Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 180 Goal Achieved, Ding Yishan's Advice!
Investment in checkpoints?

20,000 points?
Cheng Ye calmly accepted the few sheets of white paper handed to him by Ding Yishan, and quickly flipped through them, his fingertips tracing the smooth surface.

[Proposal regarding the investment in the construction of a buffer zone center in area B7 of the checkpoint]

This is not a pure investment, but a proposal that has not yet been submitted to the meeting.

The power structure within the checkpoint has long been in a delicate balance.

As one of the few high-achieving students at the checkpoint, Harlin, the deputy station chief, firmly controls the economic lifeline.

He controlled everything involved, from approving expenditures on materials and managing the logistics system to leading personnel training, adjusting the contribution value system, and even making decisions on the purchase and renovation of facilities.

Station chief Ding Yishan, on the other hand, firmly held the power over personnel matters.

He had complete control over personnel appointments and dismissals, the authority to dispatch personnel across regions, the setting and allocation of field tasks, the formulation and modification of welfare systems, and the approval of resolutions involving major expenditures.

The proposal handed to him was just a draft, with many blank spaces on it.

For example, the future planning of Zone B7, the concept behind the pedestrian street, and other aspects related to personnel allocation and economic income.

interesting.

What is Ding Yishan trying to do?
Cheng Ye quickly sorted through the information in his mind. B7 District was originally a pilot area supported by idealists. The elders wanted to prove the feasibility of the "carriage theory" through the development of the community system.

The concept is the driver, the community is the horse; the stronger the horse, the faster the car runs.

They need a "fast horse" to drive the development of the entire buffer zone and even Happiness City, in order to prove the correctness of the idealist's ideas.

Ding Yishan certainly understood this, so if the checkpoint wanted to intervene, it wouldn't be just for a share of the profits after B7 became the center.

Otherwise, the proposal wouldn't have left so many blanks; it would have simply presented the terms for him to sign.

Now that Ding Yishan has handed over the draft, it is clear that he wants him to fill in the content and then take it to the checkpoint meeting for a vote.

By then, every prosecutor will know about the development plan for Zone B7. What's the point of letting these people know?

Well.

In an instant, Cheng Ye realized what was happening and looked at Ding Yishan with a somewhat dazed expression.

But Ding Yishan didn't wait for his response. He just stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the end of the pedestrian street. The sunlight fell on his slightly hunched back, revealing a hint of indescribable loneliness.

Like a lonely old man guarding his old house, feeling lost and melancholy as his home is about to be demolished.

"Station Chief Ding?" Cheng Ye called out softly.

"Hmm?" Ding Yishan turned around, a faint smile already playing on his lips, as if his earlier dejection had been merely his imagination. "How are you?"

"That's quite a lot of work. It's enough for me to repair the underground pipe network in Zone B7 as well. It's just a pity that the other areas aren't being repaired. No matter how well I repair this area, it'll probably become an isolated island. What do you think?"

"Maybe."

Ding Yishan nodded slightly, his eyes showing a hint of appreciation. "The pipeline network in the buffer zone hasn't been touched for decades. It's not that Happiness City can't provide enough resources, it's that it lacks a reason. There has to be enough potential to justify the investment. Just like how the checkpoint dared to gamble on Zone B7, there has to be some hope in it."

"Then I must thank Station Chief Ding for his trust. I will fill out this proposal carefully."

"Okay, remember to give it to Harlin after you fill it out. He's in charge of the economy, so you'll have to let him review it first."

"clear."

Cheng Ye nodded slightly.

Smart people don't need to spell things out. Ding Yishan may not be able to explicitly state the decision made by his superiors due to his position, but the proposal itself is the clearest signal.

The higher-ups are going to move the buffer zone!

The pie for reconstruction is only so big; where it's invested depends entirely on who can unleash its "potential."

This is another round of reshuffling of interests; whoever can gather more forces to bind themselves to their region will be able to seize the future center.

It's complicated.

The interests of the satellite cities have not yet been clearly defined, and the game of the buffer zone has already begun.

For every person who gets the meat, there's someone else who gets the soup. Seizing this opportunity of reshuffling the deck could be enough to propel you to the top.

Cheng Ye looked at the construction site on the pedestrian street, which had already been enclosed by green netting.

Suddenly, I realized that I had actually gained some real benefits from this cat-and-mouse game with Mu Shuang and Jiang Chuan.

