Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Deep Underground Bunker
After a brief rest of about ten minutes, the two geothermal generators and a drilling rig were finally transported into the official bunker via a temporary wooden track, thanks to the tireless efforts of the construction robots.
As the massive iron gate of the official bunker closed completely, Su Wu noticed a brief lag on the control screen in the command center, which quickly stabilized.
This phenomenon indicated that communication between Su Wu and the construction robots now included an additional relay through the official bunker's internal network.
"Still a good speed, no noticeable impact. Looks like many communications are back online too."
Su Wu operated one of the construction robots, moving it through the bunker's corridors while observing his surroundings.
The smooth feedback from the live video feed left him satisfied. At this data transmission rate, there would be no hindrance to his upcoming interactions and tasks with the official personnel.
Additionally, he noticed that the official bunker's internal network allowed access to chat software. Many previously unreachable contacts were now active, including a name that caught Su Wu's attention—Chen Xin.
"When I have a moment, I'll definitely reach out to her. Not just for reminiscing, but to get all her recorded covers."
A few days ago, Su Wu had gained an additional two survival points after listening to Chen Xin's rendition of Bedtime Story. Though attempts to replicate the reward had failed, he had mentally marked her as special and worth pursuing any opportunity to connect.
Walking through the corridor, the construction robot approached a large hall at the end. The cacophony of human chatter and machinery roared from within, overwhelming even Ye Xi's voice as she walked beside him.
Adjusting the camera focus, Su Wu spotted a clear sign on one of the hall's walls.
[Jianghe City Bunker No. 9, Zone 055 Construction Site]
"Why is there a construction site here?" Su Wu asked, puzzled. Judging by the numbering, this wasn't a small-scale project but likely part of a massive initiative spanning multiple official bunkers in the city.
"This is one of the logistics hubs for digging deep-level bunkers," Ye Xi explained, stepping aside to let a forklift pass. She pointed to an elevator in the corner of the hall. "The materials processed here—cut steel plates, mixed concrete, and so on—are transported via that elevator to a site 270 meters underground to support the expansion of new survival spaces."
Following her gesture, Su Wu saw a platform elevator loaded with freshly mixed concrete heading deep into the earth. He quickly grasped the scope of the operation.
"They're expanding a bunker that deep? Is this to prepare for future disasters?"
"Exactly." Ye Xi nodded, freely sharing sensitive information. "According to the latest findings from the Academy of Sciences, surface temperatures may become far more extreme than initially predicted, averaging over 100 degrees Celsius. Only by creating new living spaces deep underground can we survive the apocalypse with minimal energy consumption."
"Then I'll need to make preparations as well." Su Wu's expression turned contemplative.
Compared to the official bunkers, Su Wu's shelter was a mere 10 meters underground—a depth barely better than a farmer's root cellar or an old residential parking garage. In terms of structural reliability and disaster resistance, it couldn't compare to a bunker buried 270 meters deep.
However, his survival points gave him unique advantages. Features like one-meter-thick concrete walls, a world-class central air conditioning system, and a state-of-the-art air circulation system already surpassed many average shelters.
In the short term, his shelter was still secure.
"For you, it shouldn't be a problem," Ye Xi reassured him. "With the seven-million-credit supply from this deal, you can easily build a private fortress that's both safe and luxurious."
Even Ye Xi couldn't hide her envy. A seven-million-credit resource stockpile could elevate anyone, along with their family and friends, to a lifestyle rivaling the world's elite. It would take years to exhaust such an abundance.
"I hope so," Su Wu replied nonchalantly. Any further comment might come across as boastful, so he chose silence.
After crossing the hall and walking further along the repurposed subway tunnel, they arrived at their destination—a material staging area.
An older man, around 60, with a sharp and energetic demeanor, was waiting for them. Ye Xi handed over her responsibilities to him.
"So this is the geothermal generator supplier you found? Quite the unique setup," the man remarked, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the construction robot under Su Wu's control.
"Hello, I'm Su Wu," he introduced himself calmly, taking a step forward.
"I'm Li He," the older man replied, nodding. "I'm the electrical engineer responsible for this bunker. You seem young—mind if I call you 'kid'?"
"Sure."
Li He's sharp gaze lingered. "Kid, we've never used geothermal generators in Jianghe City before. With the local geothermal resources, can your generator really deliver the promised 300 kWh output?"
As a seasoned veteran of the electrical industry, Li He's skepticism was understandable. A 300 kWh output was no small claim; if it were so easily achievable, geothermal energy would already be widespread in Jianghe City due to its stability, cleanliness, and affordability.
Yet, before Su Wu's arrival, there hadn't been a single geothermal power station in the area.
"I can't guarantee it. We'll only know after installation and testing," Su Wu admitted after a brief hesitation, preferring honesty over overconfidence.
"Well, we'll leave it in your hands," Li He said without frustration, stepping aside to introduce Su Wu to his technical team.
"Let me
know if you need anything. We'll do everything we can to support you."