Apocalypse: the Most Ruthless Person

“Brother Su, I feel like everyone’s mood is a bit off…”

Zheng Xinyu lay on the bed wrapped in a quilt, with her head exposed outside, speaking softly.

The pitch-black room had heating, so it wasn’t cold, but also not particularly warm. Even with zombie bodies used as fuel, the energy that could be burned was still limited, so conserving a little could stretch it out for a longer time.

Zhang Su sighed lightly. He could naturally feel the change in everyone’s emotions. Initially, they were planning to deal with the Cyan Dragon Corps, and everyone’s spirits were high and morale was buoyant. But now, their spirits were low due to West Camp’s migration.

“This isn’t a good phenomenon; we’re about to handle the Cyan Dragon Corps, and we must lift everyone’s spirits!”

“It’s not difficult if it’s just about adjusting the mood.”

Zhong Xiaoshan said gently.

“Hmm? Xiaoshan, do you have an idea?”

Zhang Su turned his head to ask.

“I have a somewhat immature idea.” Zhong Xiaoshan turned over to look at Zhang Su, saying, “United Village moved over here in a hurry due to special reasons, and we didn’t hold any events. We might as well take this opportunity to host a social event, giving everyone a chance to relax and allowing the bachelors in our camp to interact with the girls from United Village.”

“I think this idea is great!”

Zheng Xinyu’s eyes lit up. She used to not understand the point of a bunch of people gathering to sing and dance, finding it less fun than sitting in front of a computer. But after losing the internet, she realized how important the connections between people are.

Upon hearing Zhong Xiaoshan’s proposal, she instantly recalled the school days where the class held numerous activities, making her heart yearn.

Zhang Su nodded, saying, “A social event is great, but… what about our food supplies?”

“Don’t worry, the inventory is sufficient, and the main focus of the social event is to be lively. Each person can have a small cup of wine, drink enough to feel slightly tipsy, and then come up with a few programs to enliven the atmosphere. Once everyone is active, they’ll just have fun on their own. You, or Teacher Yu, can give a short talk, and the effect will be achieved!”

Zhong Xiaoshan used to work in a big hospital and had experienced many similar activities, so she had some experience.

“Alright, let’s do it like this. Without delay, let’s arrange it for tomorrow!”

Zhang Su made the decision. Boosting the camp’s morale was the urgent matter.

“Brother Su, there are still some details. I hope you don’t mind me nagging; these things you men tend not to care about, but they’re actually crucial…”

“Hmm? What matters?”

Zhang Su asked curiously.

“Your attire, grooming, and state directly affect everyone in the camp. Haven’t you noticed this before?”

Zhong Xiaoshan said.

Zhang Su’s expression was odd, grinning as he said, “This is not a listed company now, and who has the time to pay attention to those trivialities?”

Indeed, as Zhong Xiaoshan said, sometimes after getting up, he just swishes mouthwash, splashes his face with water, and considers hygiene done. His clothes are just focused on keeping warm; sometimes, Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan would help tidy up the edges.

“Brother Su, you underestimate the power of image.”

Zhong Xiaoshan shook her head, saying earnestly, “We used to flee for our lives outside, and couldn’t focus on these aspects, which was understandable. But now it’s different!”

“Now you are the mainstay of the whole camp, the leader; do you know how influential a leader is? For example, at the hospital where I used to work, let alone the director, which senior leader was not dressed impeccably? If the leader is slovenly and listless, the energy conveyed becomes very negative. Trust me, try following my advice tomorrow, and it’ll definitely have an effect!”

“Alright, I’m quite receptive to advice. I’ll give it a try. What else apart from me?” Zhang Su asked.

“There’s more…”

Then, Zhong Xiaoshan mentioned some parts which seemed unimportant, but if done well, could subtly transform the emotional environment of the whole camp.

Undeniably, a problem is being faced now, but only by facing it positively can a better tomorrow be welcomed.

The next day, under clear skies, Zhang Su walked out of his room, dressed more carefully than usual. Zheng Xinyu and Zhong Xiaoshan had carefully picked out a coat for him; it might be a bit cold, but it looked very spirited, not like the average spirited young men, but like someone with elevated energy.

To ensure Zhang Su’s state appeared vibrant, Zheng Xinyu even applied a thin layer of blush on him, making his complexion look very rosy, as if he’d just drunk half a pot of ginseng soup!

Walking into the dining hall for breakfast, Zhang Su greeted everyone he saw as usual. Previously, it was just a slight nod without expression. Today, it was transformed into a wave paired with a bright smile, optimistic emotions shining like a rising sun over everyone, conveying a positive psychological suggestion!

During this process, Zhang Su noticeably felt the atmosphere different from before.

It’s a very subtle change, and if quantified like a game’s numerical values, both happiness and morale showed marked improvement, the atmosphere during the meal plainly reflecting the change.

“How is it?” Zhong Xiaoshan set down her tray and sat beside Zhang Su, speaking softly, “The effect is good, isn’t it?”

“Yes!”

Zhang Su nodded emphatically, knowing a group of positive companions is far better than faces clouded by gloom.

“Looks like the theories you were trained on at the hospital really work. Today, you can arrange a few people to tidy up the camp’s hygiene!”

Zhong Xiaoshan’s first suggestion to Zhang Su was self-image construction, the second was camp image construction.

Even though the post-apocalyptic world was a wreck everywhere, the more so, the more the safety camp should be made to resemble its former state, instilling in everyone the belief that “we are living well, the place we reside is warm and clean, and this peaceful haven must be guarded!”

Clap, clap.

Zhang Su clapped his hands to draw everyone’s attention, standing up and saying, “With most people here, I’ll announce something.”

The diners in the dining hall couldn’t help but stop their actions upon hearing this.

“This evening we are hosting a social event to welcome our fellow villagers from United Village, everyone getting to know each other and having some fun!”

??

Upon hearing this news, everyone was initially stunned, exchanging looks amongst each other, until a cheering started moments later.

Mental and cultural development is an indispensable part of human groups; even though it hasn’t been said outright, everyone had long hoped for some recreational activities.

Clap, clap, clap.

Yuwen took the lead in applauding, saying, “Mr. Zhang truly thinks what we think and acts accordingly; everyone should show enthusiasm and clap.”

Last night it wasn’t just Zhang Su pondering morale issues, Yuwen also lost over an hour of sleep considering several plans, intending to discuss them with Zhang Su today. Unexpectedly, the latter immediately proposed the idea, naturally garnering immense support.

Snap, snap.

“Long live Brother Su!”

“Haha, we just finished the New Year banquet, and today there’s another social event; this life, one word…”

“Awesome!”

Everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks, clapping their hands vigorously in support of Zhang Su’s decision.

Previously, whether attending various meetings at school or participating in company team-building events, everyone wasn’t very enthusiastic, but in a post-apocalyptic world where recreational activities are extremely scarce, a social event is immensely treasured.

“Old Wang, don’t go to Madian Village today, gather your people to tidy up the camp and set up the venue!”

Zhang Su said to Wang Longzhong.

Wang Longzhong responded joyfully, “Guaranteed to complete the task, Brother Su, I’ll go tell them now, they’ll be absolutely thrilled!”

This social event not only boosted the morale of the camp but also helped United Village quickly gain a sense of belonging, transitioning them from “I am from United Village” to “I am from Celestial Horse Island.”