Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 188 The Beginning of a Legend: A Change of Belief!

A mere three hundred people are insignificant in front of a formation of twenty thousand people.

But these three hundred men, dressed in black, marching in unison, and with a menacing air about them, stood out conspicuously.

It's like a drop of ink suddenly dripping into a basin of clear water; no one can ignore its presence.

The closer you get, the bigger the sensation it causes.

Almost the entire formation, and the eyes of all the prosecutors, were drawn to it.

"This day has finally come!"

A surge of excitement welled up inside Cheng Ye, who clenched his fists and forcefully suppressed the unusual excitement coursing through his body.

Although he didn't turn around, he knew that everyone's eyes were not only on the convoy and the black-shirted militiamen, but would soon be focused on him, the trainee prosecutor.

Although the second batch of inspectors' performance evaluations were strictly confidential and not a live show for the public to watch, and no ministers from various departments or irrelevant people were allowed to come and watch the excitement, the patrol vehicles of the military unit were strictly controlling the surrounding area, and even staff from other departments were not allowed to approach and disturb them.

But the more than 20,000 displaced people, dozens of inspectors, and hundreds of guards who were responsible for maintaining order, both overtly and covertly, were all witnessing the rise of a "new star".

From today onwards, "probationary prosecutor" will no longer be his most prominent title.

The name "Cheng Ye" will truly come into the public eye, enter the view of the bigwigs in Happiness City, and will also spread beyond Happiness City.

They might appear in the intelligence departments of those super-sanctuary cities and become a key target for attention.

Or perhaps it will be added to the list of some assassin organization or mercenary organization, attracting more executors to take action.

But this is precisely the path that every great figure must take to rise to prominence, the beginning of every legend.

His starting point as a prosecutor was far higher than that of Cheng Long back then, and he didn't need to leave his hometown to join the pioneering army to seek a way out.

His rise to fame is destined to be even more remarkable than Jackie Chan's back then, making him the center of attention the moment he appears on stage.

Are you ready?
Cheng Ye asked himself this question in his heart, and the response he received was a series of powerful heartbeats and a surge of excitement rising from the bottom of his heart.

His combat prowess at the Embryo Realm gave him the strength to contend with a third-stage inspector.

With extraordinary abilities at his disposal, whether it's a flame or the tear of the starfish, he can turn the tide in desperate situations.

In addition, there's the collector that requires a lot of resources and necessitates him to travel throughout the wasteland to gather information.

And most importantly, the identity of the prosecutor.

From the moment he entered the checkpoint, his life was destined to either end in mediocrity or rise to legendary status through a spectacular success.

In that case, what is there to worry about?
Shoot the first bird.

That depends on whether the gun is a regular guard pistol or a large-caliber sniper rifle.

Is this bird that sticks out a harmless mutated sparrow, or an extraordinary eagle capable of soaring through the sky?

As the convoy approached, the legion guards responsible for maintaining order immediately went to meet it, and after a brief exchange, they allowed it to pass.

"Is this against the rules?" Cheng Ye asked, turning his head.

"Of course not."

Link quickly shook his head with a smile, "The station chief has already instructed that as long as it's not an inspector directly entering the group of refugees to communicate, using any means to attract refugees to come forward for consultation is not considered a violation."

"it is good."

Cheng Ye nodded slightly. With this rule in place, he wouldn't have to call Ding Yishan again to explain.

The core of this assessment was to demonstrate the concept of building satellite cities. Zhao Jia and his ilk only focused on the word "assessment" but forgot the key point of "demonstrating the concept." Now they have naturally become "fat pigs" who are caught in a dilemma and can only be manipulated by the refugee group.

Those senior inspectors were much smarter. Although they also communicated with intermediaries, they focused on the profiles of the migrants, subtly inquiring about their preferences, such as what kind of ideology they leaned towards and whether they resisted heavy labor.

Only after thoroughly understanding these details will they rise up to promote the refined and optimized concept and officially begin recruitment.

Ideally, Da Long should have waited until the fourth and third phases of prosecutors were mostly recruited and the competition was less intense before bringing his people in.

However, migrants are not products of data, but living, breathing people with their own thoughts.

To compete, you have to go all out from the very beginning.

The convoy stopped fifty meters behind Cheng Ye, and the three hundred militiamen quickly changed formation, dividing into three columns with astonishing precision:
A line of men, led by Da Long, jogged forward to take over from the guards and maintain order.

Led by Erlong, a line of people stood in the open space to the right of the sunshade.

