Chapter 114: City of Dreams

Chapter 114: City of Dreams

Jiang Rongqian and Dong Kexin returned in the evening and immediately took over the operations at the military camp. They finally brought all of Yao Huan's books, which were carried by four orderlies, and set everything up for him.

Jiang Rongqian also rechecked and serviced the drone station for Zhou Yun.

Zhou Yun smiled and asked Jiang Rongqian, "Since Captain Jiang is staying long-term, have you chosen a villa? I heard your wife and little niece have come too?"

Jiang Rongqian chuckled, "Yes, the elders in our family have passed away, so she brought the child along this time."

"We've already picked a house, chosen together with Kexin. Only those with families have chosen, and Kexin has also picked one. The rest who are unmarried, the captain has arranged to stay together in one villa as the operational quarters for the special operations team, not allowing any extra occupancy."

"Kexin, Wu Jun, and Tang Anchen have all arrived. Zhang Qi's family is in Central Base, so he didn't come, but he sends his best and says he'll visit when he can."

"The captain also handpicked a few psychic team members, reliable core members you haven't met yet. They should be introduced to you after some training."

Zhou Yun smiled, "He's been swamped since you got here."

Jiang Rongqian explained, "There's too much to arrange. Half of the hundred-member assault team from the special operations team has come, the rest stayed in Central Base. The transition was quite rushed. Central Base might have vulnerabilities in its defenses. The captain, being so responsible, naturally isn't at ease, so he keeps arranging and confirming."

"Besides the matters in Central Base, there are new rules here, camp construction planning, logistics preparation and transportation, military base access management, surrounding security and internal patrol schedules, training plans, life management, weapon and equipment management... everything requires his personal oversight."

"And this time, we brought over five thousand residents from Central Base, so their accommodations need to be arranged in advance."

"We flew in as the advance team. If we don't prepare ahead of time, we'll be swamped when the main force arrives."

Zhou Yun, "Don't you help him with these? Does he have to manage even these small things?" Since his guild appointed a vice president and four directors, he's been really comfortable, only occasionally answering questions on the forum.

Jiang Rongqian laughed, "Team Guan has always been this way—no matter how minor the issue, he insists on overseeing it himself, very strict. He always says details determine success or failure, failing at the ninety-ninth step equals zero."

Zhou Yun, "..."

Jiang Rongqian explained, "Military discipline is unyielding; a small mistake on the battlefield could mean defeat."

Zhou Yun said, "I understand, a small leak can sink a great ship." But, isn't it too tiring?

Jiang Rongqian said, "That's just the captain's way—equally strict with himself, which is why everyone respects him."

Zhou Yun whispered, "How many of you followed him to encircle General Ye's house that day, truly risking your lives?"

Jiang Rongqian chuckled, "The captain issued a military order not to disclose the details of that day. He especially told us, the special operations team members, not to say a word, especially to you."

Zhou Yun, "..."

Jiang Rongqian said, "If Dr. Zhou wants to know, he should just ask Team Guan directly."

Zhou Yun touched his nose, "Forget it."

======

Amid his hectic schedule, Guan Yuanfeng took Jiang Rongqian and Dong Kexin to Nirvana Manor to meet with Tianlang. Surprisingly, almost all those above the third rank with star ranks stayed, while some of the lower-ranked members, concerned about their families, decided to return. Guan Yuanfeng arranged helicopters to take them back.

Before sending them off, Guan Yuanfeng called Ye Yuqing alone to discuss the handling of the Tianlang team, "Those willing to return, I've given them helicopters to go back on their own. Please instruct not to shoot them down by mistake, I won't be responsible."

Ye Yuqing was somewhat surprised, "Thank you, I thought they were all dead, and had already issued condolence payments."

Guan Yuanfeng, "..."

Ye Yuqing spoke calmly, "I heard the construction progress in Guixu City is quite good? Do you need me to send some people to help with the construction?"

Guan Yuanfeng flatly refused, "No need."

Ye Yuqing chuckled, "I still owe you a favor. I can send people to assist."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "If you want to repay the favor, trade it with oil and gas. An annual supply of 200,000 tons should suffice."

Ye Yuqing: "...Alright, Green Bird Pharmaceuticals has some pretty good meds. How about we trade instead?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "Didn't you say it was to repay a favor?"

Ye Yuqing: "Favors are favors, business is business. The oil is the base's, not mine personally. My men also risked their lives to protect the oil fields."

Guan Yuanfeng mocked him: "When you sent over twenty people to kill, why didn't you say they weren't your personal property?"

Ye Yuqing laughed: "Guan Yuanfeng, I thought you should understand. In the apocalypse, human life is cheaper than stuff. You and I are just consumables. Of course, Dongjun is different. He is a god who can create consumables. If you send Dongjun to me, I guarantee an annual supply of 200,000 tons of oil and gas for Guixu City."

Guan Yuanfeng: "Screw off."

