Chapter 49: Contribution Point System

All right!

Wang Gongtou strode forward energetically, pulled out a notebook he had somehow found from his pocket, cleared his throat, and spoke loudly:

Everyone, starting today, Xuanwu City will officially implement the Contribution Point System! All the work you do in the city will be converted into specific 'Contribution Points,' which will be the sole currency for your survival in Xuanwu City!

He opened the notebook and began to read:

Participating in the city wall reinforcement project earns 2 Contribution Points per hour of work.

Reclaiming and tilling farmland earns 1 Contribution Point for every 100 square meters completed.

Cleaning public areas within the city earns 3 Contribution Points per day.

Joining an external supply‑scouting team grants a base reward of 10 Contribution Points for each safe return, with additional points based on the value of the items found, with no upper limit!

Night watch duty, with shifts every two hours, earns 2 Contribution Points.

……

Wang Gongtou read each item one by one, big or small, all clearly marked.

The crowd began to stir, but this time it was not panic—it was excitement and lively discussion!

'Good heavens…… this…… this is too detailed, isn't it?'

'In other words, as long as I'm willing to work, I can earn Contribution Points?'

'Just one external search nets a base 10 points! If I'm lucky enough to find a crate of canned food, that's practically striking it rich!'

The survivors whispered among themselves, this system is totally fair!

It's not like other settlements where your worth is decided by a single word from the boss.

Here, every drop of your sweat earns an immediate, tangible return!

Liu Kun's expression shifted from contempt to grim.

Before the apocalypse, he handled HR at a company; his forte was talking and managing relationships.

Make him haul bricks or farm? What a joke—he's never done manual labor in his life!

'Quiet! Quiet!'

Wang Gongtou raised his hand to signal silence; once the crowd quieted, he flipped to another page of the notebook and continued:

'Having covered how to earn them, I'll now explain how to spend them.'

'The basic daily food ration costs 5 Contribution Points.'

'Want meat? Sure! A serving of grilled luncheon meat is 10 Contribution Points.'

'Want a safer private dwelling? No problem! Once our residential area is built, a ten‑square‑meter single room will rent for 200 Contribution Points per month!'

'Even if you fall ill and need treatment from the Medical Department, you must pay Contribution Points! Basic wound care costs 2 points; using antibiotics? That's 15 points.'

Boom!

The crowd erupted again!

'What? You have to spend Contribution Points just to eat?'

'Even seeing a doctor costs money? This is too…'

Some began to complain, feeling it was overly harsh.

'Silence!'

Wang Gongtou slammed the podium, his voice stern as he barked:

'What do you think this is? A resort? This is the apocalypse!'

He pointed at the complainers and scolded them with anguish:

'How many of you were lazy freeloaders in previous settlements, kicked out for being useless? Don't you know this yourselves?'

'Here, the City Lord has given you a chance to trade labor for dignity and survival! If you're willing to work, you won't starve; if you contribute enough, you could even live better than before the apocalypse! With such a fair rule, what more could you complain about?'

Wang Gongtou's tirade left those few people flushed and pale, unable to utter another word.

Yeah, what right do they have to free food and drink?

Many couldn't help but think the same.

Elsewhere, they wouldn't even qualify to trade labor for a meal!

Lin Yue, seeing the moment was right, stepped forward slowly and took over the speech.

'What Old Wang said is my word.'

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

'The Contribution Point System takes effect immediately. Han Ya, the Security Department will oversee and record everyone's points; it must be fair, just, and transparent, with the daily results posted on the notice board each evening.'

'Yes, City Lord!'

Han Ya replied in a deep voice.

A massive crisis capable of sparking internal strife was quietly defused.

Everyone's enthusiasm was mobilized like never before.

As soon as the meeting ended, survivors quickly signed up with the department heads matching their skills.

In no time, the whole of Xuanwu City buzzed with activity, brimming with vitality.

Liu Kun and his equally lazy companions were pushed to the outskirts by this fervent atmosphere, feeling completely out of place.

'Damn, really making me go farm?'

A burly man spat on the ground, his face full of resentment.

'Brother Kun, what do we do? We can't really listen to that kid, can we?'

Liu Kun said nothing, merely narrowed his eyes as he watched Han Ya directing people in the distance, a flash of spite crossing his gaze.

'A woman—does she deserve to lord it over me?'

And that Lin‑surnamed brat actually thinks he's the emperor?

He quietly made eye contact with a few people nearby; they instantly understood and, without showing any sign, gathered in a secluded corner.

They thought their actions were covert, but they didn't realize that every move they made was presented to Lin Yue's mind with perfect clarity through Black Tortoise's perception.

"The 'chicken' for killing to warn the monkeys has delivered itself to our door."

On the watchtower, Lin Yue stood against the wind, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold arc.

He did not erupt immediately; he was waiting.

Waiting for the most suitable moment, to eliminate these unstable factors in one fell swoop, and incidentally intimidate others.

……

Time passed quickly; in the blink of an eye, three days had gone by.

After three days of rest and adjustment, the operations of Xuanwu City had initially gotten on track.

That morning, Lin Yue summoned everyone again.

"Yesterday, I reached a new cooperation agreement with the Third Prison Refuge."

"We will launch the second joint extermination mission; the target is a large granary west of the city!"

Upon these words, the whole venue erupted in an uproar!

The granary represents a huge amount of food!

"All personnel who participate in this mission and return successfully will each receive a base reward of 50 contribution points!"

50 points!

This number made everyone's breathing become heavy!

"I sign up!"

"City Lord! Count me in!"

"I'm going too! I'm not afraid of death!"

In a moment, the volunteers gathered like clouds, and the crowd's emotions ran high.

Lin Yue raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.

"But the danger level of this mission far exceeds your imagination. Therefore, not just anyone is qualified to participate."

"To join, you must pass the assessment. If you cannot pass, even if you go, you'll just be going to your death!"

PS: New book, please urge updates and collect!