Chapter 72: Every Talent Has Its Use

"Deputy Mayor Ge, what do you think of this plan? Is it feasible?"

As Ge Zhongping was lost in his thoughts, Han Zhongguo's booming voice broke through his contemplation.

"Let's put it to a vote!"

Startled from his reverie, Ge Zhongping realized that the situation was beyond saving. Yet, he still clung to a slim hope that the vote might yield a different outcome.

"Alright! Let's vote!" he said, his voice resigned but determined.

Han Zhongguo did not expect Ge Zhongping's approval, so he welcomed the vote, knowing it was exactly what he wanted.

"Very well," Ge Zhongping muttered, his fingers tapping weakly on the table. He looked around at the group and said, "Those in favor of Deputy Mayor Han's plan, please raise your hands."

"Whoosh!"

Han Zhongguo was the first to raise his hand, followed closely by two of his supporters. When Lu Guoliang slowly raised his hand, Ge Zhongping felt a dark cloud descend over him. His suspicions were confirmed: as soon as Lu Guoliang raised his hand, the six members of the neutral faction quickly followed suit, raising their hands in unison.

At that moment, only Ge Zhongping, Lu Hai, and his four allies remained with their hands down. But with the count now at ten to five, the result was all but decided.

Resigned, Ge Zhongping slowly raised his hand, knowing that as a leader, opposing the majority would isolate him, leaving him without support. He could only acquiesce. Lu Hai and the others, watching his gesture, reluctantly followed suit and raised their hands in agreement.

"Alright! The motion passes unanimously!" Han Zhongguo declared loudly, though he struggled to contain his inner excitement, which was evident in his voice.

With the vote concluded, the group quickly began discussing the next steps. In the end, Ge Zhongping managed to establish a temporary working group, which consisted of four members: himself, Han Zhongguo, Lu Guoliang, and, reluctantly, Lu Hai. Both Han Zhongguo and Lu Guoliang understood that pushing too hard might backfire, so they agreed to Ge Zhongping's inclusion. However, with the group evenly split, the outcome of the next phase remained uncertain.

It was clear that when these individuals focused, they were quite effective. With the help of the base's hundreds of residents, they began dismantling the supermarket shelves and, under the guidance of the two experts, constructed a framework at the mall entrance.

The shelves were broken down into individual units, which were then reassembled using angle irons and screws, forming a narrow passageway that could only allow one person to pass at a time. Surrounding the passage, an intricate framework of angle irons was built, tightly secured to the walls, resembling a giant birdcage-like structure.

The framework was robust, utilizing basic physical principles to ensure its stability. Even a dozen people pushing against it could not move it. The interlocking structure enhanced its overall stability. Despite their reservations, the experts' contribution proved valuable, at least in this specialized field.

By the end of the morning, the shelves had been completely dismantled, and the result was a large framework about 30 meters long, 5 meters high, and 3 meters wide. In the center was a passage just wide enough for one person to pass through, while two side passages allowed personnel to enter and eliminate any mutated dogs that entered the central passage.

After a busy morning, the work was finally completed.

They could not afford to waste any more time. If they didn't act before dawn, more people would die from hunger. Once the framework was confirmed as secure by the two experts, the police force quickly positioned themselves around the framework, while 200 young men armed with homemade spears prepared to enter the passage and kill any mutated dogs that appeared.

The atmosphere in the base was charged with tension, everyone anxiously awaiting the moment when the gate would finally open. The outcome was uncertain—life or death hung in the balance.

As they stood there, it was impossible to predict how effective the framework would be. Even Han Zhongguo was sweating profusely, and Ge Zhongping, wiping sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, cursed Han Zhongguo inwardly. Despite his frustration, he knew he had no choice but to trust him now.

By noon, the sun was high in the sky, its harsh rays beating down on the streets. Di Ping and his team of four were nearing the base, arriving at the hotel where Yue Lie and his group had previously taken refuge. They entered the hotel to rest for a while.

After walking all morning and fighting two battles, Di Ping needed a break. A larger fight awaited him at the plaza, and he needed to be well-rested to face it.

Meanwhile, at the base, everyone was holding their breath, watching the main gate. Three individuals were busy dismantling the previously constructed barricade. As the protective wall came down, light began to filter in, and the hearts of everyone in the base tightened with anticipation.