Chapter 53: First Encounter

Chapter 53: First Encounter

Early the next morning, Qin Mu and Qin Sheng headed to the medical clinic adjacent to the city lord’s residence.

The clinic’s director, Yuan Xuegang, formerly the president of Beiming Hospital, was actually the maternal uncle of Lord Gong, the city lord, and had close ties to the Gong family. After the apocalypse, he took charge of the medical clinic, recruiting psychics with light and wood abilities, and gathering medical workers and medical students from Beiming City and the survivors. He organized a fairly strong medical force.

Each month, the clinic hosted a free healing event where psychics provided treatments. On that day, psychics would offer free psychic healing to all patients. They would arrange two or three psychics each time, and the clinic would be overwhelmed with people. However, most would end up unable to get a number, with only a few receiving treatment.

Even so, the reputation of the city lord’s residence and the medical clinic in Beiming City was very good.

That day was another free treatment day. When Qin Mu and Qin Sheng arrived at the medical clinic, the hall was buzzing with people. Countless individuals were lined up. Under the guidance of a nurse, Qin Mu walked inside. Passing through the corridor, he saw a female light psychic treating a patient with a leg fracture. The nurse removed the splint, revealing the swollen and ulcerated injury.

He couldn’t help but stop and watch as the light psychic’s palm emitted a silver glow, enveloping the bruised area. After a while, the patient's leg, which had been black and blue, gradually returned to its normal color, and the swollen ulcers flattened, healing completely.

The patient put his leg down, tried walking a few steps, and found it fully recovered. Overcome with joy, he knelt to thank the female psychic, tears streaming down his face. She simply stood up, smiled, and had someone escort him out.

The nurse stopped the anxious crowd, explaining, "Doctor Liu needs to recharge her psychic energy before treating the next patient. Please wait."

Qin Mu realized that the limited number of daily treatments was due to the lengthy recovery period needed by the psychics.

The young nurse gently urged them, "Mr. Qin, Director Yuan is already waiting for the two of you."

Qin Mu nodded, "Let’s go. Sorry, it’s my first time seeing a light psychic treatment. You don’t get to see this outside." As he walked, he smiled and asked the nurse, "You seem to know a lot about king-level crystal cores?"

The nurse replied, "She is a third-level light psychic, Miss Liu Yuhui, whom we invited from White Crane City. She is currently the highest-level light psychic. When she heard that we have free treatment events every month, she volunteered to participate."

Qin Mu thoughtfully said, "White Crane City... I remember the city lord of White Crane City also has the surname Liu."

The nurse replied, "She is the younger sister of that city lord."

Qin Mu said, "Impressive. Lord Gong managed to invite such a high-level light psychic."

The nurse, feeling proud, added, "Yes, they sent three king-level crystal cores to invite her."

Qin Sheng turned to the young nurse, "You seem to know a lot about king-level crystal cores? These things are hard to come by. I wonder where Lord Gong got so many." He had been very grateful for Zhou Yun's dagger and had been thinking about where to find some king-level crystal cores for him. Hearing this, he quickly asked further.

The young nurse, seeing Qin Sheng smile at her with his charming eyes and dressed in the smart uniform of the city lord’s guard, felt her face flush red. "The city lord’s team organized a mission to hunt mutated sea creatures. They brought back quite a lot, but it wasn’t easy. They nearly capsized after encountering a mutated octopus."

Noticing Qin Sheng’s charm at work, Qin Mu felt a bit helpless and interjected, "You seem to know a lot. We also know many friends from the city lord’s guard. My brother is also a member of the guard, but we haven’t heard this news at all."

The young nurse lowered her voice, "My elder sister is also a nurse and joined the medical team on the ship. Our parents were worried for a long time. My sister said the pay was good, and in difficult times, it’s important to earn more. Even with so many psychic teams leading, if something happens, it’s fate. There’s nothing to complain about."

Qin Mu comforted her, "It must have been really tough. Fortunately, the gods protected you, and she returned safely."

