Chapter 119
“According to the monitoring, the air pollution index over the past seven days fluctuated between 70 and 85, with the air quality rated as ‘Good.’ It has moved out of the danger zone and is now suitable for human activity and habitation.”
The Thorn Ability User, codenamed Thorn.
Ever since Thorn accidentally discovered that his ability could absorb pollutants—and was nearly blinded by Wen Xin’s encouraging and delighted smile—he had thrown himself wholeheartedly into pollution removal efforts.
Now, not only had his efficiency improved significantly, but he had also been promoted to team leader, guiding his squad to achieve remarkable progress in cleaning up pollution.
Having completed his report, Thorn glanced nervously at the young authority figure of City G, swallowing almost imperceptibly as he handed over the monitoring device’s recorded data.
Wen Xin took the records and carefully reviewed each page.
The tension among the staff was palpable. Like Thorn, they held their breath, awaiting the evaluation of their work.
When Wen Xin finally raised his head and smiled approvingly, he said, “You’ve all done an excellent job.”
In an instant, Thorn exhaled a long breath of relief, his expression filled with both joy and pride. The room broke into smiles, the atmosphere brimming with delight.
Wen Xin handed the report back to the visibly relieved technician and instructed his secretary assistant, “Inform the engineering team to come over for an on-site survey. We need to expedite the development of residential areas for the inhabitants.”
Upon hearing this, some staff members exchanged gleeful looks, winking at Thorn and silently urging him to speak up.
Thorn, aware of everyone’s concern about housing, cursed under his breath, “I know, stop rushing me. I’ll ask now.”
Licking his chapped lips nervously, Thorn hesitated for a moment before addressing Wen Xin, “Um, about that…”
Before he could finish, Wen Xin seemed to recall something and patted Thorn’s shoulder. With a serious tone, he said, “Everyone’s hard work over this period has been invaluable. The removal of pollution from this area in such a short time is thanks to everyone’s efforts.”
“Therefore, in addition to the original rewards, all staff involved in this mission will have the right to choose their preferred residential locations based on their contributions. As long as the expenses don’t exceed the stipulated limit, all construction costs will be reimbursed.”
The sudden announcement stunned the staff, leaving them momentarily dazed before they excitedly confirmed, “Do you mean…?”
The secretary, shocked and alarmed, whispered, “Sir, perhaps you should reconsider. The expenses…”
Wen Xin waved him off and, facing the team, affirmed with a smile, “I’ll cover the cost of building your homes.”
It was as if cold water had been poured into a boiling pot—the room erupted in cheers.
Wen Xin watched the jubilant crowd with a small smile, his heart warm with satisfaction.
However, the challenges in City G were mountainous. The environmental issues of one area were only the beginning, and Wen Xin’s schedule was packed. Soon, they would have to head to the diplomatic reception center to negotiate for the lowest possible prices on essential supplies with several merchants.
Meanwhile, the staff chatted animatedly, excitedly discussing where they would build their new homes on the reclaimed land.
As the individual who had contributed the most to this mission, Thorn was inevitably swarmed by his teammates, who joked that they hoped they wouldn’t end up choosing the same place as their captain.
Outwardly, Thorn responded to their teasing, but his eyes were fixed on Wen Xin, who was walking away.
The secretary, rubbing his temples, began listing the massive recent expenditures in City G, clearly disapproving of Wen Xin’s extravagant gesture.
Yet, despite the secretary’s criticism, Wen Xin remained composed. When he heard the staggering numbers, he calmly replied, demonstrating a deep familiarity with the city’s financial situation.
It was clear that Wen Xin was well aware of City G’s financial struggles. The secretary, at a loss for words, slumped in resignation—until Wen Xin brought up another matter.
The secretary’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “But isn’t that your private property? You plan to use it?”
Wen Xin chuckled. “What private property? Those supplies are measured in tons—how could I possibly use them all myself?”
Hearing this, Thorn remembered something. Five days after Wen Xin took control of City G, transport convoys began delivering various supplies to the city.
