Chapter 371 - Shell Grains

Translator: _Min_ Editor: Rundi

“If we do fight, what’s our probability of winning?”

Jiang Chen thought Chu Nan would give him an accurate response, but he shook his head.

“Hard to say.”

“Why?” Jiang Chen asked.

“From the current command structure, even if we mobilize more troops, it would still be hard to win.” Chu Nan was straightforward.

“Changing the command structure… Do you have any recommendations?”

Before he headed back last time, Jiang Chen had been thinking about this problem, but he didn’t really have an idea. He has established the administrative structure, but the militarily one… To be honest, other than knowing how to play a few strategy games, he was completely illiterate in military knowledge.

“I don’t know too much about military command. Didn’t you capture a Colonel? She probably knows more than all of us,” Chu Nan said.

A glimpse of awkwardness flashed across Jiang Chen’s face as his eyes drifted to the side.

“Ahem, she still hasn’t given up her loyalty to the organization.”

With a slight frown, Chu Nan pondered, “That shouldn’t be possible, is there something wrong with the chip… Do you need me to help you?”

“No need, I can take care of it,” Jiang Chen quickly rejected the proposal.

Chu Nan took a moment to process before he looked at Jiang Chen dubiously.

“Allow me to be honest, it is not wise to have compassion for the captive. Her knowledge is extremely critical to your cause, I hope general can consider seriously.”

“I will.” Jiang Chen gave a vague answer, “I will do my best to reform the command structure. Do you have a preparatory plan for the crusade?”

Seeing that Jiang Chen didn’t want to continue on the topic, Chu Nan knew it was best to talk about something else, “Of course. First, is military resources. We can use the bank to distribute war bonds in order to fund the war. The payment will be the supplies obtained from the mutated humans. Then we will use the gathered funding to purchase from the major military factories for weapon and ammo, this will inject some life into the stagnate military industry. At the same time, the funding will be used to hire mercenaries and hunting teams, as well as pay for the salary of the soldiers reporting to duty.”

“Not a bad plan.” Jiang Chen praised.

A war that wouldn’t cost a single cent, but would instead make money. Using the citizens’ money to pay for the military bill of the Fishbone base, and using the orders to promote economic growth. It was a brilliant move.

“What about the soldiers? How many soldiers can we mobilize?” Jiang Chen continued to ask.

“Approximately 1000 soldiers.”

A sufficient number, Jiang Chen nodded, pleased. Including the 1000 slaves Jiang Chen purchased, he will have 2000 soldiers. Once training is completed, the Fishbone base’s military personnel will more than double.

“Then the preparation for the crusade will be up to you, if there is nothing else, I will head out now.”

Jiang Chen stood up.

Seeing that Jiang Chen was about to leave, Chu Nan also stood up and walked him to the door.

…

Although he still needed to take care of some things, Jiang Chen was not in a rush. It has been more than a year; he wanted to see how developed the small city has become.

After exchanging departing words with Chu Nan, Jiang Chen strolled through the Inner Circle before he headed to the Outer Circle.

Compared to last year, this place did indeed become more prosperous.

The buildings along the side of the streets were all renovated, a lot of them were bulldozed down and rebuilt into three or four story high buildings. Just by standing here, ignoring the yellowish green radiation dust, it didn’t feel like the wasteland at all.

Busy crowds; a variety of items. The lone travelers with rifles on their backs negotiated prices with the store owners while soldiers in carbon-nano combat suit maintained the order of the market. Other than the everyday clothes worn by the Wanghai survivors, there occasionally would be someone with drastically different looking clothes. Some were from Luzhou 400 kilometers away, some were from the Wu city, some were even from the North Alliance Area.

While they brought crystals and goods, they also brought missing technology. For example, a useful smart mechanical dog that could carry up to 100 kilograms of supplies in all terrains eased the scavengers from carrying all the garbage. Another example was the silk from a species of mutated spiders. The silk could be produced into the chemical adhesive and used as a replacement to the commonly used adhesive. A lot of private factories already absorbed such technologies and started to manufacture these new goods.

The former ghetto was already bulldozed down with apartment buildings being built. Most were private properties with a small portion owned by the military government as shelters. There were no more malnourished prostitutes. What replaced them were legally operated entertainment centers and sex workers dressed appropriately. There were no more refugees on the street waiting for their death. As long as the person was able-bodied, they could find a job in the Sixth Street.

The difference here compared to one year ago was the idea of civilization.

“Don’t miss the opportunity! Fresh shell grains! Take a look!”

A merchant’s shouting drew Jiang Chen’s attention.

A not-so-spacious store was crowded with people. Two mercenary-looking workers were packaging the grains on the scale. The merchant in animal fur shouted while accepting payment from the customer and handing them the bags of shell grain.

“Shell grain?” Jiang Chen looked at the bags of grains in surprise.

He got closer and asked the merchant.

“How much is this?”

“One kilogram for three crystals, no haggling.” The merchant didn’t recognize Jiang Chen’s face, so he must be an outsider.

[It is similar to the price of a bag of instant noodles; slightly cheaper than rice.] Jiang Chen thought.

“Where are these things being transported from?” Jiang Chen asked.

The merchant looked at Jiang Chen cautiously and didn’t respond right away. He only said, “Are you going to buy it or not? If you are not, then move.”

Jiang Chen didn’t mind his rudeness as he took out three grain-sized crystals and threw it in the merchant’s hand.

“Give me one kilogram.”

When the merchant saw the crystals, a smile quickly appeared on his face as he handed him a bag of shell grains with both of his hands.

With the bag of shell grains in his hand, Jiang Chen stood there for a while before he walked to the warehouse area.

When he arrived, Zhao Chenwu had been waiting at the door for a while. Beside him was another person, Hu Youde from the giant pit.

Hu Youde’s eyes lit up when he saw Jiang Chen and quickly went up to greet him.

“Mr. Jiang, we meet again. I brought the slaves you wanted.”

“Where are they?” Jiang Chen looked around. There was no one else in sight.

“Ahem, of course, it is not here. Slave business is usually done at the shelter outside of the wall. It is a rule set by you,” Zhao Chenwu walked up and explained to Jiang Chen.

Could be a rule established by Chu Nan. Jiang Chen didn’t know.