The young nurse, feeling touched, said, "Exactly. We’ve been burning incense at home every day."

By the time they reached the director’s office, she stopped talking, her smile fading as she guided them to the door and knocked. "Director Yuan, the two Mr. Qins are here."

With a warm smile, Yuan Xuegang greeted them, "Please sit. You must be the Qin brothers—impressive young men." A server came over and poured tea for them.

Qin Mu didn’t rush to sit down but bowed slightly to Yuan Xuegang with Qin Sheng, smiling, "Director Yuan, I am Qin Mu, and this is my brother Qin Sheng. We are honored to be invited by you today and are at your service. Please let us know how we can assist you."

Yuan Xuegang, somewhat surprised, said, "Please sit. I heard that the Qin brothers come from a poor family and couldn’t finish high school. I didn’t expect such grace from you."

Qin Mu laughed, a bit embarrassed, "Director Yuan, I’m just putting on a good face. If you ask more, you’ll see through me. I left school early to work on international shipping routes. I may not be well-educated, but I learned a bit about dealing with people from others on the ship. I would never dare to show off in front of you, Director Yuan. I only hope not to embarrass myself or offend my elders. Please forgive me."

Yuan Xuegang, seeing how humble Qin Mu was, originally thought from the information that one worked as a seaman, while the other struggled through vocational school and got involved in gang activities before being expelled.

Rumor has it that he hasn't made any remarkable achievements in the guard squad either. Gold-type abilities don't have much advantage against zombies; it's more about being fearless. However, there is one thing that people who have met the second son of the Qin family can't help but mention—he is incredibly handsome.

Photos don't do him justice. In person, he is indeed strikingly handsome, with sharp and lively eyes. His features are sharp and distinct, and his demeanor is reserved yet confident. His manners are graceful and polite, and he lowers his stance in conversation, making it hard to deliver the reprimand I had prepared.

Yuan Xuegang smiled and said, "Xiao Qin is truly humble. I pride myself on having some insight into people. You two are no ordinary men. In peaceful times, people are judged by their education, work, and family background. Your family's poor circumstances held you back. But in these chaotic times, heroes like you emerge."

Qin Mu smiled and said, "My brother and I are just trying to get by. I believe the reason we've caught your attention, Director Yuan, is because of the small business we're running—selling Zombie Repellent and Zombie Attractant. Did this cause some trouble?"

Yuan Xuegang was surprised by his directness and thought to himself, *He's quite clever.* With a friendly smile, he replied, "Indeed. When your brother sells these medicines, many assume they come from the city lord's mansion. As more of these medicines are bought, people have come to me to inquire about the formula. That's how I became aware of this matter."

Qin Mu knew this was an indirect way of accusing his brother of using the city lord's name to sell the medicine. Although that was indeed their plan, they couldn't admit it now. He smiled and said, "We wouldn't be so reckless. When we sell the medicine, we always say it's sourced from other bases. We've never dared to use the city lord's name. However, this medicine is indeed effective in repelling and capturing zombies. It works immediately, so I don't think anyone would call it fake."

Yuan Xuegang smiled and said, "Indeed, we've tested both types of medicine and analyzed some of their components. However, we haven't been able to confirm the method for mass production. That's why I wanted to ask you. These medicines can truly benefit the public. It would be even better if they could be mass-produced."

Qin Mu smiled and spread his hands. "To be honest, my brother and I are not highly educated, so we don't understand the components of the medicine. We can't lie to you, Director Yuan. Even though we tell people the medicine comes from Sanchu Base, that's not true."

He had never been to Sanchu Base. It might deceive ordinary people due to the current communication difficulties, but it wouldn't fool the city lord.

Yuan Xuegang raised his eyebrows. "Oh? Not from Sanchu Base?"

Qin Mu said, "Don't even mention it. A while back, my brother and I went out to catch some fish because our supplies were running low after the winter. While we were at the beach, we encountered zombies. My brother has abilities, so he held them off and told me to run. In my panic, I slipped and fell into the sea."