Thermal clothing, tents, lighting equipment, agricultural tools, long-term storage food… Rumor had it these supplies came from Wen Xin’s influential friends, leaders of powerful factions.
Wen Xin had immediately distributed the goods, resolving the city’s short-term survival challenges.
But the recipients of his aid had been too embarrassed to claim all of it, so the remaining supplies had been stored as Wen Xin’s “private property” under the secretary’s supervision.
Despite this, Wen Xin had never sought to keep the supplies for himself, even though both the pollution cleanup team and his secretary believed he deserved some personal benefits.
With his enhanced hearing, Thorn overheard Wen Xin telling the secretary he would use these supplies to benefit the staff. Unable to contain himself, he pushed through his teammates and ran over to Wen Xin.
“Wen… Commander!”
The title of “Commander” had only recently come into use.
After the collapse of the previous political system in the apocalypse, survivor bases had established new administrative roles, including the position of “Commander.”
The role was essentially that of an executive, responsible for implementing policies and orders while serving the base’s highest leader.
However, Wen Xin had no desire for supreme authority. Even though he effectively ruled City G, he stubbornly imposed restrictions on himself.
During the most challenging days of scavenging and farming, Wen Xin had lived and worked alongside his subordinates, forbidding any preferential treatment. When resources were scarce, he was always the last to receive anything—or went without them entirely.
From the above aspects, Wen Xin’s self-imposed strict discipline is the most unbearable thing to witness.
Wen Xin stopped and turned around at the sound of someone approaching, asking in surprise, “What’s wrong?”
Thorn halted in place, trying to calm his pounding heart. However, he was momentarily blinded by a sudden flash of light and instinctively glanced behind Wen Xin.
Where they stood was barren land where the pollution index had only recently dropped. Apart from robust ability users, few others dared venture there.
But behind Wen Xin, the world seemed to split in two, divided by the scorched black earth once ravaged by bombardments. On the other side lay a vibrant, idyllic scene bursting with life.
Temporary wooden houses stood at various heights, and the streets were swept spotlessly clean. People walked around with relaxed expressions. Customers haggled with vendors, children rode on the shoulders of adults… The lively, cheerful atmosphere stretched into the horizon, blending seamlessly with the warm morning light.
The young commander stood alone in front of this bustling scene, his posture straight, his profile deep and resolute.
His eyes no longer held the youthful naivety they once had. Instead, they radiated a calm warmth, as though they contained mountains and moonlight, complementing the flourishing landscape behind him.
It wasn’t wrong to say they complemented each other. Wen Xin’s selflessness and leading by example ensured that even those under him with newfound power dared not abuse it or engage in corruption.
This created stability, allowing fragile human order to take root and flourish on this desolate land.
Thorn was momentarily speechless, overwhelmed with admiration. It felt as though fireworks had exploded in his chest, filling him with dazzling emotion.
Noticing Thorn’s dazed expression, Wen Xin asked again, “What’s wrong?”
Thorn’s eyes burned with intensity, and before he could think, he blurted, “Commander, may I have the honor of asking yo—”
Before he could finish, a cold sensation surged through his nervous system, racing down his spine like lightning.
Thorn’s pupils dilated violently, and he found himself unable to speak. It felt as though a claw had gripped his throat, exuding a menacing intent that bore down on him from above.
Wen Xin noticed Thorn’s glazed-over eyes and immediately grabbed him, his expression shifting. “Thorn? Thorn!”
The oppressive aura abruptly dissipated, and Thorn collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as if he had narrowly escaped drowning. Cold sweat drenched his forehead.
He shakily raised his head and caught sight of a massive black beast perched atop the municipal building in the distance.
The creature’s tail coiled around the building, nearly covering an entire floor. Its sturdy limbs and majestic body exuded an intimidating presence that inspired fear.
Its golden eyes glinted coldly, filled with relentless malice and fury. It resembled the mythical dragon guarding a princess’s castle.
“I’m… fine. I’m fine,” Thorn stammered, trembling. With Wen Xin’s help, he struggled to his feet, his limbs weak.
