Chapter 115: Apocalypse Tavern

Chapter 115: Apocalypse Tavern

On the Central Base's forum, several photos of the mutated cacti walls and gates quickly appeared.

At first, people casually clicked in to see what was happening: "Mutated cacti? Wow, they're so big! Where is this?"

"Can we really have such large mutated columnar cacti in our country?"

"These seem to have been artificially planted."

"Is this a photo or AI-generated? Growing such large mutated columnar cacti artificially for walls—how much time would that take?!"

"Wait, did you see that? 'Guixu'—is this that Guixu City?"

"Which Guixu City?"

"It's only been a little over twenty days, and you've already forgotten? Dongjun's Guixu City."

"Wow! Are wood psychic abilities really this powerful now? Are these artificially grown mutated cacti?"

Soon, the original poster replied: "After traveling thousands of miles, I found the trip worthwhile. I'll post more pictures when the network is better. Currently, we're still in the process of registering and settling in. I must say, it's much better than I imagined. At least during the apocalypse, we can live in such a magical city. I can only say, it's worth experiencing this world once."

Soon, others who had arrived also started posting.

The forum was filled with detailed photos of the cacti walls.

The massive, hard-to-close deep green stems of the cacti were covered in sharp, long thorns, with large, plate-sized flowers nestled among the spines. The petals were as thin as silk, and you could almost smell their fragrance when up close.

The cacti stems and leaves were lush, winding around the dark wooden plaque at the city gate, with the characters 'Guixu' written in bold, powerful calligraphy.

The awe-inspiring green pillars rose from the ground, towering and imposing, like countless green giants standing tall, connected to form an endless, majestic wall that resembled a dragon.

The deep green columnar cacti walls stretched into the distance, merging with the clear blue sky on the horizon, against a backdrop of a transparent azure sky and distant, rolling mountains.

The photos also showed the military defense team at the city gate checking residents' temperatures and screening for zombie viruses. There were scenes of a simple 'Infrastructure Command Center' along the commercial street, long lines of residents registering, with service personnel diligently recording information. There were also clear and concise notice boards detailing the registration process and precautions.

Some shared details of the boxed meals they received: a standard meal with a fried egg, bean sprouts, greens, pickled vegetables with salted fish, a few slices of sausage, white rice, and seaweed egg drop soup.

Others took pictures of the residential area: neat apartment complexes, clearly swept roads, well-trimmed flower beds with sulfur powder sprinkled around to repel snakes and insects, and lime powder in the drainage ditches for disinfection.

The apartments were clean and tidy, equipped with basic furniture like beds, wardrobes, and desks. Each household was assigned a suite, with single individuals getting small studio dormitories, all equipped with landline phones.

The residential area had centralized dining halls, community medical points, small shops, internet cafes, fitness and entertainment venues, and study rooms.

Due to difficulties in natural gas supply, residents were temporarily eating in centralized dining halls. New arrivals had a three-day buffer period, and those without crystal cores could temporarily use free relief meal boxes. Families with infants were also provided with free baby formula.

Finally, someone noticed: "So many people are posting—is the internet traffic free?"

Soon, someone replied: "Indeed, mobile phones can directly connect to the internet. The residential area has public Wi-Fi with a shared password. There are also internet cafes where you can use computers for free for a limited time."

Some were envious, but others said: "Guixu City has so few people, probably not even 50,000. Relying on the original data center and servers from Danlin City, they can definitely provide free internet. It's not like Central Base, which has hundreds of thousands of people."

"Free internet, free accommodation, and food—they're clearly trying to get people to post and promote Guixu City."

"Indeed, they're good at promotion. I heard there's a second batch coming. I have several relatives at home; I'll go back and convince them to go to Guixu City. It's better than relying on relatives and friends."

"Honestly, seeing such massive mutated cacti walls, I really want to see them in person. It's a pity it's not pre-apocalypse anymore; it's not easy to travel now."

"Psychics can probably do it."

"Psychics are like the elite; they wouldn’t bother mixing in forums like ours. They’re all hanging out in the major guilds and psychic societies’ forums."

====

In the spacious temporary office of the command center, Zhu Zhuan was pleased as he browsed through the forum posts: "My strategy is working great; look at all this free publicity. The base’s communication forum is also starting to see residents register and post."

