Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 107 Quarantine Zone C, Smuggling Inspection!
"I would like a feedback form."

Cheng Ye spoke almost instinctively.

The more you say, the more mistakes you make. The experience he gained from Towns has made him unwilling to ask any questions now.

Because no matter what the answer is, he doesn't have the ability to verify it.

As for what he wanted, in his trainee status, it was naturally the evaluation form required for becoming a full-time employee.

In addition, having no experience whatsoever in searching for intelligence for the first time, Cheng Ye was unsure how much time had passed.

Fortunately, judging from Lei Hu's expression, it seemed to last only two or three seconds and did not arouse suspicion.

"Sure." Lei Hu laughed heartily, got up and went back to his desk, pulling out three blank evaluation forms from the drawer. "As an inspector from Dongren, I, Lei Hu, have never held back anyone's evaluation forms. As long as you have the ability, I'll give you them all at once!"

With a flourish of his pen, he filled in all the marks.

Immediately afterwards, he picked up the stationmaster's seal from the table, making three soft clicks in one smooth motion.

"Here, take it."

Lei Hu pushed the forms over, then suddenly seemed to remember something, looked up and asked, "Did you get the three forms from the North Station?"

"Take it."

"That makes things easier. Wait for me." He said, then turned back and pulled out three evaluation forms from the drawer, repeating the same action with practiced ease.

"With Station Chief He's unexpected sacrifice, Station Chief Ding is now temporarily in charge of the inspection work at the Central Station. As for the performance evaluation of the inspectors, I will temporarily take charge of it."

Is that all?

Seeing the six evaluation forms in front of him, Cheng Ye was stunned for a moment, then stood up and said, "Thank you, Station Chief Lei!"

"No need to thank me. Being able to take down a high-level fusion entity means your strength has long surpassed the apprentice stage."

Lei Hu waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. "The internship and the first phase test the prosecutor's professional skills. Your inspection skills are already perfect in my eyes, but fieldwork is also an important aspect of a prosecutor's abilities."

"Once you finish your duty at the South Station, start preparing. Only when you enter Phase One and have independent authority can you be considered a real inspector. At that time, you will find that you can do much more than you do now."

"clear."

Cheng Ye nodded, his tone steady, "Thank you for your trust, Station Chief Lei."

"Okay, go on duty. The danger at checkpoint B is not much lower than at checkpoint A, and the inspection methods are different. If you can complete this cycle smoothly, I can grant you another request."

Lei Hu smiled, said nothing more, and simply picked up his teacup, indicating that the conversation was over.

Cheng Ye put the evaluation form into his backpack, got up and said goodbye. The moment he opened the door, rain mixed with wind rushed in.

The slight chill instantly invigorated him, causing him to shiver and his hair to stand on end.

But what followed was an overwhelming sense of excitement.

More than the six evaluation forms he had received, the unexpected gains from the intelligence gathering made his heart race.

With a thought, the panel popped open.

A new notification has appeared at the bottom of the main page.

[Intelligence Target: Lei Hu]

[Designated Direction: Related to Collectors]

[Intelligence Quality: Level 0.7 (Information quality decreases by 0.3 after a target is specified)]

[Current number of replays: 4]

[Note: When viewing the information for the first time, it is a space where time is frozen by thought, and the flow of time in reality is frozen.]

[Note: When replaying intelligence, the time flow ratio between the intelligence space and the main world is 500 to 1]

[Note: When replaying intelligence, collectors must ensure their own absolute safety.]

[Note: Once the number of replay attempts is exhausted, the intelligence will be automatically destroyed.]

"It can even replay?"

As Cheng Ye's gaze swept over the lines of prompts, a slight joy welled up in his heart.

The collector is far more powerful than he imagined!
Although intelligence doesn't bring an immediate boost to strength like skills, it allowed him to grasp a crucial piece of information at this moment.

Liu Kun, are you coming to the South Station?

