Zombie Life Begins in Hongxi Village

As soon as he finished speaking, the soldiers outside the door erupted in a commotion, whispering among themselves.

"The Ren family, the richest family? The same Ren family that supplies military rations?"

"That guy surnamed Lin seems to have a close relationship with Miss Ren. I saw Miss Ren come in with him earlier."

"They're rich! The Ren family is rich!"

For these low-ranking soldiers, it really didn't matter who was the commander-in-chief.

They joined the army with guns, all they wanted was a full meal and a monthly salary.

They recognized Long Nanguang because he paid their wages on time while he was alive.

Now that Long Nanguang is dead, if this new Mr. Lin can also pay salaries on time, what's wrong with changing masters? Maybe the new commander-in-chief is even more generous than Long Nanguang.

Many soldiers' eyes had changed from wary to expectant, and their gun barrels had unconsciously lowered a bit.

The leading officers exchanged glances.

The scarred captain and the stubble-faced officer huddled together and whispered a few words, glancing at Lin Yi every now and then.

Their concerns are different from those of the soldiers—they care about their own position.

With a new leader in charge, will I be able to keep my position? Will I be able to retain my power?

Lin Yi didn't give them much time to think.

He walked slowly out of the main hall and stood on the steps, his posture upright. Wherever his gaze swept, the soldiers who had been whispering to each other immediately shut up.

Everyone heard the bursts of gunfire that had just filled the hall.

A dozen people were lying on the ground, but the person in front of them didn't even have a scratch.

Furthermore, given the detailed and convincing account given by Deputy Chen, everyone understood that regardless of whether Wang Mazi and Li Erlengzi were truly assassins, this person in front of them was absolutely not to be trifled with.

Michelle, holding her younger sister Michelle's hand, followed them to the entrance of the main hall.

Her hands were still trembling slightly, but her face had regained its composure.

She cleared her throat, her voice not loud, but every word was clear in the quiet courtyard:

"Brothers, I am Michelin. I witnessed what just happened—"

It was Wang Mazi and his men who attempted to assassinate the commander-in-chief, but thanks to Mr. Lin's timely intervention, they were stopped. However, they ultimately couldn't save the commander-in-chief's life.

She paused here, bowing her head slightly, as if in silent mourning for her deceased husband. Then she raised her head and continued:

"Mr. Lin is kind-hearted and highly skilled in martial arts. Now that the commander-in-chief has passed away, Yun County cannot be without a leader for even a day."

I hope all brothers will heed Lieutenant Chen's words and support Mr. Lin in taking charge of the overall situation.

This is the wish of the General in heaven, and also the wish of me, his widow.

As Long Nan Guangming's lawfully wedded wife, Michelle's words carried far more weight than those of Deputy Chen.

Since she testified, it's tantamount to sealing the fate of Long Nanguang's death.

Even if the soldiers present had some doubts, they couldn't find any reason to refute them.

The scarred officer and the stubble-bearded officer exchanged another glance, and this time they both nodded.

Scarface stepped forward and saluted Lin Yi, his attitude much more submissive than before.

"Since both Madam and Lieutenant Chen say so, we naturally trust them."

This matter is of utmost importance. More than two thousand brothers in Yun County, as well as the city's security, merchants, and gentry, all need a new commander to take charge.

"Mr. Lin, would you be willing to assume the position of Commander-in-Chief and protect the people of Yun County?"

Lin Yi nodded.

"As long as you sincerely support me, I will naturally protect you."

You've all probably heard of the Ren family. I'm the son-in-law of the Ren family. Putting everything else aside, the Ren family will absolutely guarantee the brothers' military pay from now on.

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the faces of all the soldiers present.

These men wore patched military uniforms, carried rusty rifles, and wore shoes so worn that their toes were almost showing.

That bastard Long Nanguang lives a life of luxury, while his soldiers are so poor. It would be a miracle if they didn't cut their pay.

"Military pay will be paid in full and on time every month, without deductions or delays. All accounts regarding rations and pay will be kept by designated personnel, transparent and open, and distributed to everyone. Anyone who dares to embezzle—"

He paused, his gaze lingering for a second on the scarred and stubble-faced officer. "Don't blame me for being impolite."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of all the soldiers present lit up.