Before Thorn could explain, the keen-eyed commander turned his gaze toward the municipal building, sensing something unusual.
The black beast instantly changed its demeanor.
It extended its neck as if nothing had happened, surveying the city diligently, its aura one of authority, as though it had never lost focus on protecting City G from intruders.
Suddenly, the beast let out a low, resonant roar.
An invisible wave of sound swept across the area. Wen Xin and his group, all possessing sharp hearing, heard an explosion from the southern part of the city almost simultaneously.
The ability-user-formed guard quickly rushed to the scene. Before long, their leader returned to report the incident to Wen Xin.
Similar infiltration attacks had occurred multiple times before. However, with the black beast guarding City G, no faction had ever managed to breach the city’s defenses.
Wen Xin nodded gravely, his face serious. But out of sight from others, he discreetly gave the black beast a thumbs-up.
Even from miles away, the black beast noticed the gesture hidden behind Wen Xin’s back and smirked slightly.
In that moment, the oppressive aura that had gripped everyone vanished entirely.
Thorn felt a wave of relief as the pressure lifted. Still shaken, he touched his throat, unable to comprehend why he had provoked such terrifying wrath from the black beast.
Before he could figure it out, Wen Xin asked with concern, “Are you feeling unwell?”
The oppressive aura suddenly returned, heavier than before. Thorn nearly collapsed again under the renewed pressure.
Desperately resisting, he locked eyes with the black beast’s piercing golden gaze. In a flash of panic, an absurd thought occurred to him.
Could this creature harbor possessive feelings toward Wen Xin?
The idea of a mutated beast desiring a human was utterly ludicrous!
Ignoring his fear, Thorn wanted to turn to Wen Xin and ask if he had noticed the beast’s dark and twisted intentions. But the suffocating fear kept him from speaking.
After a long moment, Thorn waved his hand weakly and said, “No, I’m just… My heart feels off. Maybe I’ve been overworked lately.”
Wen Xin sensed something wasn’t quite right but, seeing nothing unusual with the black beast or any signs of an infiltration attack, summoned a few people to escort Thorn home.
He instructed them to give Thorn two days off to rest properly.
Thorn tried to protest, but an invisible force silenced him at just the right moment.
Nearby, the secretary watched everything unfold, wanting to say something but holding back.
The secretary, whose name was Ting Xiaoshu, had once been an unemployed market management graduate after the apocalypse. With the help of his cousin, Scarface, he had self-taught biochemical studies, expecting a grueling life in the weapons factory’s biochemical department.
But fate had taken an unexpected turn. He found himself working under Wen Xin, entrusted with significant responsibilities, excelling in his role as a civil secretary.
However, Ting Xiaoshu soon discovered something shocking about his superior—that the black beast seemed to harbor an extraordinary and inexplicable affection for the young commander.
The secretary couldn’t believe it. He even wondered if his brain had short-circuited.
The key issue was that the black beast only ever appeared gentle and harmless in front of Wen Xin. To all other living beings, it made no effort to hide its violent and ruthless nature.
The comparison made the truth glaringly obvious!
The secretary stole a glance at the massive black beast in the distance, then back at his unusually oblivious superior. With a mix of exasperation and disbelief, he tentatively asked again for the nth time, “Sir, don’t you think Yuan Yanzhong’s gaze toward you is just a little too… passionate?”
Yuan Yanzhong was the black beast’s new name.
That night, after a fruitless brainstorming session, Wen Xin had been forced to confront his utter lack of naming skills. He spent the entire night poring over ancient poems and essays, finally stumbling across a verse:
“Firmly gripping the green mountain, unmoved by wind or rain, its roots lie deep in shattered rock. After countless trials, it remains steadfast, enduring all storms from every direction.”
“Passionate?” Wen Xin turned his head and once again met the black beast’s gaze.
The enormous creature stood tall and proud, a commanding presence between heaven and earth. When it noticed Wen Xin looking, its sharp gaze softened instantly.
That one look—gentle, almost affectionate—momentarily gave even the oblivious Wen Xin a faint sense of unspoken emotion.
