Citywide Strategy: From Calm to Crisis

Mike sat in deep thought, carefully weighing his options.

He couldn't allow a volatile "powder keg" like Chen Dafei to roam unchecked among the survivors. It was a risk to the safety of the collective, an unacceptable liability. Yet, the decision to kill Chen Dafei wasn't simple. Eliminating him would mean losing a powerful combat asset and a unique area-wide survival ability. Furthermore, it would disrupt the delicate balance of leadership in the Little White Bear enclave, necessitating the search for someone with enough influence to fill Chen Dafei's role.

On the other hand, letting him live came with its own set of complications. Lu Nianxin would be forced to stay tethered to him, acting as a "leash" for his volatile emotions. And even then, Chen Dafei would remain an unpredictable threat—a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

Ultimately, this wasn't about Chen Dafei as an individual; it was a question of the collective good. The choice to keep or kill him was a matter of survival strategy, not personal sentiment.

As Mike mulled over this dilemma, he didn't neglect his other duties. He kept an eye on the progress of the various squads spread across the city. Most of the forces were stationed downtown, guarding and transporting the vast supplies stored in the city center while welcoming back the first wave of survivors rescued from that area.

The night before, after dismantling Dongfang Qiang's stronghold, Wang Shi had executed the leader on Jiang Xiaoci's direct orders. With Dongfang Qiang dead, the city center was secure, presenting Mike with a vast, livable zone brimming with resources.

These supplies were now under Jiang Xiaoci's meticulous management. A third of them were transported to the Little White Bear enclave and the Headquarters District for long-term storage. The remaining two-thirds were distributed by combat squads to survivors across the city.

The squads didn't just deliver resources—they carried Jiang Xiaoci's latest directives, too. The message was clear: survivors were free to remain in their own shelters or join one of Mike's three main enclaves. However, the support system wouldn't last indefinitely. Once the city center's resources were exhausted, the widespread distribution of supplies would pause.

"If you can't sustain yourselves," Jiang Xiaoci advised, "consider relocating to one of our core enclaves, where survival conditions are better managed."

The directives also emphasized that while survivors were free individuals, they still had to abide by the city's apocalyptic management policies. Surprisingly, these rules, which resembled pre-apocalypse security measures, were met without resistance. In fact, many survivors readily agreed.

The strategy was clear: use lenient governance to ease survivors into the new order, emphasizing cooperation and mutual aid. Jiang Xiaoci's approach was methodical—stabilize first, then gradually introduce tighter controls as the survivors adapted to the new reality.

Jiang Xiaoci also sought to integrate volunteers into the system, welcoming their contributions and granting them legal authority to perform community aid under Mike's banner. Volunteers were celebrated, rewarded, and given public recognition, creating a sense of belonging and purpose. This approach lightened Mike's leadership burden and solidified his status as the city's de facto ruler.

"Jiang Xiaoci truly understands how to drive collective motivation through policy," Mike murmured, admiration evident in his tone. "This is leadership in its purest form."

As Mike observed the unfolding plans, he found himself captivated by the intricate web of strategies. Jiang Xiaoci's methods were transparent, her vision grounded in practicality and fairness. Even her next moves seemed predictable—establishing patrol units, refining the city's law enforcement, and gradually transitioning from loose management to tighter organizational structures.

"It's like cooking a delicate dish—steady and measured," Mike mused, marveling at her skill.

By late afternoon, Mike was so engrossed in his analysis that he lost track of time. It wasn't until he heard murmurs from the residents below—something about the delayed evening meal—that he realized he'd skipped dinner entirely.

"Damn, I forgot to eat!" he muttered, snapping out of his reverie.

Dinner wasn't just a personal matter. His meal symbolized the communal bond of the enclave. If he skipped a meal, so did everyone else. Rushing downstairs, he found the meal prepared by the local women—delicious as always, with a perfect balance of meat, vegetables, and soup.

But just as he settled down to eat, something caught his attention. Through his linked perspective, he noticed Chen Dafei acting suspiciously. He had slipped away from both Lu Nianxin and Chen Xiaoling, moving alone.

"What's he up to now?" Mike's face darkened as he set down his chopsticks, his appetite forgotten. His gaze hardened as he focused on Chen Dafei's movements, knowing full well that any misstep from the man could unravel everything they'd worked so hard to build.