Chapter 335: Top-Level Comprehension Ability

Everyone realized that Zhang Su had assigned comprehensive positions to the newcomers at Tianma Yu, giving each faction a role—there must be deeper intent behind it, but no one wanted to meddle in core management affairs; surviving better was the key!

After the applause ended, Zhang Su smiled at the newly appointed individuals and said, "As leaders, you'll naturally receive different treatment—I'll allocate five rooms from Tianma Yu for your accommodation. Once housing is settled, you can focus on your work. Don't you agree?"

"Agreed!"

"Exactly!"

Wang Longzhong and Pan Guoliang answered first, as if competing to speak quicker.

"Well said!"

"Hmm, good…"

Ma Changshou and Lu Lei followed shortly after; Ma Changshou was simply slow to react, while Lu Lei—who already lived on Tianma Yu—was still dazed, wondering why he'd been made deputy squad leader.

Yang Liehuo glanced at the Kuangzhuang group, nodded with a complex expression, and said, "I accept the assignment."

The previously lively atmosphere immediately cooled after Zhang Su's housing policy; the United Village people didn't care, and the five members of the Azure Dragon Corps were already independent, but the people from the West Big Camp and Kuangzhuang were the most uneasy.

Both villages had survived the apocalypse because none of them were fools—even the youngest, Su Xiaoya, sensed something unusual in Zhang Su's arrangements.

Removing Ma Changshou and Yang Liehuo from their villages meant pulling out the very pillars of each community!

Most understood this was Zhang Su's method as Tianma Yu's de facto leader—a warning to break up small cliques; from this moment on, everyone was Tianma Yu's, no more factionalism!

Though unspoken, the message was clear: everyone grasped this as a hard line—if anyone crossed it, they'd face severe punishment.

Zhang Su's gaze swept lightly over their faces, as if blind to their thoughts, and concluded: "Over the past few months, we've all endured much—we know how hard survival is in the apocalypse. But if we all work hard and never slack off, I can't guarantee fine clothes and rich food, but eating well and staying warm? No problem. That's all I have to say…"

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The core members led the applause, and soon the entire Tianma Yu echoed with enthusiastic clapping.

Soon after the meal ended, as everyone began cleaning up, Xie Yanshan and Fu Weijun walked together to Zhang Su's side.

"Mr. Zhang, I… uh…"

Xie Yanshan chuckled, tugging at his pant leg, struggling to speak.

Zhang Su glanced around and waved his hand. "Come over here."

The three moved to a corner; others deliberately kept their distance, knowing too many secrets brought no benefit.

"Mr. Zhang, earlier… didn't you find two vials of zombie modification fluid in the lab ruins?"

In the quiet spot, Xie Yanshan asked softly but seriously.

"Did we?"

Fu Weijun, seated in his wheelchair, stared at Zhang Su with eager anticipation—his expression utterly unlike Xie Yanshan's.

Zhang Su's lips twitched; he instinctively wanted to conceal it, but realized hiding the substance served no purpose—better to take it out for research; if they made a breakthrough, it would be beneficial. He nodded. "Yes, we found one vial. What do you need it for?"

"Yes!" Fu Weijun replied eagerly. "Dr. Xie and I have discussed this—we'd like to apply for the modification fluid for research. Please approve it!"

"Dr. Xie? What field is Mr. Xie a doctor in?"

Zhang Su had never inquired about Xie Yanshan's background—he planned to learn gradually—but Fu Weijun already knew quite a bit.

It made sense: if Xie Yanshan lacked ability or expertise, the two wouldn't have gotten along so well.

"I've done some research in microbiology, bacteriology, and infectious biology."

"Oh?"

Zhang Su feigned mild surprise on the surface, but inside he was stunned—this man wasn't just a doctor; even a graduate student in microbiology, bacteriology, or infectious biology was a rare talent now!

"Dr. Xie spent years researching in Japan. He returned home in July due to family matters, then the disaster struck. He collaborated with Honjo, the 2018 Nobel laureate, on multiple projects. If we continue studying the zombie modification fluid, we might uncover more."

Sensing Zhang Su wasn't impressed by Xie Yanshan's reputation, Fu Weijun quickly added a few more words—still, his sole aim was to obtain the zombie modification fluid.

"I have no problem with you continuing research on zombie modification!"

Zhang Su saw their eager expressions, grew solemn, and added: "But there's one rule—I won't allow you to use living humans as test subjects. Every companion's life must be respected. Understood?"

"Fine, no problem!"

"Of course!"

Both agreed swiftly—didn't want to see? Then they wouldn't see. Companions' lives mustn't be violated? Then they wouldn't violate them…

Sometimes, high emotional intelligence isn't needed—just high intelligence can spot the loophole in a single sentence. Whether that loophole was intentional or accidental? No one knew.

"Come on, I'll get it for you."

