Apocalypse: the Most Ruthless Person

”Isn’t this a bit too bold... can’t they be a bit more reserved?”

Zhang Ya rubbed her forehead. As a fellow woman, she suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.

Many things have been collapsing in this post-apocalyptic world, but there are still people silently holding on. Ultimately, it’s a matter of ability.

”Actually, I can understand,” Yu Qing said with a sad smile upon hearing Zhang Ya’s comment. ”They don’t have the good fortune like we do, meeting a leader like Brother Su. Managing to survive in their own way without harming others is already commendable.”

The core female members, such as Zhong Xiaoshan, Tan Huajun, and Pei Lan, were a bit surprised to hear Yu Qing’s words. It wasn’t that her views were particularly exaggerated, but rather that it came from a former teacher, earning their admiration for her change in mindset.

Zhang Su stood on the tank, able to see everyone’s expressions clearly. He could also occasionally read some easily analyzable emotions for judgment. The Soul-Devouring Cave indeed defied former morals and laws, but now it has become a good way to dissipate hostility and relieve stress.

Moral standards, and even legal principles, are fluid and can vary greatly in different periods. The simplest example is that someone who kills in peacetime is a criminal, but on the battlefield, they’re a hero. The actions are the same, but the outcomes are completely different.

”First, let me clarify my stance: the existence of the Soul-Devouring Cave is very meaningful.”

”Yeah...”

Just one sentence stirred quite a few people to cheer. The proportion of single men was too high; they desperately needed an outlet. They were really worried that King Yama wouldn’t allow it, which would be terrible as they’d have to resort to sneaking around.

”I don’t care about the previous management of the Soul-Devouring Cave, but I will establish a standard system. This isn’t the most urgent matter. We’ll talk about it once everything has settled down. The main thing is... you guys need to give me a break. All you think about is indulgence, while I’ve been fighting nonstop for the past few days. I’m very tired, don’t you get it?”

Everyone was stunned to hear Zhang Su’s words, then burst into laughter. This leader is quite humorous...

Zhang Su was indeed tired, but it wasn’t physical exhaustion; it was mental and psychological fatigue. He wanted to give his mind a break, but there were quite a few things in front of him to deal with. Thankfully, he had a few good helpers to share the burden.

”Leader, if you’re tired, you can come to us sisters. Our doors are always open for you...”

”Shut up, or else I’ll beat you!”

An angry female voice rang out from beside the tank.

Zheng Xinyu never minded Zhang Su chatting up other women, and she even suggested he consider taking in Pan Ru before. But some busybodies teasing in public was unacceptable!

The ladies immediately recognized the angry voice and, seeing the reactions of others, realized it was the main wife speaking. They quickly bowed their heads and fell silent, not daring to cause trouble.

”Alright, alright, that’s enough about this topic! No more questions allowed today...”

Zhang Su glanced at the time and said, ”It’s already past lunchtime today. Missing one meal won’t starve you. To celebrate everyone’s arrival, we must have a big meal tonight. The menu will follow the old tradition: hot pot! The location is Village No.1!”

There were too many people, and to ease the burden on the cooking team while keeping the atmosphere lively, hot pot was by far the best choice. There’s no need to worry about having enough cookware; every farmhouse has plenty of such items.

The decision to hold it in Village No.1 instead of Celestial Horse Island was mainly due to two considerations. First, there were too many people. The parking lot on Celestial Horse Island was full, leaving no room to seat everyone.

The second consideration was the water issue. The water supply for Celestial Horse Island is transported from Village No.1. While daily water use isn’t much of a problem, organizing a hot pot dinner for several hundred people would be too taxing. It’s much easier to bring the feast there.

”Hot pot? Did I hear that right!”

When Zhang Su announced the dinner menu, many people were filled with questions. This cooking style sounded so familiar, yet why did it feel so distant?

Distant memories of good times stirred people’s brains. Hot pot... Many chain restaurants loved this cooking method, so much so that it sparked a unique hot pot culture across the country. In the past, friends would gather for a hot pot meal every now and then.

”Is it the kind where there’s a bubbling hot broth in the pot, and you dip meat and vegetables in to cook them?”

”What a silly question, of course it is, hahaha! Long live King Yama! Hot pot!”

”Hot pot, hot pot, hot pot...”

The enthusiastic cheers erupted on Celestial Horse Island. The promise of hot pot completely ignited the crowd’s emotions. There’s nothing more practical than eating. In the cold weather, just thinking about a spicy and savory hot pot makes their mouths water. Even if they had to cook pebbles, they’d be content for a long time!

Having a feast like this is a grand affair in post-apocalyptic life. Many eyes sparkled with excitement. Many hadn’t eaten a hot meal in days, and even for the fighting personnel, cooking something hot in a pot was considered a luxury.

Only those in the camp’s higher ranks or the leaders could truly enjoy some fine food. But the majority of those present were ordinary members.

”By the way, there’s one very important thing I forgot to mention.”

Zhang Su’s voice rang out, and everyone fell silent.

Important?

What could be more important than eating hot pot?

No one believed it... They had to listen carefully.

Seeing everyone gazing at him, Zhang Su didn’t immediately say it. Instead, he stirred up his emotions, and once they reached the right point, he spoke solemnly.

”I suspect you all no longer remember the date or day of the week since I don’t remember the old Gregorian calendar date either. Remember today’s date: Bright Calendar, January 28th. This is the Celestial Horse Island calendar, symbolizing the creation of a bright future from darkness!”

Those hearing it for the first time were momentarily stunned. Compared to eating hot pot, announcing a new calendar was indeed a more significant matter. Throughout the long course of human civilization, many calendars have existed. However, ordinary people didn’t pay them much attention.

But for those in power, it was quite important. It’s a symbol of spiritual belief!

January 28th.

This news didn’t cause people to cheer and rejoice, but everyone’s faces showed respect and a sense of sacredness. They would be closely bound to Celestial Horse Island in the future, becoming part of the Bright Era Calendar, perhaps writing their own stories into history!

”Alright, that’s enough talk for today. Next, anyone who can cook, raise your hand...”

With a single command, people responded enthusiastically.

Zhang Su first organized over fifty people with cooking experience to prepare for the evening banquet. Noteworthy is that among them were newcomers who had just arrived at the camp. They had no complaints about starting work immediately; rather, they were full of enthusiasm.

Having work to do is far better than waiting helplessly for death. It’s a sign of optimism and hope.

Then, Zhang Su had Yuwen take some people to find housing for the new members joining Celestial Horse Island. They conducted accommodation registration, similar to the former household registration system.

The accommodation standards were set by Yuwen. Ordinary members had three to four people per kang, fighters had two people per kang, and the leadership could apply for a single room. Exceptions for family members, couples, and other special relationships would be made as appropriate.

The rural heated brick beds (kang) are bigger than regular double beds. They were uniformly about two meters deep, but their width varied depending on the house structure, ranging from six to seven meters at the longest to three to four meters at the shortest. Distributed according to Yuwen’s standards, there was no pressure at all.

Once a residence was selected, it couldn’t be changed at will. After registration, any changes needed to be reported. As for the various tasks within the residential areas, arrangements would be made later.

Almost no one was dissatisfied with Yuwen’s regulations. Previously, only those in the barracks could sleep in a real dormitory. Kindergartens had a few large dorms, Lego Mall’s shoppers slept in the shops, and those at the car center had the worst situation, residing in customer reception rooms of 4S dealerships.

Now, moving into a farmhouse meant a qualitative improvement in living conditions and space.

As new members followed the registration personnel down to the Satellite Village to find housing, the parking lot on Celestial Horse Island gradually quieted down.