Chapter Ten: Searching for the Post-Apocalyptic Fortress

The first thing Mu Qingyu did after waking up was to go find Lü Peng. Her first question, naturally, was about the loan's progress.

The loan process was very difficult. Large corporate loans involve a lot of documents and procedures. Even though Lü Peng used his connections, it would take about a month to complete the entire process and receive the funds.

Similarly, if Mu Qingyu were to take out a loan, he would encounter the same problem as the Mu family—many documents would require Mu Qingrong's signature. Although there would be no problem with Mu Qingrong, it would definitely alarm his uncle, Mu Xiangbei. And recently, Mu Qingyu has been trying to avoid the Mu family.

“Large loans are not an option, but some banks offer subsidized loans to businesses, not large amounts, around a hundred thousand or so, and several banks offer them. Do you think that would be helpful?” Seeing that Mu Qingyu seemed genuinely in need of money, Lü Peng offered another suggestion.

"Alright! I'll have to trouble you again!" Mu Qingyu made the decision. Even a small favor is still a favor! Over the past few days, she had also discovered that Lü Peng was truly reliable and capable. No wonder her grandfather wanted to leave him to her cousin.

Now is not the time to thank Lü Peng. When the time is right, Mu Qingyu will give Lü Peng a great gift.

The loan was settled, and Mu Qingyu asked Lü Peng to call Ma Dachuan over.

"Can you get your hands on gasoline? I'll take as much as you have, name your price." Mu Qingyu didn't mince words with Ma Dachuan and went straight to the point. Gasoline is a state-controlled commodity, and purchasing large quantities is indeed difficult.

Cats have their ways and mice have theirs. She sought out Ma Dachuan because Ma Dachuan was a traveling driver who must have some connections and connections in the underworld, otherwise he wouldn't dare to just decide to lead a car team on his own.

Ma Dachuan was startled, but then he remembered that this young lady did indeed act decisively, so he wasn't too surprised. He just asked with great confusion, "What's going on?"

"There's been a problem with the supermarket's premises, but someone can solve it. However, he needs gasoline, the more the better. As for what he'll use it for, that's not something I can ask." Mu Qingyu can now easily make up stories.

"I see." Ma Dachuan nodded, not doubting it too much. He did indeed have access to gasoline, but—

“Miss Mu, as you know, gasoline is a regulated commodity—” Ma Dachuan’s old habit kicked in; he always liked to beat around the bush and then steer the conversation toward what was in his favor.

But Mu Qingyu wouldn't have any of it: "Mr. Ma, just tell me your difficulties, name your price, and let's not say anything more about things we all know. Let's be frank, if it works out, great, if not, I'll think of something else."

Ma Dachuan smiled wryly. He had just witnessed this young lady's style of doing things yesterday, how could he have forgotten it today? Fine! Let's talk!

He certainly has connections, and he's confident in negotiating deals, so it's natural for him to raise prices on the spot.

Mu Qingyu wasn't stupid. Since she was negotiating business with Ma Dachuan, she knew the price of gasoline. Ma Dachuan raised the price on the spot, so she naturally bargained back.

The two went back and forth for a long time before finally agreeing on a price.

Mu Qingyu genuinely disliked dealing with people like Ma Dachuan; it was exhausting. But there was nothing she could do; Ma Dachuan had resources.

After a morning of negotiations, the gasoline deal was finally settled. A can of gasoline is approximately 1400 liters. The market price for a can of 92-octane gasoline is 8070 yuan, and the price for a can of 95-octane gasoline is 8220 yuan. These are the market prices.

Mu Qingyu needed to source large quantities of goods through special channels, so the price couldn't possibly be that low. The final price negotiated with Ma Dachuan was [price missing] yuan per barrel for 92-octane gasoline and [price missing] yuan per barrel for 95-octane gasoline.

As for how much gasoline they'll get in the end, whether it's 92 or 95 octane, that depends on how much Ma Dachuan can procure. Regardless of the amount, Mu Qingyu will accept it. There's no need to pay a deposit; although they've only just met, they know each other well, and Lü Peng is acting as the middleman.

When the time comes, Ma Dachuan will simply bring the goods into Mu Xiangyuan, and pay whatever amount is available. Mu Qingyu will then settle the bill for Ma Dachuan.

After the business was concluded, Mu Qingyu instructed Lü Peng to treat Ma Dachuan to a meal according to the standards for entertaining distinguished guests, and to use the official account. She herself then left Mu Xiangyuan without delay.

Mu Qingyu decided to find a house first! Once the most basic supplies were secured, she would find and build a post-apocalyptic fortress for herself.

Putting everything else aside, she needed a place that could protect her for many years. Although large and small post-apocalyptic bases were established in various places a few years after the apocalypse, chaos ensued due to the jungle law of the post-apocalyptic world.

In her past life, she relied on a small base to store goods, but it was too chaotic and exhausting. In this life, with her own space and so many resources, it's time to live a different life!

She didn't choose a location near Muxiang Garden. Muxiang Garden was too close to the port, and there would be a period of unusually heavy rain before the apocalypse, during which the port would rise and flood the entire Muxiang Garden area.

She couldn't choose a location too far from Muxiang Garden, because she needed to collect the supplies stored in Muxiang Garden before the end of the world, after the chaos began and before Muxiang Garden was flooded.

Then she had to return from Muxiang Garden to her doomsday fortress. If the distance was too far, something unexpected might happen.

The location she chose should ideally be far from crowds to avoid being surrounded by zombies when the first wave of zombies breaks out.

So, Mu Qingyu spent the entire afternoon driving aimlessly around the northern suburbs of City A. Her efforts paid off, and she actually found a place.

City A is located south of the Yangtze River, with mostly plains and rivers but few hills. The northern suburbs contain a rural-urban fringe area, which consisted of numerous small villages before the city expanded. After the city developed, this area truly became a rural-urban fringe.

The village that Mu Qingyu chose is only five kilometers from the city. It was originally a hilly area with a slightly higher elevation, but it was later leveled to build houses. A few years ago, the farmland in the village was requisitioned, and the entire village received a large sum of compensation.

Everyone made a fortune, and there was no land left to farm in the village. Since the place was close to City A, most of the villagers moved to the city.

The houses in the entire village were basically empty.

A few years ago, some wealthy families in the village built storefronts in a row of six townhouses, each three stories high with a sunroom, and each surrounded by a large wall and a large yard. These six houses are the most luxurious in the village.

However, no one lives there now. Those who were rich back then are now even richer and have naturally moved to the city.

The village was almost deserted, and Mu Qingyu went to great lengths to find an elderly woman living alone. With the woman's help, she finally found the homeowner.