Zombie Apocalypse: Reborn With A Farming Space-Chapter 213: Selling Water ( 5 )

After he took his scat, the Colonel gestured to his adjutant, and shortly after, breakfast was served.

On the plate were two roasted tomatoes, two grilled beef sausages, scrambled eggs, a scoop of baked beans, three slices of thick bacon, and five pieces of toast. For an ability user, the amount of food was enough to fill them up.

Gu Shaoze raised his gaze and observed everyone. While most seemed delighted by the food, a few frowned.

Thinking about the soldiers who had to risk their lives searching for supplies, yet still lacked enough food and water, his impression of the Colonel plummeted.

He noted those who were frowning and not touching their utensils. These, he thought, were the ones who truly cared about the people.

When he looked at Pei Yijun's team, he saw Han Jie eating with relish and sneered. He had assumed they would all behave the same way. Unexpectedly, Pei Yijun, Li Yang, and Chu Zhimiao hadn't touched their food at all.

Seeing this, the Colonel asked, "Young Master Pei, is the food not to your taste?"

Pei Yijun met the Colonel's gaze and said, "Colonel, I heard that you take half of the supplies brought back by ability-users and soldiers. I wonder what do you plan to do with those supplies?" freewebnσvel.cѳm

The Colonel smiled and replied calmly, "Young Master Pei, we did take half of the supplies, but they are kept as stockpiles in case of emergencies when we can't go out to find more."

Pei Yijun nodded and asked again, "Then how much of those supplies are distributed to the soldiers and survivors each day?"

Noticing that Pei Yijun had no intention of backing down from probing into the camp's operations, the Colonel put down his utensils and wiped his mouth.

After taking a sip of water, he said, "Young Master Pei, I believe you understand that rebuilding the country requires both talent and resources."

"Since the currency we used before the chaos is now worthless, we decided to use the crystals found in zombies' heads as the new form of currency."

"To obtain those crystals, we sold part of our collected supplies to wealthy families and ability-users. This way, we not only generate income, but also build connections."

"As for the supplies distributed to survivors and soldiers, we can only provide the bare minimum. If they want more, they have to work or go out and gather the supplies themselves."

Raising his eyebrows, Pei Yijun asked, "And what kind of work do they have to do in order to be paid?"

Despite Pei Yijun's interrogative tone, the Colonel smiled and replied, "We need to clear out zombies daily and expand the territory of the survivor camp. So, they can either help build the camp or join the soldiers in killing zombies."

As the Colonel finished speaking, a cold light flickered in Gu Shaoze's eyes. The so-called task of helping to kill zombies might not be as straightforward as it sounded.

Back at Lin'an University, he had witnessed several upperclassmen using freshmen as bait to lure zombies away, allowing themselves to safely collect supplies. Most of the bait didn't survive. Only a small number managed to return alive.

At the time, he had wanted to save them, but was powerless. If he hadn't joined Teacher Cao's team, he might have ended up as bait, too, and wouldn't be sitting here today.

Sitting beside him, Rong Mo'er noticed his shifting emotions and gently reached for his hand. She leaned closer and said, "Shaoze, it would be a waste not to eat. Let's eat first and discuss the rest later."

Although he despised the Colonel, Gu Shaoze held no grudge against the food. So, while Pei Yijun continued his 'interrogation' of the Colonel, the two of them quietly finished their breakfast.

Forty minutes later, Pei Yijun finally stopped asking questions, and everyone finished their breakfast. Once the empty plates were cleared away, a cup of coffee was served to each of them.

Sipping his coffee, the Colonel turned to Gu Shaoze and said, "I heard that Comrade Gu provided water to Captain Wei's team yesterday. Is that true?" Knowing that it was finally time to talk business, Gu Shaoze set down his cup and replied, "It's true."

"Comrade Gu is truly generous and compassionate. If I may ask, how much water can you provide each day?" the Colonel asked again.

This time, Gu Shaoze didn't answer directly and instead asked, "Colonel, are you interested in buying water from me?"

Hearing this, the Colonel laughed and replied, "Talking with a smart person is indeed delightful."

After a brief pause, he continued, "Instead of buying water from you, I would like to offer you a job. I wonder if Comrade Gu would be interested?" Raising his eyebrows, Gu Shaoze said, "Oh? And what job is the Colonel offering?"

Seeing that Gu Shaoze hadn't refused and even showed interest, the Colonel smiled and explained, "As Comrade Gu can see, water is what we lack most right now. So, if you can stay in the camp and provide 3,000 liters of water daily, we will pay you ten crystal cores."

The moment he finished his words, Gu Shaoze burst out laughing.

The Colonel's smile faded as he asked, "Comrade Gu, is there something

funny?"

After a while, Gu Shaoze finally stopped laughing and said, "Colonel, with all due respect, I have to reject your offer."

Before the Colonel could speak, he continued, "I have heard that water-type ability-users are selling a liter of water for two crystal cores or a kilogram of rice. Yet, here you are offering me ten crystal cores for 3,000 liters of water."

"Rather than working for you, I would rather sell the water myself. You see, with 3,000 liters of water, I could earn 6,000 crystal cores. Colonel, are you taking me for a beggar or a fool?"

The Colonel looked at him for a long moment before saying, "I can pay you the same amount that Captain Wei paid you."