342: Chapter 342 Let’s put it aside for now

“Bang bang bang~”

Ding Yuwen made his move.

The people sent by Bo Qing had their wrists injured, and all their guns fell from their hands.

Gu Qianhe's men quickly advanced and apprehended them all.

“Gu Qianhe, do you know what you are doing? Violating the city's orders and openly inciting your subordinates to commit violence, I'm afraid even your brother will be implicated because of you!” the leading staff member shouted.

“Everyone, don't panic, listen to me carefully. My brother, Gu Qianshan, was also ambushed by Bo Qing and almost lost his life in Hekou Ancient Town. As soon as he returned to the Settlement, he immediately sent me here to inform everyone of this news, the purpose being to prevent you from being deceived,” Gu Qianhe shouted.

The Citizens did not calm down, constantly communicating with each other, saying all sorts of things.

The staff members of the Shichuan Settlement on the stage also didn't know who was telling the truth and who was lying, so they could only stand there, watching foolishly.

When Gu Qianhe saw this scene, he finally realized how right his brother was. You Bei's death was not enough to convince the people of the Settlement of his words.

“Before coming, my brother also told me a major piece of news. He said that Bo Qing, the mayor of Golden City, is colluding with a cult. This time, he's tricking you into returning because he wants to feed you to zombies. I, on behalf of Shi Fo Resettlement, declare on the spot that we will draw a clear line with Bo Qing and will absolutely not aid evil,” Gu Qianhe bluffed confidently.

“You're just talking nonsense…” The leading staff member was about to refute but was directly knocked unconscious with a gun butt.

“Folks, our Settlement's team leader has been killed, and this place is no longer safe. Now, listen to my command: those willing to go to Shi Fo Resettlement, please go to the left. Those who want to go to Golden City, stay put. Time is limited, everyone, act quickly!” Gu Qianhe gave a look to a staff member of this Settlement, and that staff member stepped forward and shouted.

Everyone looked at each other, hesitating, with only a very small number of people moving to the left.

The other administrators of this Settlement looked at each other, not knowing how to decide for a moment.

“Everyone, I have made myself very clear. If you are willing to go to Golden City to feed zombies, I will not force you. But as the old saying goes, many hands make light work. To fight against Bo Qing, everyone's concerted effort is also needed. If you are not united, there is only a dead end, think about it yourselves,” Gu Qianhe walked up to the staff members and reasoned with them, appealing to their emotions.

“Is Team Leader You really dead?” a staff member cautiously asked.

“How could that be false? If my brother hadn't pretended to compromise, he would have already died in Hekou,” Gu Qianhe confirmed.

“Okay, we'll go to Shi Fo with you!” The staff member made up his mind.

Gu Qianhe lied that Bo Qing was colluding with a cult, and coupled with the Citizens' certain reservations about returning to the city, this led to them having no actual choice; not going to Shi Fo truly meant waiting for death.

Since there was no choice, clearly stating their position might lead to them being given important roles after arriving at Shi Fo. If they continued to hesitate at this moment, they might not even get a chance to benefit.

Convincing these Settlement staff members was equivalent to taking over the entire Settlement.

With the joint efforts of the staff members, the Citizens began to migrate towards Shi Fo in succession.

…

After leaving Hekou Settlement, Pan Rong found an opportunity to escape midway.

Fortunately, his Chenjing Settlement was less than 20 kilometers away from Hekou Settlement. He walked on foot and finally returned safely in the afternoon.

However, everything was too late.

After Bo Qing learned of Pan Rong's escape, he had already appointed a new person in charge and completely taken over the Settlement.

His subordinates were not very convinced by him to begin with, and now that the leader had been changed, few people expressed opposition.

In this way, Pan Rong's power was easily stripped away, and he himself was arrested the moment he arrived at the Settlement.

Bo Qing was extremely angry after learning that You Bei's Shichuan Settlement had been intercepted by Gu Qianshan midway. However, the most urgent matter at hand was to move the Citizens from Hekou and Chenjing Settlements back to Golden City; dealing with Gu Qianshan could only be temporarily put aside.

…

9:00 AM on August 28, 2055.

Binjiang City, Huatong Chamber of Commerce Headquarters.

Today, many people came to the Chamber of Commerce.

The joint investigation team, formed by personnel drawn from the Civil Affairs Department, Military Political Department, Finance Department, Energy Department, Culture Department, and Land Administration Department, arrived uninvited. The leader was Councilman Jing, head of the Culture Department.

The entire investigation team consisted of more than 60 people.

Upon learning the news, Niu Xingwang personally came out to greet them.

“You must be Chairman Niu, Niu Xingwang, correct? I've heard much about you. Forgive our hasty visit today,” Jing Cheng said with a kind smile, gentle and refined. Upon seeing Niu Xingwang, he proactively stepped forward to shake hands.

Jing Cheng was already nearly 70 years old, with white hair.

“May I ask who you are…?” Niu Xingwang asked, not knowing who the visitor was.

“Oh, let me introduce myself, my name is Jing Cheng, and I currently hold the humble position of head of the Culture Department,” Jing Cheng introduced.

“Oh! So it's Councilman Jing, my apologies for not recognizing you!” Niu Xingwang saw that Jing Cheng, despite his high position, was so polite, so he bent at the waist and warmly shook hands.