Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Chaoyang Base was formerly a factory, one of the largest in the region, spanning several thousand acres. It comprised worker dormitories, a cafeteria, and workshops.

Many structures were already in place, minimizing the need for new construction—a key reason why the founders chose this location for the base.

Reconstruction efforts were thus significantly reduced.

The most substantial alteration to the factory was likely the outer wall, which had been visibly heightened and reinforced. In the early days, when only common zombies existed, the wall was barely adequate. These zombies, lacking pain sensation, would mindlessly crash into it; however, the wall’s inherent sturdiness was sufficient to repel them, as they were not indestructible.

Later, however, Power Zombies emerged. Their abilities allowed them to breach the wall with ease.

Consequently, the base organized efforts to heighten and thicken the wall. Additionally, Superhumans were stationed every two hundred meters for round-the-clock patrols, significantly bolstering security.

At the base entrance, a few Superhumans stood guard, and all entrants underwent mandatory checks.

"They need to confirm you’re not infected with the zombie virus, and Superhumans must also have their abilities tested," Zhang He explained while waiting in line.

Cheng Zhiyu, observing the blood draws nearby, subtly furrowed his brow and silently queried his system, "System, will the blood draw pose any issues?"

This time, the system responded promptly: [Host, rest assured, there will be no problems.]

Relieved, Cheng Zhiyu heard Little Black’s voice in his ear: "Don’t worry, they won’t detect anything."

He realized Little Black had sensed his earlier unease.

A warmth spread through him as he squeezed Little Black’s paw, murmuring, "Mm."

Little Black attempted to withdraw his paw but, failing to do so, relented.

Despite the reassurance, Cheng Zhiyu remained wary of the blood draw and decided to have the system perform a scan.

Cheng Zhiyu: "If anything were to happen to me, you’d also be implicated to some extent, wouldn’t you?"

The system, which had been about to offer further commentary, replied, [...Understood.]

Soon, it was their turn. During the blood draw, neither the system nor Little Black detected anything amiss, finally allowing Cheng Zhiyu to relax.

Holding Little Black, he attracted numerous glances, but Cheng Zhiyu maintained a composed expression, feigning indifference.

Next was the ability test. Lacking effective detection methods, Superhumans were required to demonstrate their powers on the spot, with an evaluator assessing their performance.

The base had established a ranking system for Superhumans. Zhang He went first; as an earth-type, he laboriously conjured a small earthen wall. Its loose, insubstantial appearance led to his classification as Level 1.

To everyone’s surprise, Wu Mengting was a Level 2 fire-type.

Tian Qiao, meanwhile, was a Level 2 ice-type.

Tian Manman, having been instructed to downplay his abilities, was assessed as a Level 2 speed-type.

It appeared the base indeed lacked sophisticated detection equipment, as they failed to identify Tian Manman as a dual-type, possessing both speed and considerable strength abilities.

Cheng Zhiyu entered the base as an ordinary person.

Their group appeared unremarkable. While Level 2 Superhumans were relatively capable, they were not uncommon. It was widely known that Superhumans of the same level could not contend with zombies of equal strength; a Level 2 Superhuman would merely flee from a Level 2 zombie.

Unbeknownst to them, the true powerhouses within their group were Cheng Zhiyu and Little Black.

Little Black’s lightning had recently grown considerably more potent, leading Cheng Zhiyu to estimate his level at least at 3, possibly nearing 4. Moreover, Little Black possessed dual abilities.

As for Cheng Zhiyu, Little Er and Little Iron had already reached Level 3. It seemed the system’s criteria for plant assessment aligned closely with the base’s standards for Superhumans.

Zhang He expressed surprise upon learning Cheng Zhiyu had no abilities, especially given that the other two had clearly deferred to him during their recent interactions.

Cheng Zhiyu, however, preferred to maintain a low profile, unwilling to reveal too much.

Next, they needed to acquire their cards. Within Chaoyang Base, beyond the supplies one brought, points were the sole currency for exchange, stored on these cards. They would need to convert their provisions into points.