Could it be that Ding Yishan had already anticipated Mu Shuang's failure and had planned the reward in advance?
This proposal did indeed solve the immediate problem, addressing the funding gap for the reconstruction of the pedestrian street in Zone B7, and boosting the area's potential.

However, he also had to face Harlin's scrutiny and withstand the questioning from other prosecutors.

However, these are the tests that those who carry the flag must go through. Is there any other deeper meaning mixed in with them?

Hard to say.

The more Cheng Ye dealt with this cunning stationmaster, the less he understood him.

But there was nothing he could do; he simply lacked experience in this area and was missing an expert to guide him.

Even someone as unassuming as Li Matai had to conceal his talents and disguise himself as a hoodlum, which shows how difficult it is to wield real power in this sanctuary city with a population of millions.

Strength is the foundation, but the ability to tolerate others, the skill to control others, and the method to utilize others are even more crucial.

Otherwise, the city would be nothing but an empty shell; let alone expand outwards, it would be a blessing if it could just keep its internal stability intact.

"What are you thinking about?"

Seeing Cheng Ye slightly lost in thought, Ding Yishan's voice came, tinged with a hint of mockery.

“Back when I was a trainee prosecutor, I was just focused on doing my job well, not on having as many thoughts as you do.”

"The stationmaster is joking."

Cheng Ye came to his senses and laughed, "After all, times have changed. In the past, there weren't so many satellite cities to contract out, and a trainee inspector would never have been involved in the assessment."

"era."

Ding Yishan shook his head slightly, as if he hadn't understood the implication in Cheng Ye's words.

Suddenly, the tone shifted, "Captain Wu, for the next six months, Prosecutor Cheng will be your primary protection target. All orders will revolve around him, understand?"

"Yes, Station Chief Ding, I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Wu Rui immediately stepped forward and gave Station Chief Ding a standard military salute.

He then turned to Cheng Ye, his right fist pressed against his heart, and said, "Inspector Cheng, Wu Rui, the first-class captain of the Crusader Squadron, along with four squads—Sharp Edge, Breakthrough, Falcon, and Rock—report to you!"

After he finished speaking, four people immediately stepped forward from behind him and said in turn:

"Crusader Vanguard Squad, Level 3 Squad Leader Dai Zun reporting for duty!"

"Crusader Breakthrough Squad, Level Two Squad Leader Lu Mingxuan reporting for duty!"

"Falcon, Level 2, Zhao Feng reporting for duty!"

"Rock, Level 2, Zhang Zhenyue reporting for duty!"

The four men were all imposing and their aura of iron-blooded killing intent was almost tangible, making it clear at a glance that they were elites who had been through countless battles.

One team has 8 people, four teams have a total of 32 people, plus Wu Rui, the team leader, makes a total of 33 people.

It's really extravagant to deploy such an elite force to protect him!

"Good good!"

Cheng Ye's face lit up with surprise, and he was overjoyed.

Finally, Ding Yishan gave him a positive reply. Since he had entrusted Dai Zun and his group to him for six months, it was practically a clear indication that he would be sent on field missions.

Steady!

“When it came time to choose people for you, Captain Wu was eager to come,” Ding Yishan said calmly. “You should cherish this opportunity and not let down the trust placed in you.”

"Yes, stationmaster! I promise I will not betray anyone's trust!" Cheng Ye replied loudly.

He was tapped again, but he didn't feel it at all.

As long as we can keep getting manpower and resources, we don't mind being criticized a few times, or even a few more times.

Don't listen, don't listen, the bastard chants sutras.

Once you've secured the real benefits, it won't be so easy to make him give them back.

"Come on, take me inside for a tour?" Ding Yishan took a step. "The last time I came to this mall was 17 years ago."

"Stationmaster, please!"

Cheng Ye bowed slightly, gesturing for him to proceed.

He turned to Wu Rui and asked, "Captain Wu, would you like to join us for a tour?"

"Since we're already here, we'll just have to follow your lead and take a look." Wu Rui decisively removed his weapons, and the four squad leaders behind him immediately followed suit, handing their equipment to their accompanying team members.

"Erlong, please entertain everyone for me. Don't neglect them," Cheng Ye instructed.

"Don't worry, sir!" Erlong immediately put on a smile and cupped his hands to Wu Rui and the others. "Brothers, I used to be a retired member of the Pioneer Corps. Please forgive me for my rudeness earlier! This way, please. I'll show you around Area B7 and familiarize you with the situation!"

Everything was arranged in an orderly manner.

Even Ding Yishan couldn't help but glance back at Erlong, his eyes flickering slightly, before following Cheng Ye into the mall passage.

