#4 - Chapter 4: Xiaolin's Office Supplies

“Because of zombies!” Xiaolin replied solemnly.

“Zombies?” Dongfang Chen thought he had misheard. Such things only existed in movies.

“Yes, Commander. After infection, patients with brain death will have their nervous systems taken over by neurotropic viruses within 1-20 days. The released nerve signals will cause patients to exhibit animal-like behavior, showing characteristics of devouring, rage, and bloodlust, and being extremely aggressive. This process is called zombification,” Xiaolin gave a brief introduction to the characteristics of the virus.

“So, if you get bitten by a zombie, you turn into one directly?” Dongfang Chen couldn't help but think of many movie scenes, which all portrayed it that way.

“Most likely, that's what will happen,” Xiaolin replied.

“What do you mean by 'most likely'?” Dongfang Chen asked.

“There is also a very small probability that the viral RNA will combine with nerve cells, leading to nerve cell mutation.”

“What happens after mutation?”

“After mutation, there may be changes in intelligence, mental strength, and other aspects. This manifests as increased memory, increased physical coordination, increased mental strength, and so on. Everyone's genes are different, and the results of the mutation will also vary,” Xiaolin explained patiently.

“It seems that in this apocalyptic crisis, a chosen one will inevitably emerge! I wonder who will be so lucky,” Dongfang Chen sighed.

“Now that the source has been discovered and the hospital has been sealed off, are there any other channels of transmission?” Dongfang Chen continued to ask.

“Yes, Commander. First, mosquitoes will become the first link in the spread of the virus. The odor emitted by infected people before and after zombification will attract mosquitoes. These mosquitoes carrying the virus will transmit the virus to other people. Second, the incubation period of the virus varies greatly, from a few hours to about 20 days. Moreover, there are no obvious symptoms during the incubation period. This greatly increases the difficulty of eliminating the virus,” Xiaolin explained.

“No wonder,” Dongfang Chen nodded.

“Commander, are there any areas of the plan that need to be adjusted?” Xiaolin asked.

“No, it's pretty good. Let's do it this way. First, filter and see which places are suitable for establishing underground bases. I'll prepare the information needed to register the company,” Dongfang Chen instructed.

“Okay, Commander. All your office supplies have been ordered, please pay attention to receiving them,” Xiaolin said.

“Okay, thank you!”

Afternoon.

Printers, printing consumables, inkpads, pens… ordered by Xiaolin, packages flew in like goose feathers.

“Xiaolin, is this necessary! It's just printing a few application forms, there's no need to make such a big deal!” Looking at the room full of packages, he was a little overwhelmed.

“Commander, these are all essential supplies,” Xiaolin explained.

“Okay! You make sense!” Dongfang Chen was unable to refute.

He began the tedious physical labor: unpacking packages one by one.

For the first time in his life, he felt that unpacking packages was hard work.

…

“Hello, is Mr. Dongfang home?”

Dongfang Chen was unpacking a package when he heard someone calling outside.

“What's the matter?” Dongfang Chen asked, opening the door.

“Hello, are you Dongfang Chen, Mr. Dongfang?” The person was wearing professional attire and spoke very politely.

“That's right!” Dongfang Chen replied.

“Hello, Mr. Dongfang, the Defender V8 pickup truck you ordered has arrived. Please inspect the goods,” the person said.

“What the heck? Wait a moment,” Dongfang Chen turned and went back into the house.

“Xiaolin?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“You ordered a car for me?”

“Yes, Commander.”

“Damn, why didn't you tell me in advance?” Dongfang Chen was very surprised.

“This is part of the office supplies,” Xiaolin explained.

“Okay!”

Dongfang Chen understood that the office supplies he understood and the office supplies Xiaolin understood were not the same thing.

“Then can we order some other cars by the way?” Dongfang Chen asked.

“What kind of car does the Commander need?”

“Let me think, an off-road vehicle. Big and spacious enough!” Dongfang Chen said.

“Commander, 20 Hummers have been ordered for you and are currently being transferred. It may take a while,” Xiaolin said.

“What? You also ordered Hummers? And 20 of them?” Dongfang Chen instantly felt that his perspective was not broad enough and that he needed to learn from Xiaolin.

“Yes, Commander. These are essential items for travel,” Xiaolin replied.

When did Hummers become essential items?

What he didn't understand was that after the virus outbreak, if you didn't have transportation, you could only walk.

Turning around and going out, the staff was still waiting patiently at the door.

“Where's the car?” Dongfang Chen asked.

“In the public parking lot,” the staff said.

“Why didn't you drive it directly here?” Dongfang Chen asked. There were empty parking spaces in front of his door.

“It doesn't fit!” the staff said awkwardly.

“Okay, let's go over there then,” Dongfang Chen went out wearing shorts and slippers.

“Rich people are different. Look at this vest, these shorts, these slippers, tsk tsk tsk, this is style!” The staff next to him sighed in his heart.

Many people were gathered around the public parking lot, all whispering.

“Why is it so lively?” Dongfang Chen was a little surprised. It was usually difficult to see anyone here.