The political affairs group meeting had just concluded and dispersed.
Shirley suddenly appeared in the corridor.
Zhang Chen was distributing crystal cores to his subordinates, and Shirley, as his first servant, was naturally not neglected.
Based on strength, Shirley's current combat power was only slightly inferior to Zhao Xiyue.
Moreover, she possessed dual talents in assassination and excelled at stealth. She had been hiding in the shadows for so long, yet no one had detected her.
"Shirley? Looking for me?"
Zhao Xiyue managed to rally her weary state and asked with a smile.
"Yes, Researcher Xu and several other researchers have been working day and night to overcome technical difficulties and will not have time for other matters in the short term."
"I heard the deterioration virus leaked, so I was sent to understand what happened."
Shirley knew Zhao Xiyue had an unusual relationship with Zhang Chen, hence her very polite tone.
"It really is a virus from the research institute... Actually, it's not a big deal. Even in the apocalypse, occasional casualties are normal."
"It's just that Brother Chen just established his dynasty, and something happened right after he left. I feel guilty for not guarding the rear for him."
Zhao Xiyue said with a hint of shame.
"This cannot be blamed on you; someone must be causing trouble."
"The deterioration virus was stored in the laboratory's cold storage, and the laboratory strictly prohibits outsiders from entering."
"Anyone who could enter the laboratory and precisely obtain the deterioration virus sample must be an insider."
"I just need to check who has been absent recently, and it won't be difficult to find out..."
"However..."
Shirley said with a frown.
"However, what?" Zhao Xiyue pressed.
"However, this person is definitely not the mastermind. The personnel in the laboratory have been fixed for a long time, and nothing has happened until now."
"An incident suddenly occurring now, especially in the fifth high-wall city, means there must be someone pulling the strings behind all of this!"
Shirley narrowed her eyes.
She had experienced an apocalypse once, and under the Soul Organization, she had seen her fill of human deceit.
One day, two people could share a can of luncheon meat as brothers, and the next day, they could be chopped to death by their brother.
Shirley was long accustomed to all sorts of schemes, conspiracies, and the chilling indifference of the world.
"That's right. If this mastermind isn't found, this incident might just be the opening act."
"There will be a series of events that we won't be able to handle!"
Zhao Xiyue nodded in agreement.
She thought for a moment but could not figure it out, her brow furrowing in confusion.
"Logically speaking, the apocalypse outside has not been completely resolved. According to Professor Xiao Guanghan's thinking, we are still living in the apocalypse, and for everyone to continue surviving, they must rely on the strong."
"But this incident is clearly aimed at Researcher Xu. She is in charge of the survivor camp's technological research, which can be considered helpful to the weak."
"The strong can resist monsters with their own strength, while the weak can arm themselves with technology to resist monsters."
"These people cripple technology and then drive away the strong. In the end, what will they have left? It's a completely self-defeating act! I really can't understand why they would do this!"
Shirley smiled wryly and shook her head, gently patting Zhao Xiyue's shoulder.
"Team Leader Zhao, you are truly... a bit naive... perhaps that's why the Master likes you..."
"In the apocalypse, many people's minds are twisted and perverted. Some of them appear normal on the surface, but in reality, they have suffered torment and pain that we cannot imagine. Their minds have already become deformed."
"They do these things simply because it's fun, or just to make others suffer the same pain as themselves."
"I've seen too many people like this. You should know Zuo Nan..."
"Zuo Nan? Is he also...?" Zhao Xiyue was startled.
Zuo Nan was still living in Zhang Chen's manor, responsible for guarding the gate. If he had a problem, that would be disastrous!
Shirley quickly waved her hands to explain.
"No, I mean, Zuo Nan was once a slave and has definitely seen more psychologically deformed and perverted people than I have!"
"To be able to survive with a normal mindset like him is absolutely a rare gem, and they are beings with extremely strong willpower!"
Hearing this, Zhao Xiyue finally nodded in relief.
"Furthermore..." Shirley continued, "The virus leak will affect Researcher Xu and you. This is definitely not something the Master would want to see. I will investigate this matter in secret. If you have any actions that are inconvenient for others to know, you can also let me handle them."
"Then... go investigate this Wang Haian. I always feel like there's something wrong with him!"
Zhao Xiyue said.
"Okay. If I discover any suspicious behavior from him, should I execute him on the spot or bring him back for you to interrogate?"
Shirley asked.
"If possible, it's best to bring him back for interrogation, but there must be evidence."
"The dynasty has just been established, and it's precisely when we need to build our prestige. Let him die with understanding, and I also want to know if he has any accomplices."
Zhao Xiyue analyzed cautiously.
"Alright, Team Leader Zhao, I will complete the mission!"
Shirley nodded and then disappeared into the shadows again.
Zhao Xiyue leaned back in her seat and pondered.
Currently, there were clearly not enough strong individuals in the city.
The fourth and fifth high-wall cities were quite far apart. The fourth high-wall city was manageable; with Zhao Xiyue, Xu Ruina, Shirley, and Xiaobai, the lineup was relatively stable.
However, in the fifth high-wall city, there was only Mo Ran. Although there were many followers of the True God Cult there, their combat power was ordinary.
Fortunately, this virus outbreak occurred during peacetime. If it had happened during a monster attack, Mo Ran alone would not have been able to hold them off.
It wasn't that her strength was insufficient, but the fifth high-wall city was too vast, making it impossible for her to be everywhere at once!
She had to find a reliable helper for Mo Ran!
Zhao Xiyue opened the organizational structure chart. This was internal data, which clearly marked the strength of individuals in various positions and their ongoing tasks.
Basically, all the strong individuals had been dispatched.
The remaining ones were not capable enough.
Zhao Xiyue pointed at the names on the table with her finger, verifying their tasks one by one to see if anyone could return early to provide support.
Suddenly, she saw a familiar name!
Bai Hanlin!
He hadn't returned since receiving Zhang Chen's order to take over a camp half a month ago.
Although he responded every time he was contacted and clearly stated he was not in danger, he refused to explain why he wasn't returning to report.
In this time of crisis, no matter what, this powerful "Dream Nightmare" expert had to be summoned back quickly.
If he could garrison the fifth high-wall city, it would be foolproof.