Sunlight streamed through the glass at the end of the passageway, casting a long line of light on the floor.

The passageway was lined with residents, young and old, all curiously observing the newcomer.

Upon seeing Cheng Ye leading the way, their faces were full of respect.

"This is Station Chief Ding Yishan from the checkpoint. He's here to inspect the results of everyone's hard work over the past few days. Welcome, Station Chief Ding!"

Cheng Ye stopped and introduced himself in a loud voice.

Instantly, the quiet mall erupted in enthusiastic applause, mixed with cheers.

Ding Yishan paused, his gaze sweeping over the faces.

The barely concealed excitement, agitation, and respect made him sigh inwardly.

Unexpectedly, one day he would have to benefit from being a trainee prosecutor to enjoy such a genuine welcome again.

Stepping inside the mall, the newly renovated facilities are neatly arranged.

The three district elders were already waiting there, not wearing their usual festive red clothes, but instead wearing camouflage military uniforms that Cheng Ye had never seen before.

The clothes were wrinkled and faded; Mr. He's even had large patches of stitching marks.

Seeing Ding Yishan approach, the three men stepped forward steadily and raised their hands in salute:
"Commander Ding Feng, veterans Song, He, and Zhou are reporting to you!"

Sharpness?

Cheng Ye was slightly surprised. This was a position in the Pioneer Corps. The commander was ranked second and was mainly responsible for leading the coordinated operations of multiple Pioneer Battalions.

Above that is the Domain Supervisor, who is responsible for all affairs of the designated pioneering area and oversees the implementation of the work.

Below that is the battalion commander, responsible for managing standardized reclamation units. Cheng Long held this position back then, and he was just a step away from becoming a squad leader. He went back to the checkpoint but never went out again.

Otherwise, with Cheng Long's abilities, he would at least be a captain, or even a regional governor.

Below the battalion commander are four ranks: patrol leader, squad leader, foot soldier, and auxiliary officer.

The three district elders were the team leaders, each leading 100-300 people.

"Commander Ding, reporting to the three veterans!" Ding Yishan also raised his hand in return, the solemnity of the scene was so striking that it gave one's heart a jolt.

Cheng Ye stood aside, unable to get a word in edgewise, and listened quietly to the conversation of the four people. Only then did he realize that the three district elders were actually Ding Yishan's soldiers back then.

"Old Ding also served in the pioneering army?"

Cheng Ye was slightly taken aback, but then instantly understood.

Looking back from today's perspective, it's indeed hard to understand why prosecutors would be assigned to pioneering corps. But in today's context, it was essentially a form of outsourcing work, and also an important step for prosecutors to climb the ranks and test their abilities.

However, times have changed, and the positions that require prosecutors have also changed.

Unless another great era of development begins, prosecutors will likely have little chance to lead troops.

After the pleasantries.

Ding Yishan strode into the interrogation room, his eyes meeting those of Mu Shuang and Jiang Chuan, who both looked embarrassed.

"Ah Chuan, are you convinced now?"

"I'm convinced!" Jiang Chuan nodded immediately. "I promise you, I will never mention going to the wilderness again."

Where is Xiao Shuang?

"I'm convinced!" Mu Shuang quickly nodded. "I promise to complete the mission and not mess around anymore."

"That's right, I can't deal with you, but Prosecutor Cheng can handle you every time."

Ding Yishan's tone contained no blame whatsoever, but rather revealed satisfaction, as if he had achieved some kind of goal.

"Xiao Shuang, from now on, you'll be following Prosecutor Cheng."

"Yes, stationmaster."

The words fell.

Jiang Chuan hurriedly walked out of the interrogation room and followed behind Ding Yishan.

"Prosecutor Cheng, Mu Shuang is the bodyguard I arranged for you. Is it alright to have her in charge of your security?"

"No problem, thank you very much, stationmaster!" Cheng Ye said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.

"it is good."

After a brief exchange, Ding Yishan left with Jiang Chuan.

Cheng Ye escorted them all the way to the intersection of B7 District, and only breathed a sigh of relief after watching their figures disappear.

Why is it that newborn calves are not afraid of tigers, and why is it easiest to improve cooperation with people you have just met?
In his current situation, he is the best example.

The more he interacted with Ding Yishan, the more he felt like he was walking on thin ice, afraid that he might not understand a word or answer correctly. An invisible pressure was always hovering in the shadows, making him feel constrained in his actions.

