Chapter 338: Chapter 338

"Because we are indeed in a rush, we need to seize this opportunity while it’s most chaotic to increase our chances of success."

This is even faster than I anticipated! Jing Shu thought. Ancient wars required three months of preparation for mobilizing troops and gathering provisions. Even modern warfare isn’t initiated so hastily. Preparing in just two days is insane! Last year, Yang Yang prepared for at least half a month before setting out, but this time, they’re ready to leave at a moment’s notice! Such life-threatening tasks naturally can’t afford a spontaneous departure; thorough preparation is crucial. Fortunately, I started preparing a month in advance, getting everything that could be readied in order. Now that we suddenly have to leave, it isn’t so rushed, yet I still feel unprepared! Or rather, not well enough prepared. There are still a myriad of things to handle, and I’ll have to request a long leave from the Medicinal Materials Association again. Two days just aren’t nearly enough.

Yang Yang paused, then whispered, "This time is different from the last. We weren’t sharing everything, and everyone was like brothers, looking after you. This time, the situation is more complex, so you need to bring everything you’ll need, including three days’ worth of food, a first-aid kit, a medical kit, and living supplies. Space is limited, so aside from unrestricted weapons and gear, you’ll need to carry your personal belongings yourself. Oh, and definitely bring the War Armor I gave you last time."

If the last mission was state-sponsored, with the country at least ensuring transportation to the United States, this one seems more self-initiated. Considering Yang Yang’s efforts to gather sponsorship everywhere and his having already signed a contract with Qian Duoduo for the mission to the United States, it appears we’ll be using an aircraft provided by these ’sponsors’ for this trip.

"Hmm." Jing Shu mentally reviewed the items she needed to bring. There are quite a few, and none can be left behind... Sigh, what a dilemma.

"Bring more of that lifesaving medicine from last time. A big reason you’re able to come this time is because you have that medicine. The team’s positioning for you this time is Doctor and fighter. When it’s time to use the medicine, others will have to pay a price. We’ll discuss the specific rules once everyone assembles. Of course, your role can be adjusted at any moment, but this won’t affect the distribution of spoils, which is calculated based on individual Contribution Value. When the time comes, you’ll wear the latest tech War Armor and dazzle everyone!"

Jing Shu was speechless. So, it turns out my chance to go to the United States is thanks to the Spiritual Spring. I actually thought my strength, comparable to a human tank, had garnered their attention. But it makes sense; in a world like the United States, riddled with bullets and explosions, no matter how strong an individual is, they can’t outrun a bullet or withstand a cannonball.

Yang Yang didn’t elaborate on how they planned to pull off this big job in the United States, and Jing Shu didn’t ask. All my classmates are looking at me expectantly right now; it wouldn’t be right to reveal too much. Even if I have ten thousand questions, I need to hold them in. She hastily ended the call and let out a breath.

Her classmates only saw Jing Shu hang up the phone and let out a breath. Unsure of what had happened, they didn’t dare to ask, only hearing her say she needed to go back and prepare.

Jing Shu said to Su Malie, "I’m sorry, something came up unexpectedly. I’ve made arrangements for these classmates, so I’ll have to trouble you to take me back first." Follow current novᴇls on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝕟𝕖𝕥

"I’ll go back with you. I’ll collect insects while you make arrangements for the people. Once that’s done, we can head back together."

That makes sense, Jing Shu thought. Otherwise, it would be too much running back and forth.

The insect collection proceeded quickly. Su Malie personally oversaw it, with students lining up one by one to exchange insects for food.

Wang Chao had arrived at eight in the morning. He hadn’t slept all night, spending it catching insects. By now, he had filled a large plastic jar with various kinds, including black beetles, evolved fleas, and new ’cockroaches’ that had emerged in the apocalypse, their dark bodies helping them survive in this harsh environment.

"Give him 20 steamed buns," Su Malie instructed. One bodyguard took the jar of insects, while another handed over the food.

The classmates looked at Wang Chao with envy. He just caught some insects and got so much food! Su Malie really is foolishly rich and easy to deal with!

"These are repeats. Thirteen steamed buns for this lot."

"You have three evolved insects here. Fifteen steamed buns for these."

Mutated insects are more valuable! they realized.

"You only get six steamed buns for these."

As the collection progressed, more and more of the insects brought were of repeated species, so the payout naturally decreased. The students who came later couldn’t help but feel regretful. However, Su Malie, being Su Malie, still symbolically gave each student at least one steamed bun.

Some ate their steamed buns on the spot, weeping softly. Others couldn’t bear to eat theirs and carefully wrapped them in tattered cloth to take back to their parents.

"I’ll come to Stone Garden every three days to collect insects. This will be a long-term arrangement. I also collect other living mutated or evolved plants and animals. If any of you have other sources, bring them over, and I’ll give you half a steamed bun as a referral fee."

And so, the matter of insect collection was settled.

Jing Shu led the remaining people from outside Xishan Base into its interior. Compared to her visit last year, much had changed. The base had expanded by about a third, and the magnificent Stone Gate alone was enough to leave everyone as awestruck as Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden for the first time.

Compared to the darkness and cold outside, a wave of warmth washed over them the moment they stepped through the Stone Gate. The stones underfoot radiated a gentle heat, and the entire first level of Stone Garden was filled with a soft, faint glow.

"Wow! These are called the Undying Lights! The entire Stone Garden actually has these luminous lamps! That’s incredible!"

"It’s so much warmer in here than at my home. Just being inside is a blessing."

The classmates were dressed in layers of whatever they could find—some in torn plastic bags, others in tattered cloth. To ward off the cold, they bundled up as much as possible. After two years of the apocalypse, a devastating flood, a super drought, periods where essentials were traded for Virtual Coin, and several evacuations, thick clothing was a rarity. As a result, everyone’s attire was a motley collection.

"Ah, Director Jing, you’re finally here! Please, come this way. Let me introduce you. This is Manager Li from the Human Resources Department."

"Manager Li, this is Director Jing. She has recommended a few students to see if there are any suitable positions for them. We don’t practice nepotism here; Director Jing is merely acting as a recommender." Housekeeper Cai, whom Jing Shu hadn’t seen in half a year, had clearly risen in status. He was now dressed in a black suit and white shirt, indicating his considerable position within Stone Garden. However, he still couldn’t help his flamboyant, mincing gestures.

Manager Li was a woman in her thirties, with a serious and meticulous demeanor. She gave a slight bow in greeting and then addressed the group, "The various positions in Stone Garden require corresponding abilities. Those with the necessary skills can become official employees on the second, third, or fourth floors. Those without can only work as temporary staff on the outer expansion projects. Here in Stone Garden, ability is what counts. Benefits and salary are determined by ability. Even if someone is recommended by a director, they will still be dismissed if they fail the daily assessments."

Jing Shu nodded. It’s precisely because of this management system that Stone Garden is flourishing.