Chapter 413: Going Hungry in Taoyang?
After hearing Zhou Yushan’s explanation, Su Tao gained a deeper understanding of Dang Weiran’s extreme actions.
Indeed, the first two years of the apocalypse were incredibly harsh. With zombies roaming the world, societal collapse, water contamination, and food shortages, survival was the only priority. Considering quality of life was a luxury no one could afford.
Zhou Yushan, as if seeing through everything, let out a soft sigh:
“But things are different now. Especially here in Taoyang, where resources are abundant—there’s no need to treat the soldiers so harshly. Over time, it will damage morale. Dang Weiran has grown stubborn with age and power, believing he’s always right. The president, concerned about Taoyang’s welfare, wanted to send a capable leader like Dang Weiran here due to his past contributions. Unfortunately, things aren’t going as planned.”
Su Tao appreciated his insight. “So, what should I do now? Let things run their course?”
Zhou Yushan nodded. “Yes. You don’t need to interfere. Dang Weiran has endured for so many years, but he’s unwilling to leave Changjing. His pride won’t let him stay here for long—he’ll leave on his own.”
Su Tao recalled that Shi Zijin had said the same thing. Some situations require the wisdom of experienced professionals. Despite her position, she knew she still had a lot to learn.
Feeling more confident in her approach, Su Tao decided to temporarily stop interfering with the Independent Regiment’s affairs.
However, watching the soldiers struggle was heartbreaking. They endured grueling training, survived on dry rations and cold water, and still had to wash their own clothes despite being exhausted.
This frustration reached its peak on the third day.
It all started when Su Tao, along with Taoyang’s management and Zhou Yushan, held a meeting to discuss the soldiers’ stipends.
Maintaining an army is expensive. These soldiers were sacrificing their youth and risking their lives—compensation was essential. Many of them were able-bodied and some were even ability users. Without proper pay, they could easily find work elsewhere.
Moreover, soldiers had families to support. It wasn’t just about the soldiers’ needs but their loved ones as well.
After discussion, they adopted Zhou Yushan’s proposal:
Each soldier would receive a monthly stipend of 5,000 Federation coins; Meals and housing would be fully provided; Holiday bonuses would be issued; Ability users would receive additional crystal cores quarterly; Upon discharge, they would receive a generous severance package based on years of service.
Even Changjing’s military didn’t offer such generous benefits.
Su Tao approved the proposal without hesitation. These soldiers were vital—they defended Taoyang, completed dangerous missions, and gathered precious resources like crystal cores. Investing in them was essential.
After the meeting, Su Tao and a few senior managers went to present the policy to Dang Weiran.
On the way, she heard someone crying softly behind a wall.
Signaling the others to stop, she quietly walked around the wall and saw the same young soldier who had previously picked up a meatball in the cafeteria.
His shoulders trembled as he sobbed quietly.
Su Tao, seeing how young he was, crouched beside him and offered a tissue. “What’s wrong? Tell me what’s bothering you.”
Startled, the boy hiccupped, scrambled to his feet, and tried to run away.
At the welcome ceremony, he had been too far away to recognize Su Tao and assumed she was just another tenant in Taoyang. Being caught crying by a pretty girl made him want to disappear.
Su Tao gently grabbed his wrist. “Hey, I’m not going to bite.”
Her voice softened. “Are you homesick, or is someone bullying you?”
Her kindness broke his composure. Tears poured down his face as he squatted back down, overwhelmed by his feelings.
“I’m so hungry,” he choked out. “I thought coming to Taoyang meant I wouldn’t go hungry anymore. But I’m still starving every night—I can’t even sleep. During morning training, I feel dizzy. My squad leader feels sorry for me and sneaks me his dry rations while I’m asleep, but…”
At this point, he couldn’t hold back anymore. He pulled out half a piece of dry bread and sobbed uncontrollably, tears and snot covering his face.
Through his tears, he blamed himself—thinking he was a burden, a glutton causing his squad leader to go hungry.
Su Tao’s frustration and heartbreak hit their peak.
She couldn’t wait for Dang Weiran to leave on his own.
This young soldier was barely a teenager—he was still growing. Even someone like Gu Mingchi, known for his ruthlessness, ensured the young under his care had proper food and shelter.
Yet here, under Dang Weiran’s command, a soldier was crying over half a piece of dry bread—while Taoyang had plenty of resources.
Her chest heaved as she struggled to contain her anger. After half a minute, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She immediately ordered Zhuang Wan to escort the soldier to Taoyang’s private dining hall and let him eat his fill.
Behind the wall, the others had heard everything.
Zhou Yushan frowned. “I feel like he’s gotten even harsher than before.”
Meng Qian rolled her eyes. “I don’t care what his reasons are—he’s just a sadist who enjoys making others suffer.”
The rest of the group had similar expressions of disbelief. It was hard not to agree with Meng Qian.
After all, who chooses to suffer when a better life is available?
Zhou Yushan turned to Su Tao. “Please arrange a meeting with Commander Dang. I need to speak with him. He won’t be leaving anytime soon, and if this continues, the soldiers’ physical and mental health will suffer.”
Su Tao hesitated—knowing the bad blood between them, she worried Dang Weiran might get physical.
Zhou Yushan chuckled. “I’ll bring Xiaobo with me—don’t worry.”
Reassured, Su Tao agreed. Having a strong, loyal protégé came in handy.
Meanwhile, the young soldier, now at the dining hall, was devouring his food—until he suddenly stopped.
Concerned, Zhuang Wan asked, “What’s wrong? Don’t you like the food?”
The soldier quickly shook his head. “No, it’s not that. Can I… Can I pack the rest to bring to my squad leader? He hasn’t eaten dinner yet, and tomorrow’s training will be too hard without it…”
Even after enduring so much, his first thought was for his squad leader.
