Chapter 27 Vehicle Modification
An order, formally issued by the safety zone command and carrying an unquestionable resolve, resounded like thunder within the air-raid shelter:
"Attention all personnel! As decided by command, the entire safe zone will be relocated to Dawn Base in seven days! All personnel are requested to make their own relocation preparations during this period! Again, departure in seven days!"
The order, relayed via broadcast and verbally by soldiers, instantly ignited the final fuse. Seven days! Just seven days!
Panic, chaos, and a desperate madness spread rapidly through the crowd like a plague. Cries, shouts, scrambling, and increasingly harsh shouts from soldiers mingled together, turning the air-raid shelter into utter chaos.
The moment Ruan Ning heard the broadcast, her eyes sharpened. Seven days was even more pressing than she had anticipated! She had to act immediately and complete the most crucial step—vehicle modification.
She went directly to Old Chen in the logistics department. Old Chen was also in a state of panic, directing his men to take stock of the last supplies that could be carried away.
"Uncle Chen, my car needs to be modified immediately! Just like the plan we discussed before!" Ruan Ning said urgently, but she remained calm as she shoved a heavy canvas bag into Old Chen's hands.
Old Chen instinctively took it, opened it, and his breath caught in his throat.
Inside weren't contribution point vouchers or rare crystal cores, but real food: five packs of compressed biscuits, three heavy military-grade chocolates, and even two cans of beef! On the eve of the migration, these high-calorie, long-lasting foods were far more valuable than those virtual contribution points; they were hard currency that could directly save lives!
Old Chen suddenly looked up at Ruan Ning, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. He hadn't expected Ruan Ning to be able to produce so many "ready-made" items, and he was even more surprised by her decisiveness.
"Xiao Ruan, what you're doing..."
"The payment," Ruan Ning interrupted him, her gaze intense. "I know the situation; this is the fastest way. My car—front bumper, steel mesh for the windows, underbody protection, roof rack, and fuel! It has to be done in seven days, no, within five! Whatever the best you can do!"
Old Chen looked at the tempting food in the bag, then at Ruan Ning's resolute eyes, and gritted his teeth: "Fine! I'll take the stuff! I'll go find Old Liu right now, even if it means tearing down the warehouse, I'll get your car out! I'll try to get you two more barrels of oil!" The motivation brought by food is boundless, especially when everyone is hungry.
Over the next few days, Ruan Ning's off-road vehicle became the priority project for Old Chen and Old Liu's group of experienced workers. Motivated by the food, their efficiency was astonishing.
Thick steel found in the abandoned warehouse was cut and welded into sturdy front bumpers and side skirts; thick steel bars were carefully bent and welded to the inside of each window to form a robust protective net; sturdy roof racks were welded onto the roof with strong angle steel; and thick steel plates were added to key parts of the chassis. Old Liu even used his old mechanic skills to salvage several relatively good off-road tires and a spare tire from a pile of scrapped vehicles.
Ruan Ning would take a moment each day to check on the progress, and each time she went, she would bring some food and drinking water—sometimes a piece of chocolate, sometimes a pack of biscuits.
She didn't rush them, but instead maintained the veteran workers' morale and efficiency with tangible supplies and water. This "food-first" approach proved exceptionally effective in the chaotic final stages.
At the same time, she used the remaining contribution points and some unimportant items to exchange for necessities such as maps, compasses, and first-aid kits, filling the backpack and several suitcases she used as cover to the brim.
On the evening of the fifth day, when Ruan Ning returned to the secluded modification shop, her off-road vehicle had been completely transformed.
The originally sleek body now has a more rugged and fierce look. The steel mesh gleams with a cold, hard luster under the dim light, and the roof rack and reinforced front bumper make it look like a steel beast about to break free of its cage.
Next to the vehicle were four additional military fuel drums, filled with precious fuel.
"Girl, the car's all set up for you." Old Liu wiped the grease off his face, his voice tired but with a hint of pride. "I reinforced everything I could think of. I can't say it's foolproof, but as long as nothing too outrageous happens, it can hold up!"
Old Chen was also standing nearby, watching the car, and said to Ruan Ning, "Little Ruan, be careful on the road..."
Looking at the vehicle that represented several days' worth of effort and a large amount of food resources, Ruan Ning felt a little more at ease. She handed the last small bag of dried meat and a few bottles of water she had prepared to Old Liu and his apprentices: "Thank you for your hard work."
Gratitude expressed through food is more meaningful than any words.
Sitting in the driver's seat, feeling the reinforced and more stable body, Ruan Ning gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Two more days.
With the final countdown underway, the atmosphere in compartment 7 of section B was extremely tense.
