Apocalypse Showdown: Carrier Conquest

Chapter 42: The Government Convoy

The sudden appearance of the convoy stirred the entire community.

Shao Hang felt a bit uneasy.

"Everyone, please remain calm. We are from the government’s post-disaster reconstruction command!"

"The command is jointly managed by the government and the military, with personnel from both the army and relevant local departments."

...

"I am Xu Yuanzhi, the head of the Greenway Subdistrict Office. Does anyone here know me?"

...

It turned out that these were government officials.

The Asharan people’s usual trust in their government made most residents of the community feel relieved. Only people like Shao Hang, who had ulterior motives, still felt a sense of tension.

Dozens of fully armed soldiers, dressed in snow camouflage, jumped off snowmobiles and entered the community, followed by two individuals in civilian clothing. Thanks to the powerful searchlights, most of the residents could see them.

"I am Xu Yuanzhi. Is Manager Shao Hang here?"

"Director Xu, it's you!"

Shao Hang ran over and shook Xu Yuanzhi’s hand. "It’s cold outside. Let’s talk inside the lobby. Lao Huang, Lao Huang, get the electricity running. Didn't you see Director Xu was coming?"

A few minutes later, the lights in the property management office lobby came on, and the heating began to work, gradually warming up the area.

Xu Yuanzhi and Wu Jiancai, who were leading this mission, had three main objectives. First, they wanted to demonstrate to those outside the shelter that the government still existed and that social order was still intact—no one should think they could act recklessly. Second, the government judged that the disaster would not end in the short term, so the shelter needed to expand its capacity and functions and recruit more personnel. Third, they were collecting supplies.

"Shao, our time is tight, and the tasks are heavy. You must make sure that every resident in the community is informed of these three points. The shelter welcomes anyone willing to apply. Those who meet the requirements should be ready, as we will arrange for a convoy to pick them up tomorrow. This communication device is for you. The government will soon distribute them in bulk, and everyone will be able to purchase one."

Shao Hang took the device, which looked like a brick, with a wide smile and nodded continuously to reassure Xu Yuanzhi. He promised to complete the task.

Outside, the loudspeakers had already broadcasted the announcement three times, detailing the shelter’s recruitment and requirements. The residents of the community, without stepping outside, knew exactly why Xu Yuanzhi and the others had come. Whether anyone would be moved by the offer remained to be seen.

The Zhou family, of course, was not interested. Neither was Wu Xue.

"So it’s the shelter recruiting people."

"They're looking for technical workers and laborers. But given that many people are starving, I bet a lot of people will go," Zhou Caijun commented.

"Not necessarily," Zhou Li shook her head. "People act in their interest. The shelter isn’t some utopia. There are plenty of people who are loyal to the enemy while pretending to be with us."

The other three didn’t quite understand what Zhou Li meant, but they were used to it.

At this moment, Zhou Lin finally emerged. He had just realized that, with the upgrade of his powers and physical evolution, his resistance to the cold had significantly improved. However, to avoid alarming the others, he reluctantly put on a coat.

This still made Cheng Yali fuss, worrying he might catch a cold.

"It’s not a big deal. We have doctors, it’s not cold," Zhou Lin replied.

Wu Xue tilted her head, scrutinizing him. "You seem a little different."

"Different? Maybe it's just from working out recently." Zhou Lin denied it quickly, while Zhou Caijun and Cheng Yali exchanged a secretive look, and then quickly changed the subject.

After Xu Yuanzhi and his convoy left, the community returned to silence and darkness, almost as if everyone was sighing at the uncertainty of the future. When would these days end?

The lights in the property management office hadn't been turned off yet. Shao Hang was busy studying the communication device. It looked like a makeshift product, probably rushed out in a hurry—something resembling a regular smartphone combined with a satellite communication module and a giant power bank.

Perhaps to conserve energy, its functions were limited to calls, text messages, and a simple interface for a text-based chat app. It supported private one-on-one messages, shelter boards, regional boards, and a nationwide board. However, the nationwide board required special permissions. Shao Hang registered but found that he didn’t have access to it yet.

But looking at the continuous messages in the shelter and regional boards, Shao Hang couldn’t help but feel a sense of returning to civilization. He almost teared up from the emotions.

"Tell the guys, we’re having a good meal today, then go door to door to notify everyone and encourage our residents..."

"To sign up for the shelter?" Huang Xuefeng asked.

Shao Hang looked at him, annoyed. "Are you stupid? Of course, we’re encouraging them to stay and be self-reliant. And those troublemakers? Try to get rid of them. Also, the families with the last name Huang on the top floors of Buildings 8 and 7—make sure they don’t leave!"

So, Huang Xuefeng was stuck being the deputy head of security, unable to keep up with Shao Hang's scheming thoughts, and still asked why it was so important to keep those two families.

"Are you dumb? Oh, forget I asked. Don’t you remember that those two families brought back a truckload of supplies by themselves? Do you think you can easily find a truckload of supplies outside now?" Shao Hang knocked Huang Xuefeng’s head. "Stop standing around. Get moving! I want to see which residents are thinking about leaving. This is my territory, and they can’t just walk away!"

As a reader of countless post-apocalyptic novels, Shao Hang always felt like he had the makings of a protagonist. Lanshan was his foundation, and both resources and people belonged to him!

The recent announcement by the shelter had indeed made some residents reconsider.

In a few days, or maybe a week, most residents could still manage to hold on, but if the situation continued for much longer? The government was even expanding the shelter, signaling that they didn’t believe the disaster would end soon. Smart people should follow the government's lead instead of trying to stand out.

As for whether life in the shelter would be good or not, at least there would be food, right? At least it wouldn’t be cold enough to freeze to death. Worst case... someone would bury them if they died?

Even Huang Mengying’s mother thought they should go to the shelter.

Huang Mengying was swayed and contacted Cheng Yali for advice.

However, Cheng Yali didn’t want to express her opinion on this matter. If it were about buying clothes, bags, or even a car or house, the right or wrong opinion wouldn’t matter much—it was just money. But life-and-death decisions were best made on your own.

"Cheng Jie, are you planning to go to the shelter?"

Since Cheng Yali didn’t say anything, Huang Mengying tried a different approach.

When Cheng Yali firmly said no, Huang Mengying understood.

"Then we won’t go either. Cheng Jie, from now on, my mom and I are following you!"

What? Cheng Yali, holding the walkie-talkie, was completely stunned. What did she mean by following her? What use was it to follow her?

"No, I mean..."

"Cheng Jie, I’ve got a batch of instant food stored in a completely safe place, about fifty tons."

"Well... let’s not talk about following each other. We’re just helping each other out. If you need anything, just let me know," Cheng Yali changed her stance.

"There is! Cheng Jie, do you have any extra coal or charcoal? I’ve been breaking up the floorboards to burn it..."