"Because it's really urgent, we've gotta move while everything's in chaos. That's the best time to strike and boost our success rate."
Way faster than Jing Shu expected! Even in ancient times, wars took three months to prepared, moving troops and stockpiling supplies. Even in modern times, no one just jumps straight into battle. Only two days of preparation? That's insane.
Last year, Yang Yang at least prepared for half a month before heading out. But this time, they were leaving just like that. Something as dangerous as this wasn't supposed to be some spur-of-the-moment trip. It needed solid preparation. Thankfully, Jing Shu had already been preparing for a month, sorting everything that needed to be packed. So when the sudden departure came, it wasn't exactly impossible. Still, she felt like she wasn't ready enough.
Or maybe she just wasn't ready properly.
There was also a mountain of things left hanging. The Medicinal Herb Association needed her to request another long leave. Two days really wasn't enough.
Yang Yang paused, then lowered his voice. "This time's different from last time. Back then, everything was shared and everyone was like sworn brothers, so they'd watch your back. But now, it's complicated. You've gotta bring your own stuff, at least three days' worth of food, a first aid kit, and your daily necessities. Space is tight. Weapons and gear aren't restricted, but all personal items you've gotta carry yourself. Oh, and that battle armor I gave you last time, you'd better bring it."
If the last mission counted as an official operation, at least the country had arranged planes to send them to the US. This time felt more like a self-organized mission. Judging from Yang Yang's fundraising and his early deal with Qian Duoduo, the planes this time were probably all provided by "sponsors."
"Mm." Jing Shu quickly ran through her mental checklist. There was so much she had to bring, and every single item felt necessary. The thought gave her a headache.
Yang Yang added, "And don't forget that lifesaving medicine. You'd better bring plenty. Honestly, the main reason you're even on the team is because of that medicine. The group's tagged you as both doctor and fighter. When it comes time to use your meds, others'll have to pay a price. Details'll get explained once the team gathers. Don't worry about your role changing, it won't affect how loot's split. Loot's based on contribution points. And when you show up in that new high-tech battle armor, you'll blind them all."
Jing Shu: "..."
So she was only going because of Spirit Spring water turned into medicine? She'd thought her tank-like strength had finally been recognized. But no. In America, a world of bullets and bombs, no amount of brute strength could outrun a bullet or withstand artillery.
Yang Yang didn't explain what kind of big score they'd pull in the US, and she didn't ask. Her classmates were all staring at her with shining eyes, so she couldn't let anything slip. Even if her mind was full of questions, she had to hold them back. She ended the call quickly and let out a long breath.
Her classmates only saw her hang up, sigh, and mutter something about needing to prepare. Nobody dared ask more.
Jing Shu turned to Su Mali. "Sorry, something urgent came up. Could you handle these classmates and drop me off first?"
"I'll go with you. I'm collecting bugs anyway. You handle the arrangements, then we'll leave together."
Made sense, less running back and forth.
The bug collection went fast. Su Mali personally oversaw the exchange, with classmates lining up to trade bugs for food.
Wang Chao had arrived at eight in the morning, sleepless from a whole night spent bug hunting. He brought a big plastic jar filled with black beetles, evolved fleas, and even the new mutant cockroaches of the apocalypse, their dark shells perfect for surviving the harsh environment.
"This batch's worth twenty buns," Su Mali announced. One bodyguard dumped the bugs, another handed over the food.
The others looked on enviously. Just a few bugs for that much food? Su Mali really was rich and generous.
"This one's a duplicate, so thirteen buns."
Still not bad.
"These three evolved bugs bring you fifteen."
Mutants were worth more, of course.
"This one's only six."
As the line went on, duplicates piled up and rewards shrank. Latecomers regretted their timing. Still, Su Mali gave everyone at least one bun out of goodwill.
Some students burst into tears as they ate on the spot. Others carefully wrapped their bun in scraps of cloth, saving it for their parents.
"I'll be coming back to the stone park every three days. I'll keep collecting bugs, and I'll take other live mutated animals and plants too. If you've got other sources, bring them in. I'll even give you half a bun for referral."
And just like that, the bug collection plan was set.
Jing Shu led the rest inside Xishan Base. Compared to last year, it had expanded by another third. The massive stone gate alone left everyone dumbstruck, like country bumpkins stepping into a grand manor.
Beyond the dark and cold outside, a rush of warmth greeted them as soon as they stepped through. The stone beneath their feet radiated heat, while faint lights glowed across the first floor of the stone park.
"Wow, they actually installed everlasting Light Lamps in here. That's badass."
"This place's warmer than my home. Just being here feels like happiness."
Her classmates, wrapped in patched plastic bags and layers of ragged cloth, could hardly believe it. After two years of apocalypse, floods, scorching drought, and trading away whatever decent clothes they had for virtual coins, nobody had proper winter wear anymore.
"Oh my, Director Jing, you finally came! Please, this way. Let me introduce you. This is Manager Li from HR."
"Manager Li, this is Director Jing. She brought a few classmates to see if they're fit for any jobs. We don't do nepotism here. Director Jing's only a recommender."
Steward Cai had done well for himself. After six months, he was wearing a sleek black suit with a crisp white shirt, clearly holding a respectable position here. Only his orchid-hand gesture gave away old habits.
Manager Li, a strict woman in her thirties, bowed slightly before addressing the group. "Every position here requires the right abilities. Those with skills can rise to higher floors as official employees. Without them, you'll only be temporary workers for expansion projects outside. Our system's based on ability, and pay matches ability. Even if you come in with a director's recommendation, if you can't pass daily assessments, you'll be cut."
Jing Shu nodded. That was exactly why the stone garden kept thriving.