After leaving the research room, Yi Bai was heading to find Jiang Xiaoci when he found her standing right at his door.
"Hey, Xiaoci!"
Yi Bai's eyes lit up, but before he could speak, Jiang Xiaoci smiled and opened the door, walking inside.
"Xiaoci, were you waiting for me?"
Yi Bai followed her in, a little surprised. He had the distinct feeling she was deliberately waiting for him to come out.
"Yes, sir."
"How's the army arrangement going?"
Yi Bai sat down on the sofa, took a sip of ice-cold water, then continued, "And, you must be here about the cooling equipment, right? She managed to make it, but we can't mass-produce it."
"I know."
Jiang Xiaoci nodded, standing in front of Yi Bai with respectful poise. "The army hasn't been fully arranged yet; they've just been told to rest in their rooms."
"Huh? Why not arrange them?"
"I believe, sir, that after meeting with Li Ya, you might have new plans."
Jiang Xiaoci paused, speaking with an intentional tone. "You place great value on Li Ya. Her temperament doesn't tolerate being constrained by rules, so she might offer you some new insights."
"I believe that if Li Ya presents a challenge, you'll certainly find a way to resolve it—like the lack of a production line, or the logistics issues of weapons and equipment."
Jiang Xiaoci lowered her head, voicing the same concerns Li Ya had about the shelter's current struggles.
"Xiaoci, have you discussed this with Li Ya?" Yi Bai raised an eyebrow. "Your statements are identical."
"I haven't had much communication with Miss Li. I haven't mentioned any of this."
Jiang Xiaoci smiled lightly. "Sir, once the army arrives, it's a clear sign of the most urgent issue we're facing—the difficulty of logistics in maintaining an army."
"Right. Li Ya suggested I go out and take what we need."
Yi Bai reclined on the sofa, speaking in a detached tone. "What do you think I should do?"
"My suggestion is the same," Jiang Xiaoci paused before continuing softly, "There are two police stations nearby. According to what you've said, the officers have already entered the apocalypse war instance."
"So, now the police stations are likely occupied by some refugees, possibly causing trouble with weapons."
"I think, being as kind as you are, sir, you certainly won't tolerate these chaotic and violent mobs disturbing the peace."
Her words made Yi Bai chuckle. "You want me to raid the police station for their equipment? Become a new type of villain? We're going to fight for territory again?"
"No, sir. You holding weapons will only bring more peace."
Jiang Xiaoci shook her head. "The apocalypse has been going on for a while, but you've never killed anyone with your own hands. Instead, you've embraced many of the weak."
"In times of national crisis, a hero must stand up. I believe, sir, that you are the hero this era needs."
"We're not raiding for the sake of plundering or becoming warlords. We're sweeping across the world for the country and the people!"
Jiang Xiaoci's words rang with authority, leaving Yi Bai stunned. "Xiaoci, that doesn't sound like you at all! Though it's a little inappropriate to say, you've always seemed ruthless to me!"
"Really?"
Jiang Xiaoci tilted her head, then suddenly smiled. "Perhaps it's because you've taught me well, sir. I think the righteous cause should be in our hands, not guided by warlord thinking. We should prioritize survival, but also ensure that more people can live."
Yi Bai blinked, realizing that his casual comment had completely shifted her perspective—from being a tough, secret agent type to something more idealistic, almost like a Communist revolutionary.
"I have no rebuttal. You're right." Yi Bai rubbed his chin. "Alright, let's do it. We'll raid the existing weapons and equipment around the city. We may not have heavy artillery, but at least we can replenish some of our ammunition."
"Yes, sir."
Jiang Xiaoci nodded and left.
She had been waiting for Yi Bai to give this command. Despite Yi Bai's full trust in her, she always paid attention to the smallest details, never taking action with the army without his approval.
"By the way, sir." Jiang Xiaoci paused at the door, turning back to ask. "Shall I let Lin Yue lead the team? I can stay here and accompany you."
