Apocalypse Rebirth: 3000 million won at the beginning

Chapter 2083: Population Exceeds 80!
The city lord's office.

Ding Jiu patted his chest and said that there was no problem with the materials used to build the train tracks.
That's why he has such confidence.

Firstly, given the current strength of the Great Camphor Tree faction, they have sufficient capacity to produce it.

Secondly, it allows for the removal of rail fasteners from other train tracks, saving time and effort.

However, careful consideration is needed to determine which rail fasteners on the train tracks should be removed.
So that if the power of the Great Camphor Tree expands in the future and other routes need to be opened, the railway track will not need to be rebuilt.

After listening to Ding Jiu's report, Li Yu and the others felt there were no problems.

According to the latest news from Judge and Xiao Jun, it is estimated that the sea fog will not spread to the Big Camphor Tree headquarters base for another 10 to 11 months.

They have at least four months to spare, which is enough time to complete the railway tracks, even though it takes six months.

Li Yu looked at Ding Jiu, then at Zhang Yunxiang and Shan Zimo beside Ding Jiu, and said:

"Now that the plan is out, let's begin!"

What kind of support do you need?

Ding Jiu quickly replied:
"We need a large number of workers who can build railways."

"In the past few days, we have searched the entire camphor tree area and found a total of 640 workers who had railway experience before the apocalypse, as well as more than 30 railway engineers."

However, it's unrealistic to expect a workforce of just over 600 people to repair an 800-kilometer railway within six months.

"I also need to select some construction workers, who can be quickly trained and put to work."

After pondering for a moment, Li Yu asked, "How many people do we need?"

Ding Jiu remained silent for a long time before saying:
"Let's set it at 10,000 for now. We can add more if we need more workers later."

“There are nearly 15 people working at all the construction sites in the entire Dazhangshu area. In order to ensure the normal operation of these construction sites, the workers on these sites certainly cannot be transferred.”

“I suggest that we recruit again at the headquarters base in Dazhangshu and the oil city. Since it is a construction project that is being carried out outside the area, I think we could appropriately increase the contribution points, which would also attract residents to participate in the project.”

Li Yu frowned. Currently, all the workers at the construction site of the entire camphor tree force are being paid double wages.

Even the lowest-level laborer building the wall can earn 2 light points a day.

Not to mention those medium-sized workers, large workers, and regulators.

A master craftsman earns 7 points a day, which is 210 points a month.
He turned to his second uncle and asked:

"How much is the accumulated points deposited by residents of Dazhangshu so far?"

As the chairman of the Big Camphor Tree Management Committee, my second uncle has a very good understanding of the economy of the entire Big Camphor Tree region.

He answered without any hesitation:
"That's about 8000 million points, with an average deposit of 100 points per person!"

"So much!" Li Yu gasped. He remembered that just a few months ago, it was a little over 1 million.
In just a few months, the total savings of residents in Dazhangshu have increased nearly tenfold.

Not only did total deposits increase tenfold, but average deposits per person also increased five or sixfold.

The eldest uncle was also somewhat surprised and asked:

"How could it surge so quickly? The population growth rate isn't even ten times faster!"

My second uncle patiently explained:
"There are too many new construction sites opening recently, with 15 workers alone, and now they're paying double wages."

"In addition, the scavengers bring back a huge amount of supplies, and exchanging these supplies requires a huge amount of points."

"But don't worry, the total consumption in Dazhangshu reached more than 200 million last month, and the annual consumption is about 3000 million."

"Through taxation and the operation of official self-operated stores, after the points circulate in the market, at least 1000 million can flow back to the official hands."

Li Yu stood up from the sofa and continued to ask:
“8000 million points, when exchanged for the lowest-priced cornbread, is about 1 point per kilogram. 8000 million points is 8000 million kilograms of grain, which is 4 tons of grain.”

"What is the current total grain reserve in our Great Camphor Tree region?"

My second uncle replied:
"The total is 7 tons, and as the plantations outside the city are gradually planted and harvested, the grain reserves are showing an increasing trend."

"In other words, even with a continuous influx of new residents, the rate at which our food production is increasing is faster than the rate at which it is being consumed."

As he listened, his uncle pondered for a moment.

70,000 tons, based on the current population of 800,000.

On average, each person weighs only about 175 jin (87.5 catties). If there is no new grain production, and they only eat the surplus grain, it can only support the population of the Great Camphor Tree region for about five months.

However, it seems to be much better than the situation a while ago when it could only last for four months.

Li Yu naturally calculated this number as well.

He nodded and said:

"In that case, the pressure on food is not too great, and the economic pressure is also average."

He was most afraid of a run on the points. If the sea fog came and residents exchanged all their points for food, it would be troublesome if the big camphor tree couldn't be redeemed.

Currently, grain reserves far exceed the amount of grain that residents can exchange for using their points.

So it's alright.

He looked at Ding Jiu and asked:
"Then how much do you think is appropriate to raise it?"

