Chapter 114: Split Operation |
"Well, there's not much difference." Although the three nodded, the expressions on their faces, struggling to hold back laughter, made it clear they definitely didn't believe him.
"Alright, since everyone's here, let's have a proper discussion." After Qin Ziwen finished speaking, the other three straightened up, their expressions turning serious.
Qin Ziwen dropped a bombshell: "I can confirm that two days from now, aside from the newly hatched mayflies from the produced eggs, there will basically be no mayflies left in the river."
Hearing this news, Deng Guang's face lit up with joy. With those mayfly water bugs gone from the river, going to the riverbank to catch fish and shrimp would be much safer!
Zhao Pu didn't ask about Mr. Qin's source of information but instead pondered, "Mr. Qin, if that's the case, then we could go buy some fishing gear these two days. Because of what happened in the river recently, the prices of fishing gear like rods and nets have been dropping, almost half of what they were before."
Qin Ziwen didn't object. "Hmm, you can go acquire some, but don't buy too much. After all, the next map we're crossing to is the Gobi Desert. You should know what the Gobi represents. The price of fishing gear will drop even further."
Deng Guang nodded. "That makes sense. Once we reach the Gobi, the price of fishing gear should hit rock bottom."
Li Yue's eyes widened. Such explosive news, and I get to hear it?!
Everyone outside is still discussing where we'll cross to next, yet Brother Qin already knows in advance.
If the next crossing is to the Gobi, you can never have too much water.
Deng Guang hesitated for a moment. "There should be very little flowing water in the Gobi, right? I read online that a person can last at most seven days without food, but only three days without water."
Zhao Pu said, "Hmm, based on the amount of water many people have stockpiled now, once we reach the Gobi, if we can't find a water source, I'm afraid most can only last a little over half a month at most."
Qin Ziwen stated, "I plan to spread the news that the next map is the Gobi three days before the crossing countdown ends. As for whether others believe it or not, that's their business."
Upon hearing this, all three of them turned to look at Qin Ziwen simultaneously.
Qin Ziwen found it strange. "What, do you think that's not good?"
Zhao Pu first shook his head, then nodded. "No, that's fine too."
A smile appeared on Deng Guang's face. "Even if only some people believe it and stockpile more water, more people will survive the next map."
Qin Ziwen said, "Moreover, besides confirming the next map is the Gobi, it can also be confirmed that one building's worth of people will be added."
Deng Guang nodded. "Right, the Home does have a 'Next Stage Supplementary Population' listed."
Zhao Pu hesitated. "Mr. Qin, I think those added might not necessarily be pure newcomers."
"Hmm?"
Zhao Pu explained, "If, as you said, it's written as 'Next Stage Supplementary Population,' then is it possible... they could be the same as us? It only said 'supplementary population,' not 'supplementary newcomers,' right?"
Deng Guang was curious. "The same as us? Where would they come from?"
Li Yue said, "Brother Deng, do you not usually read Qidian novels?"
Deng Guang shook his head blankly.
Qin Ziwen understood Zhao Pu's meaning. "You mean, there are other residential complexes that have also crossed over. Their complex has also suffered some losses, and the two complexes merge into one."
Zhao Pu said, "Not necessarily a residential complex. It could be other types of buildings, like shopping malls, schools, hotels, hospitals. Of course, this is all my speculation. Anyway, something as outrageous as crossing over has already happened, so other things happening aren't impossible either."
Li Yue sighed wistfully. "I wish it could be a hospital. Then we wouldn't lack medicine."
Qin Ziwen said, "Alright, that's all two days away. For today, I plan to split up and act separately, dividing into two teams. One team goes up the mountain, and the other heads to the stream to retrieve the fish traps we placed last time. Which side do you want to go to?"
Li Yue asked curiously, "Where's the stream? Is the mountain the one behind us?"
Qin Ziwen nodded. "Yes, going up the mountain means heading to the northern mountainside. The stream is at the residential complex's east gate, the direction where you were injured by the wild boar."
Li Yue looked somewhat embarrassed. "Bro, why the personal attack? Then I'll still go up the mountain. Being chased by a wild boar in the forest last time left me with psychological trauma."
Deng Guang teased Li Yue: "It's fine. Recently, some of the meat you've eaten was wild boar meat. Consider it revenge on your behalf."
Then Deng Guang said, "I'll go to the stream side. I won't go up the mountain this time."
Zhao Pu pondered. "Then I'll go up the mountain. The mountain side is quicker, so we can return earlier."
Qin Ziwen said, "Alright, then you, Li Yue, and Du Yu will go up the mountain together. I, Deng Guang, Xiao Wu, and Li Tieshan will go to the stream side. Everyone, go early and return early, pay attention to safety. Doctor Zhao, you can take the card that refreshes at the mountain altar this time."
Hearing this, Zhao Pu couldn't hide the excitement on his face. "Okay."
After dividing the teams, everyone split up to act.
Carrying their equipment and holding their long spears, they exited through the east gate. Not long after walking, a group of people caught up from behind.
"Brother Qin, long time no see."
The crowd parted, and Huang Tao walked out with a smile.
Qin Ziwen glanced at the group of people following Huang Tao; there were many unfamiliar faces among them.
"So it's Boss Huang. Is there something?"
Huang Tao showed displeasure on his face. "Can't I come if there's nothing? We've cooperated several times before, we can be considered friends, right?" Huang Tao raised his head, looking up, and said with surprise, "Huh, where's your bird?"
"Probably shy, hiding."
Huang Tao laughed upon hearing this. "It's like this, I came to find you for cooperation."
"Cooperation?" Qin Ziwen looked at the dozen or so people surrounding them, vaguely encircling him and his group. "This doesn't look like sincerity for discussing cooperation."
Huang Tao quickly waved the surrounding people away. "What are you all crowding around for? You've scared my Brother Qin."
Just then, noise came from behind Huang Tao. Turning his head, he saw Zou Jianghe leading a few people out from the east gate.
Seeing this, Huang Tao cursed inwardly. This old fox followed me as soon as I came out.
"Hahaha, Mr. Qin, long time no see." Zou Jianghe enthusiastically extended his hand. "It's usually very hard to get a chance to see you."
Looking at Qin Ziwen right before him, Zou Jianghe sighed inwardly. The first time he invited Qin Ziwen was because he had heard of his reputation. Back then, the Alliance was just preparing to expand; he needed a blade, but Qin Ziwen didn't come that time.
The second meeting was because of the infectious disease. At that time, he wanted to curb Qin Ziwen's sharpness, so he chose to win over and divide. Looking back now, it wasn't successful.
Now, as the Alliance gradually grew stronger, even he, as the original founder, was beginning to lose control of this large ship that spanned the entire residential complex.