However, early the next morning, Ye Yuqing called immediately: "Those prisoner uniforms that can restrain psychics, give me 10,000 sets. I'll trade you 50,000 tons of gasoline and 50,000 cubic meters of gas for it."

Guan Yuanfeng frowned deeply, about to curse, but Zhou Yun, who was pouring soy milk for Guan Yuanfeng, overheard and said, "Agree to it. This thing isn't rocket science and will eventually be widely used. They are just taking the lead."

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

Ye Yuqing, hearing this on the phone, laughed: "Dongjun is generous."

Guan Yuanfeng changed his tone: "Too little. Double it."

Ye Yuqing sighed: "Old Guan, do you think this is pre-apocalypse production capacity? I still have to guard against enemies from the sea. I really can't do more. Doesn't the South China Sea have oil too? Figure out how to restore production. Other things can be discussed too, like Green Bird Pharmaceuticals' meds and your mutated grain seeds."

Zhou Yun said, "Fine, manufacturing takes time. We can deliver in three batches. The oil and gas must be delivered in cash, preferably before winter snow arrives."

Ye Yuqing smiled: "Agreeing so quickly, it seems the raw materials are pretty common. The prisoners from Tianlang told me it feels like shadow hemp. Let me think... I heard Green Bird Pharmaceuticals and Jing Nan Base have both placed large orders for shadow hemp with Mobei City. So the raw material is shadow hemp?"

Zhou Yun shamelessly said, "There's still some tech involved. And General Ye, if you try to negotiate with Mobei City for shadow hemp now, you might not get such a large quantity at such a low price. Mobei is already at minus twenty degrees Celsius, and transportation is a big issue."

Ye Yuqing laughed: "You're right. Alright, it's a deal. Consider it an apology to Dongjun. The brothers who went to invite him were too rash. I heard Dongjun got hurt, and I feel bad about it."

Zhou Yun: "It's fine. Feel free to send more folks to help me grow meds."

Ye Yuqing laughed heartily: "I'd like to send people, but Old Guan won't allow it."

Zhou Yun glanced at Guan Yuanfeng and quickly changed his tone: "Indeed, it's not very practical. Better to exchange for oil and gas. To sincerely apologize, give a bit more. Our new base is desperate for energy."

Ye Yuqing: "...You sound just like Old Guan. Since Dongjun has spoken, how can I not support? Mutated grain seeds and mutated herbs can all be part of the order. I'll send someone to discuss the details with Old Guan."

Zhou Yun said, "It's a deal. But let me be clear, the mutated grain seeds still need improvement. The current seeds are better suited for our southern region. You'll need to get some ag experts to re-cultivate and test your soil."

Ye Yuqing was actually a bit surprised: "I figured Dongjun would keep those mutated grain seeds under wraps. Isn't that wheat seed cultivation difficult? I heard Li Xiong's mutated poppies couldn't be cultivated to produce the next generation."

Zhou Yun casually said, "Grain keeps people alive. In the apocalypse, isn't it better if everyone survives? General Ye, you're so smart. Why should I have to spell it out for you?"

Ye Yuqing was speechless.

Zhou Yun hung up the phone.

On the other end, Ye Yuqing murmured, "Is it really just about saving lives, that simple?" Ling Dingxiu beside him said, "Who knows what's up with those mutated grain seeds? What if they added some slow-acting poison or genetic drugs, or something like those mutated poppies? What if eating it lets him control us?"

Ye Yuqing: "..."

Ling Dingxiu continued, "We gotta vet those released prisoners hard. They might have been deliberately sent to deceive us. Who knows if those psychic-restraining prisoner uniforms even exist? Otherwise, why didn't any high-ranking ones return? They were all held back, and only the small fry were let go."

"Sending over so much oil and gas is such a waste!"

Ye Yuqing glanced at Ling Dingxiu, pondering deeply, "Let's not even discuss whether it's currently possible to control people with food—it sounds too fantastical... Just think about how openly they released people, while we're here making dark speculations. They're selling mutated grain seeds to help more people survive, yet we're hoarding oil fields and exchanging them at high prices for equipment. It seems we're the ones acting like villains."

Ling Dingxiu: "..."

Ye Yuqing concluded, "You might not last past three episodes, but I'll probably make it to the finale."

===

Zhou Yun, however, was quite pleased, "Shadow hemp is bound to be widely used. Securing this much oil and gas now means Guixu City will be set for the winter. This deal is a big win." He eagerly called Zhu Zhuan, urging him to quickly produce three thousand sets of shadow hemp prison uniforms.

Guan Yuanfeng remarked, "I thought you didn't like him." He picked up the already cooled soy milk cup and put it back in the microwave to reheat.

Zhou Yun was nonchalant, "We have a base to maintain now, and winter is just around the corner. Personal grievances can be set aside—it's not really about personal issues, just conflicts of interest, different paths."

Plus, they sent people over for him to practice with, showing that there are always stronger psychics out there, but he couldn't mention this to Guan Yuanfeng, who would surely nag.