Before the garrison and first residents arrived, Zhu Zhuan and Qin Mu had discussed setting up a construction site command center on the commercial pedestrian street under Yunding Mountain Villa, utilizing the commercial square and nearby shops. They selected a mall office to serve as the general command and office area, using the existing office space and equipment as the core management area of the entire command center, responsible for overall coordination.

They set up large tents outside the shops along the street, set up several office desks for new arrivals to register, assign them to temporary housing areas, and then arranged for staff to guide them onto buses to their assigned living areas.

The registration area was set up separately, with a notice area and a task distribution and collection area, equipped with several whiteboards displaying precautions and task lists, and a projection board to update the current status of tasks at any time. Once settled, residents could sign up here to receive work task sheets and confirm details.

On the commercial street, they also chose a large restaurant to serve as a temporary kitchen and dining area, equipped with a rest area, chairs, sun umbrellas, tents, and water dispensers, where workers could pick up lunch boxes and free soup.

Additionally, they designated areas near the shops for material and equipment storage, construction coordination command center, safety education and training area, emergency rescue and medical area, communication technology service area, and organized work groups with existing and military personnel to manage all tasks systematically.

Qin Sheng laughed: "Finally, all five thousand people have been accommodated. Starting tomorrow, they should start coming to pick up work tasks."

Qin Mu, however, shook his head somewhat pessimistically: "They’ve already completed data entry; you’ll see. Two-thirds are elderly and children requiring care, and there are also many with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or who are pregnant. There are few who can handle heavy construction labor and outdoor work at the base. Now, besides construction, we urgently need staff for pharmaceutical factories, clothing factories, wineries, and silkworm farms, all requiring shift work."

"Looking at today’s task sign-ups, there are very few, likely still waiting to see."

"Moreover, with today’s publicity, vulnerable groups from nearby bases will definitely try to come to Guixu City. Other bases will surely arrange vehicles and escorts to bring them here, as diverting these populations before winter can significantly reduce food pressure."

"And these pressures will fall on us."

Master Xinhai said leisurely: "There are almost no psychics here either, which isn’t surprising since psychics in other bases are tax-exempt and have no reason to come—but many psychics from nearby bases are already teaming up on the forum, planning to visit Guixu City."

Qin Mu said: "Then we need to create more attractions. How are the preparations for the temple and Taoist temple by the master and Taoist priest going?"

Master Xinhai replied: "There is already an existing temple, but the key issue is... there are no monks or Taoist priests. I’ve checked, and none in this batch are monks or Taoist priests... likely due to the hardships of the apocalypse, even if they were before, they’ve returned to secular life."

Zhu Zhuan laughed: "Take it slow; there are still many technical personnel, especially among those over fifty-five, many with professional technical experience, which is beneficial for the future."

Jiang Rongqian, who was discussing with Dong Kexin across the room, looked up and smiled: "It’s okay; the garrison is all young labor. Actually, after the city walls are enclosed, the remaining work isn’t urgent. We just need to focus on preparing for winter."

Qin Mu added: "The garrison mainly needs to ensure self-sufficiency first, and the residential area should also strive to enter a virtuous cycle."

"Now, the official intervention is too much. In the future, when there are more people, they won’t be able to keep up and will instead blame the base officials."

Zhou Yun, who had been concentrating on writing a thesis, now spoke up: "Priority should be given to building vegetable greenhouses and crop greenhouses—allocated to each household according to population, not communal dining. Each greenhouse should be guided by professional technical personnel, and members of the Wood Guild should be invited regularly to perform growth spells."

"Assign the greenhouse land to them, and prioritize distributing mutated wheat seeds, mutated kudzu, and mutated pumpkin seedlings to them. With these easy-to-grow items, no one will starve. Other vegetable seeds they can claim themselves."

"Those who don’t like planting can take on breeding tasks, split into smaller assignments—one sheep, ten chicken or duck chicks, etc."

"After it snows, distribute some cold-resistant quilts and cotton clothes."

"This way, the base has already provided a safety net, with minimum guarantees for food, clothing, and housing, safety within the base, and basic medical care provided. The rest they need to earn themselves."

