C6 Bastard!

Indeed, no one else had the audacity to indulge in cooking rice as Shen Chen did. They'd bring rice back, and a lucky few got to savor a portion, but only as porridge. It paled in comparison to actual rice.

The amount of porridge in Shen Chen's bowl could have fed five or six people.

"Uh, why don't you guys divide this up? I haven't even started eating," Shen Chen offered, a bit sheepishly.

"No, no, no. Please, you eat. We'll head out and not disturb your meal," they insisted. After the day's events, everyone held Shen Chen in high regard. Yet, they couldn't help but feel envious, wishing for the day when they too could once again enjoy the luxury of white rice.

"Seriously, you all eat. I've got plenty of rice left. Just leave me the pot," Shen Chen insisted.

"The orders from above are clear: whatever you need, you shall have," chimed in an auntie nearby.

"Okay, then find something to carry the rice in, and I'll just take the pot," Shen Chen said, leaving the freshly cooked, fragrant rice for the aunties with great generosity.

They didn't rush to eat. It was only after Shen Chen had departed that they carefully divided the rice into five equal shares.

Not one of them dared to take a bite, choosing instead to bring it back to their families at the base.

In their hearts, they preferred to share this delicious treat with their loved ones.

Having declined Amu's offer to send protection, Shen Chen, pot in hand, strolled down the street alone. He didn't rush back but instead headed to the 'shop.' In the empty vault, Shen Chen sat by himself, managed to start a fire, and began cooking.

He sourced water from nearby and gathered firewood from the surrounding windows and doors.

Sated and content, Shen Chen tidied up the floor and summoned the system.

"10,000 jin of rice has been issued. Please verify. You will receive 6,667 Level-1 Zombie Crystals in three days. Failure to complete the task within three days will result in the loss of one finger," announced the system's icy voice.

"A punishment? You're asking for a finger? That's steep!" Shen Chen felt the weight of the pressure bear down on him instantly.

The price of rice skyrocketed from a 3:1 ratio to 1.5:1.

Over three days, a total of 6,667 person-visits were needed, averaging over 2,200 daily. Cloud Mountain Base could supply 450 person-visits per day, roughly one-quarter of the necessary total. The remainder required Shen Chen to urgently recruit additional help.

Mobilizing so many people was quite the challenge!

"Let's have Hanshuang and Gouza lend a hand tomorrow. Tonight, I'll bunk in the vault," Shen Chen decided, then secured the vault door. The vault was custom-built and not easily breached from the outside, allowing Shen Chen to sleep soundly atop the rice pile.

Early the next day, Yang Hanshuang summoned over ten people to rendezvous with Shen Chen as planned.

"Captain Yang, we can't find Mr. Shen. We've even checked his residence, but no luck."

"How did he get back last night?" Yang Hanshuang's usually stoic face suddenly clouded with worry.

"He returned alone," Amu replied, looking down.

"What were you thinking? With the danger out there, especially after a Level-5 Zombie was spotted in Jiangbei City, how could you let him come back by himself? Didn't you get the memo?" Yang Hanshuang asked sharply.

"I apologize, Captain Yang. We'll keep searching," Amu said, quickly organizing a search party before leaving the shop.

"Shen Chen, you just have to be okay!" Yang Hanshuang fretted, pacing the shop floor.

"Wow, that was some good sleep. Hanshuang, you're here? Did I oversleep?" Shen Chen said, a bit sheepishly.

"You jerk!" Yang Hanshuang swung a punch at Shen Chen.

"Ouch! That really hurts!" Shen Chen exclaimed, clutching his stomach and wincing at Yang Hanshuang.

"You still feel pain? They offered to escort you home last night. Why didn't you accept? No one was home, and do you have any idea how worried that made everyone?" Yang Hanshuang's icy demeanor softened slightly, her eyes tinged with red.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Shen Chen pushed aside his discomfort and quickly approached her. "I'm sorry, Hanshuang. I came back alone last night because I was sure of my safety. I didn't want to put everyone else at risk because of me."

"You're just a Level-1 earth-type mutant. What kind of assurance could you possibly have at night?" Yang Hanshuang wouldn't hear of it.

"Even so, as a so-called weakling, didn't I take down a formidable Level-4 Zombie Beast just yesterday?" Shen Chen explained with patience, "So, Hanshuang, there's really no need for concern."

Hearing Shen Chen's reasoning, Yang Hanshuang found herself at a loss for words and could only respond with her go-to phrase, "Do as you wish!"

Shen Chen couldn't help but chuckle at her signature response.

They had been acquainted for over four years, nearing five. From their original squad, only the two of them remained. As survivors and comrades in a post-apocalyptic world, Shen Chen was well aware of his significance to Yang Hanshuang, and she to him.

"Mr. Shen, there you are. We've been looking for you," Liu Yunshan entered the room.

"Yunshan, you're the head of Cloud Mountain Base and older than I am. Just 'Shen Chen' will do," Shen Chen interjected quickly.

"Alright then, I'll take the liberty of calling you Brother Shen Chen, if that's okay?" Liu Yunshan asked, seeking approval.

"Yes, that works for me," Shen Chen agreed with a nod.

"Brother Shen Chen, I used to be an accountant. Let me handle the books. I can keep the accounts crystal clear, showing exactly who took what and how many crystal cores were paid," Liu Yunshan offered.

"I appreciate it, Brother," Shen Chen replied, then turned to Yang Hanshuang, "Hanshuang, why don't you join me for some fieldwork today?"

"Will there be a paycheck?" Yang Hanshuang asked, rolling her eyes.

"I'm already broke. Can you really ask me for a salary?" Shen Chen responded with feigned distress.

"Someone's got a Level-4 crystal core and still claims to be broke?" Yang Hanshuang eyed Shen Chen's pocket pointedly.

"That crystal core is earmarked for future use, no giving it away!" Shen Chen quickly guarded his pocket.

They exchanged smiles, and although Yang Hanshuang's was fleeting, it was a smile nonetheless.

After entrusting the shop's affairs to Liu Yunshan and the rest, Shen Chen and Yang Hanshuang departed. Sending Amu and the others would pose a risk with such a large group, and too few would be ill-equipped to handle any trouble. Thus, the optimal solution was for Shen Chen and Yang Hanshuang to go together.

With the BUFF active, Shen Chen was ready to shield Yang Hanshuang at a moment's notice should any trouble arise.

Should they encounter any unsavory characters, Shen Chen might even manage to convert them into customers.

"Shen Chen, bro, hold up for me!" Gouza's voice trailed from behind, his breaths heavy as he caught up.

"Did you manage to sell it like I told you?" Shen Chen hadn't expected to run into him here.

"Yeah, I sold it. But where's the new rice you mentioned?" Gouza asked eagerly.

"It's at the store. You've come at the perfect time. You know the crowd here; could you help me pitch it?" Shen Chen said with a sly smile.