Moreover, he had to disguise his identity to enter the quarantine checkpoint B where he was on duty.
Before this, although Cheng Ye had fantasized countless times about searching for superhumans, he never expected that this day would come so abruptly.

and.

This seems like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
"Liu Kun's disguised entry means I can find ways to increase cooperation?"

The thought flashed through my mind, and my heart immediately started pounding uncontrollably.

Jiang Chuan, even in his symbiotic residual state, already possessed Lv5 skills.

As a superhuman, Liu Kun must also possess Lv5, or even Lv6 skills.

Although the collector cannot find these yet.

However, unlike ordinary people, Jiang Chuan in the symbiotic residual state consumed the same amount of energy for searching, which means that his life level has not changed.

Zhang Can and Cheng Ye still clearly remember that at that time, the cooperation level was 100% maxed out, but the probability of finding a Lv1 skill was only 15%, and the probability of finding a Lv2 skill was only 1%.

"The collectors at that time had not yet been upgraded; they were only in the apprenticeship stage."

"I wonder if my chances of finding superhumans will increase now that I've been promoted to a new elite?"

Compared to searching for items, skills are clearly more enticing.

As Cheng Ye pondered this, he didn't stop walking and went straight downstairs.

To be promoted from trainee, one must complete assessments at three stations, obtain nine evaluation forms, and receive a grade of B or higher on a field mission, while also avoiding any major accidents.

It usually takes about one or two years to complete these procedures.

The current records at the checkpoint are held by Harlem and have been kept for six months and five days.

He has already obtained the nine most difficult evaluation forms in just over three months, and he will most likely break Harlem's record in the future.

Because getting a grade of B or higher for field work is not that difficult.

After all, there aren't many tasks that can be taken on during the internship phase, and with his current abilities, he can easily complete them.

“But if I leave, there will be no one to look after Wang Kang, so it won’t work.”

"Moreover, the rain line is still there and hasn't left. If it rains during the field work, the infected person's activity range and frequency will increase, and the risk factor will definitely increase dramatically."

Cheng Ye wasn't in a hurry. There were so many inspectors in the buffer zone, yet not a single one of them had gone out.

It's not just about taking sides; the unusual celestial phenomena have greatly increased the probability of danger in the wilderness.

It's really not worth it for him to rush out as an intern just to get a permanent position.

It would be best to wait for Liu Bi to return before going on field missions together, as this would increase the safety factor.

Moreover, Ding Yishan is still testing him, which is the most crucial thing right now.

As long as you can get the station manager's support, just like Li Matai said, field staff can go wherever they want.

"So many prosecutors are vying to take sides, hoping to get lucrative field assignments. Now that a smooth road is laid out in front of me, there's really no need to take any risks."

When Cheng Ye got downstairs, the staff hadn't returned yet, so he changed into a raincoat and waited for a while.

Didn't have to wait long.

Less than ten minutes later, the two returned. "Because Prosecutor Song, who was on duty with Prosecutor Wang yesterday, had to report for duty today, there's a procedural conflict. Could you perhaps go to duty in Zone C this morning and switch over tomorrow?"

"Has anyone reported this?"

Cheng Ye frowned, pondering the list Li Matai had given him.

There are three prosecutors from the East surnamed Song; two are in their first term and one is in their third term.

"Which Prosecutor Song was it?"

"Prosecutor Song Hai."

Is it the third phase?
Wang Kang was supposed to be on duty yesterday morning, so Song Hai should have arrived in the afternoon.

However, sometimes prosecutors have to change shifts due to unforeseen circumstances, and according to regulations, Wang Kang should be notified in advance.

It's just a third phase, an internship.

If it were him, Song Hai might have made a phone call to let them know, but he clearly didn't have that thought when it came to Wang Kang.

Cheng Ye pondered for a moment, then said, "Alright, then I'll go to patrol in Zone C."

The intelligence report mentioned that Liu Kun was referring to the day after tomorrow or the day after that, but it's unclear which day he was referring to specifically.