After considering for a few seconds, Ding Jiu said:
"Let's raise it by 30%. Too little and it won't be tempting, too much and it's unnecessary."

Moreover, railway maintenance work is extremely physically demanding and truly arduous.

Li Yu waved his hand and said:
"You and the president can discuss the specific points for each job."

"Overall, we'll get 30% more points than the construction workers around the base. That's settled!"

"Yes, City Lord." Ding Jiu nodded, a look of joy on his face. This report had basically achieved his desired goal.

In order to make the camphor tree grow stronger in the shortest possible time.

Now that a large-scale infrastructure construction mode has been launched, workers are working at full intensity.

Construction workers on the site have changed from an 8-hour workday to a 12-hour workday.

They work in two shifts, day and night.

Therefore, they were paid double wages.

The wages of workers who go out to repair tracks will be increased by 30% in points.

This means that even the lowest-level track maintenance workers can earn 2.6 points a day.

They earn 78 points a month, and they even provide meals. These workers can't spend money at the base while they're repairing tracks outside.

Once the six-month renovation period is over, these people will be able to accumulate at least 465 points.

Even though prices in Dazhangshu are rising now, under the policy of protecting people's livelihoods, the prices of basic food items such as corn cakes, as well as rent and utilities at all three levels, have not increased.

465 points, if used sparingly, are enough for one person to live on in the trading market for a whole year.

In the conference room.

The group discussed the plan for this track repair.

After the discussion, they reached a consensus:
The first phase involves repairing the railway between Dazhangshu and Shiyoucheng.

They first started the project and explored it for two months. After the repair model and pace were basically determined, they started the second phase of the railway track repair project.

The second phase of the railway renovation project is to connect the Petroleum City-Northern Border and the Petroleum City-Oriental Paradise.

The third phase of the railway renovation project involves connecting the oil city with several branch bases in the northwest.

This arrangement is based on the timing of the sea fog reaching each base.

Based on current observations, the fog will reach the headquarters of the Great Camphor Tree the fastest, followed by Oriental Paradise, Oil City, and the Northern Territory, with the Northwest Base arriving last.

It takes nearly 20 months for sea fog to reach the Northwest Base, so there's no rush there.

After reaching a consensus, Ding Jiu led Zhang Yunxiang and Shan Zimo away from the administration building.

"call--"

As soon as Zhang Yunxiang came out of the administration building, he let out a long sigh of relief.

She looked much more relaxed.

Snapped!
Ding Jiu patted him on the shoulder, and Zhang Yunxiang almost collapsed to the ground.

Shan Zimo, who was standing nearby, quickly helped him up.

Ding Jiu looked Zhang Yunxiang up and down and laughed:
"You're so frail, you'll fall over with just a light pat."

Zhang Yunxiang said with a wry smile:

"Chief Engineer Ding, I was too tense just now. Now that I've relaxed, I feel weak all over."

The reason he's like this is because things have changed so much recently.

Zhang Yunxiang was previously only a Level 6 personnel at the Jiuquan base, and he was a Level 6 personnel converted from prisoners of war from the Northwest, so his status was relatively low. After Ju Tianrui and others proposed the plan to absorb Northwest prisoners of war, the management committee of the Great Camphor Tree Base discussed the matter and approved the incorporation of Northwest prisoners of war into the Great Camphor Tree system a week ago, unifying them as Level 6 personnel.

Before coming to the headquarters, Zhang Yunxiang was just an ordinary worker in a steel factory.

However, because of the train track project, he was selected and brought directly from the Northwest to the headquarters base, where he proved his abilities during the track survey process.

He was then given an important position.

Ding Jiu laughed loudly:
"How does it feel? The train track project hasn't even officially started yet, and you've already been promoted to level five. How does that feel?"

Zhang Yunxiang's face flushed when he heard Ding Jiu say that.

Recalling the promotion orders that Li Yu gave to him and Shan Ziming near the end of the meeting,

These past ten days have felt like a dream.

In ten days, I leveled up.

Shan Zimo, who was standing next to him, was also a little excited. He hadn't said anything and had also leveled up.

I was promoted from level six to level five.

He was also a resident who had just joined the camphor tree faction two months ago. He was originally doing the lowest-level labor job in the oil city, but suddenly he was promoted.

Both of them had stayed at the camphor tree's base for quite some time, so they naturally knew that the higher the rank, the more benefits and privileges they would receive.

Seeing their dazed expressions, Ding Jiu dropped another piece of good news:

"Work hard on this project. Once it's completed, you'll all be promoted at least one level to level four, and there's even a good chance you'll skip levels and be promoted directly to level three!"

“Third-level personnel, you should be well aware of the value of this level.”

"Once you reach this level, you will have completely entered the core circle of the Great Camphor Tree."

Their eyes were full of anticipation.

In fact, even without Ding Jiu saying it, they were already aware of the benefits of being a Level 3 personnel.

Basic benefits such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and children's education are all included.

In addition, they enjoy special supplies during holidays and festivals, as well as some hidden benefits.