After getting more familiar with the place, I would never dare to open the window and let the checkpoint chief take off his clothes to be exposed to the cold wind again.

Fortunately, as things stand, everything is progressing as expected.

With the contract system finalized, there are no more worries, and we can finally go all out and get things done!

Cheng Ye turned around and went back to the mall, where he briefly inquired about Ding Yishan's past from the three district elders.

Sure enough, Ding Yishan was indeed the vanguard commander of the pioneering corps back then, and the three of them were indeed his soldiers.

However, during Ding Yishan's four years in office, the direct contact person for these team leaders was the patrol chief, and they had very few opportunities to speak with this squad leader.

That solemn salute just now was less about reminiscing and more about using his old identity to "complain."

"Mr. Song, you should rest in situations like this from now on."

Cheng Ye picked up his enamel mug and took a sip of warm water. His tone was calm but hinted at something, “Whether Station Chief Ding is sentimental or not is another matter. In this era, development depends on methods and brains. The old ways don’t work anymore.”

"We didn't think much of it." Old Song chuckled and waved his hand, understanding the meaning behind his words. "We're just doing our part. As someone with an old identity, we'll help the community in any way we can."

After saying that, the three of them stopped talking about it and instead started talking about the reward they had applied for with Ding Yishan.

The era of great expansion ended too suddenly. As if overnight, all the sheltered cities tacitly withdrew their pioneering forces and retreated to their territories to cultivate and develop.

The nearly 400,000 pioneers of Xingfu City were suddenly disbanded, and meritorious veterans could be seen everywhere, waiting to be assigned places.

But there are only so many jobs available in buffer zones and industrial areas; how can they possibly fill all the available positions?
Some of them became industrial workers, and after training, they at least had a job to make a living.

But for the three district elders, who are old, have many injuries and ailments, and whose minds are not as sharp, this becomes a problem.

How to do?
no way.

This caused quite a stir back then, scaring the bigwigs in the buffer zone away from ever setting foot in the suburban communities again, for fear that these veterans would pester them for special treatment and credit.

Now that Ding Yishan has arrived, the three of them naturally won't miss the opportunity.

But they knew in their hearts that it was already a great blessing that the prosecutor Cheng Ye paid attention to the community, so they didn't dare to make any excessive demands. They only mentioned that the community wanted to form a militia team.

Ding Yishan was decisive and made a decision on the spot, saying that he would have the security department allocate staff to the community later.

All 30 militia units will be recorded in the organization files of the buffer zone.

Each militia unit can lead 7 auxiliary soldiers to form a duty squad.

With 30 staff positions, that's a team of 240 people.

Although the salaries and benefits of these militia members are entirely borne by the community, and they are more like auxiliary duty personnel, the word "established" carries significant weight in the buffer zone.

During this period, Cheng Ye led the community to arrest people everywhere, causing quite a stir.

They're only doing this because nobody's taking it seriously or investigating; otherwise, they would have been taken down long ago for "disrupting order."

The power to perform duties is not something that a trainee prosecutor can grant casually.

Cheng Ye may not have noticed this, or he may not understand the ins and outs of the buffer zone.

The three district elders had been worried about this for a whole week. Now that they had these 30 positions, and were following Cheng Ye in the buffer zone, they finally had a legitimate reason to act and no longer needed to fear interference from other departments.

They have acquired a negligible amount of law enforcement power.

"Don't worry, even if someone comes to investigate, I have a way to handle it."

After listening, Cheng Ye nodded slightly.

To outsiders, he was just an ordinary trainee prosecutor, but in reality, he was doing the job of a veteran.

Anyone who dares to touch Area B7 is putting the elders in their place.

When the time comes, contact the Public Works Department and report to the idealists; granting them some duty authority will be a piece of cake.

However, having a proper job is ultimately more convenient, as everything you do is legitimate.

After drinking a few sips of warm water, Cheng Ye waved his hand, and Wu Rui immediately came over with his men.

After strolling around the mall, the group marveled at what they saw.

The mall looked dilapidated from the outside, but was neat and orderly inside, which was hard to match with the information they had previously received.

"Prosecutor Cheng!" Wu Rui bowed slightly, but even with his lowered posture, his intimidating aura remained undiminished.

Cheng Ye couldn't help but glance at the cooperation rate, and was surprised to find it was 81%.

This is the person he has met with the highest level of cooperation since activating the collector.

The four captains behind Wu Rui also had a cooperation rate of over 60%, especially Dai Zun, whose cooperation rate reached 92%, which is enough to show the loyalty of this group of elites.

