13: Chapter 13 Transfer of Supplies

“It all started with a virus. Last month, a special patient arrived at Binjiang Hospital. From external features, it somewhat resembled a cerebral hemorrhage, but it lacked the basic characteristics of one. After a consultation with Experts, the conclusion was brain death.”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other, but no one spoke, continuing to listen.

“But the strange thing happened not long after the consultation. The patient, who had been diagnosed with brain death, miraculously came back to life.” Oriental Chen deliberately paused here.

The people around also found it strange, but they could still accept it. The world is vast, full of wonders, and many things often cannot be judged by common sense.

“Then what does this have to do with the virus you mentioned?” Brother Zhang asked.

“The revived patient had red eyes, a ferocious face, bared his fangs and claws, and bit anyone he saw. Several people were scratched or bitten on the spot,” Oriental Chen said.

“This, this, this, why does it sound a bit like a zombie?” Brother Zhang swallowed, saying.

“Xiao Chen, you’re not making up a story for us, are you? This sounds like a scene from a movie,” another middle-aged man asked.

“Of course not,” Oriental Chen explained, then looked at Brother Zhang and continued,

“Brother Zhang, do you remember last month when I went to your store and bought two packs of Huazi?”

“I remember, but was it that day…” Brother Zhang was startled, suddenly realizing.

“Yes! It was that day! Binjiang Hospital was sealed off,” Oriental Chen replied affirmatively.

“No wonder your expression seemed a bit strange that day. But why didn’t you tell me then?” Brother Zhang asked.

“Brother Zhang, I told you more than once that the end of the world was coming, do you believe me?” Oriental Chen retorted.

“Ah? Uh, haha, when you said it, it sounded like a joke, so of course I didn’t believe it,” Brother Zhang scratched his head, saying awkwardly.

“Yes! Such a thing is unbelievable. If it hasn’t truly happened, who would believe it? That’s why I made up a story to trick you,” Oriental Chen continued,

“It was also from that day that we started frantically buying supplies, just to prepare for this day. However, things are even more serious than I expected. I thought the virus outbreak would still be more than a month away, and that month would be enough time for us to do many things.”

“Squad Leader, does that mean you called us here not to celebrate Hui Shan’s twelfth birthday party? The real purpose is to have us come here to jointly resist the virus?” Ruan Xinghua suddenly had a flash of inspiration, asking.

“Alas!” Brother Zhang sighed, saying,

“Hui Shan’s twelfth birthday is still a few months away. Xiao Chen suggested I hold it early and gather everyone. I didn’t think that much at the time; I just thought it would be nice for the brothers to get together since we hadn’t seen each other in a long time. As for the end of the world he mentioned, I took it all as a joke, thinking his purpose was to fulfill my dream. I appreciate his gesture, but deep down, I didn’t believe it.” Brother Zhang smiled bitterly.

“Brother Zhang, do you remember that night I said: Brother Zhang, just wait and see, in at most 3 months, the truth and falsehood will naturally become clear. Now you understand, right? We bought so many supplies not because we had too much money to spend, but to prepare for today,” Oriental Chen explained, while looking at everyone and continuing,

“It was my suggestion to gather everyone here. Actually, if it were just for celebrating Hui Shan’s twelfth birthday, there would be no need for everyone to bring their families. The reason for everyone bringing their families is simple: the virus is coming, and only by sticking together can we survive. Having everyone bring their families also serves to alleviate any worries they might have.”

Upon hearing this, everyone understood that there was an element of being tricked in coming here. However, since it was out of good intentions, everyone stopped saying anything more.

“Will it really be the end of the world? Why does it feel so unreal?” Ruan Xinghua still had some disbelief.

“According to what I currently understand, the probability is extremely high. It’s summer now, and there are many mosquitoes and insects. This virus will spread widely through mosquito and insect bites. Moreover, the incubation period of this virus is very long, around 15 days, which also causes the danger of this virus to rise sharply.”

