Chapter 283: Self-Criticism Meeting

"You really plan to go to the Dragon Army base to reclaim supplies?"

In the evening, in the room, Zheng Xinyu looked at Zhang Su in surprise.

Zhang Su clenched his fist and said, "I have to go. The camp is filled with high-quality equipment—tanks and drones are deadly against zombies, and even just to deter other survivors, they're a powerful deterrent. If we don't take them, won't someone else just take them?"

Some things, if you don't have them, you can accept. But if someone else takes them, that's terrible.

"But there are so many zombies—even if the Dragon Army kills some, there'll still be countless left. Isn't that too dangerous?"

Zheng Xinyu had seen the situation outside the camp with her own eyes; the memory was still fresh.

If Zhang Su was the entire camp's skeleton, then Yu Wen, if not its absolute soul, held up at least half of it—and even he immediately admitted fault. This matter was serious.

Zhong Xiaoshan sat quietly to the side, not speaking, because she didn't know the exact situation of the Dragon Army. But from the information she'd received, it was far from optimistic. She watched Zhang Su with deep concern, hoping he'd think carefully.

"If the Dragon Army hadn't been accidentally overwhelmed by the zombie horde, we would have inevitably clashed with them. I'm confident Tianma Island can win—but I can't guarantee I won't get caught off guard. Who among you can guarantee you won't be injured—or even die—in battle?"

Zhang Su said seriously. Whether for his own challenge or for the supplies and weapons in the camp, this trip was absolutely necessary!

When Zhang Su finished speaking, a brief silence fell naturally over the dining hall as everyone processed his words.

"Why is Su-ge staring at me when he talks about injury and death?" Wu Lue muttered quietly to Lu Yu.

"I hope at least two tanks are still usable!"

Zhang Su's voice wasn't loud, but it left those who'd grown arrogant speechless.

Instantly, loud applause erupted in the dining hall. Everyone's face glowed with excitement—they were truly stirred by Zhang Su's words, especially that final line: only if everyone survives is it true victory.

Many nodded slightly toward Zhang Su, clearly also troubled by this issue.

Unable to meet Zhang Su's gaze, several quickly lowered their heads, counting grains of rice in their bowls…

"So this mission is challenging, but we must still give it our all."

Lu Yu suppressed a smile: "Because you're too weak…"

Yu Wen raised his arm in response.

"Never fight unprepared. The situation at the Dragon Army base is indeed grim. We can be fearless, but we must prepare. Tonight, we'll plan the operation. We leave tomorrow morning!"

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

The atmosphere in the dining hall grew even heavier.

After seeing everyone's reaction, Zhang Su's emotions eased slightly. His tone softened: "Wasn't the old society unstable enough? Catastrophe struck without warning. Our current relative safety is built on relentless effort."

Zhang Su looked up at the few who had spoken recklessly.

"Sit down," Zhang Su pressed his hand downward, then continued: "The Dragon Army had drones, tanks, and many high-quality weapons. They used many fighting off the zombie horde, but some must remain. Those are our primary targets!"

"Good!" Yu Wen clapped loudly, his voice full of vigor: "Mr. Zhang speaks well!"

"Also, according to Xin Qi's reports, aside from the administrative staff, other departments in the Dragon Army lacked strong loyalty. If any survivors remain from logistics or science divisions, we can absorb them into our camp to lay the foundation for future growth!"

"I'll go with you too!" Zhong Xiaoshan raised her hand.

"Then I can go too, awesome! I'm driving a tank!"

Zheng Xinyu's heart jumped. She glanced at Zhang Su and saw his cold profile. She said nothing, quickly gathered her bowl and porridge, then stood to fetch a cloth.

Zhang Su shook his head: "Xiaoshan, your main duty is logistics. You're better off staying at the camp."

"They won't disperse. Zombies will gather inside the base. Waiting for them to wander off naturally is unrealistic—and even if we wait, do you think other survivor camps will wait?"

Yu Wen stood, removed his glasses, and spoke with solemn gravity.

"I apologize. I must be humble and avoid complacency…"

"Mr. Zhang's insight is like a great bell ringing in the mind. Arrogant troops always fall. We must keep our alarms ringing. I take full responsibility: after defeating the Dragon Army's grain-collecting team, I grew lax and careless. From now on, I will strengthen my mental discipline and physical training to make up for my shortcomings!"

"You think you've won so much you don't even know how to lose? What are you all thinking about every day?"

Zheng Xinyu smiled like a little devil, hands mimicking a steering wheel.

