"Have you noticed something? Although Happiness City has established its basic industries, it’s almost a blank slate when it comes to consumer goods. For instance, the cheapest notebook at the grocery store is 25 tokens, but once the supply chain is rolled out, it can be reduced to 10 tokens. Another example is the room renovations after the construction of the Satellite City. If we set up a lightbulb factory, how many people would come to us for consumption? As long as we can preemptively capture the market, even a niche one, there will be a continuous flow of funds to develop the town and community in the future."

Regarding the final grand vision, Cheng Ye spoke rapidly, leaving little time for others to react.

This was to promote cooperation and strengthen everyone’s determination, rather than a plan that could be implemented in the short term.

To be honest, he also wanted to make televisions in Happiness City, instead of just having a radio, so that people could watch some programs to relax after work.

He wanted to form a film crew, shoot documentaries that record infection source characteristics, and wilderness survival skills, to help more people survive in the wasteland.

He even thought about producing cars and developing smart devices. The basic industry of Happiness City already had its prototype. As long as the Satellite City could be expanded, and the consumer base reached a certain level, these would not be pipe dreams.

But to the community members who haven’t fully detached from the "subsistence line," these ideas are too distant!

Speaking them out would instead seem unrealistic.

It would be better to plant the seeds of "light industry" first, and once Dapo Town truly develops, everything else will follow naturally.

"Brother Cheng, all the fish are killed!" Wang Kang wiped his hands as he walked in from the side entrance of the mall, with a hint of unfulfilled regret in his tone, "I originally wanted to practice some more, but with everyone getting four or five fish each, it didn’t take long to finish. My knife just got sharpened!"

These words sounded like a report on the progress of the fish processing, but Cheng Ye couldn’t help but smile slightly at the corners of his mouth.

Kang, you really came at the right time.

Sure enough, these words struck a chord with everyone.

The expressions of the three Elders shifted slightly, and the hesitation in their eyes completely disappeared, others clenched their fists in response.

"Inspector Cheng, we’ll work with you!" Someone shouted first, and then others echoed, "Yes! We’ll follow you to Dapo Town!" "As long as we can earn money and have a home, no hardship or toil is feared!"

The voices rose and fell in the reception area, even making the air feel warmer.

"Great! With those words from you all, I feel reassured!" Cheng Ye’s smile widened, but he changed his tone, "However, let’s get the unpleasant part out front; I need to set some ground rules if you follow my lead, you must abide by my rules."

As he spoke, he took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket, clearly pre-prepared.

"These are rules I revised based on the old Pioneer Corps, tailored to the situation in Dapo Town, with some details added. Elder He, can you take a look for me to see if they are reasonable?"

Elder He hurriedly took it, unfolded the paper, and scrutinized it. There weren’t many rules, only ten, mostly similar to the discipline of the Pioneer Corps.

Such as obeying commands, no hoarding of supplies, watching each other’s backs on missions, and so on.

But there were two significantly better points: one was the compensation, which not only prioritized arranging family members to work in factories but also provided sufficient compensation after sacrifices, solving future concerns.

The second was the merit reward, as long as one stood out in construction, fishing, or defense, they could earn merits, which could be exchanged for supplies when accumulated to a certain extent, even receiving better job assignments or early retirement.

The only difference from the Corps’ rules was the last one.

Cheng Ye clearly requested that everyone who followed him to Dapo Town must be "absolutely obedient."

Even if it seemed like a command contrary to common sense, it had to be executed first, and then the reason could be asked afterward.

However, it also explained: all commands assume ’no sacrifice of life and no harm to collective interests’ as a premise, merely to avoid short-term risks and ensure long-term development.’

After reading, Elder He couldn’t help nodding in approval: "Inspector Cheng, these rules are well set! Especially the compensation and merits; they’re better than the Corps’ benefits back then, people will definitely comply. As for being absolutely obedient, I think it’s fine, Dapo Town is a new place with complex situations. If everyone had their own ideas, it would rather cause trouble."

He paused and looked at everyone present, "All of you were brought out by me, you should know the importance of obeying orders. Inspector Cheng will not send you to your death; as long as we work well together, we’re sure to have good days ahead!"

"Yes! Elder He is right!" Long and Er Long responded first, and other militia members nodded as well.

"Then I am reassured." Cheng Ye felt relieved in his heart, the most difficult step was finally taken.

Perhaps in others’ eyes, recruiting people from Celestial Essence Community was straightforward because of his position.

But only he himself knew how difficult this step was.

To lead a group of people who were used to the stability of the Buffer Zone back into the Wilderness and make them do solid work was completely different from bringing them out while still cleaning up after them.

"Elder He, as for the subsequent selection of people, I’ll have to trouble you. Prioritize those with family ties, who are reliable and can follow orders. We don’t ask for numbers, only for unity."

"Don’t worry!" Elder He patted his chest in assurance, "I will go tally up the list right now, within three days, I will certainly gather three hundred reliable hands to start retraining. With me around, I assure you everyone will follow the rules, there’s no need for you to worry!"

Elder Zhou quickly added: "I’ll also arrange the factory workers, explaining the benefits and rules to the residents tomorrow, screen them one by one through interviews, and ensure those who are chosen are nimble and reliable, with no slackers!"

Seeing this, those present also began to speak, each busy taking on tasks, except for Elder Song, who hadn’t spoken.

Finally, when things were almost settled, as Cheng Ye stood up to leave, he leisurely said, "Inspector Cheng, this old body of mine can’t handle the hustle of the Wilderness anymore, I won’t go to Dapo Town with you to add to the chaos."

"But rest assured, I’ll safeguard the pedestrian street here for you, certainly will!"

...