Cheng Ye was a little worried that he would miss the opportunity, but then he thought that Lei Hu should not be so careless.

Since I've already agreed to Liu Kun's request, if the matter is scheduled for this morning, I'll definitely have him replace Song Hai.

Follow two staff members through Zone E.

Once you reach the quarantine area, the South Station and the North Station are no different; they are both the same size and layout.

The two observers waiting in front of the isolation door were taken aback when they saw Cheng Ye coming over.

"This is Prosecutor Cheng, Cheng Ye, the prosecutor on duty this morning."

"That's what the staff explained."

In fact, without his introduction, the two observers could recognize Cheng Ye's identity just by looking at his appearance.

so similar.

He bears at least a 60-70% resemblance to Cheng Long, a fifth-term prosecutor and a pillar of the Dongren Group.

If Cheng Ye weren't so young, they would almost think that Jackie Chan had been resurrected just by looking at his profile.

"Thank you."

The isolation door opened, and Cheng Ye nodded slightly to the staff before stepping inside.

After passing through the disinfection tunnel, two observers were already waiting at the end.

"Greetings, sir. We are observers from Sector C. My name is Leopard, and my name is Snake."

The two introduced themselves one after the other.

Ah Bao was a mature middle-aged man, while Ah She was a strong and vigorous young man.

The two, one old and one young, had clearly defined roles. Ah Bao's duties were similar to Raven's, as he was responsible for desk work such as document registration and data recording.

Unlike the owl, Ah She needs to accompany the prosecutor on duty.

"At our South Station, are observers accompanying inspectors on duty?"

“Yes,” Ah She immediately explained, “The main problem is that our Easterners have such a mixed accent, from all over the country. Moreover, our C District is responsible for inspecting people from outside the sanctuary cities and settlements. Some of them not only have accents but also don’t understand our rules. We can’t expect you, sir, to personally teach them, can we?”

He smiled and added, "Also, those sanctuary cities sometimes send several vehicles over, and inspecting the vehicles and goods is hard work. Just give the order, and I'll do it."

"Will anyone smuggle it?"

“Of course there are, and quite a lot.” Ah She nodded. “Our checkpoints can’t take a cut from ordinary supplies from outsiders. Only high-value items such as mutated crystals, extraordinary minerals, and precious metals are subject to a 20% inspection tax.”

“Some people take a chance and don’t want to pay, so they smuggle things by hiding them in the tire compartments or wrapping them in sealed bags and stuffing them into the bottom of the cargo pile. Some people even embed crystals in prosthetics.”

"However, the main reason they dare to do this is because the cost is not high. Even if they are discovered, it will only be an extra 10% tax, for a total of 30%. For them, hiding it might be profitable, but not hiding it will definitely be a loss. Even if they are found out, it is within their tolerance range."

"in addition."

As they continued forward, Ah She talked on and on.

Quarantine Area A takes a 30% cut from everything, because these are all goods from Happiness City's own caravans, so no one would hoard items.

After all, once discovered, the consequences are far more serious than simply paying an extra 10%.

At best, you'll have your credit score deducted and all your supplies confiscated; at worst, your car rental privileges will be revoked.

But Quarantine Zone C is different. Some of the caravans that come here are small groups of merchants gathered from the surrounding areas, while others are sent by the small sanctuary. But no matter how small the scale, as long as they are under the guise of 'trading,' the checkpoint must treat them as equals and follow the trading rules and regulations of Happiness City.

“It wasn’t like this a few years ago. Back then, foreign caravans were highly sought after. Not only did they not have to pay any taxes, but our Happiness City would also pay an extra 5% for their goods to encourage more caravans to come.”

"The problem is that some people are too shrewd. Area B only charges 5% tax on scavengers, and some people don't want to pay it. So they collude with small gathering places around the area, sell their goods to them, and then have the gathering places use the name of a caravan to enter Area C and bring the goods in by taking advantage of the tax exemption."

