Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 276 Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC): A Storm is About to Begin!

September 8th, dawn was breaking.

As is customary, Cheng Ye opens his eyes five minutes before the alarm clock rings.

When the alarm clock rang, breaking the silence, the lingering drowsiness had completely dissipated.

He stared blankly at the ceiling for a while before getting up, walking to the bedside, and pulling back the curtains.

Contrary to expectations of bright sunshine, it was instead a cloudy day, perfect for starting work.

Thick white clouds, like fluffy cotton candy, hung in the sky above Happiness City, moving slowly in the breeze.

Cheng Ye picked up his defense communication device and glanced at the weather forecast. The next week would be either sunny or cloudy with no rain.

"This is a good sign. Without rain, the construction of Dabo Town will proceed much more smoothly."

He reached out and pushed open the window, and fresh air, carrying a slight chill, rushed in.

Entering September, Shijiazhuang Province has already started a comprehensive cooling mode, and the temperature will continue to drop over the next three months, stabilizing at around five degrees Celsius by December.

According to data from previous years, the lowest winter temperature is only between -15 and -20 degrees Celsius, which is still within the range that humans can tolerate.

But this year's celestial phenomena are unusual, and no one can say for sure whether this limit will be broken.

After breathing in the cold air for a while and clearing his mind, Cheng Ye closed the window and casually hung up the security buckle.

The room was empty, as everything had been packed up.

He took his toiletries and went out, but to his surprise, Huang Sheng and the other two were already waiting at the door. They all looked energetic at first glance, but their eyes revealed an unconcealable weariness.

What time did you get up?

Cheng Ye was surprised for a moment, then changed his mind, "You guys didn't sleep last night, did you?"

"I really haven't slept much." Huang Sheng scratched his head, a hint of unease flashing across his face. "It's been so long since I've been to the wilderness. The thought of starting a new life keeps me so excited that I can't sleep."

Zhu Xiang and Wu Zhihong nodded repeatedly, their faces bearing the same expression.

They were all veterans of the pioneering army back then, but it had been more than ten years since they had stepped out of the buffer zone. Coupled with the upcoming new life, it was normal for them to have sleepless nights.

"Have you settled all the issues with the staffing?" Cheng Ye asked.

"It's all settled! We've submitted our resignation, and although it hasn't been fully approved yet, we've already received the freelancer certification." Huang Sheng nodded in response.

Without the formal establishment of the buffer zone, they would have to follow Cheng Ye down this path to the bitter end.

However, the three of them had been looking forward to this step for a long time, and at this moment, they felt no trepidation, only excitement and exhilaration.

After living those peaceful days for so long, the mere mention of going on wilderness adventures and starting a new life fills me with boundless energy.

"Okay!" Cheng Ye nodded gently, without saying anything more.

After washing up, the three of them had already moved his luggage into the hallway. Huang Sheng also called the construction team that had helped renovate the house last time. There were more than twenty young and strong men, all full of energy.

"Are they going along too?" Cheng Ye raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, not only them, but also their families, all want to go to Dabo Town.” Huang Sheng explained with a smile, “Everyone wants to start a new life and doesn’t want to be trapped in the buffer zone anymore, living the same repetitive days day after day.”

"Good, good!" Cheng Ye said "good" twice, his satisfaction beyond words.

It is truly a time when heaven and earth lend their strength!

This world is not a linear RPG game. There is never any "slow development in isolation" where you can achieve results before starting the next task. Multi-threaded development is the norm, and when these forces come together, they will unleash unimaginable energy.

Cheng Ye opened the door, and the young men filed in, skillfully carrying the packed supplies.

Forty or fifty people had already gathered downstairs, all family members of the construction team, carrying large and small bags, like a large-scale move.

Fortunately, it was just dawn, and there was still an hour before the start of work in the buffer zone, so not many people noticed the commotion.

Cheng Ye locked the door, slipped the key under the door, and turned to walk downstairs.

I've lived here for six months, it would be a lie to say I have no feelings for it.

Even though the space was cramped and the environment was ordinary, it was the first room and his own territory that he had truly owned in both his lives.

A new journey, a new beginning.

Cheng Ye silently recited the words to himself, then let out a long sigh, strode away, and never looked back.

This trip was a strategic retreat amidst the clash of two opposing forces.

But the next time he officially returns here, Prosecutor Cheng's voice will surely carry enough weight in the buffer zone!
With a large crowd, Cheng Ye first went to Tianyuan Community.

No one from Tianyuan Community accompanied the construction of Dabo Town this time, but three district elders had already gotten up, changed into new clothes, and waited at the entrance of the shopping mall to see them off.

More than 2,300 people from Yongxing Community and the four communities they joined yesterday gathered in the open space in front of the mall and around the pedestrian street. Everyone was carrying large and small bags, and their faces were full of anticipation for their new life.

Meanwhile, nearly three hundred guards stood around, each with a fierce demeanor, forming a human wall to separate the crowd from onlookers.

Upon seeing Cheng Ye approach, a tall man stepped out from the guard team and greeted him with a stern face.