After a pause, Wen Xin dismissed the thought with a self-deprecating smile. Calmly, he explained, “I’ve had a few brushes with danger in the past. Now that I’m a target for many, Yuan Yanzhong might just be overly concerned for my safety.”
The secretary was speechless. He wanted to reveal the truth but was too intimidated by the black beast’s piercing glare to risk his life.
From dawn to dusk, Wen Xin and his team were either rushing to meetings or buried in conference rooms, meticulously planning City G’s reconstruction and handling administrative tasks.
Road and alley development, plumbing and electricity, refugee resettlement, agricultural cultivation, public safety, and sanitation…
Only by being personally involved could one truly grasp how intricate and overwhelming these issues were, not to mention the countless complications that arose during implementation.
Many specialized problems couldn’t be resolved with books or knowledge alone, nor could Wen Xin seek help from Wen Jinfeng, who was far away in the northwest. He had to rely on the professionals gradually coming to seek refuge.
Though these specialists were highly knowledgeable and skilled, they often harbored ulterior motives, forcing Wen Xin to remain vigilant against factionalism and underhanded dealings.
Wen Xin’s workload left him barely able to touch the ground. His time was completely consumed, and sleepless nights lasting three days were common.
Fortunately, his constitution was extraordinary; otherwise, he would have collapsed long ago.
To outsiders, the young commander was the epitome of resilience and strength. He seemed tireless and indomitable.
Even the B-level ability users accompanying him often complained of exhaustion, yet Wen Xin would simply chew on coffee beans to stay awake while accurately pointing out issues and gaps in various projects.
One evening, even at home, Wen Xin couldn’t stop reviewing documents. It seemed his taut nerves had finally relaxed, and exhaustion hit him like a tidal wave. Supporting his head with one hand, he struggled to keep his drooping eyelids open as he flipped through pages.
The pale light illuminated his pale face. His trembling eyelashes cast small fan-shaped shadows, and the dark circles under his eyes were startling.
Finally, the black beast, which had been silently reading nearby, could no longer bear it. It “snatched” Wen Xin away from the desk, gazing at him sternly for once.
Before it could voice its reproach, Wen Xin unexpectedly wrapped his arms around the beast’s body.
Shampoo production had long ceased. Now, people either used stored soap, coarse homemade soap, or soapberries found in abandoned gardens. Occasionally, there were almond or pear trees, remnants of a previous owner’s hobby.
Logically, Yuan Yanzhong shouldn’t have been able to detect the scent of fresh grass anymore.
Yet, when Wen Xin leaned into him, that hauntingly familiar fragrance surged into the beast’s mind, making it instinctively uneasy. Awkwardly, it wrapped its arms around Wen Xin.
“Xiao Hei…” Wen Xin still preferred using the black beast’s nickname.
His soft lips moved, speaking words Yuan Yanzhong had seen devastate complacent officials just earlier that day. Those same lips had delivered sharp critiques that left the lazy management team utterly humiliated.
Now, they murmured something so gentle it sounded almost like a plea: “I’m so happy!”
Wen Xin’s brows arched, and his smile radiated warmth.
“They’ve survived, here on this land. They even seem happy and want to stay for the long term.”
Utterly exhausted, Wen Xin seemed to find a sense of peace in Yuan Yanzhong’s presence. His eyelids fluttered like a dozing bird, and he whispered faintly, “This is wonderful. I promise—I will protect them no matter what…”
Yuan Yanzhong held the youth, whose frame had grown noticeably thinner. He was torn between frustration at Wen Xin’s disregard for his own health and reluctance to scold him for the joy that sparkled like starlight in his words.
After a long moment, the beast sighed as if resigning itself and gently patted Wen Xin on the back.
“Alright.”
Whatever you want.
Days passed like this. By the time Wen Xin realized it, the temperature had dropped another degree. The viper had been traveling back and forth in between the eastern region, and the purple squirrel was nearly finished knitting a new scarf.
Meanwhile, the guests who had received their invitations were arriving eagerly, bringing their gifts in tow.
