Chapter 47.1

After the convoy entered the base’s rest area, someone immediately asked the receptionist impatiently, “I heard your northern base has a zombie virus vaccine. Is that true?”

Upon hearing this, the receptionist’s expression became helpless.

In the past two months, more and more people had arrived in the North after hearing rumors about the vaccine.

There were convoys with dozens of people, and even those with over a hundred, almost all of which had stopped here for repairs. The receptionist had explained this countless times.

“If there really was a zombie vaccine, we wouldn’t need to stay in the base.”

Many of the people in the convoy had come specifically for the zombie virus vaccine, and they grew anxious when they heard this.

“But a convoy from the North came to our base earlier, and they said…”

“Don’t worry, I know what you’re referring to. There are rumors about the vaccine, but it hasn’t been developed yet, and we haven’t used it.”

“The vaccine you heard about was likely developed by our largest northern base, Beizheng Base.”

“There are still about 10 million survivors there, and all the talented people are located there. If a vaccine exists, it’s most likely to have been developed by them first.”

“However, we haven’t received news that the base has successfully developed a vaccine yet, so you’ll need to be patient.”

Although he explained this, none of those who had come from afar were willing to remain calm.

Ordinary people had no connections and could only ask a few questions, while those with power and resources had already found ways to obtain more information.

There was a wealthy man named Sheng in the team. He used to do business in the North and was fortunate enough to use his old connections in this base.

As soon as the item was delivered, the other party shared some exclusive inside information with him.

The vaccine did exist, but it was not yet made public.

This vaccination had specific requirements for the body. If you were infected with the zombie virus after receiving the vaccine, there was only a one in seven chance that it wouldn’t lead to mutations.

The effectiveness was low, and it was difficult to produce and preserve, so the quantity was extremely limited.

“Ordinary people should forget about it. It is still in the trial phase and is circulating internally.”

Sheng Fuhao was unwilling to give up and asked, “Is there no other way to get the vaccine in advance?”

The acquaintance hesitated for a moment and said, “I have a relative who is conducting research at a secret base near Beizheng Base. He mentioned a new vaccine that is more effective, but it’s impossible to get it no matter how much money you have. If you want it, there is only one way.”

“Join their special teams and perform high-risk work, and you’ll get the vaccine for free.”

Mr. Sheng initially held onto some hope, but after hearing the last part, he immediately shook his head and gave up.

The most dangerous missions at the base involved entering zombie-infested cities to search for something.

These missions were life-threatening. What was the point of getting vaccinated if it meant risking your life?

He only had his grandchildren left by his side. How could he bear to let them take such risks, especially since they didn’t have the ability to handle it?

It went without saying that the entry requirements for such a special team were very high.

There was nothing more to be done.

Sheng Fuhao returned to the convoy and informed his grandchildren that they would rest here for two days before heading to Beizheng Base.

“We still need to move forward. How long will it take, Grandpa?”

The granddaughter was the one who had delivered something to Wen Jiuze before.

She had been worried and frightened throughout the journey. Ever since she witnessed zombies attacking and killing people, she had nightmares whenever she heard their sounds and couldn’t sleep well.

“It’s almost there. If everything goes smoothly, we’ll reach there in half a month.” The grandfather patted her hand to comfort her.

The grandson was more concerned about the vaccine and asked for any related news.

Sheng Fuhao waved his hand to signal that there was no need to say more. “Let’s talk about it when we get to Beizheng Base. The vaccine probably won’t be available at this stage.”

At the same time, the captain of the convoy representing the New Fourth Base found the senior management of the base.

The other party revealed some important information to him.

“Beizheng Base has been recruiting capable individuals to join their special operations team. They’re looking for people with good physical fitness, strong abilities, and specialized skills.”

“If you have the ability, you can give it a try. This team takes on dangerous missions, but as long as you join their special operations team, Beizheng Base can provide you with everything, including the latest vaccines.”

“Team members can bring their loved ones to live in the safest part of the base, and they will also receive free medical treatment.”

