(1) This is a distrust of the only light among the zombies (1)

Duong Quang Residential Area.

A twin-sided hot pot was set up, with various crabs, fish slices, river shrimp, vegetables, hot pot base, instant noodles, eggs, and some beer. This kind of spread definitely couldn't compare to peacetime.

Comparatively speaking, it was extremely modest.

There weren't all sorts of meats.

However, in the apocalypse, it was already considered not bad. To enjoy such delicious food in the apocalypse was truly quite good.

"To be able to eat hot pot now, it's so satisfying." A Hai's face was flushed. A few mouthfuls of beer into his stomach, and the alcohol's effect kicked in. He looked at Lam Pham with a face full of adoration, the meaning very clear, no need to say much.

Hot pot should be eaten outside, with the wind blowing, breathing in fresh air, savoring the delicious hot pot. Anyone who came by would have to say, are you guys surviving in the apocalypse, or does it feel like you're on vacation in the apocalypse?

In the early days of the residential area, it was still a bit difficult to have such a life. But with development and construction, supplies gradually increased. They started growing their own vegetables and fruits, gradually developing self-sufficiency.

Han Suong said, "Today we went to Chu Duong's hideout. There's an Awakened there, runs incredibly fast."

Co Hang, who was picking up food, looked up in surprise.

Lam Pham smiled and said, "Mm, very normal, within my expectations. Van Van's situation might not be unique or special. There are definitely other survivors, just like that Ma Nhat Long whom Bang Phi and his group encountered, who can twist an iron pipe into a pretzel with his bare hands. This is an augmentation in strength, just like a strength-type zombie."

Co Hang listened, pondering. He could consider this group of Awakened as new humans, a group gradually emerging in the apocalypse due to the harsh environment.

Although it seemed their numbers weren't large now, he believed that as development continued, these Awakened would gradually appear.

Han Suong continued, "He already knows the use of the crystals and is trading this information for supplies with other hideouts."

"Mm, this is also inevitable, just a matter of time before it's discovered. No need to take this matter to heart." Lam Pham had a smile on his face; he didn't take this to heart. If it could enhance them, then there would be people to help clear zombies, which was a good thing.

After speaking, he looked at the children playing not far away.

He greatly enjoyed this leisurely and easy life. When he went out to kill zombies, all he encountered were zombies, as well as various tragic scenes, and all sorts of decayed survivors who had committed suicide.

Although he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

He could imagine their despair at that time.

"Uncle Lam, I want to eat smoked sausage." Dinh Dinh cheerfully came to Lam Pham's side, looking at the boiling hot pot, smelling the fragrance, her saliva almost drooling.

"Alright."

Lam Pham picked up a continuously cut piece of smoked sausage and put it into Dinh Dinh's mouth. Then Dinh Dinh, having eaten the delicious ham, cheerfully ran towards the group of people over there.

A child's life was just that simple.

"Tieu Pham, do you think Van Van's mental power needs to be stimulated?" Co Hang voiced his guess.

Lam Pham said, "You mean like the scenes that often appear in movies, encountering a dangerous situation, and under intense emotions, her mental power erupts?"

"Yes, just like that."

"I understand, but that kind of encounter is just portrayed in movies. This is reality. Forcing Van Van to erupt her mental power under such emotions, I don't know if it will affect her body. I think we shouldn't do it. Everything in the world has its own development process. Rushing things might not be a good thing."

Lam Pham thought about it and still rejected this idea.

He looked at Van Van in the distance, skipping rope with the group, a happy smile always on her face. That was enough. He would do what needed to be done; it hadn't reached the point where he urgently needed others to help, let alone a child.

Co Hang said, "Mm, alright then. Let's not discuss Van Van's matter for now. However, more and more survivors are staying in the shops now. I think there should be a process, forming a model for harmonious development, which will be helpful for the future."

Lam Pham smiled, "Brother Hang, you are an experienced and knowledgeable person. I only know how to slash zombies. Asking me to think about policies is a bit forceful."

"Haha, Tieu Pham, you're truly modest. But this matter should be asked of Han Suong. She used to be a high-level executive in a company; she has ideas in this aspect." Co Hang cast a glance towards Han Suong. The development of Duong Quang Residential Area to this point was inseparable from everyone here, but the premise of any development was to ensure the safety of this place.

Therefore, Lam Pham's importance was unquestionable.

Just like a nuclear weapon, he was the core for everyone. It didn't matter what people in Duong Quang Residential Area did, even if they went down the wrong path, it didn't matter, because Lam Pham was there. No matter what, there was always a chance to correct mistakes.