Although the payment of wages was not too delayed when Long Nanguang was alive, it was an open secret that officers deducted wages at every level.

When the soldiers finally received their share, those who were supposed to receive five yuan only received three, and those who were supposed to receive three yuan only received one. Everyone was angry but dared not speak out.

Now that the new commander-in-chief has taken office, he says he will make the accounts public and distribute the money in full. Isn't this going to cut off the source of income for those officers who are exploiting the soldiers?

The soldiers' faces lit up with joy, and a few of the bolder ones clapped their hands on the spot.

Scarface and the other officers didn't look so pleased.

They all had a history of withholding wages to varying degrees, and Lin Yi's words were practically spitting poison on them in front of everyone.

But they dared not retaliate—the surrounding soldiers were already agitated, and anyone who objected now would be shot in the back that night.

Lin Yi watched as the officers suppressed their dissatisfaction but dared not utter a sound, and secretly sneered in his heart.

These blood-drinking scumbags were exactly the blood packs he had reserved.

Once they have given their last drop of blood, there will naturally be more suitable people to take their place.

"Don't be upset." Lin Yi's tone suddenly softened, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly. "I won't pursue the past anymore."

Starting today, officers' pay will be doubled.

As long as you do your best to lead your troops and defend the city, you will receive everything you are entitled to.

The dissatisfaction on Scarface and the others' faces immediately dissipated by more than half.

The men exchanged glances, took a step back simultaneously, raised their hands in a somewhat perfunctory military salute, and shouted, "We are willing to support Mr. Lin as the new Commander-in-Chief of Yun County! We are ready to obey the Commander-in-Chief's orders!"

"We support Commander Lin! We are ready to obey his orders!"

Dozens of soldiers shouted in unison, their voices rising and falling, echoing throughout the front courtyard of the Marshal's Mansion.

The soldiers holding guns raised their muzzles, their tense and wary expressions vanishing, replaced by anticipation and excitement.

Lieutenant Chen stood on the edge of the steps, his back soaked with cold sweat, and finally let out a long sigh of relief.

He strode to Lin Yi's side, bent down, and smiled broadly: "General, now that the situation is settled, what should be done with General Long's remains?"

"According to local customs, prepare a coffin and choose an auspicious day for the burial," Lin Yi instructed calmly. "Immediately send someone to inform the entire army and all brothers that the new commander is to convene a meeting at the Marshal's Mansion early tomorrow morning."

"Yes, sir!" Deputy Officer Chen accepted the order without delay and quickly dispatched several soldiers to relay it.

He walked with much lighter steps—his life and his official position were both saved. Although the new warlord was ruthless, as long as he didn't do anything stupid, he shouldn't be as confused as Long Nanguang, turning his head 180 degrees.

The soldiers in the front yard also dispersed as instructed.

Some stayed behind to clean up the corpses and bloodstains in the main hall, while several guards hurriedly carried Long Nanguang's body onto a stretcher and covered it with a white cloth.

The bodies of Wang Mazi and Li Erlengzi were also dragged out, while the dozen or so soldiers who had been killed by Lin Yi were carried to the morgue.

The bloodstains remaining on the bluestone floor of the main hall were rinsed twice with water by several orderly soldiers and wiped repeatedly with a mop, but faint dark red marks were still left.

The stench of blood in the air wouldn't dissipate anytime soon, so we had to keep the doors and windows open for ventilation.

Ren Tingting stood in the corner of the main hall the whole time, without saying a word.

It wasn't that she didn't want to speak; it was that she knew Lin Yi needed to step in and take charge in this situation.

Once the soldiers had mostly dispersed, she walked over to Lin Yi and gently touched his arm.

"Ayi, you're a great general now." Her voice was soft, with a hint of pride and a complex mix of emotions that were hard to define.

This man, who was her fiancé in the morning, has now become the warlord of Yun County. This rapid change in status has left her somewhat dazed.

Lin Yi glanced down at her, said nothing, and simply patted the back of her hand lightly.

Michelle walked forward, leading her younger sister, Mi Nianying. Still somewhat embarrassed in front of Lin Yi after the earlier misunderstanding, the blush on her ears hadn't completely faded.