The last group remained stationary, standing beside the train.

No one spoke or gave any instructions throughout the entire process.

Although Cheng Ye felt that the neatness was far inferior to the imposing presence of a modern military parade, it was still quite impressive to these unsophisticated refugees.

What is this for?
The previously calm fourth-phase inspectors also stood up and looked at the sunshade in the corner.

The prosecutors in the first, second, and even some of the third phases couldn't contain their curiosity and started discussing it.

"Isn't that against the rules?" Garcia turned his head and asked the clerk.

After receiving an affirmative answer, a complex and bewildered look flashed in his eyes, and upon closer inspection, there was also a hint of confusion.

Rococo looked curious and surprised, his previous emotions vanished, and he instead showed a hint of understanding, as if he understood why Ding Yishan had cultivated this trainee prosecutor.

As for the other prosecutors from the East, some even tried to get up and investigate, but were stopped by the clerks and could only shake their heads in regret.

In competitive situations, everything depends on individual methods.

After confirming that Cheng Ye's actions were not against the rules, no one made trouble; instead, everyone's minds became active.

If this isn't considered a violation, then wouldn't they be able to follow suit?
Unfortunately, as soon as the idea popped into my head, I glanced at the time and realized that there were only three and a half hours left. I might not be able to organize such a well-organized team.

If the results are not as good as Cheng Ye's, not only will it be a waste of effort, but it will also make him look like a clown.

Furthermore, this method is most effective the first time it is used; subsequent uses will only be less effective.

Before understanding Cheng Ye's purpose in bringing so many people together, blindly imitating him would only result in a poor imitation.

The personnel took their positions.

Da Long jogged up from the back of the line, stood in front of Cheng Ye, and with a flick of his arm, performed the pioneering salute that he hadn't used in many years.

It's a somewhat modified military salute, with the right hand clenched into a fist and the arm held at a 90-degree angle against the chest, as if braving wind and snow to hurry along the road.

"Ping Dalong, the militia captain of Dabo Town, reporting to Prosecutor Cheng Ye!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the three rows of militiamen, as if receiving a signal, shouted in unison: "The militia of Dabo Town, reporting for duty to Inspector Cheng Ye!"

hiss.

In an instant, not only did Cheng Ye shudder slightly, but Wang Kang, the surrounding prosecutors, guards, and clerks also got goosebumps.

Everyone knew this was just for the refugee contingent, and everyone understood it was a somewhat awkward show.

Witnessing this scene with my own eyes and hearing the unified shouts evoked a particularly complex feeling.

Upon closer reflection, isn't it just a show when they stand up and promote some grandiose and empty ideas?
Upon closer reflection, do they really have the ability to assemble such a team and stand here putting on a show?
The answer is no.

Since they can't do it themselves, what right do they have to criticize others' showmanship? They can't even do it.

Under everyone's gaze, Cheng Ye first nodded slightly to Da Long, and then returned the salute with the military salute of the Pioneer Corps.

He then turned around and looked at Erlong, who was standing on the right side of the sunshade.

"Captain Ping Erlong."

"Two dragons are here!"

"Start building the poster board house."

"Erlong understands!"

Erlong immediately nodded in agreement, picked up the defense communication device at his waist, and dialed a number.

Under the curious gaze of all the refugees, four more medium-sized trucks drove up from a distance.

The truck drove steadily to the back of the convoy, and after a skillful U-turn, a hundred militiamen standing guard by the truck immediately stepped forward, opened the rear door, and began to take turns unloading parts of varying lengths from inside.

"Isn't this a standard residential unit?"

The two Western inspectors in tent number 31 were stunned.

Standard residential units may look simple, but they are not cheap to build, and none of the inspectors from the 12 satellite cities selected them.

Even some residential units that were forcibly relocated from the industrial zone were returned to them under various pretexts.

The reason is simple: the construction funds for satellite cities are limited. If they endure more hardship now, they won't have to worry about reinforcing and insulating them in winter, and they can be used for a long time without worrying about subsequent maintenance issues.

However, if you choose a residential unit, you will have to face the troubles of winter and more and more potential problems in the future.

If any unexpected situation arises in the middle, problems will pile up one after another, and a mature solution will not be found.

Does this Prosecutor Cheng intend to attract homeless people to join by using standard residential units?

The group of inspectors who were watching the spectacle became even more curious, seemingly forgetting that the assessment was still in progress, and instead treating it like a study session.