Just as they were about to collect their base-issued cards, shouts erupted nearby.

"What’s happening?" Tian Qiao craned his neck curiously. Cheng Zhiyu found it amusing—he was going to strain his neck.

Tian Manman, conversely, recoiled at the noise. The two standing together presented a somewhat peculiar sight.

Cheng Zhiyu remained silent, also glancing over.

"A Level 2 Healer!" The exclamations grew clearer.

Tian Qiao was puzzled: "It’s still just Level 2, isn’t it?"

A nearby Superhuman regarded him as if he were a bumpkin: "There’s a difference between Level 2 and Level 2—that’s a Healer!"

Clearly, Healers were highly valued within the base. This made sense; much like doctors, they commanded respect, as everyone eventually required healing.

Especially in the apocalypse, where injuries were more frequent, Healers were naturally in even greater demand.

The base brought forward an injured Superhuman whose leg had been pierced by something, leaving a large, gaping wound. Though the bleeding had ceased, it remained a gruesome sight.

Healers demonstrated their abilities uniquely, requiring on-site treatment. The Level 2 Healer knelt beside the injured Superhuman, and a faint glow emanated from their hands as they passed them over the wound.

Within moments, the bloody hole on the Superhuman’s leg vanished, as if the injury had been an illusion.

Even Cheng Zhiyu was impressed; Healers were indeed formidable, and their popularity was entirely justified.

The injured Superhuman immediately stood up. Though still pale, there was no trace of the previous injury. He profusely thanked the Healer.

Subsequently, a few individuals spoke with the Healer, who nodded in agreement. Without completing the remaining procedures, the Healer was granted immediate entry into the base.

"Ah, it’s wonderful to be a Healer—recruited by the base officials on the spot," one Superhuman remarked enviously.

Tian Qiao exclaimed, "Someone this skilled is only Level 2?"

A nearby Superhuman, observing his genuine confusion, explained, "Higher levels are even more impressive. I’ve heard that Healers can even regenerate severed limbs. Even if internal organs are severely damaged, as long as there’s a breath left, they can save you."

Tian Qiao looked at him curiously: "Have you witnessed this yourself?"

"Of course not, I’ve only heard about it," the man replied with an exasperated expression. "If someone that skilled existed, would we ever get to see them? They’d be recruited immediately. Besides, power levels aren’t static; they can improve. Anyway, that’s how the officials classify them."

Tian Qiao nodded thoughtfully.

Cheng Zhiyu, having overheard the conversation, noted the widespread envy among the surrounding Superhumans. He, however, felt that being a Healer wasn’t necessarily advantageous; immediate recruitment by base officials implied a loss of freedom, which Cheng Zhiyu did not consider a positive outcome.

Clearly, Little Black shared his sentiment, letting out a soft snort at the bystanders' remarks.

Cheng Zhiyu gently stroked Little Black’s head, smiling as Little Black vigorously shook his head due to the tickling sensation. He then turned to Tian Qiao and said, "Stop staring, let’s go."

Tian Manman also nodded eagerly: "Let's get out of here."

He disliked crowded places.

Tian Qiao, seeing no further spectacle, followed them to the card registration area.

Their initial card balance was zero points. Forewarned by Zhang He about exchanging supplies for points, they had already prepared their provisions in their bags.

Zhang He, ahead of them, produced two cartons of cigarettes. Wu Mengting, noticing his action, uncharacteristically spoke up: "Not enough."

Zhang He paused, looking at Wu Mengting.

Wu Mengting stated calmly, "I need to find a psychic. These aren't sufficient."

Psychics commanded a high price, costing one hundred points per session.

Zhang He’s two cartons of cigarettes were barely enough for a single psychic consultation. He hesitated: "Mengting..."

Wu Mengting: "What? Are you feeling guilty now? You kept saying you supported me finding a psychic, but now that we’re here, you’re getting cold feet, aren’t you? Afraid I’ll discover you were responsible for Xingxing’s death, is that it?!"

Wu Mengting’s voice escalated with each word, her emotions intensifying, appearing ready to tear Zhang He apart.