As he was speaking, he suddenly heard piano music coming from outside.

He was startled. Qin Sheng rubbed his hands: "Shen Lan’s tavern has opened. This is an outdoor performance to attract customers for publicity. I also invited my band to come and warm up today! I’m off!"

After saying that, he got up, took the guitar hanging nearby, and quickly ran out.

Zhou Yun: "..."

The piano music played softly, like flowing water under the sunlight, piercing through the gloom, touching hearts.

Zhou Yun walked out and saw that the "Doomsday Tavern" was indeed open for business. A spacious two-story shop had a simple stage set up in front of it.

Shen Lan was playing the piano in a corner, his head slightly bowed. He wore a simple gray shirt, his elegant demeanor carrying a hint of melancholy and mystery, which attracted the attention of passersby.

Many of the newly arrived residents had just finished their boxed lunches and were wandering around the base, getting familiar with the area. Hearing the music, they gradually gathered around.

Seeing there was nothing else to attend to, Zhou Yun also entered the tavern. There weren't many people inside, and someone greeted him, "Dr. Zhou."

Zhou Yun looked closely and saw Wei Anguo and a few members of the Tianlang Squad sitting in an open booth by the window. Their gazes were somewhat hesitant and reserved, so Zhou Yun smiled and nodded at them.

Their expressions relaxed only then.

Hua Rou approached with a smile and pulled out a chair for him, "Dr. Zhou, come sit here. The view is good; you can see the performance on stage and the scenery by the roadside."

Zhou Yun sat down, and Hua Rou asked him, "What would you like to drink? How about peach sparkling wine? It's both visually appealing and delicious. The peaches are from the ones you planted at Nirvana Manor."

She was in a good mood, her previous shyness diminished, and she spoke to him cheerfully, "Master Xinhai later discovered that those were actually mutated peaches. He put some effort into nurturing them and harvested a lot of ripe peaches, which are very fresh. Paired with fine white wine and sparkling water, the taste is excellent."

Zhou Yun picked up the drink menu on the table and glanced through it. Besides the signature agave wine, there were various high-end red and white wines. He realized they were from Li Xiong and Luo Yisen's collection and couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, I'll have the peach sparkling wine then."

Hua Rou cheerfully went to the bar and brought back a plate of colorful pastries and a fruit platter, placing them on Zhou Yun's table. Zhang Guangming was mixing drinks at the bar and asked Zhou Yun with a smile, "Dr. Zhou, would you prefer something on the sweeter side?"

Zhou Yun had just ordered casually, "Anything is fine. But I didn't know you, as a teacher, could also mix drinks?"

Zhang Guangming replied, "I learned it while working part-time during school. Not just me, Manager Qin Mu is also quite good at mixing drinks, and so is Qin Sheng."

Zhou Yun: "..." He felt a sense of hidden talents everywhere.

As the sun set, more and more pedestrians gathered by the roadside, standing below the stage to watch. Some even mustered the courage to come inside.

Hua Rou went forward with a smile to attract customers, "Today we have a special promotion: homemade barley beer, and every guest gets a free glass."

A customer took the drink menu and was slightly taken aback, "Boss, are these drinks for real?"

Hua Rou smiled, "Absolutely genuine. The agave wine here is a mutated variety, so it's a bit more expensive. The other drinks are all aged and premium."

Someone complained, staring at Hua Rou, "It's the apocalypse, and you're still charging so much? Are you trying to rip us off?"

Hua Rou, sensitive to emotions, slightly changed her expression. Zhang Guangming from behind the bar had already rolled up his sleeves and walked out, his broad shoulders and loud voice commanding attention, "We also have more affordable options, like freshly brewed wheat beer and chilled sparkling fruit wine. One crystal core can get you two glasses, and they taste great. Would you like to try them?"

Pojun, sitting in a private booth nearby, suddenly extended his hand, lightning flashing in his palm, "Buddy, I suggest you remember that this new base has its own rules. Don't think you can bully a girl just because she's alone."

The man, seeing that he was a psychic, immediately became embarrassed, "I was just surprised to see so many expensive drinks here."

