Rebirth of the Last Days: Double Pets

Dr. Cao nodded and stood up. “As you can see from the data in your hands, we have simplified it as much as possible. I believe everyone here can understand it.”

Chairman Yuan carefully examined the data, then pondered for a moment. “Are you trying to say that zombies can evolve?”

“Yes,” Dr. Cao replied. “From our research, it appears that zombies are evolving at a rate of about one percent per day. In simple terms, after approximately 100 days, the current zombies will evolve to level two. Before this, their abilities are weaker, and we classify them as ‘unleveled.’ Most of them have now evolved to level one. However, once they reach level two, we still need further research to determine whether they can evolve further or how quickly that might happen.”

The room fell silent.

The virus came silently and caught everyone off guard, and a single infection has already caused a massive change in the world. With so few people left in City A, and now facing the potential evolution of zombies, the question arises: what should be done next?

Will humanity really face complete extinction?

“Actually, we have some good news,” Dr. Cao spoke again. “We discovered that while zombies are evolving, the abilities of the ability users are also becoming stronger. It’s possible that ability users could evolve as well.”

“Oh?” Chairman Yuan became more alert. “Then, how do these ability users evolve?”

In fact, many people had already figured out that ability users could become stronger, especially since the Zhou family had used a lot of blue crystals to win people over. However, they didn’t know the origin of the blue crystals and all believed that Dr. Cao had invented them.

If zombies could evolve, then wouldn’t they have to endure the Zhou family’s manipulation even more just to get the blue crystals they need?

It was already unpleasant, and now they had to flatter the Zhou family with their own goodwill…

Who would be willing to do that?

“Speaking of which, I remember that the incineration of zombies at the base is the responsibility of General Zhou,” Qian Jinxin spoke for the first time in the meeting today, sounding somewhat indifferent.

The reason Qian Jinxin didn’t get involved in the various factional struggles was that he usually just listened to the content of the meetings without saying anything. But today, when he suddenly spoke, Chairman Yuan was also curious.

However, if it was targeting the Zhou family, Chairman Yuan wouldn’t mind them fighting it out: “Yes, that’s true. What made General Qian bring this up today?”

Qian Jinxin said, “Recently, I’ve been thinking about contributing more to the base’s development. I’d like to help General Zhou and take over the responsibility of the zombie incineration project.”

“Oh?” General Zhou spoke calmly, “What made General Qian want to take over for me?”

Qian Jinxin slowly picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip, and then gently put it down again. “General Zhou wouldn’t mind, would you?”

General Zhou replied, “These zombie corpses carry toxic substances. Our people have already started handling them. If we change, I’m afraid the soldiers won’t be able to adjust quickly. Also, why is General Qian suddenly interested in the zombie incineration project? If you want to help the base, there are other projects that need attention.”

Qian Jinxin sneered, “General Zhou, I’ve already given you enough face, and you still act clueless. Is this some kind of joke?”

Hu Haotian and the others were speechless.

When Qian Jinxin remained silent, nothing stood out, but when he spoke, it was truly a startling revelation.

Qian Jinxin continued speaking, “Since I’ve already brought this up, you should just follow along with what I said. I’m not someone who sees things from a high perspective or far off, so General Zhou, don’t tell me about visionary ideas. Today, I’m going to take over the zombie incineration site.”

This time, General Zhou’s face darkened.

The zombie incineration site was the primary source of their crystal cores, and now that someone was asking for it to be handed over for free, of course, he wouldn’t agree.

Moreover, General Zhou knew that Qian Jinxin’s goal of wanting the crystal cores was just part of it; the main purpose was probably revenge. He had also noticed that Hu Xingsen and the others were likely aligned with Qian Jinxin.

Chairman Yuan was genuinely curious, “What’s so special about this zombie incineration site that everyone is fighting over it?”

General Zhou squinted at Qian Jinxin.

Although he hadn’t expected the crystal core’s significance to be discovered so early, he wasn’t a fool. When he had used the blue crystals to win people over, he had naturally considered how to handle it once others figured it out.

“Since General Qian is interested in the incineration site, I won’t hide it anymore,” General Zhou said. “I really can’t give it to you. I hope you understand my difficulty. If you truly need something, you can always come to me, and I will do my best to meet your needs.”