Zhang Su waved and headed toward his quarters.

After the population surge, nights were far livelier than before—not just more patrols, but more people getting up to urinate.

Only during peak tourist season had Tianma Yu ever seen so many visitors—counting staff included…

"Before we know it, the camp's nearly a hundred people. It's getting crowded."

After doing his bedtime exercises, he'd burned less than ten percent of his energy—Zhang Su felt proud. He could still go three more rounds, but he couldn't indulge.

Lying on his back, staring at the ceiling, he thought about camp matters.

Talking about serious things during the wise time felt odd, but Zhong Xiaoshan was very cooperative: "Tomorrow, the United Village and West Big Camp are moving out. By the way, have you assigned someone to lead Kuangzhuang's cleanup?"

The Kuangzhuang group was settled on the southern edge of Tianma Yu, nearly adjacent to Madian Zhuang—a small village called Yang Taizi.

Surveying revealed fewer than three hundred households; it was tiny for this region, with a pre-apocalypse population under eight hundred, and scattered zombies.

"Xin Qi and the other two, plus Pan Guoliang and Yang Liehuo—their combat strength is solid. We just need someone to supervise. I sent Qi Xiaoshuai—he got beaten today, let him rest tomorrow."

"Huh? What happened? Why didn't you tell us when he came back?"

Zhong Xiaoshan rolled over, staring at Zhang Su curiously.

"So many outsiders came—didn't want to say. Xin Yu, tell Xiaoshan."

"Oh, okay… This morning, after we joined the Azure Dragon Corps, Brother Su had Bo Zai, Sister Tan, and Xiaoshuai… then when Bo Zai dragged the guy back, Brother Su ordered Su Xiaoya to kill him. Su Xiaoya didn't know how to use a gun, so Brother Su personally showed her—gentle, meticulous, holding her close, guiding her hand by hand. So tender, so careful—jeez, I've never seen him be that gentle with anyone."

Zheng Xinyu recounted the morning's events, emphasizing Zhang Su's tender instruction of Su Xiaoya, painting it with heavy ambiguity.

"Bullshit! I didn't even touch her!"

Zhang Su sat beside them, smoking, unable to take it anymore.

Zhong Xiaoshan couldn't help laughing, propping herself up slightly. "The world outside is full of terrible people—solo survivors are either robbed or killed…"

Having handled logistics in the camp for a while, she'd forgotten how cruel the outside world was—this incident served as a wake-up call.

"I'm not surprised by their behavior, but I'm struck by the Azure Dragon Corps' reach—they've come all the way from Shanhai District to trade. Could we emulate them? Set up a trading hub with survivor alliances?"

Zhang Su mused aloud.

Tianma Yu alone could maintain basic subsistence without pressure. If the satellite village method didn't attract zombies, safety was reasonably assured—worst case, other factions might harass us. Eventually, growth was inevitable.

He didn't dream of returning to past industrial levels, but to advance further, he needed to trade with other factions. Take Fu Weijun's constant complaints about lab equipment—if they could acquire even a few machines, research progress would accelerate significantly!

Judging from current zombie development, the fluid had more potential uses—but conditions limited breakthroughs.

"Humans are social creatures—trade has always existed. If you think the timing's right, start planning. But I suggest placing the trading site farther from camp—it'd be safer."

Zhong Xiaoshan offered a small suggestion.

"Just an idea for now—we can plan slowly. Wait until the weather warms up. Right now, it's freezing; no one ventures out unless they need vital medicine or weapons. Those people from Shanhai came for those reasons."

Zhang Su had no plans to set up a trading post soon.

Zhong Xiaoshan nodded, rubbing her tired shoulders. "Poor Qi—got beaten for no reason, and still no trace of the venom zombie…"

"Yeah, I'm starting to doubt if there's even a second venom zombie…"

Speaking of the venom zombie, Zhang Su unconsciously glanced at the venom original fluid tucked under his pillow—he carried it everywhere, never far from reach, never left unattended. If it exploded, Tianma Yu would launch into space. Whether kept on his person or in the room made little difference—the key was not getting stolen.

"So we're still looking tomorrow? Let's search—maybe there's another one…"

Zheng Xinyu suggested enthusiastically.

"It's freezing out—don't go. Tomorrow, take Su Xiaoya to Kuangzhuang and bring back more supplies."

Zhang Su hadn't forgotten his promise to Su Xiaoya.

"No way! She's your little sister-in-law—you handle her!"

Zheng Xinyu pulled the blanket over her head in protest.

"Damn, what messed-up relationships. I'm giving you a chance to enrich your stash and you refuse? Fine…"

Zhang Su sighed. He didn't want to delegate this, so he dropped it—but he wouldn't forgive being turned down. He rolled over, joined Zhong Xiaoshan, and punished Zheng Xinyu!

(End of Chapter)