Chapter Eighteen: First Encounter with Hu Sanhan

That was once the scene Chen Yi least wished to witness. His close friend Lu Kai, tortured to death by the Madman right before his eyes—this image was carved into his memory like a blade, impossible to forget. In this life, he swore to kill the Madman with his own hands and avenge his friend.

“Madman…” Chu Yunxi frowned, both she and Lu Kai visibly surprised. The name itself seemed to brim with danger.

“Yes, that man is extraordinary—extremely dangerous,” Chen Yi nodded. He could see their confusion, but chose not to explain how he knew all this. Instead, he immediately began to consolidate and tally up their current resources and all remaining people.

After an hour, the census of their settlement was complete. Originally, more than a thousand people had gathered here; now, only 333 remained. The elderly, the sick, the frail—all had been dragged by Wang Dong to serve as cannon fodder. Not a single person left was over fifty. Such brutal reality was the true face of the apocalypse!

At this moment, Chen Yi stood atop the platform, looking down at the crowd.

“In the world as it is now, survival demands order,” he declared. “And I am the new order of this settlement! All supplies must be distributed by my hand. If you want provisions, you must contribute. Whether it’s through killing zombies or building up this settlement, every effort can be exchanged for resources. But I will not tolerate any form of profiteering—sell supplies behind my back, and you’ll be exiled. Remember, there’s but one rule here: what I say, goes!”

His uncompromising speech left the crowd in silence. They supported Chen Yi because of his strength, and also for his vision of order. No one voiced dissent. All awaited the beginning of their new lives.

Afterward, Chen Yi appointed Chu Yunxi as head of logistics, and made Lu Kai leader of the resource search team. No one objected. Those carrying weapons and who had quickly chosen to follow him were made temporary captains of the special training camp. He also officially named their new base: New City Base—a symbol of new beginnings.

…

The next three days saw the New City Base running with remarkable efficiency under Chen Yi’s leadership. Newly built cabins and neatly arranged supplies formed a scene of clear order. Chu Yunxi meticulously oversaw every aspect of logistics, ensuring all provisions were distributed appropriately. Lu Kai led his team tirelessly in search of more resources.

“Boss, these newly found supplies look pretty good,” someone reported. “We found plenty of food and medicine today!” “I came across some electronics that aren’t completely ruined—they might be useful!”

Each team eagerly presented their findings. Chen Yi was well pleased with the results. Now that order had been restored in New City Base, it was time for new endeavors.

On the very first day of resource consolidation, Chen Yi had sent an envoy to Hu Sanhan, the leader of Bright Base in the Eastern District, to propose cooperation. Initially, Hu Sanhan thought little of him, seeing Chen Yi as just another bloodthirsty usurper, no different from the Madman—if anything, more like a demon from hell. He didn’t like him at all.

But over these three days, Hu Sanhan had witnessed the transformation of New City Base. That day, a subordinate from Bright Base arrived, delivering Hu Sanhan’s enthusiastic invitation to Chen Yi.

“It seems the time has come,” Chen Yi said. “Let’s go.”

He accepted without hesitation. Lu Kai stood, eager to accompany him, but Chen Yi waved him off, signaling for them to stay and continue building their home. This was a matter he could handle alone. Hu Sanhan was no petty schemer, and even if there was a trap, Chen Yi was confident he could escape. Too many people would only complicate matters.

Seeing his resolve, Lu Kai and the others relented. “Boss, be careful.” “If anything happens to our boss, we’ll wipe out Bright Base too!” “That’s right! We won’t let anyone harm you!” Their threats left the envoy from Bright Base stunned. He’d heard how Chen Yi had risen to power, but in just a few days, to command such loyalty—this was no ordinary man.

After a half-hour journey, Chen Yi arrived at Bright Base. The place was indeed well-established. Though only ten days had passed since the apocalypse began, life here was already halfway back to normal. The base was housed in a department store, providing abundant supplies from the start. This was how Hu Sanhan had so quickly founded a stronghold.

Soon, Chen Yi was escorted to the ninth floor—a spacious office where he met Hu Sanhan for the first time since his rebirth. He was exactly as memory served: in his forties, towering and burly, muscles taut beneath his clothes. Chen Yi recalled how, in his previous life, Hu Sanhan had been the undisputed ruler of the entire Eastern District.

“So, you’re Chen Yi,” Hu Sanhan said. “There’s a rumor you’re even more formidable than the Madman.”

Chen Yi gave a faint smile. Knowing Hu Sanhan disliked idle chatter, he went straight to the point.

“Brother Hu, may I call you that?”

“I don’t mind.”

“Good. I’ve come for one thing only.”

“What’s that?”

“To kill.”

“You want to kill the Madman?”

Even before Chen Yi could answer, Hu Sanhan had guessed his intent. The air in the office grew tense.

“The Madman is dangerous. He doesn’t play by any rules,” Chen Yi explained. “But that’s also his weakness. He’s more greedy than anyone, and your base will surely be his primary target.”

Chen Yi laid out his reasoning, hoping to win Hu Sanhan’s cooperation. The analysis swayed Hu Sanhan; he well knew his base’s enviable position. The Madman could strike at any moment. In that case, better to strike first.

“All right. What’s your plan?” Hu Sanhan asked, his anticipation clear.

“A trap.”

With just those two words, the plan was set.

“You mean to use me as bait?” Hu Sanhan was shrewd and caught the implication.

“Do you dare? I’ll direct everything.”

Chen Yi picked up the cup of coffee he’d just brewed, draining it at a gulp, and waited quietly for Hu Sanhan’s reply.

Hu Sanhan didn’t answer immediately. Risking the lives of hundreds for a gamble—he couldn’t decide so lightly. Just then, a subordinate burst in.

“Boss Hu, bad news! The Madman’s men have kidnapped your son!”