1 A Disaster Caused by a Can of Coke (2/2)
On this wasteland, if there are any signs of law and order; it must be the distant alliance on the northern tundra. They were not a target of the nuclear destruction, nor were there any infectious disease breakouts. Hence, order remained on the land far away.
However, order was a relative term; they lacked real justice because slavery, corruption, and civil war all still existed on the land. Only the slightly higher food production made the area, made it somewhat more attractive. Overall, it was no better than the anarchic Wanghai City.
”No, I am only from somewhere relatively well off. Hmm, and I am collecting some useful resources for someone. At the same time, surplus commodities are disposed- like the can of pop you just finished, or the three cans of food that you devoured clean.” Jiang Chen did not continue with the disguise as a member of the Northern Alliance. What if she realized he was lying after all.
The best idea right now was to say that he came from a distant place. A place that nobody visited before.
The girl blushed as she heard the words ”devoured clean” and she realized that her etiquette at the time must not have been the finest. She stared at Jiang Chen with a fierce look. Jiang Chen laughed as he dismissed the idea. He knew the negotiation was successful.
”I don’t know what you guys want in this city. All the supermarkets, storages, and even refrigerators are raided clean. There is no way you can even find one piece of bread.”
”My fair lady, what is your name?” Jiang Chen said, shaking his head.
”Sun Jiao,” She responded, as she again raised her eyebrows. With a devious smile on her face, she said, ”Let me get this clear, if the partnership involves anything strange, I might blow your head up.”
”Don’t worry, miss.” Jiang Chen sighed. There was no way he would get in bed with a girl that could kill him at any moment. ”I only need an experienced guide and, do you think I lack food?”
”Then what exactly are you searching for? Could it be… for slaves?” Sun Jiao paused for a second before she maliciously gazed at Jiang Chen.
Of course, if he had plenty of food, then he must have farms or plantations, and related production facility. Sun Jiao’s first instinct was that this guy might be a slave trader. Slaves were the finest labor force on the wasteland and slave trading was considered to be the norm. However, Sun Jiao thoroughly hated slave trading because a slave trader abducted her sister. It would be fine if she got sold into a factory, but if she got sold into prostitution or even to the cannibals, it would be a complete nightmare.
”No, no, no. This is a complete misunderstanding,” Jiang Chen explained. ”I don’t need slaves. I need technology.”
”Technology?” Sun Jiao seemed confused.
”Yes, technology. Just like the laser gun you are holding and the computer on your arm. While we have those things, we can’t produce them ourselves. Therefore, we decided to come to this deserted city to find some old technology.”
”These things?” Jiang Chen's question caused a mixture of confusion and suspicion. ”These things are hard to make? In Liuding Town, a lot of people can assemble these.”
[Dammit,] Jiang Chen swore in his mind, but he remained calm.
”That was only an example. Our technology in food production and transportation is highly advanced, but our general technology is rather lackluster. Which is why I am here.” He explained, impressed by his improvisation as it was far better than he thought.
He noticed that while this world had previously made significant technological advancements in the past, the civilization was in complete ruins after the nuclear war. Especially since infections broke out across the land, it was a miracle that humanity still existed.
The state of this wasteland after the fallout was rather strange. Highly advanced levitated cars existed simultaneously with internal combustion engine vehicles. While some advanced technology were preserved, the civilization undoubtedly regressed.
”Whatever.” Sun Jiao shrugged. With interest in her voice, she opened her mouth. ”Now, let’s talk about my compensation.”
”What do you want to be paid in,” After a short pause, Jiang Chen asked. He was unsure what the currency was in this world.
”C-type battery, food, and crystals are all fine. Though personally, I prefer food.” Sun Jiao responded. Then with desire filled eyes, she asked, ”Oh, do you have more of those curry chicken?”
”You finished them all.” Jiang Chen sighed with a fake heartbroken look. He has never even seen batteries or crystals before. So without a doubt, food would be the best choice.
”Oh, I am sorry,” Sun Jiao said with an awkward tone. All of a sudden, she turned back into her usual malicious character and forcefully stepped onto the armrest. Then she bargained, ”salary will be ten cans of food per month. You are also responsible for my meals!”
”Deal!”
Jiang Chen’s direct response made Sun Jiao guilty about her rather unreasonable demand. Although on this wasteland only fools had a conscience, conscience always existed inside people’s heart.
Cruelty was only a protective response for survival.
”I will be responsible for your safety.” Sun Jiao added as guilt overwhelmed her.
[No sh*t! If I die, who will pay you?] Jiang Chen responded viciously in his head. The compensation was nothing for him, but it would still cost him around one hundred dollars.
”Ok, my beautiful bodyguard, can you untie me now?” The crisis was finally alleviated as Jiang Chen finally let out a long sigh. His limbs almost losing all sense of feeling. Sun Jiao casually took out a dagger and sliced through the rope.
Jiang Chen moved a little as he stared at Sun Jiao with a sad look. Then, he went and picked up his empty backpack.
Sun Jiao forced an awkward smile and pretended that she never searched his bag.
”What’s next? Get out of here?”
”Get out? Why? This will be our temporary meeting location.”
Outside the window, the mega metropolis already lost its liveliness. The once crowded streets were now empty, without a soul in sight. The endless amount of zombies replaced what was once a vibrant city. The occasional howl and scream from unknown creatures also traversed through the dead city. Guns fired in the not so far off distance, mixed with barely audible noises. In the city permeated with death, familiar battles occurred every day. Zombies against humans, humans against humans…
Through the undusted stained window, Jiang Chen saw the danger, the death, and the opportunity of gold everywhere.