Everyone could feel the increasingly chaotic order outside and the pervasive sense of despair in the air. Individual strength seemed insignificant on the hundreds of kilometers of migration, and a reliable, modified vehicle was undoubtedly a crucial guarantee of survival.
Zhou Min, Lin Yan, and even the hooded woman who had remained silent all inevitably had their eyes fall on Ruan Ning multiple times.
They knew that Ruan Ning not only possessed water-based superpowers, but had also made preparations in advance by modifying the off-road vehicle she was driving in the safe zone.
Finally, on the evening before departure, Zhou Min broke the silence.
She adjusted her glasses, walked to Ruan Ning's bunk, and said in an unprecedentedly serious tone, "Ruan Ning, let's not beat around the bush. Can your car take the three of us? We can pay the fee."
Lin Yan also stood up, clutching her axe. Although she didn't speak, her tightly pursed lips and slightly unnatural gaze conveyed her attitude. Even the hooded woman in the far corner slightly raised her head, the shadow under her hood seemingly watching Ruan Ning.
Ruan Ning had anticipated this scene. She sat cross-legged on the cushion, calmly observing the three of them, without immediately answering. She was assessing the situation.
Bringing them along has both advantages and disadvantages.
Lin Yan is a powerful melee fighter, Zhou Min's perception allows her to provide early warnings, and while the hooded woman's abilities are unclear, she is certainly no ordinary being. The four of them sticking together greatly enhance their survivability when facing small hordes of zombies or raiders.
The payment they receive is a form of income in itself, and they can take turns driving and keeping watch on the road, sharing the burden.
Driving a modified off-road vehicle alone on a long journey is seen by some as easy prey. Having a companion, especially one who seems formidable, can reduce a lot of trouble.
Disagreements can arise in areas such as choices, crisis response, and the distribution of benefits. A hastily assembled team lacks a foundation of trust.
Living with the three of them day and night, she needs to be more careful when using her spatial abilities and the spiritual spring.
The weighing of options takes only a moment.
Ruan Ning knew that during the long migration in the post-apocalyptic world, a well-balanced team was far safer than a lone wolf. The key was to maintain control and make them pay a heavy price.
“My vehicle has limited space, and the supplies and fuel it carries are intended for me alone,” Ruan Ning said, her voice steady and calm, with the composure of a negotiator. “Bringing you along means increased risk and doubled consumption.”
Zhou Min immediately replied, "We understand. As for the reward, we can use this to pay." She took out a small cloth bag and poured out its contents—five Level 1 crystal cores of varying shades, which was almost all the supplies the three of them had accumulated during this period. "This is the most valuable thing we can offer right now. In addition, my perception ability can be used for early warning and planning the optimal route, and Lin Yan can serve as the main combat force, she..." Zhou Min glanced at the hooded woman, "...she also has her uses. You can choose the supplies you find along the way first, or we can distribute them according to contribution."
Lin Yan added in a low voice, "I'll be responsible for clearing the way and covering the rear; I'll do the dirty and hard work." This was the biggest promise she could make.
The hooded woman remained silent, but she reached into her bosom and pulled out another small item—a simple amulet that looked like it was woven from the teeth of some kind of wild beast and fine silver threads. It emitted extremely faint but real energy fluctuations, completely different from the silent wooden whistle she had given her before.
She placed the amulet next to the pile of crystal cores, the meaning of which was clear—this was her extra bargaining chip.
Ruan Ning's gaze swept over the crystal cores, then looked at the beast tooth amulet. The five crystal cores would greatly help her improve her strength, and the amulet, like the wooden whistle before, possessed a mysterious aura, making it worth studying.
More importantly, the abilities and clear division of labor among these three individuals can indeed greatly improve the team's survival rate.
She hesitated for a moment, then, under the slightly tense gazes of the three men, finally nodded:
“Okay. I’ll accept the crystal core and this as basic compensation. On the way, Zhou Min will be in charge of intelligence and route planning, while Lin Yan will be responsible for main close combat protection. In case of battle, everyone must obey unified command. Material consumption will be shared according to the agreement or distributed according to contribution. If irreconcilable differences arise along the way, or if anyone endangers the safety of the convoy, I have the right to ask them to leave.” Her words were clear and decisive, instantly establishing her dominant position in this small group.
Zhou Min breathed a sigh of relief and immediately nodded: "No problem!"
Lin Yan also hummed in agreement.
The hooded woman nodded slightly.
A partnership that would determine the future was swiftly reached in this dimly lit room, based on the exchange of benefits and recognition of each other's strengths.
Ruan Ning put away the crystal core and the beast tooth amulet, feeling the energy contained within them, and felt somewhat at ease.
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