"I don't think I can." Han Suong suddenly felt the pressure.

Old Man Vuong, who had been listening to the young people exchange ideas, smiled, "Tieu Han, your abilities are as clear as day to everyone. Calm, composed, resourceful, capable – everyone here knows this. No need to be too modest. Boldly state your thoughts."

With Old Man Vuong's words.

Han Suong accordingly fell into deep thought, her brain working at high speed. A moment later, she looked up, a plan already roughly formed in her mind.

"Alright, then let me talk about it. Our Duong Quang Residential Area is no longer the same as before. The population has grown from over ten to over a hundred now. Besides those of us in the residential area who are busy with different things, the survivors in the nearby shops are also busy. But it gives the feeling that while everyone is indeed busy, they don't know what they are busy with. This is a very frightening situation.

It might not seem like a problem now, but as the number of people increases and time goes on, drawbacks will gradually appear. When that time comes, trying to improve things might be very difficult."

Everyone was like students in class, listening quietly.

Especially those who used to work, looking at Han Suong speaking, the scene of their former leaders holding meetings emerged in their minds; it was fucking exactly the same.

Han Suong also gradually slipped into her old habits, her gaze sharp as she looked at everyone, just like looking at employees. If anyone wasn't listening attentively, they would be severely reprimanded and told to get out.

Until her eyes met Lam Pham's, Han Suong reacted. What was she doing? This wasn't the company now.

Everyone said nothing.

They were waiting for Han Suong's next words.

Han Suong said, "I can understand Brother Lam's thoughts. According to Brother Lam's idea, he wants to give everyone a safe place, to live like normal. Of course, I'm not saying this is not good. If the population of Duong Quang Residential Area was still the same as before, only a dozen or two dozen people, this wouldn't be a problem at all. The problem now arises with the increase in population.

It's like starting a company. A small company, a few people, can do things casually. As long as one person is capable, they can pull the others along. This is no problem at all. But once the number of people increases, relying on one person is unrealistic; it will fall apart one day.

Using corporate terms, the three keys to comprehensively improving the management system and operational efficiency are: first, a high-efficiency process system. Second, a complete process management system. Third, a unified process value philosophy.

The three keys I mentioned are the important prerequisites for maintaining the operation of the shelter."

What she was saying now wasn't to express anything in particular, but just to hope that Duong Quang Residential Area could develop better, so that the group of survivors who joined later could understand what to do today and what to do tomorrow.

Co Hang listened and nodded.

Nhan Ny Ny also looked at Han Suong with admiration, feeling that Sister Han Suong at this moment was like a domineering female CEO, exuding a certain aura.

Lam Pham said, "Continue, that makes sense."

Han Suong pondered for a moment, then said, "It's very simple. We develop Duong Quang Residential Area from a residential complex towards a collective society, utilizing everyone's skills. For example, Vuong Khai, he's a water plant employee. We can form a water plant team. The number of people doesn't need to be large, just two or three, teaching them water plant operation and equipment control. This is a training-type role.

Brother Hang and Brother Ha are both former soldiers. They can form a security patrol team, dispersed in various places, monitoring the external situation. If danger is encountered, they need to notify everyone immediately, determine the specific number of people. Their daily duty is just this, without being distracted by other matters.

Doctor Hua and Grandpa Tu are doctors. They can recruit personnel and train them from scratch. After all, doctors are a profession we lack, and we will definitely need many doctors in the future.

Sister Ly and Sister Duong are both involved in farming. They can find a few fixed people to form a planting team, specializing in reclaiming land, planting more crops, and at the same time, regularly maintaining the vegetable garden.

Among these, there's also a key point: Duong Quang Residential Area has quite a few children. We need to establish a children's school. Khau Bang, Luong Vien, and Grandpa Luong are all teachers. We can also recruit a group of people to form a professional teaching team. This can ensure that those children won't be idle and bored every day, running around everywhere, thereby leading to some unnecessary dangers."

Everyone listened to Han Suong's words and thought carefully, feeling that she was right. Indeed, a fixed division of labor was needed; otherwise, many people would be dabbling here and there, creating chaos.

Phi Phi, who had originally been skipping rope, had unknowingly stood nearby.

Hearing Sister Han Suong say these things, her mouth hung open, feeling like her good days were over. Usually, attending classes with Grandpa Luong, she could still doodle. When there was nothing to do, she could even sneak out for a stroll.

Now, hearing about establishing a children's school.

Oh heavens...

Do we have to have a formal school in the apocalypse too?

That's simply a human tragedy, wah!

