Chapter 48: Engineering Department, Security Department, Medical Department

Sun Qian's words were like a basin of ice water, instantly freezing the originally celebratory atmosphere; only the soft 'crackle' of burning firewood remained in the air.

"Liver and kidney failure……blood purification……"

Wang Gongtou muttered to himself, a solemn look appearing on his weather‑worn face.

Although he wasn't a doctor, he still knew what those words meant.

Even before this apocalypse, saving them would have required the best hospital, the most expensive equipment, and a medical team with the richest experience.

And now……what do they have?

They have nothing.

The female army medic Xiao Xie's face was also written with helplessness and defeat as she looked at the dozen or so people groaning in pain before her, her eye sockets red,

"Doctor Sun is right; our medicine can only hold them temporarily, unable to clear the toxins in their bodies. Not long……"

She didn't go on, but it was already self‑evident.

The crowd, still immersed in the joy of surviving the disaster just moments ago, fell silent now.

They looked at the companions who had once been trapped with them in the spider nest, their eyes complex.

There was sympathy, there was grief, but more than that, a fear akin to the rabbit's grief when the fox dies.

Today they are the ones who died; tomorrow, who will it be?

In this apocalypse, who can truly be safe?!

"Little Lin……"

Wang Gongtou looked at Lin Yue, his lips moving, but in the end he couldn't utter a word.

He knew it wasn't Lin Yue's fault, but watching more than a dozen lives vanish before his eyes left his heart feeling choked.

He simply listened quietly, then walked over to a young girl whose body was swollen from kidney failure, crouched, extended his hand, and lightly felt her pulse.

The girl's pulse was so faint it was almost imperceptible, her skin as cold as a stone.

"I understand."

Lin Yue rose slowly, his tone calm and unruffled.

Although he also wanted to save these people, he isn't a god; perhaps later, when Xuanwu's level rises, there will be a way, but for now he cannot.

……

By the campfire.

Everyone sat on the ground, forming a huge circle.

After the brief cries, what needed to be done still had to be done, what needed to be decided still had to be decided.

Lin Yue stood on a high platform, looking down at the nearly hundred faces below, each with a different expression.

The night wind was especially cold, making the campfire sputter; the firelight stretched his shadow extremely long, casting a huge shadow behind him.

"I know what you're thinking right now."

Lin Yue's voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"You're afraid, you're worried. Worried there won't be enough food, worried you……won't survive until tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, many people lowered their heads instinctively, daring not to meet his gaze.

"That's right, we face many difficulties now."

Lin Yue's tone suddenly shifted,

"Even, some among you have already started forming factions, scheming how to gain more advantages in this city!"

His gaze swept over a few strong‑built men with flickering eyes in the crowd.

Those few felt a jolt in their hearts and hurriedly lowered their heads even further.

Lin Yue didn't call them out; he simply gathered his gaze back and continued:

"From today onward, Xuanwu City will establish three core departments to solve all the problems we face."

"First, the Engineering Department."

"Led by Wang Jianguo, Old Wang as department head."

Lin Yue's gaze turned to Wang Gongtou,

"The Engineering Department oversees all infrastructure and construction projects in Xuanwu City, including but not limited to planning residential areas and improving the water system. Anyone skilled in building, design, or electrical work can sign up with Old Wang to join the Engineering Department."

Wang Gongtou was first stunned, then straightened his waist like a ramrod, his turbid old eyes bursting with brilliant light!

He never expected Lin Yue to entrust him with such a heavy burden in front of everyone!

"Yes! City Lord! I guarantee to complete the mission!"

Wang Gongtou, like the newcomers to Xuanwu City, also addressed Lin Yue as City Lord.

Lin Yue nodded satisfactorily,

"Second, the Security Department."

"Led by Han Ya as department head."

Han Ya trembled all over upon hearing this, lifted her head, her eyes full of disbelief.

She was the security officer of Xuanwu City, responsible for internal safety patrols, but when Lin Yue spoke to her then, Xuanwu City had only a handful of people, right?

Back then she just took it as a joke, never imagining Lin Yue would actually entrust her with such an important department.

"The Security Department manages all personnel in Xuanwu City, handles security patrols, unified distribution of supplies, and……the future selection and training of combat personnel."

Lin Yue looked at the crowd, speaking word by word:

"To join the Security Department, one must pass Minister Han Ya's personal assessment. I have only one requirement: better few than many."

Han Ya took a deep breath, returning from her shock.

She neither declined nor asked further; she simply stood and gave Lin Yue a crisp military salute.

"Yes, City Lord!"

Lin Yue's gaze finally fell on Doctor Zhang Qian, who had remained calm throughout.

Third, the Medical Department.

Doctor Sun Qian will serve as the department head.

The Medical Department will coordinate all medical resources in Xuanwu City, responsible for the treatment and rehabilitation of all wounded. Anyone with medical, nursing, or pharmaceutical knowledge will be placed under your command.

Lin Yue looked at Sun Qian, his expression becoming unprecedentedly solemn.

Doctor Sun, I know we currently lack medicine and equipment, even the most basic facilities. But I promise you, in the future I will build you a top‑tier hospital.

Yes, City Lord.

She pushed up her glasses and nodded solemnly.

I will do my utmost.

As for those who have not joined these three departments,

Lin Yue's voice rang out again,

You will be responsible for the daily affairs of Xuanwu City, including but not limited to farming and scavenging for supplies outside the city.

Of course,

He added,

You need not worry about combat during supply runs; with Black Tortoise present, you won't have to risk your lives.

These words let everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

However, Lin Yue's following words once again tightened everyone's nerves.

In Xuanwu City, I have only one rule.

He gazed at the nearly a hundred pairs of eyes below and slowly uttered five words.

Contribution determines treatment.

Everyone stared blankly at Lin Yue on the platform, unsure what he meant.

In the crowd, a middle‑aged man named Liu Kun flashed a barely concealed look of contempt in his eyes.

He curled his lip, silently sneering.

What 'contribution determines treatment' sounds nice, but it's just exploitation with a different label.

In the 'Dawn' gathering place, he had heard too many similar lofty slogans—what came of them?

It wasn't the powerful leaders who lived well; these ordinary people couldn't even fill their stomachs with scraps.

This youngster may be young, but he's quite skilled at drawing big promises.

Old Wang,

Lin Yue didn't elaborate further, but turned his gaze directly to Wang Gongtou,

Please explain in detail the 'contribution point system' we agreed on yesterday.

Sure thing!