Jiang Wu's gaze fell on a blackboard at the factory entrance, on which were written in white chalk: "Today's tasks: Make 1,000 crossbow bolts, polish 50 iron plates, repair 2,000 crossbow bolts..."
Below are several checkmarks, which clearly indicate the amount of work completed.
This management model struck Jiang Wu as somewhat novel.
Wang Tiefeng smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Bai, everyone who joins our base is most interested in two places: the market and the food processing plant. Shall I take you to see these two places?"
Because of Jiang Wu's giant mount, Wang Tiefeng paid special attention to Jiang Wu.
She not only accompanied him personally, but also showed him great enthusiasm.
Jiang Wu asked curiously, "Isn't this place under a food rationing system? Everything is centrally managed. What is this market for?"
Wang Tiefeng explained, "Although it is a food rationing system, each time we organize a trip out, the base only takes away half of the supplies obtained by the people, and the other half is allowed to be kept. This is also to increase everyone's enthusiasm for going out to search for supplies."
"After all, the world is different now than before the disaster. When people go out to search for supplies, there will always be some accidents. If they are forced to work and are not given any benefits, the people will be reluctant to go out to search for supplies. This is like draining the pond to catch all the fish."
Jiang Wu nodded in understanding.
It seems that the area is quite friendly to survivors.
They not only consider the wishes of the survivors, but also leave half of the supplies behind.
If it were the Chosen Ones, would they care about the lives of ordinary survivors?
It was forced labor; if you didn't work, you would starve or be beaten to death.
Wang Tiefeng continued, "We are in the mountains here, and the mutated plants are particularly abundant. Therefore, there are many interesting mutated plants or mutated insects. The wisdom of the masses is boundless. They can always make use of what they have to create many interesting things."
"For example, in our food processing plant, many types of food were first discovered by the public. They were the first to buy and sell those things in the market. After we discovered them, we provided certain supplies in exchange for the processing or preparation methods they had discovered."
“We will also hire some exceptionally talented individuals as official staff members of the base.”
Jiang Wu smiled slightly and said, "Then let's go to the market first."
Wang Tiefeng nodded and smiled, "Okay, Mr. Bai, this way please."
Led by Wang Tiefeng, the two headed towards the center of the county town.
Along the way, patrolling soldiers saluted Wang Tiefeng from time to time.
These soldiers are all in high spirits.
Full of energy and spirit.
And because they were all wearing the regular military uniforms they wore before the disaster, they looked especially friendly and reassuring.
Seeing this city from the sky, you can tell it's quite large.
Walking through it, one feels that this mountaintop city is exceptionally vast.
As you walk along the gravel road toward the center of the county town, the scenery becomes increasingly vibrant.
The number of people has increased significantly, and the noise has gradually become more and more intense.
Unlike the functional but somewhat monotonous concrete fortress-like residences on the outskirts, the further you go into the center, the more diverse the architectural styles become, and the more vibrant the atmosphere becomes.
Many buildings retain the original structure of the county town before the disaster, but many more were newly built later.
There are rough but sturdy log cabins, stone houses built using rubble, and even many unique buildings that combine bricks, tiles, and metal panels.
These buildings are no longer simply residences; many now display handwritten signs.
Old Wang's Blacksmith Shop, Chen's Herbal Medicine Shop...
There was even a Xinhua Bookstore.
In addition, the number of people here is astonishing.
It was bustling with people coming and going, very lively.
Seeing Jiang Wu curiously looking at the shops, Wang Tiefeng continued to explain: "Because of limited materials, the city's construction plan adopts the method of external fortification and internal activity. That is, the further out you go, the stronger the buildings will be, because those buildings are also used as fortifications."
"And the city center is the activity area, where all the entertainment facilities are located."
"The Commander-in-Chief said that we must not only be able to fight, but also know how to live. The central area is relatively safe, so we encourage everyone to use their special skills to revitalize the economy. Those with a skill can open a shop; those with strength can join engineering or hunting teams; and those who don't know anything can find work in official workshops to make a living."
He pointed to a particularly lively area ahead.
There were many shops along the street with lanterns or special signs hanging at their doors, and the sounds of loud music and noisy voices could be faintly heard.
Wang Tiefeng continued, "Mr. Bai, look over there, that's our famous 'bar street' in the west of the city. There's one of these areas in the base, one in the east, one in the south, and one in the west. It's a place where everyone can take a break from their busy schedules and relax."
"In addition to the drinks collected before the disaster, these bar owners have also brewed some new and unique drinks. Mr. Bai, you can give them a try."
Jiang Wu became interested: "Oh? Brewing new wine? Are your supplies this plentiful?"
In the apocalypse, alcohol is a luxury, often meaning a huge consumption of resources.
Wang Tiefeng shook his head and said with a smile, "Mr. Bai, the materials they use to brew their liquor are all those mutated plants, and then they each add some so-called secret recipes. As long as they can guarantee that it is non-toxic, we officials will let them do whatever they want."
"And the best wines are first handed over to us officials by these bar owners."
At this point, Wang Tiefeng laughed and said, "Some of them are bottled liquor that the search team found in the ruins, and those are very precious."
“Mr. Bai, would you like me to take you to the bar area first and let you experience our local ‘nightlife’, even though it’s not dark yet.”
Jiang Wu was indeed curious and nodded.
The two walked towards the bar street.
As you get closer, a mixture of sounds and smells assaults your senses.
The pungent smell of cheap tobacco, the sour odor of alcohol, the smoky aroma of roasted meat, the boisterous laughter of people, and the distorted music emanating from old speakers.
The streets are narrow, but the flow of people is very dense.
There were low-rise shops on both sides.
Some of them have tattered neon signs hanging at their entrances, flashing words like "Forget-Me-Not Bar", "Doomsday Fantasy", and "Veteran's Inn";
Some were simple and crude, directly writing the character "酒" (wine) in red paint on the wooden board.
Wang Tiefeng was clearly familiar with the place, and he led Jiang Wu into a bar called "Rock".
The room was dimly lit and filled with the noise of people.
The rough wooden tables and chairs were crowded with people, including soldiers in uniform, hunters covered in dust, and ordinary-looking civilians.
People gathered in small groups, loudly playing drinking games, boasting, and exchanging information, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere.
A pretty waitress wearing an apron saw Wang Tiefeng, her eyes sparkling. She immediately greeted him with a smile: "Colonel Wang! What brings you here? Please come in, there's an empty table inside!"
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