Lam Pham said, "Does everyone think Han Suong's proposal is feasible? I think it's very feasible. I am the security guard of Duong Quang Residential Area; this profession of mine is very stable, and there will definitely be no problems."

He asked, seeking everyone's opinions, and at the same time stated his own.

A Hai hurriedly said, "My thoughts are the same as big brother's. My girlfriend is also the same as me."

Vuong Khai: "I also agree."

Co Hang said, "Very good. The formation of rules is a good start. The enterprise's value philosophy is: friendly, united, helping each other, together fighting the apocalypse."

Then, everyone nodded in agreement.

After saying all this, Han Suong felt very happy, having expressed all her thoughts. Then she thought of something and continued:

"Of course, what circulates in the current apocalypse is supplies. In terms of collecting supplies, we have an advantage over anyone else. So in this aspect, we can further solidify the stability and harmony of our Duong Quang Residential Area."

This was considered a change in concept. Money was useless now, but supplies could be compared to money; in fact, the importance of supplies was even higher than that of money.

If any company had stable and high salaries, who would think of leaving for another job? Not to mention supplies, which were more important than money. That could absolutely solidify things immensely, and no fluctuations would ever occur.

A hot pot exchange meeting thus planned out the development of Duong Quang Residential Area.

Lam Pham knew Han Suong's words made a lot of sense.

And it was feasible.

His idea was still to provide everyone with a stable living area, without struggling in the darkness. From beginning to end, at least he had achieved this point.

Early morning.

Another beautiful day.

Lam Pham watched as everyone was busy. Co Hang, Vuong Khai, Han Suong, and others were organizing according to yesterday's plan. Many of the survivors who came here had just arrived yesterday.

But in this short period, they discovered that this place was different from other survivor hideouts.

The feeling of happiness was directly overwhelming.

"Big brother, good morning." Quan Hao hurriedly ran over to greet him.

"How are you?"

Lam Pham looked at him, a smile appearing on his face.

Quan Hao said, "Thanks to big brother's care, I'm doing very well now. I just discussed with Brother Khai; I will be the receptionist for new arrivals from now on. Any survivor who comes here will register with me. Thank you, big brother, for entrusting such an important position to me. Big brother, rest assured, I will definitely do a great job and not be lazy."

"It's nothing, just work hard. Does anyone have any dissatisfaction with this?"

"No, how could there be any dissatisfaction? Being able to live here is already a kind of luck. Besides, this distribution is really good; it lets everyone know what they should be doing, instead of being like a pile of loose sand, racking their brains every day thinking about what to do."

Quan Hao felt like he had reached the pinnacle of his life.

He couldn't help but think of Brother Sieu again.

Brother Sieu, ah, Brother Sieu, how did you end up? But thinking about Brother Sieu's personality, even if he came to Duong Quang Residential Area, he probably wouldn't fit in with the rules. It was better to let Brother Sieu develop freely outside; it's best if he doesn't come.

Lam Pham looked at the surrounding situation. There were already people patrolling on those rooftops, observing the surroundings. After all, the danger they currently had to face was still zombies.

A few zombies appearing was definitely not a problem. What they feared was encountering those zombie tides; that scene was truly terrifying.

Lam Pham patted Quan Hao's shoulder, "Keep it up, doing well. Life is about slowly working hard to become better."

"Yes, big brother, I guarantee I'll work hard."

Quan Hao raised his head, extremely determined.

Vuong Khai, who was working, saw Quan Hao standing ramrod straight in the distance, extremely puzzled, but didn't think much and continued to work hard. There were many things to do, various lists to register, and at the same time, various tasks to assign.

Choosing people to patrol with Brother Hang and Ha Vinh was easy; those who could endure boredom and had a sense of responsibility would do.

...

"Is it dawn already?"

Ma Nhat Long, huddled in his sedan, rubbed his eyes. The early morning scenery was quite nice, just a bit desolate. There were zombies wandering on the road ahead.

All alone, looking truly pitiful.

He stepped on the accelerator, directly crushing the zombie into meat paste.

"Now it's not pitiful anymore."

Ma Nhat Long was looking for a new shelter. He thought he had acted ordinary enough, but he didn't expect to be driven away. That four-eyed frog had said he'd count to three, and he didn't expect him to actually open fire on "three."

"Damn it, don't let me get a chance, or I'll definitely smash your glasses."

He continued driving.

"That's a big ship."

Ma Nhat Long saw a ship in the distance. He could vaguely see human figures moving. What the hell, he hadn't discovered such a hideout before. It seemed he hadn't been active enough.

