Chapter 249: Boss Gu, No Need to Sneak Around
When Gu Mingchi arrived at Dawn with his people, he also felt that this place was completely out of sync with the outside world.
It reminded him of the fairy tales his grandfather used to read to him as a child—the princess in the ivory tower, well-protected and unaware of the dangers beyond.
He didn’t enter but instead called Hui Shu over to give instructions:
“These little troublemakers are young and reckless. Keep a close eye on them. Unless necessary, they shouldn’t leave Dawn or disturb Taoyang next door. If there’s an issue, come straight to me.”
Hui Shu agreed but couldn’t help asking, “Boss, are you really not coming with us to Dawn? There are extra beds available. If needed, we can even clear out an entire eight-person dorm for you alone. Nowhere is safer than Taoyang. You can’t just think about these kids—you need to consider your own safety too.”
Gu Mingchi snorted. “I’m not one of those kids who needs protection, and I believe neither are the brothers staying outside with me. We’re not so weak as to be scared off by evolved zombies—or that new tailed freak. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Knowing his boss’s stubborn nature, Hui Shu didn’t push further. But deep down, he couldn’t shake the worry and guilt—while his boss was out there fighting on the front lines, he was taking refuge in the safe zone with a bunch of kids.
Gu Mingchi waved him off. “Alright, that’s enough. Once all the brats are here, take them inside.”
As the teenagers got out of the vehicles one by one, they gasped in excitement, their eyes lighting up. If Boss Gu hadn’t been there, they probably would have rushed in already, eager to explore.
Especially the youngest among them—Jiao Haopeng.
He had just turned ten this year. At eight, he had wandered with a group of survivors, begging for food, until Big Brother Hui Shu took him in. Since then, he had lived with other kids in similar situations at the Old Station, studying while doing odd jobs to help out. Though food was sometimes scarce and living conditions were poor, at least his life was safe and stable—until Boss Gu had a falling-out with the Old Station.
They were forced to leave, drifting in a pickup truck for what felt like forever, seizing land from others multiple times—sometimes winning, sometimes losing—but never staying in one place for long.
Now, staring at the brand-new “Dawn Building,” Jiao Haopeng’s eyes were filled with hope and longing.
Big Brother Hui Shu had said that each of them would have their own bed—no more sleeping in overcrowded dorms. And each room would only have eight people.
As he was lost in thought, Hui Shu’s stern voice called them to attention.
But Gu Mingchi just waved his hand. “No need for so many rules. Go ahead.”
With his permission, the teenagers cheered and rushed inside.
Since Jiao Haopeng was the youngest, Hui Shu took special care of him, letting him go in first. The moment he stepped in and saw the vending machines lining both sides of the courtyard, selling everything from food to daily necessities, his eyes widened in amazement.
He and a group of older boys ran over and pressed their faces against the glass of a refrigerated meal cabinet—Black Pepper Beef Rice, Omurice, Sausage Fried Rice, Chicken Cutlet Combo… just reading the names made their mouths water.
There was even a self-service drink machine stocked with milk, cola, Sprite, and fruit juice…
Jiao Haopeng had only heard of these drinks before. He had never seen them, let alone tasted them. He was practically pressing his entire face against the machine, trying to get a better look.
Hui Shu was also stunned. He had heard rumors that Taoyang had vending machines selling all kinds of pre-apocalypse goods. Seeing it for himself, he realized it was true. And the prices weren’t even that high. No wonder so many people fought tooth and nail to get into Taoyang.
“Alright, kids, follow the room assignments from yesterday and get your stuff sorted. Training starts in the underground arena in thirty minutes.”
The teenagers responded with a loud and energetic cheer, their voices brimming with youthful energy.
Jiao Haopeng’s dorm was on the first floor. He knew all seven of his roommates well. The moment they stepped in, they excitedly ran around exploring. Someone even pointed to two large machines on the balcony and asked what they were.
Everyone crowded over to take a look.
The oldest boy in the dorm thought for a moment and said, “Probably a washing machine. And the one above it might be a dryer. I heard people used these all the time before the apocalypse.”
Someone asked curiously, “Then… wouldn’t that be really expensive?”
In the apocalypse, anything from the old world was usually associated with high prices and rarity.
Jiao Haopeng nodded. “Of course! And these look brand new! Our dorm has one… do you think all the other dorms have them too? How much would that even cost?”
Hearing this, the boys gasped in shock.
“The owner of Taoyang must be filthy rich!”
But the oldest boy in the dorm furrowed his brows, suddenly worried.
“Do you think Boss Gu had to spend a lot of money on this? We’re still too useless. We can’t help him much… all we do is hold him back.”
Everyone fell into silence again after their initial excitement, but soon, their spirits lifted once more.
“If we train hard, one day, we’ll be useful!”
Hearing these words from outside the door, Hui Shu felt deeply gratified. He silently walked away and found Gu Mingchi, saying:
“They’re all good kids. When you first brought back the first one, I was against it. But looking back now, you had the foresight. These kids will be the backbone of the Eastern District in the future.”
Gu Mingchi nodded. “I’d rather they never have to be used while I’m still around.”
Hui Shu was deeply moved.
Gu Mingchi, however, remained indifferent.
“Go check on the kids. I’m heading back—there’s a pile of trouble in the Eastern District, and I can’t be away for too long. Oh, and find a chance to quietly send Zhong Gaoyi back to Taoyang. Make sure Su Tao’s people don’t notice.”
Zhong Gaoyi wasn’t really his person anymore.
Taking someone out in the middle of the night without informing Su Tao didn’t exactly look good.
Just then, a familiar female voice sounded behind them.
“Boss Gu, that’s too much trouble. No need to be sneaky.”
