Not long after the anti-radiation agent was injected, Gu Yi, who had originally fallen unconscious with a gray, ashen complexion, began to gradually improve. The pallor on his face slowly faded, replaced by a healthier color.
Seeing this, the two who had already fallen into despair instantly widened their eyes. They had never seen anyone recover after inhaling excessive radioactive air. Normally, one either waited to die or slowly wasted away.
This was simply too miraculous.
After a short while, Gu Yi’s eyes slowly opened. He looked around in confusion. “I… this is…”
“You’re awake! You inhaled too much radioactive air earlier and passed out. It was the Administrator who saved you,” Wu Le explained.
Gu Yi’s gaze fell on Tang Ye, who stood nearby. He revealed a grateful, though still somewhat weak, smile. “Thank you.”
Tang Ye waved her hand. “As long as you’re fine. You’re planning to join our Sunrise Shelter, right? Then follow me.”
“Oh right, Administrator,” Jiang Qing and Jiang Hong called out, stopping her. They then took out two Level 2 mutated crystal cores from their arms. “These are the crystal cores from selling them boxed meals yesterday. You said reselling is prohibited. Yesterday was a special case, so we should return these to you.”
Tang Ye had originally intended to refuse, but after thinking it over, she decided that rules had to be enforced. In the end, she accepted them, but also gave the two of them two boxes of food in return. They accepted happily.
Along the way, Wu Le hesitated several times before finally asking, “Administrator, what exactly was that thing you used on Gu Yi just now?”
“It’s an anti-radiation agent. It was developed by Sunrise Shelter and can eliminate radiation from the human body,” Tang Ye explained. “Since you’ll be survivors of Sunrise Shelter from now on, I’ll only charge you one Level 4 mutated crystal core. For outsiders, it costs one Level 5 mutated crystal core.”
Wu Le, Gu Yi, and Jiang Yu exchanged looks, each seeing the shock in the others’ eyes. A medicine with such an effect would likely cause survivors to scramble for it even at the price of a Level 5 mutated crystal core.
Their thoughts were racing until Tang Ye’s voice brought them back.
“The three of you should go disinfect first. Then I’ll take you to your room,” Tang Ye said.
Only then did they realize they had already entered the shelter. In the brightly lit corridor, two rows of semicircular glass disinfection rooms stood facing each other.
They remained in a daze almost the entire time. It was only when Tang Ye brought them into the room that they finally snapped back to their senses.
At last, they understood why Jiang Qing and Jiang Hong had spoken of the shelter with such pride. This place was incredible. It truly was something survivors could take pride in.
After paying three Level 2 mutated crystal cores, the three of them moved into Room 07.
This room had just been newly built and had not yet been occupied. Its layout was exactly the same as the eighteen person dormitories across from it. This particular room was located next to the waste processing station.
After registering their information, Tang Ye introduced them to the basic facilities of the shelter. The more they heard, the more surreal it felt. The cafeteria was one thing, but even a laundry room and waste station were included. They had never heard of any shelter that even provided washing machines.
Inside the dormitory, Wu Le had a bed to herself, while Gu Yi and Jiang Yu shared a bunk bed. All of them were filled with emotion.
“At a time like this, I suddenly understand the phrase ‘a blessing in disguise,’” Wu Le said with a sigh.
“Yeah, if we hadn’t been chased by zombies, we wouldn’t have met Jiang Qing and Jiang Hong, and we wouldn’t have known about this place,” Jiang Yu added.
“My life was saved by the Administrator. I’ll remember this kindness forever,” Gu Yi said. His voice was still somewhat weak, but already much better than before.
Meanwhile, news of the anti-radiation agent quickly spread throughout Sunrise Shelter. Many wanted to buy one to carry with them in case of emergencies, but upon learning that it required refrigeration, they could only suppress the urge.
Still, knowing that such a powerful medicine existed in the shelter gave them a sense of security, as if someone had their backs. The survivors felt deeply moved.
With this, it was as if they had gained an extra life. Situations that would have been certain death could now be resolved simply by returning to the shelter for treatment.
Because of this, the anti-radiation agent became the most talked about topic over the past two days. During this time, Tang Ye sold five doses. Some buyers had inhaled large amounts of toxic air, while others had only absorbed small amounts of radiation over time, which accumulated in their bodies, gradually weakening them until it would eventually lead to death, such as Ge Shu’s wife.
This accumulated radiation could also be eliminated through the anti-radiation agent. After some recovery time, the body would return to its former state.
During these two days, Tang Ye also built up a stockpile of insect repellent powder. Once it reached three hundred portions, she posted the information on the notice board.
After witnessing the effectiveness of the anti-radiation agent, everyone trusted this insect repellent powder without question. In just one day, two hundred portions were sold out.
