I Am Cultivating in the Apocalypse

Chapter 725: Su Malie Wants to Start a Company in the South Sea

In any case, the migration destination was still a familiar place from her previous life, which was very reassuring. It also allowed for some foresight, something Jing Shu could rely on for the next few years.

The South Sea was humid and prone to mold. Having been previously soaked by seawater, algae and mold flourished everywhere. It was necessary to prepare extra desiccants, preservatives, and lime in advance.

Resources were scarce there by the sea. For instance, Wu City had abundant natural gas and oil. These were vital for various purposes, such as industrial fuel, Artificial Sun materials, household uses like cooking and heating boilers, as well as fuel for cars, steelmaking, and chemical dyes. The role of natural gas was extremely significant.

Upon arriving at the South Sea, not to mention for official matters, even for personal ones, the quality of life would likely decrease significantly.

"I just hope Su Malie’s family brings extra CNG," Jing Shu said, shaking her head. "I’ve heard they’re planning to lay a gas pipeline, but I don’t know if that’s true. If it is... that would be truly extravagant." Besides the compressed natural gas Jing Shu had previously bought from Su Malie at a high price, Jing Shu had also signed a contract with Su Malie to lease Hulks.

During the migration, she would provide 100 Hulks for Natural Company (the general name for Su Malie’s father’s natural gas company) to transport goods, regardless of the duration, until they reached their destination.

In return, Natural Company would provide Jing Shu with 10,000 cubic meters of natural gas.

Does that sound like a lot? Did they think this natural gas was meant for the Insect Cake Factory? Actually, no. This natural gas was solely for Jing Shu’s personal use, and it still might not be enough.

Ten thousand cubic meters of natural gas equated to 50 compressed cylinders, with each cylinder holding 20map of natural gas, approximately 200 cubic meters of gas.

Before the apocalypse, 1 cubic meter of natural gas cost 1.4 coins, enough to cook for 1.5 hours. If used for the villa’s retrofitted heating, it would only last for 1 hour, and consumption for hot showers and other uses would be even higher.

On the migration route, Jing Shu would not allow herself any discomfort. She would make everything as comfortable as possible. Her RV had to be kept warm and cozy, right? After all, she had arranged so much precisely for her own comfort.

Thus, her family would need to use 30 cubic meters a day, totaling at least 900 cubic meters of gas a month. Who knew how long the migration would last? Once they settled in the South Sea, they would still need gas daily for cooking and showering, wouldn’t they?

Besides, the deal with Natural Company for 10,000 cubic meters was definitely not a loss for them. A natural gas vehicle could travel 200 kilometers on just 12 cubic meters of gas, which was quite economical. However, Jing Shu’s 100 Hulks had a cargo capacity that far surpassed any vehicle, and they consumed only a pile of worthless rotten corpse insects.

Of course, as natural gas became increasingly valuable, it was no longer supplied to ordinary people and was now a special provision. Jing Shu exchanging Hulks for so much gas was a win-win for both sides.

With natural gas, the biggest problems on the migration route—low temperatures, not being able to eat hot food, and not being able to bathe—were solved. Jing Shu could even afford to indulge in a hot bath every three days.

Speaking of which, one really had to marvel at Su Malie’s luxurious lifestyle. Su Malie’s six terraced villas had already been emptied. Su Malie herself had already flown to Sichuan, where she was waiting for her slowly migrating luggage and taking some time to travel around the region.

She also planned to buy a mobile villa in the city closest to the South Sea and then transport it there to serve as their home.

If ordinary people migrated step by step on foot, and wealthy people drove their RVs leisurely, then the super-rich flew their private planes to the next stop, already arranging their accommodations.

The wealthy could have gone directly to the destination, but it was still deserted at the time. The government had already arranged for the nearest city to provide support by building tin-roofed resettlement houses. By the time the Wu City People migrated there, things would be almost ready.

The classmates wanted to organize a farewell gathering, but the wealthiest, Su Malie, wasn’t there, and the most mysterious, Jing Shu, didn’t have time. It was then they realized just how wealthy Su Malie had become—it exceeded their wildest imaginations.

Wang Chao said, "Boss, is that for real? We only just found out our migration destination is the South Sea, and you’re already in Sichuan? I’m so jealous! You’re even planning your villa in the South Sea. You have to invite us over when you’ve moved in."

Shi Lei added, "Yeah, having a private plane must be awesome. We probably won’t see each other during this migration. Once we’re in the South Sea, let’s all get together, shall we?"

Liang Xin chimed in, "Sure, sure, let’s see what Boss Su Malie says. By the way, how’s Stone Garden doing? @Xiao Xuan, as a manager at Stone Garden, you haven’t given us any inside info! Are the benefits and treatment at Stone Garden still as good as ever?"

Mu Xiaoxuan replied, "As an enterprise, we’re in the second migration batch. Benefits are as usual: three meals a day. Here at Stone Garden, we’ve rushed to produce a type of transport called a ’stone slab cart.’ This way, we don’t have to walk the entire journey and can take turns resting."

Liang Xin then said, "@Boss Jing Shu, you introduced a dozen or so classmates to Stone Garden back then. We really envy you guys."

Wang Chao remarked, "It’s truly hard work. This time, many of us are also staying behind to guard Stone Garden, ensure production, keep the transport lines clear, and shuttle supplies back and forth on the migration route."

Su Malie said, "We had to leave in such a rush this time, so I didn’t have time to invite everyone for a meal. Once we get to the migration destination and are all settled, I’ll treat everyone. Also, I’m thinking of starting my own company. If any of you are interested, you can apply then."

Xie Zihao exclaimed, "Wow, Boss Su Malie is starting a company! I’m definitely applying!"

Yao Zixin retorted, "Get lost, Xie Zihao! Aren’t you busy with your family’s business? Don’t compete with us."

Another classmate asked, "Boss Su Malie, what kind of company are you starting?"

Su Malie replied, "It’s a secret."

The class group chat became lively again. At this critical juncture of the migration, most discussions revolved around related topics, survival food, and various supplies, with many envying those who seemed to lack nothing.

Su Malie privately messaged Jing Shu, "I’m starting a company. Do you want to invest?"

"What kind of company?" Jing Shu wondered. After five years of the apocalypse, most profitable ventures were already claimed, and she had her own development path anyway.

"I won’t tell you yet. I’ll let you know when we get to the South Sea, hehe. It’s definitely a big market," Su Malie said, being very secretive.

Jing Shu pondered again. Su Malie was someone with ridiculously good luck, always achieving whatever she set her mind to. It was truly infuriating. For instance, if Su Malie said she wanted to eat crayfish in the morning, by the afternoon, she would have somehow procured crayfish for breeding. Unbelievable...

So...

"Alright, I’ll invest. Are we talking supplies or Virtual Coin?" Jing Shu asked.

It wasn’t like she could lose anything, anyway.

"Supplies and connections. I’ll still need to rely on your connections when the time comes," Su Malie replied.

"Alright, it’s a deal then. We’ll talk more once we reach the South Sea," Jing Shu said, not overly concerned.

"Then I’ll go ahead and mark out a plot of land and start planning," Su Malie said.

So secretive... What kind of company could she be planning to start? Jing Shu mused.