"Indeed, that's why only the military should handle transportation tasks. The losses of people and supplies are substantial every year. It's fortunate the state subsidizes, or the medicine would cost a fortune, given the high transport cost."

Zhou You reflected on the hardships of the world and admired the nation's role. With the state, government, and military intact, the people's faith remained unshaken.

Dr. Zhao continued, "I heard there's a branch of the Herbal Medicine Corporation in Yang City. You could consider such state enterprises. They offer good benefits and chances for advancement. Social status is paramount these days. If one isn't a martial artist, they should aim to be an elite. At least you'll be among the first to be rescued in a crisis."

A thought crossed Zhou You's mind. According to Zhan Cheng, the entire island must've been submerged. It couldn't be just a few hundred thousand migrating northwards across the sea. What about the others?

Dr. Zhao, noticing Zhou You's expression, smiled. "Ever wondered why there's not a single soldier with us? The military escorts the elites, scholars, or influential people—those most valuable to society. We ordinary folks can only seek protection from exploration teams."

"Initially, many exploration teams were formed, but only Captain Li was willing to accept ordinary folks without any conditions. You didn't see how some teams would trade favors or perform demeaning tasks for a spot. It's truly shameful how people reveal their worst during life-and-death situations."

Zhou You commented coldly, "Would teams like that truly risk their lives for the public in dangerous situations? I bet they'd abandon them in a heartbeat."

"Precisely. Captain Li is genuine in his desire to protect us. Everyone sees his dedication. Even if it's unspoken, we're all deeply grateful to him."

Zhou You inquired, "What about the other survivors? Haven't you encountered any?"

"How could we possibly have met them? Setting aside whether they're still alive, these vast mountain ranges are natural barriers in themselves. The journey here hasn’t been easy. We can only hope that the rest of the way will be safe." Dr. Zhao glanced at him, lowering his voice, "Zhou, you're new here, but there's something I need to stress to you."

Zhou You nodded earnestly, "Go on."

"There's an unspoken agreement among us. In the face of a dire crisis, we'd let Captain Li and his team take the women and children first. In these tumultuous times, living an extra day is already a boon. Don't blame them for being selfish when that moment comes. Women already have it tough in this world, and children are our future. We save as many as we can." Dr. Zhao's message was clear: in the face of imminent danger, Zhou You shouldn’t vie with women and children for a chance to escape.

Zhou You was deeply moved. Not everyone can be detached from life and death. Fear of death is a basic human instinct. To him, these ordinary people were no less than those so-called experts and scholars. He replied with a smile, "I'm a young man, capable and unafraid of wild beasts. Don’t worry, I will protect you."

Dr. Zhao looked at Zhou You, who was a few centimeters shorter than him, and patted his shoulder, praising, "You're a good lad!"

Zhou You had seen both the dark and the bright side of humanity during this time. He was willing to protect the good people and wouldn't hesitate to confront the evil ones.

He wasn't a judge, but he always remembered his mission. He had once sworn to devote himself fully, even if it cost him his life, to safeguarding the nation's stability.

Author's note: Dr. Zhao: "Zhou is a good kid, saying he wants to protect me. I suspect he couldn't even beat me in a fight."

Zhan Cheng: "It's good for a young lad to have confidence. Encouragement helps growth."

Zhou You: "I'm really strong!"

Li Yunxi: "He truly is! He saved me."

Those in the know:

Chapter 017 - People On The Brink Have Too Many Requests

Zhou You was quite energized now. Even if he felt tired, just two hours of meditation would restore him fully. So, the moment the patient stirred, his eyes opened.

Neither made any significant movements. One was scanning the surroundings with a shift of his eyes, while the other was pondering the first words he might utter upon waking.

Maybe, "Thank you for saving me."

Or perhaps, "Where am I?"

Or even, "Who are you?"

But the first thing Zhou You heard him say was, "Where are my clothes?"

Zhou You arched an eyebrow, replying with schadenfreude, "Cut. We had to cut them to treat you."

The man fingered the ring on his left hand. Only then did Zhou You notice the several pieces of jewelry he adorned: a wavy stud in his right ear, a copper pendant around his neck, a silver ring on his left hand, and a golden anklet.

It was utterly baffling. Why would a man wear so many ornaments? He didn't even look like someone overly concerned with appearances.

"Have you seen enough?" The man abruptly reminded Zhou You.

Zhou You realized he had been unabashedly scanning the man from head to toe. Although he bore no malice, it was admittedly impolite.

"I'm sorry, your clothes are ruined. I don't have extras. Later on, you can ask the captain—Captain Li, to be precise. He's the one who rescued you." Zhou You emphasized the word "rescued" to remind him to be grateful.

The man, however, was nonchalant, retorting, "Even if you hadn't saved me, I wouldn't have died. Instead, I left something very important back there. How far have you all traveled since then?"

Zhou You blinked, playfully replying, "You've been unconscious for three days and nights. We've come quite a distance since. Would you like to go back?"

The man gave Zhou You a sidelong glance and closed his eyes. Assuming he'd gone too far with his jest, Zhou You was about to come clean, when the man spoke, "Can you help? I need to use the restroom."