CHAPTER 383: CHAPTER 181: THE FINAL LINK

More than a thousand civilians is not a small number. Although during the journey, some civilians chose to settle in other towns, ultimately, nearly 1,100 people have confirmed their plans to settle at Base 011.

They have brought a large amount of supplies and are already exhausted from the long journey.

To ensure these people can quickly settle down upon arrival at the base, Chen Jian has made all the necessary preparations.

Standing on the open ground outside the base, Shen Yue checked the information on the PDA as he reported:

"The grounds for temporary camping have been leveled and reinforced, drainage ditches, stovetops, and toilets have all been dug, and emergency tents have been fully deployed, estimated to accommodate around 800 people."

"For the remaining accommodation gap, we’ll have to squeeze in for tonight. By tomorrow, they can solve it themselves."

"The meals are ready and have been fully distributed. It mainly consists of dry rations, supplemented with some jerky, fresh vegetables, and canned food."

"It’s impossible for us to make the first meal very delicate, as long as everyone can eat, that’s enough."

"But frankly, with canned food, I don’t think they have much to complain about."

"Moreover, I’ve organized all the Huaxia Army into a resettlement working group."

"They will assist the civilians from the Imperial City in setting up tents and getting familiar with the residential area, and will also take on some responsibilities for maintaining order."

"However, from the current situation, the orderliness of these civilians is quite good."

"On the road, with less than 200 Holy Blood able to manage these civilians and having already established basic rules, it speaks volumes."

"There isn’t much for us to do. As long as we follow their thinking and complete the handover of management rights, the reception work can proceed smoothly."

"Understood."

Chen Jian nodded slightly and then said:

"You’ve done a great job with this part of the work; not only are you good at political work, but you’re also excellent at logistics."

"Isn’t it just because no one else wants to do it?"

Shen Yue rolled his eyes and said:

"Anyway, that’s how political commissars are; they have to take on any task."

"But honestly, I now clearly feel a lack of energy. Once the numbers come up, we need to quickly establish a logistics working group."

"I have already shortlisted candidates, mainly selecting from the residents of Yellow Stone City."

"But we are still missing a lead person, you need to help me find someone for this."

"Don’t tell me to use Fu Xi, that’s a different matter—I need a figurehead."

"I do want to find one."

Chen Jian shrugged and said:

"The key is, I don’t have anyone either."

"Most of our initial development talents were combat personnel, and there are very few with experience in logistics management."

"If we really have to find someone, I think that Li Xian from Han Shui City might be suitable."

"However, he too has a lot of things to handle right now and can’t be secured in the short term."

"Is Jiang Yu not an option?"

Shen Yue asked.

"Jiang Yu... Now that you mention her, I feel like it’s just like grabbing new recruits."

"A good prospect, everyone is rushing to have her."

"Originally, I intended for her to train with the Huaxia Army and lead a class later; now Lei Jie has snatched her away."

"And now you’re saying you want her to manage logistics, what do you think we should do about this?"

"If it really doesn’t work, I planned to cultivate Xie Liu, she..."

"She’s not suitable!"

Shen Yue said without hesitation:

"I’m hoping she can take over the medical work, how can she handle logistics?"

"Then I have nothing else."

Chen Jian shrugged and said:

"Then let’s wait a bit longer; there will eventually be a suitable candidate."

"...That’s all we can do."

Shen Yue sighed.

"It’s easy to get a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general."

"You said it."

As Chen Jian’s words fell, they both fell silent.

And at that moment, Fu Xi’s voice suddenly came through the earpiece.

"Sir, reconnaissance balloon detected personnel approaching from the west side of Jinling Avenue."

"Based on the image analysis data, it’s a caravan."

"A caravan?"

Chen Jian had not received prior notice of a caravan coming to Base 011. On the other hand, even if a caravan were to come, theoretically, it would be along with the main civilian group.

Now that the civilians were mostly gathered, where did this caravan come from?

He transferred the image captured by the balloon to his smart glasses and, after a careful review, an inexplicable sense of familiarity surged in his mind.

That face...

Wait a minute, isn’t that the merchant Jin Zan?

He actually came?

Chen Jian immediately became interested, and without hesitation, he issued the order, opening the avenue for their passage.

Then, guided by drones, the relatively well-equipped caravan took just over an hour to reach the core area of Base 011.

As Jin Zan curiously surveyed the surrounding facilities, Chen Jian, with Shen Yue in tow, stepped up to him.

"Welcome, Mr. Jin Zan."

Chen Jian actively reached out his hand, and the latter was flattered as he approached, then respectfully said:

"You remember me, sir!"

"Of course I remember."

Chen Jian smiled slightly and then said:

"See, I told you before, I would build a road for merchants like you."

"So, what do you think? The road we built is pretty good, isn’t it?"

"Not just pretty good!"

Jin Zan nodded repeatedly and said:

"This really is a great honor for us. Just being fortunate enough to enter Jinling New City already surprised me. Seeing this road made me even more appreciative of your generosity and..."