Walking Dead: Unlock the Umbrella Corporation Hive Begins with Hunting Chapter 21 21: 21

CDC — Third Floor

Rick stood in the hallway, looking down at the T-shirt he had just been given.

It was gray, slightly oversized, with faded lettering across the chest: Atlanta Police Charity Association.

Not perfect, but far better than a hospital gown.

He took a deep breath and walked toward the door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door opened slightly, revealing a young woman.

Amy.

Her hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and she wore a light blue shirt that made her look both capable and clean.

"Rick?" she asked. "What's wrong?"

Rick hesitated before speaking, his voice hoarse.

"I want to see Wu. I need to ask about my wife and son."

A trace of sympathy flashed in Amy's eyes.

She had heard this question too many tis.

"Your people went to the mine this morning," she said gently. "They're bringing your wife and son back. You just need to wait."

Rick froze.

"They went… to pick them up?"

"Yes," Amy nodded. "Boss's order. Just wait here. Don't worry."

Rick lowered his head slightly.

"…Thank you."

He turned and walked away slowly.

Not because his body was weak—but because he didn't know what "fast" ant anymore.

First Floor — CDC Lobby

The security shutter was closed, but the side door was open.

Sunlight spilled through the gap, forming a sharp line across the floor.

Rick stepped outside and stood at the entrance.

The parking lot was empty.

Beyond the barbed wire fence, several walkers wandered aimlessly, letting out low, distant growls.

Further away, Atlanta faded into a hazy, lifeless skyline.

Rick leaned against the doorway and stared down the road leading toward the mine.

And waited.

Third Floor — Office

Knock. Knock.

"Co in."

Amy entered with a cup of coffee.

Wu Fan was studying a large map of Kentucky, marked with red circles and question marks.

"Boss, your coffee."

She placed it on the desk.

Wu Fan took a sip.

Perfect temperature. Perfect sweetness.

He glanced at her briefly.

She always rembered these details.

"Who was at the door just now?" he asked.

"Rick," Amy replied. "He's still asking about his wife and son. I told him Andrea went to bring them back."

Wu Fan nodded.

"Good."

Amy leaned casually against the desk, her expression playful.

"So… do I get a reward for that?"

Wu Fan looked at her.

This girl was getting bolder.

He exhaled lightly.

"Co to my room tonight. That should be reward enough."

Amy's eyes lit up.

Before he could react, she grabbed his tie and pulled him slightly closer.

"Not enough," she said softly.

Wu Fan didn't back away.

He lifted her effortlessly, gave her a light tap on the back, and said calmly:

"Don't get greedy. You won't handle it tonight."

Amy's cheeks turned slightly red, but she smiled anyway.

"I don't believe you."

She stepped back, adjusted her clothes, and walked toward the door.

Before leaving, she glanced back once.

That look carried sothing unreadable—anticipation, curiosity, and challenge.

Then she left.

Wu Fan leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette.

Smoke slowly filled the room.

Won like this would keep appearing.

Smart ones. Beautiful ones. Ambitious ones.

And they would all try to gain sothing from him.

Just like he would from them.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

He needed caution.

Not emotion.

Not attachnt.

Knock. Knock.

The door opened again.

"Boss," Amy poked her head in. "Dr. Jenner is here."

"Let him in."

Dr. Edwin Jenner Arrives

Dr. Edwin Jenner walked in looking exhausted.

His lab coat was slightly wrinkled, and his expression was tense.

He placed a thick file on the desk.

"I have bad news," he said.

Wu Fan flipped through the pages.

Data tables. Biological readings. Virus analysis.

He didn't understand all of it—but he understood enough.

"So everyone carries it?" he asked.

Jenner froze.

"You already know?"

"Guess."

"Then I'll be direct," Jenner said. "Everyone tested so far carries antibodies to the Wildfire virus. No—more than that. The virus exists in a dormant state inside every host."

He paused.

"Every single human. Without exception."

Wu Fan nodded calmly.

"I know."

Jenner stared at him.

"How?"

Wu Fan tapped an Umbrella Corporation ID card on the desk.

Jenner looked at it—and suddenly understood.

Right.

This wasn't just any organization.

Umbrella dealt with things even the CDC wasn't supposed to understand.

Jenner exhaled.

"Then you also know how activation works?"

Wu Fan leaned back.

"Explain it anyway."

Jenner nodded.

"When a person dies, the virus activates. It takes over the brainstem, reanimates the body, and turns it into a Walker."

He flipped a page.

"Then it replicates. Any bite transfers the virus through saliva, infecting the next host."

Wu Fan nodded slowly.

"Ti difference?"

Jenner pointed at the docunt.

"That depends on injury severity, location, and physical condition. But the result is always the sa."

Wu Fan exhaled smoke.

"Then research a suppressant—or a vaccine."

Jenner hesitated.

"We need more Walker samples. Preferably fresh ones."

Wu Fan nodded.

"I'll send people to collect them."

Jenner sighed in relief.

He turned to leave, then stopped.

"Oh, and Rick has been waiting outside for hours."

Wu Fan walked to the window.

Below, Rick stood motionless at the gate, staring at the empty road.

"He can wait," Wu Fan said calmly.

"His family is arriving today."

Jenner nodded and left.

Arrival

Wu Fan remained by the window.

Rick was still waiting.

Unmoving.

Patient.

Human.

A faint sound rose from the distance.

Engine noise.

Dust.

A convoy returning from the mine.

Wu Fan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"They're back."