Zhang He offered a helpless expression to the card attendant, who regarded him with sympathy, perceiving Wu Mengting as behaving erratically.

Left with no alternative, Zhang He produced another carton of cigarettes, ultimately exchanging them for a total of 150 points.

When it was Cheng Zhiyu’s turn, he directly retrieved prepared supplies from his backpack—items they had little use for—and exchanged them for 300 points.

While issuing the cards, the attendant reminded them: "For the first three days within the base, no daily fee is charged. However, after three days, if you have not joined an official or officially recognized organization, five points will be deducted daily per person."

Tian Qiao muttered: "That much?"

This policy clearly compelled Superhumans wishing to remain in the base to join an organization. While five points a day might seem negligible, it accumulated significantly over time.

Nevertheless, it was understandable. The base required operational funds, and if every entrant chose not to join an organization, it would imply no contribution to the base. How could the base sustain itself in the long run?

"What about ordinary people?" someone nearby anxiously inquired, appearing to be an ordinary person themselves.

The attendant replied: "Ordinary people will not be charged points for the first month. After one month, it will be one point per day."

Someone grumbled discontentedly: "Ordinary people already struggle so much. Why charge them points?"

The attendant remained unfazed, but someone who overheard the remark retorted: "An entire month isn’t enough time for you to earn some points in the base? If you can’t even manage one point a day, you’re likely lazy and unmotivated! What, you think being weak entitles you? The base’s policy clearly benefits ordinary people. Still not satisfied? What, do you expect the base to pamper you, letting you do nothing all day and live like a lord?"

This tirade left the other person red-faced and speechless, though it was unclear whether from fear or an inability to formulate a rebuttal.

Since the apocalypse, tensions had gradually escalated between Superhumans and ordinary people. Some Superhumans felt it unjust to share their hard-earned resources with ordinary people, while some ordinary people felt aggrieved, believing they were unwelcome everywhere and bullied by Superhumans.

The attendant explained: "Rest assured, the base’s construction also requires ordinary people. After entering, take a few days to familiarize yourselves. There are many jobs recruiting ordinary people; you can absolutely earn points through labor."

The red-faced ordinary person’s eyes welled up upon hearing this, as they mumbled an explanation: "I don’t want to be a lord. I’m just afraid I won’t earn enough points and end up being kicked out."

Those around fell silent, observing his plight. Ordinary people indeed faced immense hardship in the apocalypse.

Superhumans at least had the option to choose whether to join the base, but ordinary people had no such choice, as survival outside was simply impossible for them.

Cheng Zhiyu observed this scene, forming a relatively positive initial impression of the base. The staff’s attitude towards ordinary people largely reflected the official stance of the base.

Moreover, the policies genuinely favored ordinary people.

Tian Qiao joked: "Ah, I should have said I wasn’t a Superhuman, but an ordinary person."

Zhang He quickly interjected: "You absolutely cannot do that. Concealing your Superhuman ability, if discovered, will result in punishment from the base."

Tian Qiao, unaware of this regulation, asked curiously: "What kind of punishment?"

Zhang He scratched his head: "It doesn’t seem too severe, provided no major incidents occur—probably being assigned to mandatory service for the authorities for at least a month."

Cheng Zhiyu remarked: "Some Superhumans might desire official recruitment. Could they intentionally conceal their abilities, then feign an accidental revelation?"

Zhang He chuckled: "You’re quick-witted, Brother Cheng. Some have indeed tried that, but later discovered that serving the authorities is unpaid, and afterward, they generally aren’t recruited, unless they are exceptionally powerful."

However, exceptionally powerful individuals who wished to join the official base would hardly need to resort to such elaborate schemes.

This was akin to, before the apocalypse, wanting to become a police officer and then intentionally committing a crime; the only outcome would be imprisonment. Would they then allow you to become a police officer? Clearly impossible.

"Well, our paths diverge here. Let’s part ways, and hopefully, we’ll meet again someday." Zhang He smiled in farewell, glanced at Wu Mengting, and sighed: "I had originally planned to trade those cigarettes with other Superhumans in the base for more points than the official rate."