Not only did the refugees watch quietly, but all the prosecutors, guards, and clerks were also stunned. Even the prosecutors who knew each other picked up their mobile phones, dialed the checkpoint's official account, and started a group call, chatting and discussing it. "See? That's what makes Prosecutor Cheng unique. I was the first to notice it."

On the roof of a pickup truck on the outskirts, Jiang Chuan held up binoculars and looked around for a while, then proudly showed off to Mu Shuang beside him.

“The prosecutors of today are very different from those of the past. In the past, prosecutors ate and lived with the residents. Not to mention going to the grassroots level, they even lived in shantytowns and working-class areas. No prosecutor would deliberately isolate themselves from the residents or put themselves on a high and mighty position.”

“But things are different now. Not to mention the first and second phase prosecutors, even the former senior prosecutors rarely have contact with residents. I don’t think even a fourth-phase prosecutor could build up such a team as Prosecutor Cheng.”

As he spoke, his tone was full of undisguised admiration and emotion.

Mu Shuang, who was standing to the side, was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke up: "Contact comes at a price. In the past, there weren't so many sources of infection, so prosecutors dared to contact the lower-class residents. Now, there are more and more mysterious sources of infection, and the ways they infiltrate are more bizarre. The more contact you have with people below, the higher the risk of getting infected."

"Yes, you're right."

Jiang Chuan said with a sigh, "Even the station chiefs rarely have contact with the residents below anymore. Station Chief He Fei was a veteran inspector for many years, but he was killed by the mother virus after just going to check the quarantine zone. How can we expect the inspectors below to ignore these huge risks?"

After these words, both of them fell silent.

Mu Shuang pondered for a full minute or two before shaking his head and saying, "He is different from Ding Xiao. Ding Xiao saved you back then because he saw your talent in martial arts and your potential for supernatural abilities. That's why he rescued you from the refugee camp and raised you."

“A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. Regardless of what Prosecutor Ding Xiao’s purpose was back then, he saved my life and the lives of many children, and that is always true. I will repay the station chief on behalf of those children.”

Jiang Chuan grinned, and the sincerity in his smile completely stunned Mu Shuang.

The two had discussed this topic before, but every time Ding Xiao was mentioned, Jiang Chuan would remain silent and avoid the topic, unwilling to talk about Ding Xiao's thoughts back then.

This is also why his belief in protecting others has always been missing the most important element.

That piece is called "The Original Intention of Protection".

Why protect?
He knew perfectly well that Ding Xiao had a clear purpose in saving the children in the refugee camp—to train thugs—but he was unwilling to admit it or let the word "protection" become utilitarian.

This meant he could barely survive and maintain his half-step into the extraordinary realm.

"Yes, I can feel my beliefs changing, yes."

Jiang Chuan picked up his binoculars again and looked into the distance. "After meeting Prosecutor Cheng, he suddenly made me understand a lot of things."

"for example?"

"There's no need to be ashamed to admit to protecting someone with a 'clear purpose.' Often, it's better to speak up openly, as the person being protected will feel more at ease."

"That's it?"

Mu Shuang pouted and said, "I thought you had grasped a great belief that would allow you to instantly transcend the ordinary!"

"Of course not, actually."

Jiang Chuan smiled and extended his right hand, a faint blue light flashing in his palm.

Compared to when the two met a few days ago, the intensity of the blue light was noticeably weaker, but it was more concentrated.

Mu Shuang glanced at it and suddenly froze: "Your belief is fading?"

"No, it's the belief that's changing. There will no longer be Jiang Chuan trapped by 'protection,' but only Jiang Chuan who understands why he is fighting."

He smiled and said that the blue light in his palm quickly dissipated.

"Is he a wanderer?" Mu Shuang asked thoughtfully.

"That's part of the reason, but the power of the traveler is just an aid, making you no longer afraid of change."

Jiang Chuan nodded seriously, then couldn't help but ask, "You've been out there for so many years, what about yours?"

"That's fine. I never had any convictions to begin with, nor did I want to become extraordinary. I was just corrupted by this damned source of infection and had no choice but to do it in order to survive."

Mu Shuang shook her head, saying it nonchalantly, but her eyes unconsciously drifted towards the sunshade at number 32 in the distance.

It only took about ten minutes in total.

Piles of materials unloaded from the trucks have been assembled by hundreds of militiamen into a long, narrow living unit of about thirty square meters.

Behind the main unit, new residential units are being combined.

However, the design has changed from a long strip to a square shape, with the smaller ones being about eight square meters and the larger ones about fifteen square meters.