Yuan Xuegang looked at him in surprise. "That dangerous?"

Qin Mu said, "It happened on April 28th. You can check the records at the city gate. My brother couldn't find me and didn't know I had fallen into the sea. As it got dark, he had to return to the city for fear of encountering a horde of zombies."

Yuan Xuegang nodded. "And then?"

Qin Mu said, "I'm a good swimmer since I grew up by the sea. Although I fell in, I didn't panic. I tried to swim to the shore, but the tide pulled me out to sea. As it got dark and the water turned cold, I thought it was the end. But then, a ship appeared and rescued me."

Yuan Xuegang was surprised. "A ship? What type?"

Qin Mu said, "A 905 large deep-sea fishing yacht. The crew rescued me, gave me dry clothes, food, and drink, and asked where I was from and how I ended up in the sea."

Yuan Xuegang asked, "What was their accent?"

Qin Mu said, "They weren't locals. They had a northern accent, and... I feel like they were..." He subtly made a gesture with his mouth.

Yuan Xuegang was startled. "What do you mean?"

Qin Mu said, "From our experience at sea, although they were using civilian speedboats, their operations and flag signals weren't those of ordinary merchant ships."

Qin Mu continued, "Moreover, they had psychics. I saw them using electricity to hunt mutated fish, apparently for the sake of obtaining king-class crystal cores." He seamlessly incorporated the information he had heard earlier, making it sound flawless.

Yuan Xuegang's expression turned serious. "And then?"

Qin Mu said, "It got dark soon after, and they put me in a cabin without letting me out. Later, someone came to discuss business with me, offering me the chance to be the sole distributor of a batch of medicine in Beiming City. They showed me a list of medicines and prices, and naturally, I agreed—it seemed like a great opportunity."

"I stayed on the ship for a week before they dropped me off at the shore. They told me the medicines had been delivered to my home and instructed me to sell them according to the list, splitting the profits 50/50."

"Of course, I asked them where the medicines were sourced from, and they told me to say they were from Central Base. If anyone pressed further, I was to say that asking could lead to deadly consequences."

"I was a bit afraid, but I also thought that the bigger the waves, the more fish there are. Making money always involves some risk. So, I took the plunge and decided to sell the medicines. I couldn't tell anyone about the ship, so I just said the medicines were from Sanchu Base. My brother thought I had gone to Sanchu Base since I hadn't returned, but now that you've asked, Director Yuan, we wouldn't dare hide anything."

Yuan Xuegang nodded. "So, it seems you really don't know the composition of the medicine. We'll try to research and develop this type of medicine ourselves."

Qin Mu smiled and said, "Our small business depends on the protection of Lord Gong of Beiming City. We only think about how to repay his kindness in looking after us common folks. Originally, the medicine was to be split 50/50, but we can adjust it so that the medical institute gets 30%, and we take 20%."

Yuan Xuegang was somewhat surprised. "You can make that decision? And you're okay with only 20%?"

Qin Mu saw that Yuan Xuegang didn't outright reject the offer but instead directly asked if he could make the decision. Understanding immediately, Qin Mu knew that the other party wanted in on this channel. He smiled and said, "If the medical clinic is also selling it, what worries would we have on our side? This business is definitely going to be big! What can we achieve with our small operations? The medical clinic should take the larger share. As for whether I can decide, I had already *tentatively* asked before. If I wanted to find a distributor, would that be okay? They said as long as it's within my five-share, I can operate however I want."

"There's just one rule: the pricing must follow the standard rates. Raising prices privately is not allowed. If prices are raised, the supply will be cut off immediately. Also, the zombie attractant and repellent must be rationed. Each person can only buy two bags per day."

Yuan Xuegang was surprised. "They sell this medicine so cheaply and still ration it. How do they make a profit?"

Qin Mu said, "I also mentioned that psychics are willing to pay high prices for these medicines. Selling them so cheaply might lead to supply issues. We could set higher prices and only lower them once *generic versions* hit the market. By then, it would be time to reduce prices."

