Helping each other with countless me.

Chapter 512 Stud
A desolate wilderness.

A motorcycle left a long trail of smoke.

It sped off into the distance.

This is a hover motorcycle, a new product from the King of Electric Vehicles company.

All weather conditions, all terrains.

The energy source used is the most powerful energy source in the post-apocalyptic era: super alcohol.

This is a fuel extracted from the seeds of mutant rice.

In the post-cyber apocalyptic era, rice underwent a massive mutation, transforming into a highly poisonous plant. However, scientists soon discovered that the seeds of this poisonous rice, after fermentation, become alcohol, a fuel with a significantly higher calorie content.

In fact, it was this discovery that directly revolutionized energy in the post-apocalyptic era.

This highly toxic rice is not afraid of harsh environments at all; in fact, the harsher the environment, the better it grows, as long as one condition is met: water.

Then came a series of studies based on this fuel.

For example, energy batteries.

This is a solid-state battery specifically designed to provide energy for prosthetic bodies, and its core component is super alcohol.

"Grape Camp."

Guided by the map, Li Zhongren arrived at his destination.

The place lives up to its name.

This is a camp where people mainly make a living by growing grapes.

Located outside the city.

In fact, this phenomenon is very common in the post-apocalyptic era. Apart from cities, there are many places on the vast blue planet that are suitable for survival, but they are very small, which makes them a paradise for wanderers.

The wanderers cultivate and produce in these places, selling their products to wealthy people or businesses in towns in exchange for profits.

Li Zhongren's purpose in coming here was quite simple.

mission accomplished.

With Wakako's help, Li Zhongren quickly obtained a legal registration and became an adventurer.

After that, Li Zhongren chose this task.

A mission to escort goods.

They were responsible for bringing the wine produced at the vineyard back to Dogtown.

A task that isn't difficult.

But Li Zhongren liked it very much.

Because he had been wandering in the void for so long, he had become somewhat disconnected from people.

He needs this kind of reintegration into human society.

It made him feel more like a human being.

At the same time, it can also help him better understand the underlying rules of this society.

"Destination reached. Navigation ended."

Li Zhongren looked up and saw the grape camp not far away.

It's quite interesting at first glance.

Compared to the previous, technologically advanced Dogtown.

Grape Camp is the real post-apocalyptic camp.

It is entirely constructed from ruins.

The outer city walls, the buildings inside, everything is full of wasteland atmosphere.

There are two fortresses directly in front, blocking the only entrance.

Two machine guns... no, they should be called cannons, were pointed at them.

Along with it came a red light that swept across the ID card inserted in front of the motorcycle and onto himself.

"Information comparison in progress"

"The ID card is working perfectly."

"The ID card holder's face and card information are normal."

"Reading all data from the ID card."

"The process was complete, and there is no possibility of product swapping."

"Allow passage"

"boom"

The heavy gate slowly opened, revealing a gap large enough for Li Zhongren's motorcycle to pass through.

Behind the gap, there was still a heavily armed checkpoint.

This is normal.

In this post-apocalyptic era, if there is any semblance of order in towns, then there is absolutely no order in the wilderness.

It's purely a matter of the survival of the fittest.

The camp, which wasn't careful enough, had long since been devoured by wilderness bandits, leaving not a trace.

"Stop the car and submit to inspection."

The heavy doors closed, and Li Zhongren was stuck between the two doors.

Then, several heavily armed guards approached Li Zhongren.

One of them was holding a scanner and scanning Li Zhongren and his motorcycle.
However, after scanning for a while, the guard seemed a bit conflicted and quickly called someone over.

A woman with a touch of exotic charm.

She has a tall and slender figure with a strong physique.

A head of long gray hair.

He was wearing a tight-fitting tactical leather jacket and pants, and his body was covered with various weapons.

"Report to the captain, the scanner cannot scan this person's status."

"Leave this to me."

"Yes, Captain!"

"Sir, please follow me."

"Aren't you going to check anymore?"

"Hehe, I'm sorry to have troubled you. Grandma Wakako has already told me about your situation. It's my fault for not informing my subordinates in time."

"You are the only one who believes in ghosts."

Li Zhongren smiled and muttered to himself, then followed the woman inside. As for his car, someone would take care of it for him.