Oriental Chen relayed what he had learned from Xiao Lin.

“Then is there no way to treat this virus?” someone asked.

“Currently, there is no effective treatment method,” Oriental Chen shook his head and replied.

He had also asked Xiao Lin this question, and Xiao Lin’s answer was that research and development could only begin after the Space Station was upgraded and had an experimental module.

Everyone fell silent. The amount of information was a bit overwhelming, and everyone frowned, remaining quiet.

“Although there is no treatment method, I have something here that can provide protection,” Oriental Chen said, raising his left hand.

“What is it?” Brother Zhang didn’t know why Oriental Chen raised his hand, asking in confusion.

Oriental Chen saw that everyone didn’t understand and shook his wrist.

“A watch?” Brother Zhang asked doubtfully.

“Yes, a watch,” Oriental Chen replied affirmatively.

“Isn’t this just an ordinary smartwatch? How can it provide protection?” Brother Zhang still didn’t understand, continuing to ask.

“Yes, and no. As for why it has a protective effect, it’s not convenient to disclose it to everyone now. Currently, I only have a hundred of these watches, which should be enough for the short term.” No one could understand Oriental Chen’s enigmatic words, so he just spoke to himself.

Not long after, Niu Xingwang returned with the convoy.

Oriental Chen arranged for everyone to first load their families and luggage onto the vehicles.

Brother Zhang, on the other hand, led a group of brothers to the warehouse.

It wasn’t until close to midnight that all the supplies were transferred.

There were some unexpected twists during this process, but fortunately, Niu Xingwang still had some influence in the local area, and in the end, it was a close call but without danger.

...

Binjiang Park Underground Base.

Originally, Brother Zhang’s comrades had also just arrived during the day. Their families and children hadn’t had a good rest. With all this commotion, everyone was very tired.

Some women and children were crying, some people were complaining, and some people were arguing.

After all, they didn’t know what was going on. They had been resting well in their rooms, and suddenly they were brought to this dark, messy basement, so their emotions were very poor.

“Brother Zhang, after the supplies are organized, let everyone rest and explain to their families. We’ll gather here again in a bit for a small meeting,” Oriental Chen said to Brother Zhang, seeing the chaotic crowd.

“Okay,” Brother Zhang, drenched in sweat, readily agreed.

Soon, the base quieted down.

When people learned that the virus was coming, they were very scared. However, seeing the countless supplies that had been transported, they felt much more at ease and gradually accepted reality.

Gradually, the women stopped crying and making noise, and the elderly and children also fell asleep one after another.

More than two hours later, Brother Zhang led his comrades to slowly gather.

Oriental Chen then took a few people to dismantle some newly purchased tables, chairs, and benches, combining them into a long conference table.

After everyone was seated, Oriental Chen said,

“There’s a box of smartwatches here. After the meeting, everyone can distribute them; however many people are in each family, take that many. Everyone must have one, including the elderly and children. These watches are different from the ones sold outside; they can prevent mosquito bites, so everyone must wear them at all times.”

Oriental Chen did not stand on ceremony with everyone, directly arranging matters in the posture of a Commander.

“Next, there are several tasks to be done. I will make the arrangements:”

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped and sat up straight.

Seeing this scene, Oriental Chen immediately felt how correct his decision was. If he had found a group of ordinary people, it would probably still be chaotic now.

“First, starting today, we will form a guard team to protect the safety of the base. Brother Zhang will serve as the Captain.”

“Yes!” Brother Zhang stood up in response, then sat down.

“Second, I will take the lead in dividing the areas within the base, including: living areas, leisure areas, office areas, training areas, supply areas, medical areas, isolation areas, etc. After the division is completed, priority will be given to renovating the living areas to settle down our families first.”

“Third, the statistics and management of supplies need to be handled by dedicated personnel. Everyone discuss and see who is suitable; you can choose from your family members. Then assign five assistants so it can be a bit easier.”

...