"But they said they aren't afraid of imitations because even if someone tries to copy them, they can't mass-produce them cheaply. So, they're not concerned about others copying their product."

Yuan Xuegang said, "Are they trying to do charity?"

Qin Mu replied, "That's exactly what they said. They believe that the more ordinary people survive, the bigger our market will be."

Yuan Xuegang was taken aback and fell into deep thought.

Qin Mu smiled at him and said, "If you agree, we just received a new batch of medicine. I'll send half of it over to you this afternoon, along with the *pricing list*."

Seeing his eagerness, Yuan Xuegang felt that Qin Mu genuinely wanted to establish a connection with the city lord's mansion and decided not to rush. "No hurry. I need to report this to the city lord. Besides, these medicines are complex, and we need to conduct clinical tests on each one. If they're ineffective, selling fake medicines at the city lord's mansion or the medical clinic would be a scandal, damaging our reputation."

Qin Mu smiled and said, "You're absolutely right to consider that. We'll wait for your message. However..." Qin Mu glanced at Yuan Xuegang's expression again. "They told me when delivering the goods that I must not inquire about the *supply channels* or follow the people delivering the medicines..."

Qin Sheng, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Elder Yuan, as a psychic, I'm more sensitive. If someone follows me, I'll know. With so many zombies outside, it would be a shame if someone were to lose their life because they were following me."

Yuan Xuegang looked at Qin Sheng, who had been quietly sitting there but now *revealed his sharp edge*. He smiled and said, "So the younger brother has some *sharpness*. Don't worry, since you've both agreed to cooperate, why would we suspect our partners? I can guarantee no one was following you. Are you relieved now?"

Qin Mu smiled and said, "Xiao Sheng is still young and *immature*. Please bear with him, Elder Yuan."

Yuan Xuegang laughed. "A bit of *sharpness* is necessary to build a career. I have high hopes for you both. Go back and wait for our message. I'll have someone escort you out."

As the two brothers stood up and bowed respectfully before leaving, Yuan Xuegang remained seated. A person emerged from the inner office, none other than Gong Yanqing, the lord of Beiming City.

Yuan Xuegang smiled and said, "The timeline matches what we've investigated. Someone did approach Qin Sheng and delivered medicine, quite generously, along with a rare *mutated dog*, a military breed. But it's not feasible to investigate further, especially if the military is involved. With these two medicines, we can better consolidate *public support*. Others will think we have a strong ally behind us."

He sighed, "It's no longer our old era. These young ones are impressive. Since they're willing to cooperate and have lowered their stance, it's best to cooperate by bestowing favors. These two brothers have placed themselves in a humble position but have completely taken control of the situation without appearing greedy. They've handed over the larger share without regret."

Gong Yanqing said, "They are indeed talented, humble yet in control. Although Qin Sheng didn't say a word and let his brother do the talking, he sat there with broad shoulders and a straight back, focused on our conversation. His sharp eyes followed my expressions closely, showing he's very much involved and not just leaving everything to his brother. As a gold psychic, his potential for growth is immense. Why didn't I choose him during the *bridegroom selection event*?"

Yuan Xuegang said, "Now that you mention it, he does seem quite impressive. Although he didn't say anything just now, his presence was felt. He wasn't just leaving everything to his brother."

Gong Yanqing said, "He received the invitation but didn't attend the event. Later, I heard through the *intermediary* that he had caught a cold and fallen ill."

Yuan Xuegang said, "Fate, I suppose."

Gong Yanqing said, "The timing of this mysterious person approaching the two brothers is too coincidental, right at the critical moment of my *bridegroom selection event*."

Yuan Xuegang raised his eyebrows. "Wasn't it said that he accidentally *fell into the sea*?"

Gong Yanqing said, "With *psychic abilities*, I can think of several ways to make someone fall into the sea while they think it was their own mistake."