It was obvious that the other party didn't fully trust Wakako, which was why they specifically checked her out.

"May I ask, Mr. Li, are you leaving today, or will you stay here for the night as usual?"

"Let's get some rest for the night."

Li Zhongren thought for a moment and said that he had swallowed a mouthful of sand on the way here, and he wanted to take a shower and get some rest.

"Okay, I'll arrange a room for you. Also, you're in luck; you've arrived just in time for our harvest festival. There's a bonfire performance and such in the evening. If you're interested, you can go and watch. But please be careful not to step into the back of our camp. That's a secret location, and outsiders aren't welcome there."

"it is good"

"Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Zhu Yingying, and I belong to the Third Defense Brigade of Grape Camp. My position is captain. You can contact me directly if you have any questions."

"OK."

Night falls.

The entire camp was brightly lit, but there weren't many neon lights; instead, there were mostly yellow lights that could penetrate the fog.

This is important because in the post-apocalyptic era, one of the most terrifying natural disasters is a super dust storm.

Once it's blown up, it truly blots out the sky, and this yellow light can penetrate the fog to a great extent, guiding people inside and outside the camp.

"Come and have a taste, it's fresh, chilled grape juice!"

"Grilled skewers, grilled skewers, rat meat grilled skewers."

Strolling through the largest square in the camp, Li Zhongren would occasionally eat some snacks, including rat meat. Compared to the city, in this wilderness, they could still occasionally eat real meat because they could raise rats themselves.

However, it's clear that most people in the camp live a very ordinary life; you can tell from their clothing and their overall condition.

If technology weren't advanced enough and spillover effects weren't so widespread, ordinary people simply couldn't survive in such harsh environments as the wilderness.

"call!!"

Eight o'clock in the evening.

The sky was completely dark.

In the very center of the square, a huge bonfire was lit.

Fire shot into the sky.

People gathered in twos and threes around the bonfire, singing and dancing.

This is a form of venting, a venting that extends from the physiological to the psychological.

It is also a kind of persistence in life. Because only those who want to live longer will have a longing for holidays.

This is a group of people who live life to the fullest.

Li Zhongren's hearing could cover the entire camp.

Although he couldn't hear what others were thinking, he could tell from their conversations that this camp was a vibrant and energetic one.

Because both the highest-ranking rulers and the lowest-ranking commoners are like this.

However, corruption and privilege persist among middle-level managers as always.

But this is something that cannot be avoided.

Absolute fairness does not exist.

As long as the results are roughly the same, it's reasonable for those with stronger abilities to receive more.

Do you like the atmosphere at our camp?

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang in Li Zhongren's ears; it was the same woman named Zhu Yingying from before.

They arrived next to Li Zhongren, who was sitting on the ground.

"It's great, it feels more human than the city."

"Human touch"

The girl paused for a moment, then smiled.

"You're a true city dweller, your words are so sophisticated. Yes, that's human touch, and that's something we're willing to protect. Your goods, a ton of five-year-old wine, have been loaded for you. And your truck has been filled with super alcohol."

"Thank you."

"You're too kind. Our camp is counting on people like you to run the transport business."

Why don't you transport them yourselves?

"It's not that we can't resist because we're afraid of being plundered, but the wilderness bandits are elusive and extremely vengeful. If we simply guard our camp, they won't dare to attack us easily. However, if we send our own men out, they will attack our troops relentlessly. This back-and-forth will only increase our costs. Therefore, our leader finally decided to give up some of the profits and let the buyers come and collect the goods themselves."

"I see. So, your merchant guild actually has a grudge against the wilderness bandits?"

"To be precise, it was the Small Knife Society, a group of madmen skilled in throwing knives. Their former leader died at the hands of our leader, and that's how the hatred began."

"I see."

"This is for you."

Suddenly, as if by magic, the girl pulled a bottle of wine from her bosom. It had no label, but in the firelight, the wine inside looked as clear as blood.

"This is."

"The ten-year vintage of Blood Flower wine is the best quality wine in our vineyard."

"Haha. Thanks for your kindness, but to be honest, I'm not much of a drinker. Giving me this is a bit like a cow chewing a peony."

"what?"

"It's just... a waste."