Without Zhang Su, Tianma Island simply wouldn't exist today.

"I apologize too… I shouldn't have been arrogant. I'll study harder and train harder."

Everyone fell silent.

It made everyone truly feel the collective's value for each individual.

That night, in the Little Luck Dining Hall, during dinner, Zhang Su paused mid-meal, tapped his hands together.

As the camp's leader, he was always vigilant, always prepared, never complacent. Yet after a few victories, his companions had slowly begun to grow arrogant!

Bang! Clatter…

"Alright, you've got a plan. Count me in."

"I'm going. I want to go now. Damn it!"

Zhang Su couldn't help but imagine it—yes, tanks consumed five to six hundred kilometers per liter of fuel, which was terrifying, but even if they didn't move, stationed at the camp as artillery platforms, they'd be mighty impressive!

Not just tanks—we also need many parts to harness zombies for power, and Tianma Island lacks them. The Dragon Army had vast resources; they must have plenty.

Those eager to advance raised their hands enthusiastically, showing great passion for any plan that promoted growth.

"Support Su-ge!"

"Who else? Kuan Zhuang? Do those few even dare to eye the base? Don't they want to live?"

Everyone knew in their hearts what they'd really thought—and whether this scolding was fair or not. Admitting and correcting mistakes isn't shameful. Otherwise, you might truly lose face—losing your life is the ultimate humiliation.

Wu Lue asked cautiously. He'd personally witnessed the zombie horde attacking the base, like a tidal wave.

"Everyone, I've decided to leave tomorrow to clear out the ruins of the Dragon Army base."

"A strong team is made of strong individuals, but team victory doesn't mean individuals won't be hurt. I don't want to say goodbye to any of you after a battle. Only if everyone survives is it true victory!"

Zhang Su heard the murmurs, frowned, and felt deep displeasure.

"Support! Support!"

"Can we do it, but other survivor camps can't? I don't belittle ourselves, but I know there are always greater people out there. Qincheng's total population is only three million—doesn't even rank in the top hundred nationally. There are far stronger forces out there—good or evil, who knows?"

Zhang Su slammed his palm on the dining table. Nearby bowls bounced up four or five centimeters, tipped over, and spilled unfinished porridge onto the table.

"Dare other survivor camps compete with us?"

"Mr. Zhang's words are like a great bell ringing, awakening the mind. Arrogant troops always fall. We must keep our alarms ringing. I take the first step in self-criticism: after defeating the Dragon Army's grain-collecting team, I grew complacent and careless. From now on, I will strengthen my mental discipline and physical training to make up for my shortcomings!"

Indeed, since arriving at Tianma Island, they'd only been ambushed a few times by Beitaizi Camp—and had ultimately wiped them out. All other battles ended in victory. Repeated wins had given some the illusion they were invincible.

At this moment, everyone quietly recalled: every victory, the greatest contributor had always been Zhang Su—planning ahead, seeing opportunities, crafting strategies, plugging gaps, commanding on the battlefield…

"Yeah, the Dragon Army's old base is definitely our meal, hehe!"

"Since when did you all become so arrogant?"

Immediately after, seven or eight others stood up one by one, offering self-criticism and self-reflection. Their attitudes were beyond reproach—each more sincere than the last.

Instantly, the dining hall fell silent. Everyone sensed something was wrong. They quickly put down their utensils. Even Koji Happy stopped moving, licked its lips, then slipped under Zhang Su's chair and lay still.

"I apologize…"

"Uh… Su-ge, it's only been one day. If we leave tomorrow, we'll have barely a day and a half. Will the zombies have dispersed by then?"

Zheng Xinyu suddenly said: "What if, right after we leave, Kuan Zhuang comes to cause trouble?"

"By the way…"

Outside, it was over minus twenty degrees. Inside, thanks to heating, the dining hall, and the crowd, the thermometer read twenty-three degrees—very comfortable. Yet some felt a chill along their spines, as if the air's temperature was plummeting.

"Lei Youliang is a calculating man. He must have realized I want to absorb Kuan Zhuang. Their village has plenty of weapons but a severe shortage of manpower—they feel joining us is a loss, so they're stalling to gain more benefits. Also, we still hold Su Xiaoya as a hostage. Given his nature, he won't come to our camp to cause trouble."

Zhang Su felt Lei Youliang was somewhat like himself. He was certain Lei had ulterior motives—but wouldn't provoke direct conflict, because they had no chance of winning in open battle.

(End of Chapter)