Even more surprisingly, iron frames and pipes were unloaded from the fourth truck and were being carried into several residential units, seemingly to be assembled into iron-framed beds.

Some finished wooden furniture was moved into the square units at the back and placed in the corners.

"What are you doing?"

Mu Shuang couldn't help but ask curiously.

But what she didn't know was that at that moment, everyone in the 20,000-person formation was just as curious as she was.

This is really unconventional.

Even knowing it might just be a publicity stunt, one can't help but wonder what Prosecutor Cheng is trying to do and what he wants to show the displaced people.

Is he trying to show off that he has a team of thugs under his command?
Or is he trying to indicate that he plans to build residential units in Dabo Town?
Unable to fathom Cheng Ye's thoughts, everyone could only watch quietly as the residential units were gradually completed, and the four trucks drove away one after another.

"Thanks for your hard work."

The two hundred militiamen in charge of the construction worked up a sweat, but thankfully their daily training paid off.

In just 27 minutes, a total of six model rooms—a large dormitory-style room, three family rooms, and two single rooms—rose up, occupying a considerable area.

Of course, due to the lack of foundation treatment and the absence of screws and fixing devices in some key areas, these model houses are essentially just for show and could collapse in a gust of wind or rain.

But for now, it's more than enough to show to the refugees!

The six cars parked behind the sunshade started up again and slowly drove to the front of the model house.

I turned around and opened the trunk.

The pre-folded wooden boards and frames were pulled out from inside and quickly unfolded along the edge of the trunk.

The two pickup trucks had the largest wooden planks, measuring four meters long and three meters wide, covered with colorful posters.

The three transport vehicles were slightly smaller, each three meters long and two meters wide.

As for the off-road vehicle, although the board was only half the size of the transport vehicle, it only had one eye-catching poster on it.

Below is an aerial view of the completed Dabo Town, which looks like a modern town, giving people a sense of hope for the future.

Above is a line of large characters:
[Infographic Explaining the Resettlement Policy for Residents of Dabo Town]

Hey!
The edge of the refugee contingent was already nearly 100 meters away from the sunshade, not to mention the area on the right side of the sunshade.

The previously orderly formation suddenly erupted into a clamor as the posters were unfurled.

Some of the people at the back even unconsciously pushed forward, trying to see what was written or printed on those papers.

As they pushed and shoved, the scene gradually became chaotic.

It wasn't until the guards saw the situation was about to get out of control that they quickly sent more than ten armed pickup trucks to patrol and control the perimeter of the formation, and with constant persuasion through loudspeakers, that order was barely maintained.

But without realizing it, the formation that was originally biased towards shade awning number 1 has changed significantly.

The entire structure was moved approximately thirty meters, almost entirely towards the No. 32 sunshade.

At first glance, the order of the sunshade is indeed reversed, just as Cheng Ye said.

"Brother Cheng, did you arrange all of this?"

Wang Kang was somewhat bewildered.

He had seen the posters and the car before, and thought that this was all the measures Cheng Ye had prepared. But what was going on with these six suddenly built living units?

There's also the placement of the items, the promotional methods, and the neatness of the personnel assembly.
He couldn't understand it at all, or rather, his mind had completely crashed, and he didn't know where to begin.

"Or should I just conjure it up from the sky for you?"

Cheng Ye quickly stepped forward, smoothed out the protruding corners of several posters, and was extremely satisfied.

"I'm showing you the most essential things, because you can quickly visualize what the residential units will look like and imagine what the town of Dabo will look like after it's built."

He paused, then changed the subject, "But they are different. The refugees come from all corners of Shi Province. Some come from small, isolated settlements, while others are long-time residents of other sheltered cities. Their level of understanding is not on the same level."

"To make this group of people truly understand, we must design it based on the most basic level of cognition, discarding those deeper, underlying theories. We must make sure that all of them can understand it so that the plan can be implemented. Otherwise, it's just empty talk and self-indulgence."

"Now."

Cheng Ye turned his head.

At the front of the militia team led by Da Long, there were already hundreds of people queuing up as required, wanting to come over for consultation.

Among them were young adults who were not selected, couples who came together, and even a few families with children who had previously been indifferent.

Apart from families with children and elderly members who are still observing, everyone else's faces are filled with curiosity and eagerness; where is the previous willingness to wait for a higher price?

Sure enough, when it comes to truly good stuff, everyone knows that you have to be quick to grab it.

"Come on, it's time to see the results!"

(End of this chapter)