But as the widow of the warlord's mansion, she had to say what needed to be said. She stood before Lin Yi, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

"General," she said politely, yet with a noticeable distance, "we hope you will keep your promise. Would you be so kind as to allow my sister and me to leave?"

Lin Yi looked at her. Sunlight streamed down from the courtyard ceiling, falling on Michelle and giving her plain white cheongsam a faint glow.

She stood in the moonlight, her figure well-proportioned, her features delicate. Although her complexion was still somewhat pale, the unique charm of a mature woman was undeniable.

Lin Yi thought of Michelin from the original drama.

Michelle was Lin Fengjiao's first love. The two were unable to be together for various reasons. Michelle married Long Nanguang and later became pregnant with Long Nanguang's child. She was targeted by an evil spirit, which triggered a series of events.

Now that Long Nanguang is dead and Michelle isn't pregnant yet, will the new Mr. Zombie storyline still happen? If it doesn't, won't he miss out on the reward?

Should we pick up where we left off?

A thought suddenly popped into Lin Yi's mind.

If he lets Michelle go now, the new Mr. Zombie storyline will essentially be over.

Long Nanguang is dead, Michelin is gone, and the entire storyline has ceased to exist.

If he keeps Michelin...

Lin Yi's gaze lingered on Michelle's face for a second longer—

To be honest, Guan Jie's portrayal of Michelin is indeed very charming.

Every move she makes exudes the charm of a mature woman, completely different from the naive young girl Ren Tingting.

Furthermore, given her special status as a widow, Lin Yi, though not harboring any ill intentions towards Cao Cao, couldn't help but take a few more glances.

More importantly, Michelle is the junior sister of Maoshan Sect and also Uncle Nine's white moonlight. With her, you become involved with the entire Maoshan Sect...

Lin Yi looked at Michelle, her tone calm, but her words were anything but: "In this chaotic world, where can two weak women like you go?"

You may continue to live in the courtyard behind the Marshal's Mansion, and your daily necessities will remain the same. No one will make things difficult for you. It's better than wandering outside."

Michelle looked up and met Lin Yi's gaze. When he said those words just now, she clearly felt that his gaze towards her was different—there was something more inexplicable in it.

She wasn't an naive young girl; she knew what it meant when a man looked at a woman with that kind of gaze.

That bastard! He was just saying so seriously that she was overthinking things, and now he's saying this—isn't that just plainly trying to keep her here?

They said "You can stay," but their tone clearly implied "You're not leaving."

She turned and glanced at her younger sister.

Mi Nianying shrank behind her, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes, her round eyes still glistening with tears of shock.

This girl just got into the county's girls' high school this year. She's only fifteen and doesn't know anything.

Their parents had passed away long ago, and the two sisters depended on each other for survival. If they left the Marshal's Mansion now, where could she take her sister?

Should we go back to Maoshan?

The journey was fraught with chaos and war. It was questionable whether she, a frail woman, could safely reach Maoshan with a fifteen-year-old girl.

What if she stayed in Yun County? She was a widow, without a husband, without relatives, only a younger sister. How could she survive in this chaotic world? Should she wash clothes for others? Or work as a factory worker?

She lived as the warlord's wife for more than half a year. Although she didn't live a life of luxury, she was at least waited on and waited on.

She wasn't really willing to start from scratch and make a living on her own.

After all the calculations, staying is the most realistic option.

The Marshal's Mansion provided food and lodging, and my younger sister was able to continue her studies.

As for the other thoughts hidden in Lin Yi's eyes—she bit her lip and sighed inwardly.

She was already a withered flower, so why should she be afraid of Lin Yi, a young and handsome man?

She thought of Lin Fengjiao.

Uncle Nine is a pain that will never fade in her heart—that fool, who was clearly in love with her back in Maoshan, but pushed her away because he was "single-mindedly focused on cultivating Taoism."

She is now Long Nanguang's widow, a withered and fallen woman, how could she possibly have the face to go back to Lin Fengjiao?

That's it. Since it's already like this, then let's stay.

At least Lin Yi is good-looking, much better than Long Nanguang.

"Okay." Michelle raised her head, the hesitation and struggle on her face gradually fading, replaced by a resigned calm. "Then we'll stay here."