"In just six months, the tax revenue of Zone B has decreased by more than half, but the number of people coming and going has increased three times as much as usual."

"With the frequency of these transactions increasing, and the fact that there are fewer and fewer foreign caravans coming to trade in recent years, with most of the trade being conducted by our own caravans from Happiness City, the checkpoint took the opportunity to change its rules. Regardless of whether it is a caravan or an individual merchant, high-value items will be subject to a 20% surcharge, thus plugging the loopholes in Area B."

"If smuggling is discovered, the extra 10% is yours, and the station will also set aside an additional 5% as a duty reward."

Ok?
So that's where the real money was?

As Cheng Ye listened, his eyes lit up. He suddenly realized that Area C wasn't as bad as he had thought. It was actually a good place to earn contribution points!

If we're talking about the entire checkpoint right now, probably no junior inspector needs contribution points more than him.

Leaving aside the equipment, vehicles, batteries, and other things that everyone wants.

Taking the idealist route may feel great, with thousands of people in the community at his beck and call, but it costs money like water, and the expenses keep increasing.

The construction of Tianyuan Community, for example, has been modified by him many times, and the budget has soared to 26,000 points.

Not to mention the later stages of factory construction, medical equipment procurement, and initial investment in raw materials.

Although once the pedestrian street is built, it will be able to recoup all the initial investments step by step, turning it into a continuous source of wealth and providing long-term benefits.

But all of these initial investments have to be covered by him, the investor.

These are precisely the things that the contribution system cannot satisfy.

After returning home last night, he carefully calculated the costs again, but still couldn't understand why weapons and medical supplies were so expensive. He specifically asked Huang Sheng about the Public Works Department's system to verify this.

After all this was done, the relationship between the internal contribution system and the external contribution points was finally clarified.

In short, the internal contribution system is a special rule created specifically for the development of the Sanctuary City, with two core purposes:

1. Prevent resources from flowing out.

2. Lower the barriers to resource use.

Take the price of renting vehicles, for example. The price is set so low precisely to make it convenient for caravans, inspectors, and government officials to go out and do business.

However, this system cannot be used to purchase supplies.

Because contribution points are anchored to something, they are backed by tangible things, such as extraordinary minerals, mutated crystals, and various strictly controlled strategic materials. Whether in Happiness City or taken to other sanctuary cities, they can be exchanged for resources.

However, there is no such thing as an internal contribution system. It is decided by the department itself. How much is given and how it is given are determined by the department, and the money spent is naturally borne by the department.

Take a simple example.

At its peak, the checkpoint bought one hundred large Jinbei vans from Xingfu City at market price.

When these 100 cars were first purchased, renting them for a day might cost 50 points, and damage would incur a 500-point penalty.

But as time went by, he had already made back his initial investment, so it became the 15 points a day that he saw. Even if the car broke down, the checkpoint could handle it.

But things like weapons and medical supplies are different. The checkpoints don't stockpile them. If someone wants to exchange them, you have to use contribution points to buy them at the current market price.

Therefore, when the checkpoints are well-stocked, the points everyone has become valuable; a Bison fighting pistol might even sell for 1 point.

But if the checkpoint is short of funds, the points immediately become worthless.

For example, the price of the Bison pistol has doubled, and the price of the Thunderbolt 1 has increased several times over.

When the senior inspector returns in the fall, the checkpoint will have money, and the points will increase in value.

This is also Towns' reminder to him not to waste any contribution points before he becomes a permanent member.

Only by becoming a full-fledged employee and seeing all the rules can one understand how this system works.

Even if the points increase in value, it's impossible to redeem them for things related to building the pedestrian street.

The checkpoint system is designed to facilitate prosecutors' official duties, not to satisfy their personal purposes.

"Spring and autumn are the busiest times for Zone C every year."