Tian Qiao patted Zhang He’s shoulder, offering silent comfort.

Seeing Wu Mengting’s repeated urging, Zhang He reluctantly bid farewell and departed.

After parting ways, they began to explore the base.

They decided to first find accommodation. Housing within the base was entirely managed by the authorities, with varying prices for different types.

The cheapest option was just one point per day, but the room was exceptionally small—apparently a large space partitioned into cubicles—with barely enough room for anything beyond a bed.

Next were slightly larger single rooms, costing three points per day.

Then came suites: two-bedroom or three-bedroom units. The former was 8 points per day, the latter 10 points per day.

Renting these units monthly would be more economical.

The person showing them around was an ordinary individual. Tian Qiao struck up a conversation: "So, the houses here can only be rented, not bought?"

The person nodded: "The houses here are not for sale."

Noticing that two of the three were Superhumans, he further explained: "However, if you join an official organization and work for a certain number of years, you can be allocated housing."

Cheng Zhiyu asked: "Does that apply to ordinary people too?"

The person offered a wry smile: "Although there’s no official restriction on ordinary people or Superhumans, it’s not easy for ordinary people to join official organizations."

Tian Qiao asked, puzzled: "But aren’t you working in an official organization?"

The person shook his head: "It’s different. My job was advertised by the authorities, and I signed a contract. Officially joining the government is a very complex process."

Cheng Zhiyu understood: "Like taking the civil service exam?"

The person found this analogy quite apt: "Yes, I’m a contract worker with no benefits and lower pay than formal employees. To become a formal employee, you need some special skill—not a superhuman ability, but something like an exceptional memory... For example, there was an ordinary person who could memorize things after seeing them just once, and he was recruited by the authorities."

After chatting along the way, Cheng Zhiyu learned the person’s name was Wang Li.

Ultimately, considering privacy and their group size, they rented a three-bedroom suite for seven days, instantly depleting 70 points.

Having completed her task, Wang Li seemed somewhat hesitant but still spoke: "I see you’ve just arrived at the base today and aren’t familiar with the place, right?"

Their recent arrival was indeed evident. Cheng Zhiyu nodded, looking at Wang Li, who clearly had something more to say.

Wang Li nervously rubbed her hands together and said, "I’m quite familiar with this place and can show you around. I can do it anytime after work, and I only charge two points."

Cheng Zhiyu mused. Since they had just arrived at the base and knew nothing about it, having a guide seemed like a good idea, so he agreed.

Wang Li, looking tense, let out a sigh of relief and quickly said, "I’m about to get off work and can take you around right away—"

Before she could finish, Cheng Zhiyu interjected, "You should eat something and rest after work. We just got here and need some time to settle in too."

Wang Li paused, then smiled and nodded. "Then I’ll come find you all here later."

Cheng Zhiyu nodded, estimating the time: "How about an hour from now?"

Wang Li quickly agreed. An hour would be sufficient for her to grab a bite and take a short nap. Although the apocalypse had created a distinction between ordinary people and Superhumans, the physical stamina of ordinary people had still improved significantly compared to pre-apocalyptic times.

Wang Li hurried back to her residence, only to hear a commotion inside. Her expression changed, and she immediately pushed the door open.

The voices instantly became clear. A woman in her fifties stood with her hands on her hips, yelling towards Wang Li’s room: "You old hag, why don’t you just drop dead at your age?! Who said you could use so much water to go to the bathroom?"

Wang Li immediately walked over and glared at the woman: "Old lady Chen, my mom just used the bathroom. If you keep talking like that, I’ll shut your mouth!"

Old lady Chen clearly hadn’t expected Wang Li to return so soon. She paused but showed no guilt, continuing with her hands on her hips: "What’s so bad about what I said? It’s the truth—she’s sickly all day long. She might as well die!"

