Chapter 24 The Official Special Operations Bureau

Chapter 24: The Official Special Operations Bureau

The Chinese government responded with remarkable speed. When real-world signals were cut, they immediately posted announcements in the game's public chat to reassure the populace.

Twelve hours had passed since the doomsday game went live, and the government had amassed a growing body of information. They generously shared this with all citizens, urging everyone to unite and face the disaster together.

**[Chinese Government: The current apocalyptic situation is dire. Poisonous insects have proliferated across all regions of China, with no area spared. Villages near mountainous areas are particularly affected, with venomous pests being especially rampant. Experts speculate that the sudden surge of toxic insects and disease-carrying mosquitoes is due to an unknown energy in the air that accelerates the growth and reproduction of organisms on Aqua Blue Star, particularly these harmful creatures. Residents near mountainous regions are urged to take precautions—seal doors and windows, wear thick clothing, and await rescue.]**

**[Chinese Government: Monitoring has detected countless atmospheric anomalies funneling unknown energy into Aqua Blue Star. Predictions indicate that the planet can no longer return to its former state, and the apocalypse will persist for a long time. As such, Aqua Blue Star officially enters the apocalyptic era, with this year designated as Year 1 of the Apocalypse and today as January 1st of Year 1, to be recorded as such.]**

**[Chinese Government: Experts speculate that the survival game system poses no immediate threat to humanity and may even become humanity's sole lifeline in the coming decades. We encourage everyone to focus on studying it. Currently, it is known that the game's official trading area offers a vast array of survival supplies purchasable with in-game currency—copper, silver, and gold coins. Due to unknown factors disrupting signals and machinery, real-world production has halted indefinitely, and may never resume. Thus, the leadership has reluctantly decided to abolish the Chinese yuan in favor of game currency. The yuan will no longer be usable for real-world purchases. We appreciate your understanding during these critical times of survival.]**

**[Chinese Government: It has been confirmed that the survival game's official trading area operates on a membership system. Upgrading to a standard membership requires two conditions: 1) Reaching Level 1 to become an official player, and 2) Paying a non-refundable fee of 10 gold coins. Upon upgrading, members gain access to an exclusive section featuring items such as standard antidotes, protective suits, Poison Repellent, and Elf Flower Robes—all effective solutions against the current insect crisis. Hospitals will use standard antidotes to treat critically ill patients, but even state resources are limited, with military personnel receiving priority access.]**

**[Chinese Government: In addition to the four aforementioned items targeting the insect infestation, other tools and firearms are also available. The state has enacted a new policy allowing civilians to purchase firearms for self-defense and monster hunting, but unprovoked robbery or violence will be punished to the full extent of the law.]**

**[Chinese Government: Given the extraordinary circumstances, cities are permitted to organize their own rescue teams and establish Special Operations Bureaus. We welcome all capable individuals to join, with preferential treatment. Recruitment criteria will be determined locally.]**

**[Qingcheng Government: The Qingcheng Special Operations Bureau has been established at the Eastern District Administrative Office. All capable citizens of Qingcheng are encouraged to apply. To ensure fairness and transparency, applicants will undergo two assessments: a preliminary evaluation of their combat capabilities (priority given to those who have reached Level 1 as official players or possess skills/lethal weapons), followed by a week-long field assessment. Top performers will be given priority.

Benefits: Members will be ranked into S-rank, A-rank, B-rank, and C-rank based on ability, with varying benefits. For example, C-rank members receive 5 gold coins weekly and contribution points redeemable for bureau-exclusive items and scrolls.]**

**[Qingcheng Government: A quick announcement—the Qingcheng Special Operations Bureau is purchasing useful monster-drop items such as special food, weapons, scrolls, and formulas. Prices can be negotiated in person.]**

......

Zhu Bin stared dazedly at the Poison Repellent formula in his hand. "Brother Sheng, you actually got something this good?"

Xie Tingsheng shot him a sharp, icy glance. Though he too was stunned by his luck, having it mentioned annoyed him.

Catching the warning look, Zhu Bin quickly backtracked with an awkward laugh. "Ah, no, that's not what I meant! I just meant you’re amazing, Brother Sheng! But honestly, I’m no good with this stuff either—I studied economics, and sitting through one lecture was torture enough. How am I supposed to handle something this meticulous? Why not give it to your wife? It’s dangerous outside, and she could stay home brewing this stuff."

*Heh, this way she won’t have time to chase after pretty boys, and we can earn gold without Brother Sheng having to support a freeloader. Perfect!*

Zhu Bin’s plan sounded great, but Xie Tingsheng snatched the formula back and coldly refused, "She’s busy. We’re selling this directly to the government."

Zhu Bin made a dissatisfied face and muttered, "What could she possibly be busy with? You’re just making excuses for her again."

When Xie Tingsheng glared, he quickly changed the subject, raising his voice. "Oh right, Brother Sheng! I noticed you didn’t wear protective gear or get bitten when you came in. Did you spray Poison Repellent? Does it work well? I haven’t had a chance to test it yet."

"No, it’s the Elf Flower Robe. Your sister-in-law gave it to me."

Xie Tingsheng walked over to the sofa and sat down, the corner of his handsome lips quirking slightly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

Zhu Bin’s eyes lit up, and he shouted excitedly, "The Elf Flower Robe? Nine gold coins?! No way! Brother Sheng, let me see it! I've gotta see what it looks like! I'm so damn curious!"

As for Xie Tingsheng’s mention of "your sister-in-law," Zhu Bin completely ignored that part—clearly just his brother hyping up Hua Diao again. He’d never hear a single bad word about her from Xie Tingsheng.

Xie Tingsheng shifted away, avoiding Zhu Bin’s grabby hands, and shot him a disdainful look. "Buy your own if you want to see it."

As for letting him see it? No way. That privilege belonged only to the pretty little woman at home.

"Oh." Zhu Bin’s excitement vanished instantly, his shoulders slumping.

Xie Tingsheng had no sympathy, thoroughly unimpressed by his pitiful expression. He got straight to business, asking if anyone had been eyeing the villa.

Zhu Bin straightened up and nodded seriously. "Yeah, quite a few. Around seven or eight this morning, several groups came snooping. One even tried to force their way in, but after I demonstrated the landmine’s power, they backed off. Once the government announced that lawbreakers would be punished, the rest left too. Seems official authority still holds weight."

"Mm." Xie Tingsheng narrowed his sharp eyes, lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze deep and contemplative.

The apocalypse had only just begun. Extreme shortages and starvation weren’t immediate threats, and with the government’s deterrence, order could hold for a few more days. But this peace wouldn’t last. Once food supplies dwindled, real chaos would begin—no amount of official intimidation would stop desperate people.

Storing food in the warehouse and villa was a security risk. What they really needed was a storage space.