"Cheng Ye, you've got quite the nerve," the man's voice was rough. "Gathering over two thousand people so early in the morning, what are you trying to do?"

"Who are you?" Cheng Ye tilted his head, looking him up and down.

All the other guards wore the same uniform, but this one stood out. He wore a tight-fitting camouflage T-shirt, which was soaked with sweat in the cool morning air, leaving dark watermarks on both sides. The sweat clung tightly to his broad back, and his bulging muscles were as clearly defined as blocks of iron.

He wore wide, dark green work pants with a thick hemp rope around the waist. Both pockets were covered with items, a gleaming short knife was clipped to his left side with a black rope wrapped around its sheath, a military hand dagger was hanging on his right side, and a Bison combat pistol was slung across his waist.

The man's face was covered with a thick, dark stubble that obscured most of his cheeks. A prominent scar ran from his brow bone to his chin, its dark brown color causing his right eye to droop slightly.

"Nice to meet you, let's get to know each other!"

The man grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. "I am Qin Zhaoye, the director of the Order Maintenance Division of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. You can call me Director Qin, or Commander Qin."

His gaze was condescending, revealing an unbridled arrogance.

"Commander Qin?"

Cheng Ye muttered to himself, then couldn't help but laugh, "You probably don't have a formal position yet, right?"

"Heh." Qin Zhaoye sneered, "It doesn't exist now, but the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will be established in a week. I hope you'll be there by then."

However, before he could finish speaking, Cheng Ye interrupted him directly: "If you don't have a permanent position, then what should you call me?"

Ok?
Qin Zhaoye's face darkened instantly, and the ferocity in his eyes almost materialized.

However, this tangible killing intent gradually disappeared when it met Cheng Ye's calm and indifferent gaze.

"Prosecutor Cheng, I know you're a Bound Source User." He clenched his fist, his tone unfriendly. "Sorry, I am too, and I'm stronger and more ferocious than you!"

"Oh, really?" Cheng Ye raised an eyebrow. "Qin Zhaoye, are you blocking my way because you want to target the prosecutors of Happiness City, or are you threatening me?" "Excuse me for being blunt, but with your status, you are not qualified to block my way."

After saying that, Cheng Ye stopped looking and walked straight ahead.

Qin Zhaoye stood in front of him, motionless like a stubborn rock, until Cheng Ye raised his foot to step on his foot, at which point he reluctantly took half a step back.

The two passed each other almost touching, their opposing auras almost colliding.

Cheng Ye took two steps forward, and Qin Zhaoye's voice came from behind him again, carrying a resentful threat:
“Prosecutor Cheng, we have obtained relevant information about you, including some inexplicable anomalies. I hope that when I invite you to the Independent Commission Against Corruption next time, you will be as calm as you are today.”

“Of course, you can also run away like your grandfather and your father.” He said in a sinister tone, “I guarantee that no matter where you run to, the Independent Commission Against Corruption will bring you back.”

Without turning around, Cheng Ye could imagine Qin Zhaoye's gritted teeth.

Looking at the junior prosecutors at the checkpoint, he is both a core prosecutor and has a special background, making him a standard-bearer for the current generation of young prosecutors.

If the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) wants to establish its authority, then targeting him as its first target is the most appropriate thing to do.

"The extraordinary faction," Cheng Ye muttered to himself.

Today, within Happiness City, the tech-savvy faction holds the most sway and controls the entire industrial zone.

The Extraordinary Faction, despite possessing a large army, is not qualified to interfere in city affairs.

However, when the next great era of expansion arrives, the extraordinary faction will inevitably vie for real power in order to safeguard the interests of the legion and the direction of expansion.

Zhou Changhai's defection conveniently provided them with an excuse to take over, bringing all the conflicts together.

Unfortunately, no one expected that Prosecutor Cheng would "run away" and would not stay in the buffer zone to be taken advantage of.

Want to arrest someone?

Come and try your luck in Big Wave Town!
This is a fiefdom designated by the elders, an independent satellite city, and the Independent Commission Against Corruption's reach doesn't extend this far.

The only trouble is that we need to go back to the buffer zone to pick up Yu Yong, but that's a task assigned by the elders, so no matter how domineering Qin Zhaoye is, he probably won't dare to stop us.

By the time Cheng Ye reached the entrance of the mall, the hundreds of guards around him had already withdrawn under Qin Zhaoye's orders.

Clearly, this guy already knew that everyone was going to migrate to Dabo Town, but he deliberately gathered guards to wait for him, just to give him a hard time.

Unfortunately, his plan backfired, and he was instead outmaneuvered by Cheng Ye using his apparent identity.

On the high platform, three district elders, Da Long, Er Long, Hou Genbao, and four community district managers were already waiting.

Upon seeing Cheng Ye approach, Da Long immediately handed him a megaphone.

Cheng Ye took the loudspeaker, tested it twice, and the clear sound penetrated the noise of the crowd, gradually calming the surging tide.

He glanced up and swept his gaze across the densely packed crowd below, then said loudly, "Everyone, be quiet!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the last few shouts subsided, and everyone's eyes were focused on the high platform.