There are countless.

Even when you're walking around the various branch bases of the Great Camphor Tree faction, people will look at you with more respect when they see you wearing a Level 3 personnel badge.

Shanzi silently expressed his gratitude:
"All of this is thanks to Chief Engineer Ding's guidance and support."

“That’s right, that’s right. Without Chief Engineer Ding, we wouldn’t have had this opportunity,” Zhang Yunxiang quickly replied.

Ding Jiu smiled gently and said:

"In addition, I know you are worried about your families. In order to put your minds at ease while you build, I have had your families moved from the Northwest and the Oil City to the headquarters buffer city."

Old Zhang, your nephew has already started school. The education here in Dazhangshu is the best.

In addition, their basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation were all taken care of.

There's absolutely no problem with safety, don't worry. No one will dare to bully them. As long as you work hard, Big Camphor Tree will definitely reward you handsomely!

His appearance and earnest words suggested that he was completely thinking of the two of them.

Zhang Yunxiang has a younger brother and his younger brother's son.

Shan Zimo had a wife, but his child died in the apocalypse.

All of these people were sent to the headquarters.

Upon hearing Ding Jiu's words, the two felt a chill run down their spines, though they were also delighted.

They gave us a sweet treat, and now they've given us a warning.

Make sure they do a good job!
When Shan Ziming's family was in the oil city, they could at least come and go freely, but now that they're at the headquarters, it's unlikely they'll be able to leave.

but
This is also a good thing for them, since the headquarters is the main city among all the bases of the Great Camphor Tree faction.

The lack of a path lies in education, safety, personnel quality, and infrastructure.
In terms of prices, job opportunities, development potential, happiness index, etc., it is stronger than other branch bases.

People from other branch bases who want to come to the headquarters base haven't had the chance yet.

The two said in unison:
"Thank you, Chief Engineer Ding!"

Ding Jiu smiled and waved his hand, saying:

"It's nothing, it's nothing. Come on, aren't you curious about where the big camphor tree gets its electricity?"

"You guys come with me."

The two exchanged a glance, their joy replaced by confusion.

So they followed Ding Jiu, each riding a small electric scooter, from the second outer city to the third outer city.

Because Zhang Yunxiang and Shan Zimo were of lower rank, they were not originally qualified to come to the third outer city.

Especially in critical locations like the zombie generator room.

But Ding Jiu, wanting them to understand how the train would be powered by electricity, requested to take them off the train.

Therefore, the Internal Security Brigade sent several members to accompany them.

underground space.

When they took the elevator to the third basement level and pushed open a heavy iron door...

Zhang Yunxiang and Shan Ziming were stunned by the sight before them.

In a vast underground space, there were countless zombie generators arranged in a dense array.

The space was enormous, covering at least twenty acres, and they couldn't even count how many zombies there were.

These zombies also have extremely thin water pipes on their heads, which are inserted directly into their bodies.

A small dish containing red liquid was suspended in front of these zombies.

The zombies' mouths were all welded shut with steel.
The zombies frantically pedaled the bicycles, causing the wheels to spin.

The generated mechanical energy is converted into electricity, which is then transmitted to the external substation via concealed underground wires.
"This..." Zhang Yunxiang's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard.

"That's an amazing idea!"

Shan Zimo, having lived in the oil city, had heard some rumors about it.

But he had never seen it.

This was also the first time he had ever seen it.

Zhang Yunxiang was a prisoner of war before, and information was blocked, so he had no idea about this matter.

Both of them were stunned by the magnificent sight before them.

"This method of power generation is truly amazing! Who came up with this idea?"

"No wonder Chief Engineer Ding wants the train to run on electricity. With solid-state batteries, this is simply a game-changer!"

The two went forward to examine the zombie generator and were surprised to find that the zombies were stomping on it at an incredibly fast speed, and that the generator was extremely efficient.

It generates significantly more electricity than they were aware of from human-powered bicycle generators.

"How can the power generation efficiency be so high? Also, how is this dynamic balance achieved?"

Ding Jiu explained with a smile:
"This is the fifth generation of zombie generators. It uses a lot of technology. The efficiency of the first generation of zombie generators was less than half that of the current ones. In the past, there were also problems such as the pole breaking and the generator collapsing when zombies trampled on it."

"But now, all these problems have been solved."

Then he said to the two of them:

"Now that you understand, let's go."

"After all, you have been immersed in the railway industry for many years and are familiar with trains and tracks."

"Later, you guys should also advise the technology research and development department on how to incorporate this zombie power generation method into trains."

"Okay." The two nodded.

"Stop looking, let's go," Ding Jiu urged.

The two looked longingly at the pulley and the strange box above, and they were very curious about how the box worked.

But under pressure, he followed Ding Jiu back to the ground.

The zombie generator itself is not very difficult to build.

However, to achieve this scale, with extremely stable output power and such a high hourly output of electricity from a zombie generator, there must be some core technologies involved.

(End of this chapter)