His companions pulled him aside and apologized with a smile, "Xiao Wang doesn't know any better, sorry about that. We'll take five beers and sit outside under the awning. The open air feels nice."

Zhou Yun overheard them whispering, "I thought everyone coming to this new base was an ordinary person? How come there are psychics here?"

"No matter who they are, if they can open a tavern in such a prime location, they're definitely not ordinary people. Don't cause trouble, or you might get kicked out again."

Zhou Yun frowned. It seemed that among this new batch of residents, besides the lack of labor, there were also quite a few who preferred leisure over work. They would need to find a way to instill some discipline and prevent them from becoming idle and dependent on welfare.

As he was thinking this, the sound of drums suddenly erupted from the stage—crisp and powerful, the beats like a heartbeat gradually accelerating. The entire venue was instantly filled with excitement, and more and more audience members gathered below the stage, including kids who also gathered around, cheering and shouting.

A lively band leaped onto the stage. Qin Sheng was wearing bizarre ripped pants and a work vest, his strong, muscular arms adorned with what looked like either tattoos or temporary designs, creating a bold, colorful sleeve. He also wore various chains and silver rings that jingled and shimmered.

His fashion sense was questionable, but his face was undeniably handsome. Of course, the entire band was dressed similarly, with several long-haired youths, and the bassist was a girl with heavy eye makeup and glittering sequins, her arms and legs strong and well-toned, exuding youthful energy.

The cheers from the enthusiastic young crowd below grew louder, wave after wave of excitement building up.

Qin Sheng shouted loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the city of dreams and fantasies, Guixu City!"

"Tonight, our band, the Helmsman Movement, will treat you to a feast of soul and music!"

"Next, we bring you a song called 'Wild Waves'!"

The intense and passionate drumbeats roared again, like a stormy wave crashing over. Qin Sheng's fingers flew across the guitar, his body swayed wildly with the music, his handsome face shining exceptionally bright.

The crowd quickly caught the youthful energy and the passionate drumbeats. Everyone cheered and swayed to the beat, with applause and cheers ebbing and flowing.

Zhou Yun couldn't help but smile from below the stage. In his past life, Qin Sheng was always talkative, but he had never smiled so freely and unrestrainedly.

His phone buzzed suddenly, and he saw Guan Yuanfeng's name on the screen. He answered the call, "Guan Yuanfeng."

Guan Yuanfeng had already heard the background music over the phone, "Where are you? Didn’t you say you’d be at the command center today? I was passing by to give you a ride."

Zhou Yun laughed, "Shen Lan’s new bar just opened. I’m at the shop across the street. Come on over."

Soon, through the bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows, he saw Guan Yuanfeng, silhouetted against the evening glow, weaving through the enthusiastic, swaying crowd towards the bar, his tall figure in camouflage standing out.

The moment he entered the bar, the members of the Tianlang team inside instinctively stood up.

While they had been reserved and uneasy when Zhou Yun entered, the moment Guan Yuanfeng arrived, they snapped into a state of tense readiness.

Guan Yuanfeng saw them and waved his hand, "It's nothing, I'm just here to pick someone up."

His sharp gaze swept the bar before he took a seat at Zhou Yun’s table. Hua Rou carefully brought a glass of ice water and placed it in front of Guan Yuanfeng, asking softly, "Team Guan, what would you like to drink? The same as Dr. Zhou?"

Guan Yuanfeng glanced at Zhou Yun’s empty pink sparkling wine glass and shook his head, "Water’s fine. Go ahead with your work."

After Hua Rou left, Guan Yuanfeng turned to Zhou Yun, "You haven’t had dinner yet? Why are you drinking? If you snack and drink now, you won’t eat much for dinner."

Zhou Yun grinned, "It’s no big deal."

Guan Yuanfeng asked again, "What about Comet?"

Zhou Yun replied, "Today was just busywork at the command center. If I brought him along, he’d definitely get bored. I left him at the mountain villa with the teacher."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded, "Have you gone back? The car is parked in the command center parking lot across the street."

Zhou Yun stood up, "Alright. I'll go back to the office to pack up my computer."

The two walked out side by side.

Hua Rou watched them leave and whispered to Zhang Guangming, "Team Guan and Dr. Zhou really get along well."