The next day, as the sun's rays first pierced through the morning mist, casting a thin layer of gold over the frozen snowfield.
The shelter’s first “general residents’ meeting” was officially held in the central square.
Two groups of people stood clearly separated in the square.
On one side were the "old" residents, led by Qin Lan and Pang Dahai. They were full of energy and stood tall.
On the other side were Li Luoshen and the twenty-one "new" residents she led.
After a night's rest, they underwent a complete transformation.
The hot water washed away the dirt from their faces, revealing their original features, whether delicate, simple, or intellectual.
Although their bodies are still thin, a glimmer of hope has been rekindled in their sunken eyes.
Wearing clean, warm clothes provided by the shelter, they looked around the place that was about to become their new home with a mixture of unease and curiosity.
Lin Feng stood on a makeshift platform made of stones and planks, his gaze calm yet sharp as he slowly swept over everyone present.
When everyone's attention was focused on him, Lin Feng spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but it struck everyone's heart clearly like a heavy iron hammer.
"Welcome to all our new colleagues."
He didn't waste time with pleasantries and got straight to the point: "Before we begin our life together, there are a few ironclad rules of the shelter, which I must put first. Everyone, new and old, must abide by them unconditionally."
His tone became serious and cold, carrying an undeniable air of authority.
"First and foremost: here, my orders are absolute. My decisions are final. You may think, you may offer suggestions, but once I have made a decision, all you have to do is understand, obey, and execute it meticulously."
In the square, the newly arrived women's faces paled slightly, and their breathing faltered.
This naked, unadorned declaration evoked an instinctive resistance and fear in these women from modern civilized society.
Lin Feng's gaze sharpened further:
"Do you think I'm too domineering? Too autocratic?"
He sneered, "That's because you haven't truly understood the cruelty of this world. In the wilderness, democracy is the most efficient way to commit suicide. Disagreements, endless arguments, slow decision-making... all of this will only lead to one result—death. Wasn't your previous camp the best example?"
Li Luoshen and the women behind her trembled violently.
The devastation of their camp, destroyed by monstrous beasts and littered with corpses, remains an indelible nightmare in their hearts.
“Here, we have no time for arguments, no resources to waste. To survive, and to thrive, we must be like a precise machine, like an army that obeys orders without question! And I am the brain of this machine, the commander of this army!”
He paused, his tone softening slightly, but still full of power: "I promise you that every order I give will have the sole purpose of ensuring the survival and development of the entire shelter. I will provide you with shelter, food, and security. In exchange, I require your absolute obedience. Anyone who cannot accept this..."
He stretched out his finger and pointed to the boundless, snow-covered wasteland beyond the tall walls in the distance.
"The door is right there. I won't force anyone to stay. But once you step out that door, whether you live or die is up to fate. The shelter will never tolerate any dissenting voices that might shake the collective will. Do you all understand?"
"Understood!" The old residents, led by Pang Dahai, roared in unison, their voices echoing across the surrounding area.
Their faces were filled with fervent worship and trust. It was this man's autocratic rule that had led them to create the miracle before them.
The new women hesitated for a moment, but under Li Luoshen's lead, they all lowered their heads and responded in trembling but firm voices: "Understood."
They understood. In this world where human life is as cheap as grass, so-called free will is far less real than a bowl of hot soup or a wall that can shelter them from the wind and snow.
Lin Feng's domineering nature is precisely the greatest guarantee that they can sleep soundly and dare to look forward to tomorrow.
Seeing that everyone had accepted this core rule, Lin Feng's expression softened.
He knew that the "big stick" of deterrence had already been used, and now it was time to offer the "carrot" of hope.
"very good."
He nodded: “I welcome you to prove your loyalty through your actions. Now, let’s talk about the second thing. Considering that everyone has just gone through a difficult time and needs to recover both physically and mentally, all new members will have a one-week adjustment period.”
"During this week, your main tasks are to eat, rest, recover, and, under Qin Lan's guidance, familiarize yourself with every corner of the shelter and its rules and regulations."
"One week later."
His voice rose: "The shelter will assign you specific jobs based on each of your knowledge and skills on Earth and your own wishes."
His gaze fell on a woman in the crowd who wore glasses and had a quiet demeanor.
"I heard that one of us used to be a very experienced engineer?"
The woman paused for a moment, then nodded subconsciously.
Lin Feng turned his gaze to Li Xiangbin: "Li Xiangbin! Your workshop has always been short-handed. Now, you have the best helper. I hope the two of you can work together to maintain our existing wind turbines and mill."
Li Xiangbin, his face flushed with excitement, replied loudly, "Yes! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"
The female engineer also looked up, her eyes behind her glasses gleaming with disbelief.
She thought her knowledge of circuits and mechanics was worthless in this world.
Then, Lin Feng's gaze fell on Chen Jing.
"Dr. Chen Jing."
"Here!" Chen Jing immediately stepped forward, her expression excited.
"From today onwards, I officially appoint you as the chief physician of the shelter, and you will be in full charge of the medical room."
Lin Feng solemnly announced: "Your knowledge is our most valuable weapon in the fight against disease and injury. I request that you immediately conduct a comprehensive health screening for everyone and establish files. At the same time, organize all the medical knowledge in your mind. We need to establish our own pharmacy and even train more medical assistants. Every life is invaluable!"
"Yes! I will never let you down!" Tears welled up in Chen Jing's eyes. She had not only gained a position, but also regained her dignity and sense of mission as a doctor.
Lin Feng's gaze continued to move, landing on another woman who looked somewhat scholarly.
"There's another teacher, isn't there? Don't think your knowledge is useless. On the contrary, your position is one of the most sacred in the shelter. You will be responsible for the shelter's education, not only for children who may be born in the future, but for all of us. We must eradicate illiteracy, we must learn, and we must pass on the flame of our Blue Star civilization here! We must not only live, but live like civilized people!"
The female teacher's body trembled slightly with excitement. She nodded vigorously, unable to utter a single word.
"Cooks, tailors, programmers, even office clerks... every skill you acquired in the old world will not be wasted here! You will become canteen supervisors, key personnel in clothing factories, information and archive managers... everyone can find their place here and realize their value!"
"To fairly measure everyone's contribution," Lin Feng introduced his core system: "We will fully implement the 'Contribution Point' system! Every task you perform, whether it's making tools, treating patients, cooking food, patrolling, guarding, or cleaning, will be quantified into corresponding contribution points. Contribution points are the shelter's only 'currency'!"
"You can use your contribution points to exchange for more delicious food beyond basic rations, such as smoked meat and mead; you can exchange them for more spacious and comfortable independent housing; you can exchange them for better tools, more beautiful clothes, and all the 'goods' we can produce in the future! Here, there are no parasites who reap without sowing, but every contribution you make will be rewarded and respected in the fairest way!"
These words struck like a thunderbolt, resounding in the minds of all the new members.
Contribution points! Work! Rewards!
These words completely shattered the last trace of unease and anxiety they felt as "refugees" and "vassals."
They are not domesticated pets; they will live with dignity and honor through their own hands and wisdom!
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