Qian Jinxin stood up, slammed his military badge down on the table, and said, “Today, whether you agree or not, you’ll hand it over! Zhou Jingguo, I hope you realize the situation here and do the right thing. When things go south, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

General Zhou wasn’t afraid of him: “General Qian, I’ve already made myself clear. I’ll give you whatever you need, but why are you making things difficult for me here?”

Chairman Yuan extended his hand to calm the situation: “Everyone sit down and speak properly. What’s the issue that can’t be solved in this meeting? There’s no need to escalate things like this. The key now is that everyone needs to understand each other. You are both senior generals, so lead by example.”

Qian Jinxin extended his hand toward Bai Qi.

Though he didn’t say anything, Bai Qi understood what he wanted. He took out a small black velvet pouch and placed it in Qian Jinxin’s hand.

Qian Jinxin weighed the black velvet pouch in his hand, estimating there were a few hundred crystal cores inside. Without opening it to inspect, he tossed it toward Zhou Jingguo and said, “General Zhou, if you give me the incineration site, I’ll provide you with a thousand crystal cores every month. How about it?”

The black velvet pouch was thrown onto the table, and countless blue crystal cores spilled out from the opening.

In the past, General Zhou had only exchanged 500 crystal cores per month for Qian Jinxin’s favor.

Now that the favor was gone and animosity had taken its place, Qian Jinxin was willing to offer a thousand blue crystals, even at the risk of losing face in front of everyone.

“This…”

“Blue crystals!”

“General Qian, where did you get this?”

The room was filled with excitement, a feeling that spread like a wildfire after gasoline was poured onto the forest. It consumed everyone in an instant.

At that moment, everyone’s eyes were wide and bright with anticipation.

Anyone who had ever owned blue crystals knew their value.

If they could have an unlimited supply every day, if they didn’t have to be controlled by the Zhou family, and if their abilities were strong enough…

Everyone was eager to know the answer.

Qian Jinxin locked eyes with Zhou Jingguo.

Zhou Jingguo also stood up: “That’s right, this blue crystal was indeed extracted from the brains of zombies. However, I still can’t give you the incineration site. These things are not without side effects. The blue crystals I provide to everyone have all been filtered and refined in the laboratory repeatedly to ensure safe absorption.”

Qian Jinxin turned to glance at Bai Qi.

Bai Qi shook his head slightly.

The meaning was clear: they hadn’t gone through any refining process before absorbing the energy from the blue crystals.

Qian Jinxin grabbed the cup in front of him and hurled it at Zhou Jingguo. The cup exploded on impact with his voice: “To hell with you, Zhou Jingguo! I’ve been on the battlefield, flown planes, killed enemies, and fought zombies, but I’ve never heard of such a lie! You’ve just taught me my first lesson—well done!”

Everyone in the room had heard that Qian Jinxin was a man of strong character, but no one had expected him to explode like this.

What a real man!

Amid the chaotic scene, no one dared to speak.

At this moment, whoever held the military power and the knife handle was the true ruler. The control of the military was equivalent to political power, and with political power came the right to speak.

Moreover, seeing the Zhou family being put in a difficult position, everyone secretly felt pleased.

“You…” Zhou Jingguo’s face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He snorted several times, “Good, good, good. You think I’m lying to you? Just wait, you’ll be the ones crying later. Since you, Qian Jinxin, want the incineration site, I’ll give it to you. But now, the people are suffering in this deep crisis, and you still want to challenge me here? You really live up to the mission the country and the people gave you!”

Qian Jinxin stared directly at Zhou Jingguo, then picked up the military insignia from the table and placed it back on his chest. “Since you say it like that, then I won’t take the incineration site.”

Zhou Jingguo: “…”

Chairman Yuan intervened to smooth things over: “Since you’ve already decided who will control the incineration site, we can now discuss the matter of the blue crystals.”

Those who could rise to power were never simple characters. Although they didn’t initially know the origin of the crystal cores, the Zhou family had the upper hand. Now, having gained control over the opponent’s lifeline, they struck decisively.

The outcome of the discussion was that: the incineration site would still be under the Zhou family’s responsibility, but each time the number of zombies and crystal cores had to be carefully verified, and the political and military officers in the base would share the crystal cores equally.

Everyone had no objections to this result. Even if the Zhou family disagreed, in the face of the collective democratic choice of the others, they no longer had a say.