"Xiaoci, are you afraid to lead the troops into battle?" Yi Bai smiled.
Jiang Xiaoci shook her head. "I just think Lin Yue's leadership will protect your reputation."
If she led the army, it might end up becoming a ruthless warlord force, but with Lin Yue in charge, they would be seen as a miraculous, heroic force by the people.
"Alright."
Yi Bai nodded. As he browsed the Points Shop, he suddenly realized that vehicles were available for purchase.
"Wait, Xiaoci, let me buy something for the army."
Yi Bai quickly stopped her. Vehicles—this was something valuable! With global transport mostly halted, and people forced to walk everywhere, having a few vehicles would be a major advantage.
Yi Bai had 15,151 survival points left, and while vehicle prices varied, he went for the best military options to suit his 500-man army.
"Let's see. The highest cost-performance vehicles for a Level 1 shelter are..." Yi Bai waved his hand, selecting the purchases.
[Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)]
Model: Tiger-III
Capacity: Max 50 soldiers per vehicle
Weapon System: One heavy machine gun on top, two light machine guns on the sides
Armor: Medium, resistant to light weapons and small-caliber artillery
Speed: Max 90 km/h
Use: Rapidly transport soldiers to the battlefield while providing fire support
Price: 1000 survival points
[Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV)]
Model: Thunder-X
Function: Provides tactical command, communication relay, and battlefield medical support
Weapon System: No direct weapons, but equipped with powerful electromagnetic jamming systems
Speed: Max 80 km/h
Use: Enhance tactical coordination, ensure communication, and provide battlefield support
Price: 1000 survival points
[Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARM)]
Model: Guardian-R
Function: Rapid evacuation of battlefield casualties and battlefield repairs
Speed: Max 70 km/h
Use: Reduce casualty rates and improve survival on the battlefield
Price: 1000 survival points
[Anti-Air Missile Vehicle (SAM)]
Model: SkyNet-M
Weapon System: 8 portable surface-to-air missiles
Armor: Medium, equipped with advanced electronic countermeasures
Speed: Max 85 km/h
Use: Provide low-altitude defense, counter drones and helicopters
Price: 2000 survival points
[Supply Truck (ST)]
Model: Hercules-S
Capacity: Supplies for 1000 soldiers for one day (requires consumable shelter resources)
Speed: Max 75 km/h
Use: Ensure task forces on distant missions have sufficient supplies
Price: 1000 survival points
Yi Bai spent 10,000 survival points purchasing five armored personnel carriers and other vital vehicles, leaving him with just over 5,000 points. He bought 10 civilian trucks for general transportation.
"Alright, points are all spent! Only 151 left!" Yi Bai clapped his hands, heading out of the shelter with Jiang Xiaoci.
In the open area, the vehicles appeared one by one, gleaming under the sunlight.
"Lin Yue!"
Yi Bai called out. Lin Yue, already organizing the troops, responded instantly and ran over.
"Special Task Force temporary commander Lin Yue reporting for duty!"
"See these vehicles? They're yours now."
Yi Bai pointed at the military vehicles. "All military vehicles are yours. Leave the civilian trucks and allocate 200 soldiers to the fighting team."
"These military vehicles can carry 300 people. Do you think that's enough for combat?"
"Absolutely! We'll get the job done!" Lin Yue's eyes shone as she surveyed the vehicles.
These weren't just transport vehicles—they were a massive boost to the army's combat power.
"I hereby declare the Great Scavenger Hunt operation officially begun!"
Yi Bai's order rang out, and the soldiers began to board the vehicles, which rolled out of the shelter.
Jiang Xiaoci swiftly arranged the remaining teams and called on Li Jie to start moving nearby residents for the supply missions.
Yi Bai watched from his window as the trucks rolled out, a sense of satisfaction swelling in his chest.
"Soon, my shelter will be overflowing with resources that will never run out!"