Cheng Ye gripped the megaphone tightly, his tone calm and forceful: "The dangers of the wilderness are self-evident. After leaving the Happiness Defense Line, it is all the more important to maintain order and ensure safety! I want to emphasize three points, and everyone must remember them!"

"First, keep a close eye on your luggage!" he emphasized. "Hold onto your backpacks and personal belongings tightly, and keep valuables close to your body! Don't lose anything in the chaos, it will be difficult to find them once you get to Dabo Town! Especially the belongings of the elderly and children, family members should keep a close eye on them, don't be careless!"

"Secondly, form teams based on communities and encourage families to stick together!"

He raised his hand to signal Hou Genbao and the four district supervisors, "District supervisors, go to your respective areas now. No matter how old or young, you must stay together and not be separated! The elderly and children walk in the middle, and the young people look after each other on the outside. Absolutely no one can be left behind!"

The five people immediately responded, quickly stepped off the stage, and split up to organize the team. Gradually, orderly shouts rose from the crowd.

Looking at the gradually forming queue, Cheng Ye shouted again: "Third, proceed to the South Checkpoint in an orderly manner!"

He pointed south, "The route has been cleared. Follow the signs ahead. No cutting in line, no crowding. Walk slowly and carefully. Safety first!"

"Shuttle vehicles have been arranged outside the checkpoint, enough for everyone! Once you arrive, follow the instructions of the staff and board the vehicles in order of your community!"

He paused, then raised his voice again: "Did you all understand? Keep an eye on your luggage, stick together in groups, and move forward in an orderly manner! Now, the group is moving out! District officers will lead the way, and the elderly and children will be given priority!"

The words fell.

The massive procession began to move, the dark mass of people spontaneously walking towards the southern checkpoint.

Resources in the wasteland are limited. Although Yongxing Community has developed quite well over the years, it has only managed to make ends meet. All the extra money has been used to purchase equipment. At this moment, everyone's luggage consists of nothing more than changes of clothes and daily necessities. Even the elderly who have lived in the buffer zone for many years have nothing they are reluctant to part with or cannot take with them.

As for the refurbished equipment and warehouse supplies, they can be transported gradually in the future; there's no need to rush.

As the crowd surged out of Zone B-7, Cheng Ye looked at the three zone elders and nodded slightly: "Venerables, feel free to call me anytime if you need anything. I have already activated cross-zone access."

"Alright, Prosecutor Cheng, have a safe trip!" The three district elders smiled and nodded as they saw him off.

Cheng Ye then turned to Da Long and Er Long: "Keep an eye on the community. If anything unexpected happens, go to the checkpoint and find someone. I've already made arrangements. Just give my name and someone will take over. If you encounter any problems you can't handle, call me immediately. Don't delay, understand?"

"Yes, sir!" Da Long nodded immediately, then couldn't help but look at the spot where Qin Zhaoye had just been standing. "This morning, before you arrived, he came to us and said that if we report your illegal or irregular behavior, we can be rewarded with thousands or tens of thousands of community contribution points for each report."

"Do you believe it?" Cheng Ye was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh.

"Sir, if it weren't for his tiger skin, there would probably be someone locked up in the isolation room in the mall right now," Da Long said, grinning.

"Don't be impulsive." Cheng Ye gently shook his head. "He is very strong, and you are no match for him. Do not confront him head-on. He is a member of the Legion, and I will find a way to deal with him in the future, but for now we have to be patient and wait until our foundation is more stable."

"Yes!" Da Long and Er Long nodded simultaneously, their faces respectful.

Cheng Ye thought for a moment and then said, "According to the contribution rules I left behind, those who deserve promotion should be promoted immediately, and those who deserve rewards should be rewarded in a timely manner. If the community is to develop in the future, it must have a set of rules that can convince the public. Don't worry about your positions being taken away. In my hands, the two of you will definitely be my confidants, understand?"

"Understood!" Excitement flashed in their eyes, and they nodded vigorously again.

The necessary explanations have already been made in the past few days, including the subsequent construction of the pedestrian street, the procurement and establishment of factories. These all require time to settle and will not be fully opened until next spring. There is no need to rush.

Once Cheng Ye confirmed that everything was arranged, he turned and left without lingering.

The gazes behind them followed his retreating figure until he disappeared around the corner, at which point everyone snapped out of their daze.

The three district elders shakily got up and returned to the mall. Da Long and Er Long stood at the place where they first met Cheng Ye, filled with emotion.

"Big brother, do you want to go to Big Wave Town with us?"

Erlong couldn't help but ask, "If you're going to leave, hurry up and catch up. The first opportunity is the most precious; if you're late, you might be overtaken by others."

"You don't want to go?" Da Long smiled slyly. "Is the community no longer able to hold you back?"

“No,” Erlong said seriously. “I think staying in the buffer zone as the adults’ eyes and ears is more important than having one more person to do the work over there.”

"Ha, can't I think that way too?"

Da Long chuckled, "Let's go, stop overthinking. When it's our turn to shine, the master will never forget us!"

(End of this chapter)