“You know, it’s very difficult to get into Beizheng Base right now. If you go there without enough contribution points, you’ll only get a temporary residence permit for half a month.”

Many people in the team were excited, including the captain.

His wife had liver problems and often needed medical attention before the apocalypse. After the world changed, medical services became scarce, and her condition worsened over time.

He was the captain of a scavenger team at the New Fourth Base and was considered capable, but the points he earned were not enough to buy the necessary medicine. If he could join the special operations team at Beizheng Base…

Seeing his hesitation, the senior management of the base said, “If you are willing, you can sign up now. You came at the right time. There will be an assessment soon. In two days, our base will organize everyone to go to Beizheng Base to take the assessment.”

“There are already more than 500 people signed up at our base.”

The captain was surprised. “So many people?”

The senior staff explained, “That’s not many. There are several other bases with even more applicants. Tens of thousands of people have signed up, and only about a hundred will be selected.”

The captain immediately felt discouraged. He knew he had some skill, but it wasn’t top-tier.

It seemed like the selection process was meant to find only the best talents.

While feeling disappointed, the captain couldn’t help but think of Wen Jiuze.

He had been deeply impressed by Wen Jiuze. During their journey of more than two months, Wen Jiuze had repeatedly helped them in critical situations. Each time, the captain admired his skill and courage.

If anyone could pass the assessment and join the special team, it might be Wen Jiuze.

The captain hesitated, wondering whether to share this news with Wen Jiuze.

Wen Jiuze hadn’t entered the base yet and was still outside.

“No rush, think it over carefully,” the base leaders advised with a smile.

There were also rivalries between bases. If the people they recommended made it onto the team, it would bring benefits to their base.

The leaders arranged for several team members to stay in a safe area near the base gate.

“You’ll stay here temporarily for the next few days. The people here are all from the south and southeast, just like you.”

“There are also more than a dozen people who have decided to take the test, and those are the ones.”

The captain and his team passed a small house. Following the guide’s directions, they noticed several men sitting or standing in the yard.

The men had shaved heads and a rough, bandit-like demeanor. They also had dark blue lion head tattoos on their arms.

When the strangers looked over, the men sized them up with unfriendly expressions.

One large man glared fiercely at them, clearly in a bad mood.

The captain and his team quickly walked on, paying little attention to the men.

Meanwhile, a few kilometers away from the base, Wen Jiuze was stewing a goose in an iron pot.

The goose had been brought over by Xue Ling about an hour ago.

To be more precise, the goose had been chasing Xue Ling.

After Xue Ling promised to keep an eye on Wen Jiuze so he could rest, she went for a walk to check for potential dangers.

Since she had volunteered for the patrol, Wen Jiuze had no qualms about being lazy and resting in the car while waiting for her return.

Not long after, Xue Ling returned, her face slightly flushed with excitement. The goose, following her closely, was even more excited, flapping its wings and squawking. It occasionally stretched its neck to nip at Xue Ling.

Fortunately, her tough skin prevented the bites from leaving marks.

Wen Jiuze saw the two approaching and quickly got out of the car to subdue the arrogant goose.

He grabbed the goose by the neck and beak, smiling. “You ran quite fast when the goose was chasing you. Don’t you usually run just as fast when you’re chasing me?”

Xue Ling: “?” Who was it that attracted this goose? And now you’re laughing at me?

She immediately knocked Wen Jiuze’s hand away from the goose, and the goose seized the opportunity to nip him hard.

Xue Ling: Haha.

Ha! Serves you right.

Wen Jiuze hissed in pain and grabbed the goose again.

“You’re helping it attack me—who are you really siding with?”

Xue Ling didn’t argue. She lazily pulled an iron pot from the car.

She had collected the pot during a previous trip. Wen Jiuze had once asked her why she bothered carrying such a big pot.

She tossed the pot in front of him and urged: Hurry up, kill the goose and stew it in an iron pot!

They quickly stewed the goose in the pot.