"Will not."

The woman shook her head.

"You'll know once you take a sip."

As she spoke, the woman popped the bottle cap open, and a peculiar fragrance immediately wafted out, indescribable in words, like some kind of herb mixed with the smell of blood.

"No wonder it's called the Blood Flower."

"Then I won't be polite."

Li Zhongren was too lazy to find a glass, and he didn't know anything about sobering up. He simply picked up the bottle and took a big gulp.

In an instant, the unique astringency of wine, the spiciness of alcohol, and the sweet aroma filled his mouth.

"It's surprisingly delicious!"

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it."

As she spoke, the woman waved her hand, and someone immediately brought over a plate of sliced ​​roasted meat from a short distance away.

"Please enjoy your meal."

"Yingying, you're really willing to do this. You've taken a fancy to that man."

In the distance, Zhu Yingying and a few others watched as Li Zhongren silently ate his barbecue and drank his wine.

One of them suddenly made a sarcastic remark.

Zhu Yingying pouted.

"That's a man that even a scanner can't scan. He must be incredibly strong. I've been observing him for a long time, and he really likes this kind of down-to-earth atmosphere. Being able to befriend someone like that might just be a lifesaver for the camp in a pinch."

"Dream on, you think you can get someone to help you with just a bottle of wine."

"No, the wine is just a stepping stone. At least with this bottle of wine, if I want him to complete the task, he'll stop his car and listen to me, won't he?"

"You're worrying unnecessarily again."

"hehe."

The girl named Zhu Yingying stopped talking and looked into the distance, a deep worry in her eyes.

Besides being the security captain, she also has another identity: the sister of the current leader.

So all she knew was what her brother had done.

To ensure the camp could operate more effectively, her brother secretly partnered with companies in the city.

She didn't know the specifics of the collaboration.

However, she strongly opposed this matter.

After all, companies are synonymous with greed; for every penny they expend on profit, they will recoup it tenfold or a hundredfold in the future.

However, she couldn't persuade her own brother.

So, when she suddenly encountered this powerful adventurer today, she had the idea of ​​befriending him.

Of course, I don't intend to use this bottle of wine to get people to work for me; what a pipe dream.

Just as she said, alcohol was merely a key to starting a conversation.
"Dong dong dong."

"May I come inside?"

Inside the room, Li Zhongren had just taken a shower and was lying on the bed, lost in thought.

There was a knock on his door.

When I opened the door, it was Zhu Yingying.

"What are you doing?"

As night deepened and the campfire party ended, the camp finally quieted down.

Zhu Yingying even changed her clothes; her slightly damp hair proved that she had just taken a shower.

"May I come in?"

"of course."

Li Zhongren smiled slightly.

"So, is there something you need, Ms. Yingying?"

Zhu Yingying didn't speak, but gently took off her outer clothes, revealing her tanned body underneath. She was healthy, slender, yet strong, and a few scars added to her beauty.
A cigarette was lit.

Li Zhongren leaned against the headboard, quietly smoking.

Beside her, Zhu Yingying curled up in Li Zhongren's arms.

On the bed sheet, faint spots of red stains could be seen.
He's not a saint; why wouldn't he accept something offered to him?

Of course, he knew there would be a price to pay for it, but he didn't mind, as long as the price was reasonable.

"Speak, what do you want from me?"

"call"

Zhu Yingying took a deep breath to ease the discomfort in her aching body, then looked up at the man.

He was gentler than I imagined, and he wasn't just thinking about his own comfort.

This made her increasingly believe that perhaps he really could help her.

"I would like to hire you to help me investigate something, and of course, the payment will be separate."

"Then why do you sleep with me?"

"I just hope you can give me a chance to finish explaining my employment situation, since it involves companies in the city."

"Okay, tell me."

"First, the reward: the leader of the grape camp is my brother, and the entire camp is considered my family's private property. I own 35% of the shares, and I am willing to give it all to you."

"??"

Li Zhongren looked at Zhu Yingying with a puzzled expression.

"I also have a little bit of my own ability."

Zhu Yingying spoke up.

“I can sense that you are very strong, extremely strong, so this is my only chance, my only chance to save the Grape Camp, so I’m going all in!”

(End of this chapter)