"Well, in winter, there are basically no convoys. Sometimes it's common for Zone C to be closed for more than ten days in a row."

Ah She was still introducing things when Cheng Ye suddenly stopped and looked at the garage with shining eyes.

"This is the garage. Some caravans use electric vehicles, so they come here to charge them."

"I know this charging station is one I can use, right?"

"Yes"

The words have not yet fallen.

Cheng Ye had already skillfully removed the charging head, used the badge to unlock the permissions, and then put the charging head back on.

"Alright, don't give this one to anyone."

"Yes."

I never expected to be able to charge my phone in Zone C after leaving Zone A. What a pleasant surprise!
I should have had Wang Kang report to Area C.

The idea flashed through his mind, but Cheng Ye immediately shook his head and rejected it, for gains are often accompanied by risks.

The probability of encountering a ferocious infected creature among caravans traveling from afar is not small.

You might not encounter it even once in ten times, but if you do, you'll run into a super-infected entity like the Rotten Vine.

Let alone Wang Kang, an intern, even he would face enormous risks in dealing with this situation.

Continuing forward, Zone C also consists of three large warehouses and one isolation warehouse.

Are there still people in the isolation ward?

"No, generally speaking, we don't allow risky people to pass through checkpoints. We will turn them back. All goods transactions are completed outside the checkpoints."

"Outside the checkpoint."

Cheng Ye glanced around the checkpoint and saw that the yellow line at the North Station was the same one at the South Station.

To his surprise, despite the rain, four 9.6-meter trucks were already waiting at the entrance to Zone C.

Each truck had a large red mountain symbol painted on its side.

One of the courses in the probationary inspector's cultural assessment is memorizing the symbols of various factions.

Cheng Ye frowned and pondered for a moment, then quickly found the faction corresponding to this mark in his memory.

Hongshan Shelter City, located in the neighboring Haihe Province, is nearly 1,700 kilometers away from Xingfu City in a straight line.

Although it is not as large as Happiness City, it is still a large sanctuary city with a permanent population of about 300,000.

Given the distance, it's highly unlikely that the goods loaded on the vehicle would be local specialties.

It's highly likely that it's a middleman; the goods have changed hands several times along the way.

This is also a common practice for wasteland caravans: they sell and buy along the way, making money from the price difference.

Instead of the modern approach, it involves accepting a consignor's commission, loading goods, and transporting them to a specific destination.

Cheng Ye took out his defense communication device and glanced at the time.

With only fifteen minutes left before the inspection starts at nine o'clock, there's just enough time to prepare.

"Ah Snake, let's begin preparations."

"Okay, my lord!"

Ah She nodded in agreement, and before Cheng Ye could open the isolation door, a black dog was led out of the dormitory.

The dog had glossy fur, was about half a person's height, and looked exceptionally spirited.

Upon seeing Cheng Ye, the black dog barked twice, only to be slapped by Ah She: "What are you barking for? This is Prosecutor Cheng!"

The black dog yelped and immediately lowered its head, as if it understood, its eyes instantly becoming fawning.

"Hey, do we even keep animals at our checkpoint?"

Cheng Ye couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.

Due to the influence of the extraordinary curse, plant growth requires special care, and the nutritional cycle is fleeting, making the cost-effectiveness of raising herbivores extremely low.

Carnivores are out of the question; there's not even meat for humans, so where would animals get any?

Dogs, being omnivorous, can be fed with nutrient solution.

The awkward thing is that ordinary hunting dogs are no match for mutated creatures, and their barking might even attract infected creatures, so they are not popular with scavengers.

Taking all factors into account, the black dog in front of him was the first animal he had encountered since transmigrating.

"Sir, its name is Xiao Heizi. It's a long-time employee at our checkpoint, specializing in dealing with those smugglers who use cheap tricks and take chances!"

　P.S.: I still need two more days of anti-inflammatory treatment before I can have my wisdom tooth extracted, but the pain has subsided and I'm back to normal!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)