Before she could finish, Wang Li lunged forward, aiming to slap Old lady Chen. In her thirties, Wang Li was stronger than the fifty-something-year-old woman. After a few slaps, Old lady Chen’s mouth began to ache, and she begged for mercy.

Only then did Wang Li stop, smoothing her sleeves: "If I hear you insult my mom again, I’ll hit you every time!"

Old lady Chen covered her mouth, her triangular eyes glaring fiercely: "Just you wait! My son has a Superhuman girlfriend. Soon enough, we’ll move into a bigger place! When that happens, my daughter-in-law will make you pay!"

Hearing this, Wang Li felt a pang of unease. As much as she disliked this family, she had to admit that Old lady Chen’s son, Feng Rui, did possess a handsome face. When they first moved in, Wang Li had almost been deceived by Feng Rui’s superficial charm.

However, she soon realized that Feng Rui was prone to laziness and cunning. Despite being at the base for so long, he had never earned a single point through work. The daily expenses for all three of them were entirely supported by Old lady Chen and Feng Rui’s father, Feng Hongjian.

Wang Li shared a three-bedroom apartment with her mother and Feng Rui’s family. To save money, she and her mother occupied one room, while Old lady Chen and Feng Hongjian took another, and Feng Rui had the largest master bedroom to himself.

Even in the apocalypse, Feng Rui was a rare sight of idleness within the base. He slept until noon every day, then went out without a clear purpose—certainly not to work.

Despite this, Old lady Chen and Feng Hongjian remained immersed in the illusion of their son’s exceptional filial piety. Feng Rui did nothing but occasionally offer empty words of concern, yet these trivial gestures deeply moved the couple, who lauded him for his newfound maturity.

Wang Li thought: *If this is what they call mature, how immature must he have been before?*

However, this was the Feng family’s internal affair and none of her concern. The problem was Old lady Chen’s unbearable nature, constantly bothering her mother whenever Wang Li was absent.

Now, hearing Old lady Chen boast about her son dating a Superhuman girlfriend, Wang Li merely wanted to laugh. *Superhumans aren’t fools. Even if she’s willing to spend points on him because he’s good-looking, does she really think she’ll take care of your whole family? Dream on!*

As for whether the female Superhuman would be so infatuated with Feng Rui that she’d help the Feng family target her, Wang Li could only comfort herself with the thought that the base enforced rules, so nothing too bad should happen.

She didn’t wish to engage further with Old lady Chen and simply closed the door to return to her room. Wang’s mother had already heard the commotion outside. Old lady Chen always found excuses to scold her, and she tried to avoid conflict. Surviving in the apocalypse wasn’t easy for the two of them, so she did her best to steer clear of Old lady Chen.

She didn't dare go out. Too frail to intervene, she stayed inside, afraid of making things worse for Wang Li.

Tears welled up in Wang’s mother’s eyes. "Lili, I’m such a burden to you."

Her poor health confined her to the room every day, unable to do anything. Sometimes she wished she could just die and end it all, so she wouldn’t hold her daughter back.

Wang Li looked at her mother and said, "Mom, don’t say that. Without you, I would have lost all motivation long ago."

Hearing this, Wang’s mother didn’t dare say another word.

Wang Li quickly ate something: "I need to take a few Superhumans around the base. They’re new here and hired me for two points to show them around."

Wang’s mother worried: "Those Superhumans can have terrible tempers..."

Wang Li smiled: "Don’t worry. This time, I was lucky—the Superhumans I met seem very good-natured."

Wang’s mother wasn’t sure if her daughter was saying this to reassure her. She fell silent, her heart aching. *If only I could be of help to my daughter,* she thought.

Wang Li didn’t dare linger and hurriedly got ready to leave. As she stepped outside, she bumped into Feng Rui emerging from the master bedroom.

So he had been in the room all along, yet he hadn’t appeared when Old lady Chen was being hit. And she still believed her son was filial.

Seeing her son emerge, Old lady Chen felt emboldened and was about to restart the argument, but Wang Li simply left and closed the door behind her.

She couldn’t be bothered.

Old lady Chen was left fuming, her anger stifled and almost choking her.