Yuan Xuegang thought for a moment and then said, "So do they want Qin Sheng to become your son-in-law or not? If he became your son-in-law, wouldn't it be more advantageous for them to achieve their goals?"

Gong Yanqing said, "I don't know. I don't know why Qin Sheng didn't attend the event, nor do I understand why they bypassed the Gong family to sell medicine here without hiding their identity. I feel this is a warning."

Yuan Xuegang said, "A warning?"

Gong Yanqing said, "They know everything about the city lord's mansion and are fully aware of the *crisis situation* I'm facing. By selecting Qin Sheng as a potential son-in-law and openly revealing their identity as part of the Central Base, they are warning us about what they're capable of doing at this *sensitive* and critical moment."

He recalled the words of the young man who had a calm demeanor that didn't match his educational background and slowly said, "The more ordinary people survive, the bigger the market. This tone sounds a lot like Old Tan's."

Yuan Xuegang said, "How so?"

Gong Yanqing said, "Representatives from the Central Base arrived yesterday with an invitation. A city lord conference will be held at the Central Base in a month, inviting all base leaders to attend. A joint declaration agreement will be signed at the conference, and the template of the agreement has been sent in advance for feedback."

Yuan Xuegang asked, "What's the content of the agreement?"

Gong Yanqing shook his head, "The agreement is mostly filled with lofty themes about solidarity and working for the people. The main clauses include establishing a joint coordination mechanism, revising base laws, exchanging psychic talents, sharing research results, and building the psychic industry. The key requirement is recognizing the United Government, agreeing to deploy military personnel, and accepting a base commander. Of course, they will give us some seats as well."

Yuan Xuegang said, "The key point is the deployment of military personnel. Once a commander is assigned, we would essentially hand over Beiming City. Can we delay or just say we're sick and can't attend? As a private base, we're likely to be manipulated and annexed. Also, I heard that the Central Base has some preferential terms for psychics. If those are implemented, the psychics here might not stay."

Gong Yanqing shook his head, "Probably not. Tan Kai from the Central Base has been acting tough recently, and I don't have time. We're just a small private base. They didn't bother with us before because we were too far away. Now that they've invited us to the conference, we have to go. Lord Liu's sister is coming this time, and from what I hear, we have to attend the meeting and try to secure as much autonomy as possible."

"The Lin Dong, Jing Nan, Xi Ning, and Zhen Bei bases were official ones and nominally recognized the united government of survivors. But the private bases didn't care much. However, I heard that the Central Base recently went to clean up and annex several bases. Do you know Thunder Base? Lord Long Kebiao was taken to the Central Base and only released after signing everything."

Yuan Xuegang sighed, "Well, let's give my niece some time first. She's just gotten married, and it's always a good start. She's been a good student since she was young and smart. As long as her husband helps her, she'll get the hang of things slowly."

Gong Yanqing sighed softly, "But I don't have time to protect her anymore... In the old peaceful times, when the old man and my older brothers were around, along with many uncles and cousins, I didn't have to worry about the family business. I just took some shares and didn't want to lie around, so I started a duck farm to sell sea duck eggs. But she thought it didn't sound good and wanted to do export trade."

"She wanted to study abroad, and I thought studying was ambitious, so I let her. When she graduates and returns, I can support her financially while she tries out any industry. I didn't know how to do business either, and it was through constant losses that I gained experience. Even if she falls for a pretty boy, there are ways to ensure he leaves without taking anything from Feishuang, forcing him to always please her."

"Who knew the world would turn chaotic so fast? Money became worthless, shares fake, and degrees and companies... Now it's all about who has the most power and the most psychics on their side. Psychics keep upgrading, and one day, they won't take orders from ordinary people anymore. We're just lucky to have grabbed the opportunity when the official world collapsed during the apocalypse. With the luck of having a supermarket, feed mill, and duck farm workers, we controlled Beiming City. Before the apocalypse, we wouldn't have had a say."