"Captain Wu, have you been provided with accommodations yet?"

"Uh..." Wu Rui paused for a moment, scratched his head, and honestly replied, "No."

"That you"

“The Crusaders have their own bases,” Wu Rui explained in a deep voice. “They either rest and recuperate at their bases or go out on missions. They only return to the buffer zone in winter, but they stay there and rarely come out.”

"Are your families also at the base?"

“Yes.” Wu Rui nodded, his eyes softening. “My wife, children, and elderly parents all work in the legion’s logistics department, which is a perk that allows us to focus on our work without any worries. Besides, the garrison is the safest place outside the inner city, so we can go on missions with peace of mind.”

"I see." Cheng Ye understood. The legion's benefits were indeed good, no wonder the morale of the troops was so high.

Although it is now a "peaceful era" in the wasteland, with no large-scale friction between forces, infected creatures and mutated beasts still pose a huge threat.

As long as the population continues to move, these "monsters" will keep emerging, requiring the legion to clear them out regularly.

This not only trained the troops but also kept threats out of Happiness City.

"Old Zhou, are there any seats left at the market?" Cheng Ye asked, turning his head.

"Yes! Yes!" Old Zhou quickly replied, "I'll have someone clear out the berth right away, it's just that the environment is a bit simple."

Wu Rui shook his head repeatedly: "Prosecutor Cheng, we can stay in tents. We'll just camp in the open space around your neighborhood. Protecting your safety is our top priority. There's no need to find a special place."

"It's alright, my neighborhood is perfectly safe." Cheng Ye said, glancing to the right of the reception area. Mu Shuang was adjusting her bones against the wall, wincing in pain. Seeing him looking over, she immediately looked up and said, "I'll protect Inspector Cheng closely. Don't worry, everything will be fine!"

"That's fine then." Wu Rui seemed to know Mu Shuang's background and didn't insist any further.

With manpower and accommodations all arranged, Cheng Ye suddenly realized a problem.

To win people's hearts and minds, it's not enough to just have a shared goal; you also need a solid material foundation so that people are willing to risk their lives for you.

Just like the Crusades, only by providing for the families of Wu Rui and others, and giving them sufficient rewards and clear objectives, can such an elite force be cultivated.

If he wants to build his own team in the future, he must first find a way to obtain more resources and improve the material environment.

We can't just bring people here and take them to the market, can we?

"Captain Wu, let the brothers rest for a bit. Later, I'll have Erlong show you the patrol routes around the area," Cheng Ye said.

"Yes!" Wu Rui readily agreed and turned to make the arrangements.

Cheng Ye looked at Mu Shuang, who was still struggling with her bones, and raised his chin: "Alright, stop struggling and come here."

Mu Shuang straightened up, rubbing her shoulders as she walked over: "What?"

"Let's go to the clinic for a couple of injections later. I'll cover the medical expenses."

Cheng Ye grinned, "I hope you won't hold a grudge. I really didn't know your identity back then, I promise."

His words sounded like a cover-up, but the frankness in his eyes made Mu Shuang pause for a moment, and then she nodded.

I'm about to go out into the wilderness to protect Cheng Ye's safety, so I really need to recover from my injuries as soon as possible.

Cheng Ye took out his defense communication device, found Wei Zhou's number, and dialed it.

The reform of the medical system was already imminent, and if it weren't for the delays caused by the construction of satellite cities, it would have already been launched.

Even so, the process will still take place over two weeks to a month, gradually dismantling the medical center.

Upon hearing that Cheng Ye wanted to arrange for someone to go and treat him, Wei Zhou immediately agreed.

"Okay, just go and give me your name."

After sending Mu Shuang away, Cheng Ye called out and quickly returned to the convenience store.

The power of the collector is far beyond what ordinary people can imagine.

Given enough energy, the speed at which one's strength can increase can defy conventional wisdom.

In just over a month, he transformed from a weak ordinary person into a master capable of contending with those in the Embryo Realm.

Of course, even someone in the so-called "embryo-holding state" will still die if shot in the heart.

Even a master who is in perfect harmony with nature will perish from a single thunderbolt.

But combat effectiveness is never calculated that way. Stronger physical attributes mean he can inflict more terrifying damage with a gun.

Can an adult holding a gun be treated the same as a child holding a gun?

The panel expands.

The bright red color, representing 'perfection', shimmered slightly.

As soon as Cheng Ye had a thought, he jumped into the skill bar in the next second!

(End of this chapter)