4: Chapter 4: Xiaolin's Office Supplies

“Because of the zombies!” Xiao Lin replied solemnly.

“Zombies?” Oriental Chen thought he had misheard; such things only existed in movies.

“Yes, Commander. Patients with brain death after infection will have their nervous systems taken over by the neurotropic virus within 1-20 days. The released nerve signals will cause patients to exhibit pseudo-biological behavior, characterized by devouring, rage, and bloodlust, and they will be extremely aggressive. This process is called zombification.” Xiao Lin gave a brief introduction to the virus’s characteristics.

“So, if you’re bitten by a zombie, you directly turn into a zombie?” Oriental Chen couldn’t help but recall many movie plots where it played out that way.

“Most likely, yes.” Xiao Lin replied.

“What does ‘most likely’ mean?” Oriental Chen asked.

“There is also a very small probability of the viral RNA combining with nerve cells, leading to nerve cell mutation.”

“What happens if they mutate?”

“After mutation, there may be changes in intelligence, mental power, and other aspects. This manifests as increased memory, increased physical coordination, increased mental power, and so on. Each person’s genes are different, so the results of the mutation also vary.” Xiao Lin patiently explained.

“It seems that in times of apocalypse, there will always be chosen ones! I wonder who will be so lucky.” Oriental Chen sighed.

“Since the source has been found, and the hospital has also been sealed off, are there still other channels of transmission?” Oriental Chen continued to ask.

“Yes, Commander. Firstly, mosquitoes will become the first link in the virus’s spread. The scent emitted by infected individuals for a period before and after zombification attracts mosquitoes. These virus-carrying mosquitoes will transmit the virus to other people. Secondly, the virus has a wide incubation period, ranging from a few hours to about 20 days. Furthermore, there are no obvious symptoms during the incubation period. This greatly increases the difficulty of eliminating the virus.” Xiao Lin explained.

“No wonder.” Oriental Chen nodded.

“Commander, are there any parts of the plan that need adjustment?” Xiao Lin asked.

“No, it’s good. Let’s go with this. How about this, you first screen and see which places are suitable for establishing an underground base. I’ll prepare the documents needed to register the company.” Oriental Chen arranged.

“Okay, Commander. All necessary office supplies have been ordered for you, please check for them.” Xiao Lin said.

“Okay, thank you!”

In the afternoon.

The printer, printing consumables, ink pads, pens… all the express deliveries ordered by Xiao Lin arrived like falling feathers.

“Xiao Lin, it’s not that serious! It’s just printing a few application forms, there’s no need for such a big fuss!” Looking at the room full of express packages, he felt a bit overwhelmed.

“Commander, these are all essential supplies.” Xiao Lin explained.

“Alright! You have a point!” Oriental Chen was powerless to refute.

He began the tedious physical labor: unpacking express packages one by one.

For the first time ever, he felt that unpacking express packages was a strenuous task.

…

“Hello, is Mr. Dongfang at home?”

Oriental Chen was unpacking express packages when he heard someone calling from outside.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Oriental Chen opened the door and asked.

“Hello, are you Oriental Chen, Mr. Dongfang?” The person was dressed in professional attire and spoke very politely.

“That’s right!” Oriental Chen replied.

“Hello, Mr. Dongfang, the Defender V8 pickup truck you ordered has arrived. Please inspect the goods.” The person said.

“What the heck? Wait a minute.” Oriental Chen turned and went back inside.

“Xiao Lin?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“You ordered a car for me?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“Damn it, why didn’t you tell me in advance?” Oriental Chen was very surprised.

“This is part of the office supplies.” Xiao Lin explained.

“Alright!”

Oriental Chen understood that what he considered office supplies and what Xiao Lin considered office supplies were not the same thing.

“Then can you order some other cars too?” Oriental Chen asked.

“What kind of car does the Commander need?”

“Let me think, an SUV. Big and spacious enough!” Oriental Chen said.

“Commander, 20 Hummers have already been ordered for you. They are currently being transferred, so there might be a bit of a wait.” Xiao Lin said.

“What? You ordered Hummers too? And 20 of them?” Oriental Chen instantly felt that his perspective was too narrow and he needed to learn from Xiao Lin.

“Yes, Commander. These are essential for travel.” Xiao Lin replied.

When did Hummers become essential supplies?

What he didn’t understand was that after the virus outbreak, if you didn’t have transportation, you would only be able to travel on foot.

Turning to go out, the staff member was still patiently waiting at the door.

“Where’s the car?” Oriental Chen asked.

“In the public parking lot.” The staff member said.

“Why didn’t you just drive it over?” Oriental Chen asked, there were empty parking spaces right outside his door.

“It wouldn’t fit!” The staff member said awkwardly.

“Alright, let’s go then.” Oriental Chen went out in shorts and slippers.

“Rich people are just different, look at that vest, those shorts, those slippers, tsk tsk tsk, that’s style!” The nearby staff member sighed in his heart.

Many people were gathered at the public parking lot, whispering among themselves.

“Why is it so lively?” Oriental Chen was a bit surprised. Usually, it was hard to see a single person here.