As if he thought of something.

A smile appeared on his face.

May Man Hao.

Ha Khanh, who was enjoying his breakfast, looked up at the man before him, "You're the one who wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Master Ha, my name is Ma Nhat Long, I've come specifically to join you."

Ma Nhat Long smiled fawningly. Seeing the steak on the table, he muttered to himself, damn, eating so extravagantly. He thought that even in his old hideout, they didn't eat as luxuriously as this.

Ha Khanh narrowed his eyes, "Really, you want to join me? You can take a look at those people below; they all want to join me. What makes you think I'll take a liking to you?"

In recent years, Ha Khanh had seen all sorts of people. He could tell at a glance that this man was ambitious and also capable of betraying his master. For these types with a little ability and some ideas, he didn't think he couldn't control them.

As long as they had ability, his Ha Khanh welcomed them all.

What was most important in this era?

Talent?

What was most important in the apocalypse?

Also talent.

Ma Nhat Long knew that hiding his skills was definitely not an option. When he first arrived at the May Man Hao, he had thought of honestly being a Little lackey, finding a chance to get close to the big boss. But damn it, after asking around a bit, he unexpectedly discovered that the situation here was very bad.

Trying to take it slow was basically impossible.

He could only recommend himself.

He encountered a layer of rude managers, easily dealt with them, and then got his chance.

"In that case, I'll perform a couple of tricks for Master Ha."

"Let's see."

At this moment, Ma Nhat Long took a deep breath, did continuous backflips, then leaped into the air, did a split, and landed steadily on the ground.

Then he stood up.

"Master Ha, was that alright?"

Ma Nhat Long just wanted to show off appropriately, not wanting to overdo it.

"Haha, just this?" Ha Khanh laughed, looking at the other party as if he were an idiot. Even the bodyguards standing next to him couldn't help but laugh.

"Master Ha wants talent, not an acrobat who can only do backflips and splits. If that's all the ability you have, then get lost. Don't waste Master Ha's time." The bodyguard said very bluntly.

Ma Nhat Long didn't expect the other party to be so hard to fool. He pondered, "Alright, then I'll show Master Ha my real ability."

Then, under everyone's expectant gazes.

Ma Nhat Long clenched his fist, let out a low roar, and punched towards the ship's railing. Bang! The sound was very heavy and dull. The railing dented, directly leaving a deep fist imprint.

This thing is too hard.

He found that this thing was even harder than granite, but he didn't think much about it. Instead, he raised his head, observing their expressions. See? That was just playing around just now; this is the real level.

Everyone saw the dented railing, their eyes wide.

As if they had seen a ghost.

Ha Khanh was also shocked by this display. At least in his view, this was not something a human could do. Such strength made him think of Lam Pham from Duong Quang Residential Area.

That guy was also terrifyingly abnormal.

As if he thought of something.

Ha Khanh said something to the bodyguard beside him. The bodyguard heard it, turned, and left.

Ma Nhat Long said, "Master Ha, I wonder if my ability like this can work under Master Ha? I think if Master Ha has me, it will definitely be like a tiger adding wings."

Ha Khanh looked at him with a smile on his face, "Impressive, truly impressive. This is probably something ordinary people can hardly achieve."

Ma Nhat Long was a bit得意 (proud/complacent). It wasn't just that ordinary people could hardly achieve it; without obtaining special energy, don't even think about it. If he went all out, it would be even more extraordinary.

Never mind denting it; directly smashing it wouldn't be a problem either.

Just as he was feeling smug.

The bodyguard who had left earlier came back with a silenced pistol.

Ha Khanh didn't hesitate, "Kill him."

The bodyguard didn't hesitate, directly opening fire. Ma Nhat Long's eyes widened. Without thinking, he directly jumped from the ship into the river. He really hadn't expected it to be like this.

Damn you!

Old Me didn't even offend you, was there a need to open fire without saying a word?

Damn it!

All of you just wait for Old Me!

He felt that now in the apocalypse, everyone was jealous of talent. When faced with talent offering allegiance, they often ruthlessly killed. What kind of world was this?

Splash!

He fell into the water.

"Master Ha, he disappeared." The bodyguard said.

Ha Khanh took the silenced pistol, faced the river, and fired another shot. "Remember this person. If he dares to come to the May Man Hao again, shoot him dead directly."

"Yes, Master Ha. But Master Ha, this man indeed has some ability. Why not recruit him?" the bodyguard asked.

Ha Khanh said in a deep voice, "He's too strong."

The bodyguard understood in an instant.

So that was it.