
Poor things!
"Ahem! Uncles and aunts, quiet please! I have something to say!" Maidou Ma stepped forward, her loud voice hushing the room.
"I know Brother Jian's words reached you—making you feel your children could've escaped if not for you. You're wrong!
Brother Jian suggested abandoning elders and children—think: would your children truly be safe with him? Safe from zombies only to be betrayed by him? Only staying here is true safety!
You know our compound is tightly secured, and Building 8 is packed with food! We have warm rooms, hot meals—this is our home, heaven in hell! Leaving is suicide!
Uncles and aunts, you may not know: your presence gives your children courage to fight! Because wherever parents are, that's home! With you here, their will to live stays strong! I feel this deeply! If my parents weren't with me, just me and little Maidou, I don't know if I could go on…" Maidou Ma choked up—her husband hadn't returned since the outbreak, but her parents were with her.
"So compared to those burden-free who can leave, we're the most blessed and peaceful! Your existence matters! To help your children brave on, you must stay healthy and steady—so when they return home, they see you waiting! That's their greatest hope in this terrible world!" After she spoke, the room erupted in sobs.
An aunt hugged Maidou Ma's arm, crying, "Child, without your words, I'd have ended myself so my son could escape. Thankfully! He almost lost his mom…"
"Aunt, you're confused! If you're gone, he might give up or not survive out there!" Maidou Ma held her, speaking earnestly.
I wept silently, stirred deeply. Without Maidou Ma, elders might've done something drastic—chaos would've followed!
The elders dispersed, eager to cook meals for their children. They finally understood Maidou Ma's good intentions!
"You're amazing!" I told Maidou Ma as we lingered in the rec room.
"Nonsense! You're the one fighting zombies with the men—I couldn't do that!" She smiled.
"I'm just a tomboy. You're the thoughtful one, skilled with people—you're like a political commissar!" I said, genuinely impressed.
"Haha, guess my old job?" She teased.
"Actually a commissar?" I joked.
"No! If I were an army commissar, I'd send helicopters to evacuate us all! I was an HR manager—besides hiring, I handled employee counseling! Haha…" She laughed heartily.
"No wonder! I admire people-skills—especially with emotional folks! You're talented!" I meant it—I hate handling conflicts; I'd rather argue or fight.
"It's stressful, but it was my job! I grew observant of emotions. I saw my neighbor aunt crying about burdening her son, and after calming her, I realized others might feel alike, so I gathered everyone." Maidou Ma explained.
"You're brilliant! I adore you!" We linked arms, laughing—feeling like old friends!
Who says post-apocalyptic survival relies only on men? Strong women hold the universe together.