novelraw Chapter 791: Bring Back a Few Hundred Million Tons of Crude Oil
Chapter 791: Bring Back a Few Hundred Million Tons of Crude Oil
Jing Shu swallowed, her voice barely concealing an urgency she herself hadn’t noticed. "Then what? When are we leaving? How many people are going? How will we proceed by sea, land, and air?"
Yang Yang chuckled softly.
"We plan to use eighty cruise ships to transport several million tons of crude oil back, starting from Xuwen Pier. The round trip will take about three months, but we’ll have to wait for coordination and scheduling from the higher-ups; it’ll probably be another month or two.
"This time, they want to assemble a team of ’Highly Martial New Humans.’ The standard is much higher than our trip to Miguo, given the considerable risks and the large, high-value cargo. So, the security and protective forces must be top-notch.
"Among those dispatched this time, from Wu City, it’s just you, me, and Hao Yunlai—the three of us. The others are top talents from across the country. As for whether any teammates from our last Miguo trip will be there, that’s unclear.
"Oh, I remember Tan Ke is on the list. As for Zhen Nantian... I guess it’s unlikely. He might have to stay behind to guard our old nest and intentionally attract other firepower. After all, he’s our peak combatant now, and his abilities are particularly well-suited for group attacks, you know..."
It seems the higher-ups are aware of the danger of this mission, so they’re making sure to appoint top-tier bodyguards first.
Jing Shu had performed exceptionally during her venture to Miguo two years prior. She could heal, fight, and even dismantle Chasing Guns barehanded. Most importantly, she was adept at scavenging—an all-around bodyguard who was reassuring to have around and thoroughly dependable.
Jing Shu quickly calculated in her mind. By the time the main force arrived, things in the South Sea should be settled, and she could depart without worry. And by the time she returned, the stock of raw materials for masks would likely be depleted—perfect timing for replenishment... The timing couldn’t be more perfect!
"Alright, no problem on my end! Sign me up!"
Yang Yang’s voice continued, "Use this time to make more preparations. You understand, right?"
"Hmm? Like what?"
"Those with high combat power can bring one or two fleets. It’s good to have powerful allies, so consider it a perk for this mission. However, any fleets following behind must bring their own provisions and manage their own survival. They also must obey commands and distribution orders during battles. Also, those who bring their own fleets will receive normal wages and subsidies, but other benefits will be halved."
Oh, so the boss gets the prime cut while the workers get the broth. It’s about seizing advantages while also paying a price. The boss pays less in wages, and the workers exhaust themselves for their own gain—truly a win-win. Otherwise, why would those with high combat power risk traveling so far? For what? For lower wages or fewer benefits? Still, it seems the higher-ups are even skipping secrecy measures for this procurement trip. It feels like they’re starting to slack off.
"Understood, understood," Jing Shu quickly responded. Now that Yang Yang had mentioned it, it would be easier for her to legitimately take more ferries and procure even more crude oil.
The gasoline she’d stored in her space before the apocalypse was almost gone, which always made her feel insecure. Could she fill up at least a small portion of her space this time? She wouldn’t just be getting supplies; she’d be able to bring back a huge haul! Ah, she was about to get busy again. The next time she went to Xuwen to deliver Life Extending Medicine to Shenyuan would be the perfect opportunity to rent some ferries from him. If that didn’t work out, she could have the rotten mermaid follow the main fleet and pick up any unwanted junk. The rotten mermaid had been so bored at the pier lately, just chasing rotten corpse insects all day, practically rusting from idleness.
"Oh, by the way, I’ve invited you to join the group for this plan. Please accept. Alright, that’s it. We’ll discuss anything else on WeChat if needed."
CLICK.
With that, the call disconnected.
Jing Shu held her phone up for a long time before the 2G network finally connected. Then, she received Yang Yang’s invitation.
Yang Yang invites you to join the chat group "Loving and Protective Bodyguard Team (Group 1)."
The group participants also included: Shanbei Desert Lone Wolf, Sichuan Longmen Formation, Xiangxi Corpse Chaser, Canton Lion Dancer, Shandong Pancake with Green Onion, Daao Gambler... and 132 others in total.
Just looking at the group names, it seemed normal, but once they started chatting, Jing Shu found it a bit odd.
Private Villa Customization: "Welcome, newcomer! (flowers flowers)"
Cockroach Meatballs Chain Recruitment: "Welcome, welcome! (clap clap)"
Loan Services Contact Me: "Welcome, newcomer! Remember to change your nickname, okay?"
Honest E-commerce Recruiting Second and Third-Level Agents: "(rose rose)"
Jing Shu touched her chin. What kind of group had she joined? Is this really the national top combat power group? Is it reliable?
Jing Shu mused and had already changed her group ID to: Wucheng Cigarette Factory Recruiting Agents.
If you can’t beat them, join them?
Jing Shu replied: "Thank you, everyone. Please look after me. (fist salute fist salute)"
Yang Yang: "..."
Cockroach Meatballs Seeking Franchise Partners: "Eh? I know, I know! Is that the civilian cigarette brand that’s really popular lately? Those cigarettes are actually pretty good. How do you become an agent? Count me in! Count me in!"
Xiangxi Corpse Chaser: "Aren’t you busy enough making and selling all those cockroach meatballs every day? Now you want to stick your nose into this too? This job is more suitable for me."
Sichuan Three Stripes: "Why would you want to sell cigarettes to corpses? You silly fool..."
Corpse Chaser: "Three Stripes, come out and PK!!"
Three Stripes: "Random emoticon: Rock, Paper, Scissors! (Paper)"
Corpse Chaser: "Emoticon: (Scissors)"
Jing Shu: (●—●) Dumbfounded
The group chat buzzed with activity. Soon, Hao Yunlai also joined, changing his name to Child of Good Fortune. Though Jing Shu thought Son of Misfortune was more fitting—still, she wasn’t one to expose others.
Hao Yunlai didn’t greet anyone in the group. He probably set it to ’do not disturb’ mode as soon as he joined. Who knows, maybe he was off slacking or sleeping somewhere.
「 」
Meanwhile, Jing Shu called Zhao Yu, who was slurping down his meal, out again. "Going forward, mornings will be for cigarette rolling, and afternoons for full team training. We’ll follow naval training techniques.
"This includes things like how to pursue enemies in ferries at sea, how to escape while transporting heavy cargo, and... oh, right.
"Add another item: combat in high-temperature deserts. This covers transporting supplies, survival skills like finding water and cooking, camping, first aid, personnel logistics, support, and other comprehensive team abilities.
"In one month, I want to see your team proficient in both wilderness survival and naval combat.
"The main focus is on how to quickly move supplies and escape. Understand?"
"Ah?"
Zhao Yu was confused. What was this? Were they going to war? But no notification had come through! This sounded more like planning a heist and a quick getaway... But they were legitimate soldiers; they absolutely couldn’t rob the people.
But what the boss says, goes! Since coming from Sichuan, they had been assigned to Jing Shu’s command and were dependent on her for their salaries. And they had to trust the boss! The boss definitely wouldn’t rob anyone! The higher-ups wouldn’t allow it. Zhao Yu, just relax! Zhao Yu comforted himself.
"No problem, Miss Jing. It’s just that this training... tends to make one hungry."
As Zhao Yu spoke, he pulled out a palm-sized notebook and jotted down everything Jing Shu had said.
"From now on, everyone gets an extra small bowl of steamed egg custard daily, plus an extra meal of synthetic meat and soybean dreg patties. And unlimited soy milk every day—drink as much as you want!"