The price was one Level 2 mutated crystal core per portion, bringing in a total of twenty thousand energy points. Combined with the earlier sales of the anti-radiation agent, she now had a total of 130,837 energy points.
Staring at the interface for a moment, Tang Ye thought it over and ultimately spent fifty thousand energy points to purchase a plot of land.
She was eager to see what it would be like to grow things on this wasteland, so she decided to test it with one plot first. She was also curious about how large the land would be.
Unlocking the land would take some time. After closing the interface, Tang Ye picked up her blade and prepared to head out for training.
She had been too busy recently and had not gone out to practice her blade techniques for several days. Life had become too calm and safe, almost making her forget the days when she would go out on missions daily, facing vicious monsters.
Just as she was about to leave, she saw Jiang Yufeng walking toward her.
“Yezi, are you heading out?” Jiang Yufeng asked.
“Yeah. Why are you out? Are you feeling better?” Tang Ye sheathed her long blade at her waist.
“Mm, I’ve mostly recovered. Thanks to you taking care of me earlier. Can I go out with you? I need to gather some mutated crystal cores. My body still weakens from time to time. If you’re with me, I’ll feel more at ease,” Jiang Yufeng said.
“I might not be able to look after you,” Tang Ye replied bluntly after a slight frown. She was not particularly keen on bringing along a burden.
“Is that so? Then forget it. I know I’m too weak. I’d just hold you back,” Jiang Yufeng lowered his head, his tone subdued and filled with obvious disappointment.
Seeing his expression, Tang Ye was reminded of her late younger cousin. She sighed. “If you really want to go, then come along. But I can’t guarantee I’ll keep an eye on you all the time. Your life and death are your own responsibility. I’ll only drag you back to the shelter if you faint.”
“I understand. I’ll take care of myself.” Out of Tang Ye’s sight, a faint smile curved Jiang Yufeng’s lips.
After taking the elevator to the surface, Tang Ye noticed an area surrounded by fabric barriers, seemingly under construction. It was not as small as she had imagined.
“What are they building here?”
“Mm, they’re transforming the land. I’m planning to build a farm here,” Tang Ye said.
“A farm?” A flash of surprise crossed Jiang Yufeng’s eyes. Farming in the apocalypse was extremely difficult, almost impossible. Yet here, it was spoken of so easily.
Jiang Yufeng became interested and wanted to see how this farm would be built.
Not long after they exited the shelter, zombies were drawn to them and began attacking. Tang Ye raised her long blade and engaged them, while Jiang Yufeng also took out a blade and started striking at the zombies’ heads.
Where Tang Ye could not see, he cut down zombies one after another with clean and efficient movements. However, when her gaze swept over, he deliberately slowed down, maintaining his persona without appearing too weak or too capable.
Seeing that Jiang Yufeng could handle himself, Tang Ye paid him no further attention and focused on practicing her blade techniques.
More and more zombies gathered around her. At that moment, a Level 3 zombie concealed within the horde suddenly seized an opportunity and lunged at Tang Ye.
A Level 3 zombie’s speed and agility far surpassed that of a Level 2. Tang Ye was momentarily unable to free herself. She prepared to take the hit, since the System had said she would no longer be infected, at worst she would just be injured.
However, the expected pain did not come. When she looked up, she saw that Jiang Yufeng had blocked the attack for her.
“Are you alright, Yezi?” Jiang Yufeng’s voice came.
“I’m fine. Thanks.” Tang Ye’s tone was somewhat complicated. Having experienced betrayal, she subconsciously did not trust anyone. This was the first time someone had stepped in front of her to take a hit.
Soon, with their cooperation, the nearby zombies and mutated beasts were all cleared out.
They then dug out the mutated crystal cores and divided them. Jiang Yufeng did not take much, leaving the rest to Tang Ye.
“I was only able to come out and gather crystal cores because of you. This is enough for me,” Jiang Yufeng said.
“This is enough? You killed quite a few too,” Tang Ye said. After thinking for a moment, she stuffed a few more crystal cores into his hands. She did not have much use for them inside the shelter. Her main goal was to train herself.
“Thank you, Yezi. You’re really kind.” Jiang Yufeng smiled lightly, though a trace of gloom flashed in his eyes, completely at odds with his tone.
After so many tests, he was certain that the person in front of him truly lacked ulterior motives. Unlike those others who either faked kindness for his looks or his abilities, which disgusted him.
Tang Ye appeared cold on the surface, but she was actually soft hearted.
For someone like him, who had never received genuine care, a person like her was dangerously addictive, something he wanted to keep all to himself.
Various dark emotions stirred within him, only to be forcibly suppressed into a corner.
“Alright, let’s head back.” With another person beside her, Tang Ye did not plan to stay outside for too long. After dealing with the crystal cores, she prepared to return to the shelter.
They had not walked far when Tang Ye faintly heard a cry for help.