Yuan Xuegang comforted him, "We started to protect ourselves, and it was a twist of fate that so many people turned into zombies. It's also the times that make people."

Gong Yanqing was a bit anxious, "There's not a single psychic among the Gong family members. Who can protect Feishuang? They're all busy marrying psychics. That pretty boy definitely won't do. The power we hold isn't money. Without legal protection, we can't save money in the bank for her or keep people for her. We can't set up a foundation anymore. Now that it's no longer a civilized society, it's the age of the strong... With so many gangs in Beiming City, it's not easy to maintain control. I need a strong successor—someone who can protect her."

Yuan Xuegang sighed, "You were righteous before, which is why more people helped you, and hearts didn't turn immediately. The Yuan family doesn't have many capable people either. Don't think too much. It's fate. We've survived the apocalypse and are doing well. It's already good. Think about your older brothers. Ah, since the apocalypse, they've turned into zombies. It's good enough to be alive."

Gong Yanqing, who usually had no one to talk to about these things, confided in his uncle, "Nowadays, even ordinary people struggle to live with dignity, let alone her, a young girl. I can only try to pick the most responsible psychic husband for her in the remaining time, and hopefully, they'll have psychic children. Whether it's a boy or a girl, as long as they have the Gong family name, it'll silence the other family members. The key is this husband must be able to hold his ground. Now it seems Wu Zhou... is kind but lacks some ability and tactics."

He leaned back in his chair tiredly, "I was too hasty. They recommended the Qin family first, and I should have looked more. When the two brothers walked in today, I regretted it. These talents just didn't have the chance or a good family background before. If we give them some support, they can become dragons. Forget it. I don't dare hope for Beiming City anymore. Let's see what happens at the Central Base this time. If it doesn't work out, we'll hand it over to the united government and just seek peace."

Yuan Xuegang thought for a moment and took a bottle of medicine from the table to show him, "By the way, among the medicine the Qin brothers sell, this Sanjie Huisheng Pill is said to inhibit tumor growth, relieve pain, and be suitable for long-term use. I asked around, and apparently, a member of the guard team bought it for his father who has stomach cancer, and there's been improvement."

"I tested the ingredients of the medicine. Although there's no clear target and blind testing is hard, based on ancient formulas and some targeted experiments with cancer-effective herbs, the effective ingredient seems to be extracted from cacti, and..."

He showed him the medicines, "I had someone buy back samples of each of their medicines. The more expensive ones, which require attribute crystal cores to purchase and are marked with a star, are likely made from mutated herbs."

Gong Yanqing said, "You mean the raw material for this medicine is likely mutated cactus?"

Yuan Xuegang said, "It's possible. In traditional medicine, cacti have been recorded to treat some cancer-related symptoms, and there are folk remedies using cacti to treat cancer. Cactus extracts contain compounds that have shown some effectiveness against tumor cells in lab tests."

"While its effectiveness still needs more research, we've used it as a complementary treatment to ease chemotherapy pain. Even Dr. Liu can't help. It's just fate. Alright, I'll take it as a placebo. If it can reduce some pain, that's good enough."

Yuan Xuegang comforted him, "The Psychic Research Institute at the Central Base has indeed researched more deeply, gathering famous medical experts from various places. I heard they're still building labs. Since you're going to the Central Base, why not seek medical treatment there? There might be new opportunities."

Gong Yanqing nodded, wanting to say more, when a trusted aide hurried to the door, "Lord, there's an urgent matter to report." Seeing Yuan Xuegang, he hesitated, and Gong Yanqing said, "No secrets from Uncle. What’s going on?"

The aide said, "The envoy from the Central Base, who came with a team of special operations guards, had a Captain Jiang leading a helicopter out today. We don't know the target, and our people didn't dare ask or follow. We can only report to you. Should we follow?"

Gong Yanqing was silent for a moment and smiled bitterly, "We can't follow unless we want to declare war on the Central Base immediately. Let’s act like nothing happened. As long as they’re not in Beiming Base, they can go wherever they want."