He changed the subject, "In the long term, we still need to solve our energy issues ourselves."

Guan Yuanfeng simply said, "We've been discussing with City Lord Gong the possibility of restarting the offshore oil fields in the South Sea."

Zhou Yun knew this wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight and asked him, "You've been so busy lately, what's on your agenda today?"

Outside the 30th-floor window, the weather was clear, and this good weather was the last calm after the typhoon. Judging from last year's situation, winter would soon set in directly.

They needed to quickly settle all the residents and the new base, which was Guixu City's first major test.

Though he remained confident there would be no issues.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "The garrison and the first group of residents from Central Base are about to arrive. I've arranged for people to clear out all mutated beasts, mutated plants, and zombies from the residential areas. We're conducting a thorough disinfection, checking water and electricity facilities, reinforcing the walls of the residential areas, and setting up patrols."

Zhou Yun nodded, "No wonder you've been hard to catch these days."

Guan Yuanfeng smiled, "Aren't you keeping your teacher company?"

Zhou Yun, "My teacher doesn't need me around. When he's free, he chats with the Taoist masters... He usually just nags me about my thesis progress when he sees me... I'm a bit scared to see him."

Guan Yuanfeng took the reheated soy milk from the microwave and handed it to him, "Then why don't you get cracking on your thesis? No one bothers you on the 30th floor."

Zhou Yun complained, "Busy, handling medical base matters with Dr. Qi. We've selected the First Hospital as the main hospital base. The Third Hospital was cleaned out by us before."

Guan Yuanfeng felt a bit heartache, "Didn't I have Xiao Jiang send all the military doctors your way? Should I step in and ask Beiming City to send some people over? City Lord Gong would agree."

Zhou Yun said, "No need, once the new people arrive, the issue should be under control."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "I heard from Xiao Jiang that you're using your real name at the hospital, which makes me a bit nervous."

Zhou Yun was indifferent, "They don't know I'm Dongjun. And..." He glanced at Guan Yuanfeng, "Haven't you already stationed people around me?"

Guan Yuanfeng laughed.

Zhou Yun said, "I'm at the fifth level."

Guan Yuanfeng teased casually, "Yes, the fifth level who almost had his heart pierced in a sneak attack."

Zhou Yun: "..." The black mark won't go away.

He swiftly changed the subject, "Speaking of which, when I was doing a check-up for Wei Anguo yesterday, he said that even in the apocalypse, he still hopes to reinstall his original weapon prosthetic, as he's already used to it."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Let him be."

Zhou Yun said, "He seems to really trust you."

Guan Yuanfeng didn't care: "Many people trust me."

Zhou Yun: "..."

Guan Yuanfeng glanced at him and couldn't help but laugh: "Don't believe it?"

Zhou Yun also smiled: "General Guan is awe-inspiring and commands universal respect."

As the two were laughing and talking, Guan Yuanfeng's phone vibrated. He picked it up and answered, his expression returning to its usual seriousness and sternness: "Understood. Be safe."

Zhou Yun was already used to him being more like a person in front of him, but once outside, he became the "Captain Guan" or "General Guan," always serious and unsmiling. He tidied up the breakfast dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher, then went into the study, finally opening his computer, planning to at least write a literature review today to avoid being nagged by his teacher every day.

After finishing the call, Guan Yuanfeng saw that Zhou Yun was already sitting in the study, fully focused on the computer, so he didn't disturb him and quietly left alone.

======

With the addition of Tan Lang, who has earth abilities, and Tang Anchen, along with the new members of the Tianlang team who have wood psychic abilities, the construction progress sped up significantly, and the mutated cacti walls quickly closed in.

The day after the walls were completed, the first group of troops and civilians from Central Base arrived.

During the long and tedious journey, buses, military transport trucks, and military vehicles formed a long convoy, slowly moving along the southern highway.

Since entering the south, there were green mountains everywhere, continuous and undulating, which was quite uplifting when viewed from the car window. At first, it felt fresh, but the endless journey, punctuated by occasional encounters with mutated zombies and beast hordes, quickly wore away that sense of novelty.

The overly long migration, the anxiety and hesitation about future life, and the doubts about their own decisions made the ordinary residents who came from Central Base start to feel low.

The monotonous sound of wheels rubbing against the ground, the endless and repetitive green mountains outside the window, the long highway that seemed to have no end—inside the vehicle, the travelers were dozing off, their faces etched with the weariness and numbness of the journey.

The first to notice something special were the children.

A five-year-old girl's voice rang out clearly in the carriage: "Mom, is that a fairy tale castle?"

The girl's mother didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just a pre-apocalypse children's entertainment facility they were passing by, but when she also looked out the window, her eyes widened.

An astonishing sight suddenly came into view.

On the distant horizon, a deep green city wall stood prominently, instantly shattering the monotony of the journey.

Guixu City, it seemed to have risen from a dream, standing under the sky, with countless towering columnar cacti tightly packed together, standing like swords, piercing the sky.