Chapter 168 - 160: A Port Base Defense Upgrade and Modification Blueprint (Authentic)

Chapter 168: Chapter 160: A Port Base Defense Upgrade and Modification Blueprint (Authentic)

"Yu Dong, a lack of logistics will wear out the combatants."

"We can’t have our fighters wasting all their energy and morale on corpse disposal."

"Throughout history—ancient, modern, you name it—any army going to war has always had far more logistics staff than combatants."

"Even in short-range operations, the ratio of logistics to combat personnel must be at least 1:1 to maintain the team’s combat effectiveness."

Wang Dingbei was explaining the realities of war to Yu Dong.

"For example, jobs like hauling zombie corpses, pushing the barricades, and cleaning their wheels—that isn’t work for our main combat personnel. Anyone can handle it. We need to focus our energy on the zombies if we want to be effective."

"Otherwise, forget a blitz; just clearing all of Huangyang Port... nine days will have passed."

"Look at us. We’ve been busy until 4 PM, and we haven’t even pushed into B Port."

Hearing Wang Dingbei’s words, Yu Dong had an epiphany.

"Hmm... I was relying too much on my old habits. More people means different tactics. A lesson learned."

In his past life, there were only a few of them in their community complex, so they had to do everything themselves.

In this life, they had far more people.

Jing Yanwei, who was resting nearby, was a little confused.

"Officer Wang, I understand what you’re saying, but... a lot of people are terrified of zombies and don’t dare to leave the cruise ship. What do we do? We’re police officers. We can’t just force them, can we?"

"Why not?" Wang Dingbei glared. "We’re all human. Is anyone missing two arms and two legs? If we can do it, they can do it. Not killing zombies is one thing, but if they aren’t even willing to do a little work, they don’t deserve a place on this ship. I don’t rescue dead weight."

After hearing this, Yu Dong was reminded of how he managed Sun Shan in his past life, as well as some management theories he’d once heard from a certain Professor Lin.

"Wang, I have an idea."

"Go on."

"We can create a points system. Everyone living on the cruise ship will have to rely on points to get by. Food, clean water, shopping, electricity—things like that will all be tied to points. Then, they can earn points by working. We just need to set the right exchange rates, and we can get everyone to do what we need them to do."

Wang Dingbei listened with interest. "Continue."

"For example, we can offer a high number of points for slightly risky work like going out on logistics runs, a medium amount for safe but skilled jobs like maintaining the walls and tower cranes, and a low amount for simple, danger-free work like weaving fishing nets... This way, people who want more resources will voluntarily participate in combat and logistics. It’ll motivate them."

Wang Dingbei pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and watched the smoke drift upwards.

"You mean... everyone on the ship has the right to enjoy a cigarette, but to buy a pack, they have to pay what a pack is worth."

"Exactly!"

Wang Dingbei’s analogy was spot on. It was completely different from that convoluted mess Cai Hong had set up. His system might as well have had "Crew and Officers: A Privileged Class" written all over it. They kept all the good stuff for themselves and used basic supplies to order others around.

In essence, it was the return of feudalism.

Hearing Yu Dong’s explanation, Zhao Youcai’s eyes lit up.

"Dongzi, does this mean we’re now the capitalists who control the prices? Controlling other people’s destinies through the economy... this is awesome!"

Yu Dong gave a helpless smile. "It’s not that dramatic. It’s just that for long-term operations, we need a reasonable, sustainable policy that everyone can believe in. Everyone has to follow it, and we, especially, have to lead by example."

Yan Yikai heard this and asked excitedly, "Brother Dong! Brother Dong! So what tier of points will combat personnel like us get?"

Yu Dong looked at the circle of people around him, especially the ten "eager volunteers" who had offered to help clear out the zombies. The fact that they had stepped up immediately was already proof of their courage and sense of responsibility.

"Combat personnel will get the highest points. The warriors fighting for humanity deserve the best treatment."

"This is about respect for our fighters."

Hearing Yu Dong’s words, Wang Dingbei also gave a slight nod.

"Hmm... sounds like a solid plan, but this kind of thing isn’t my forte. You and Lin Mo handle it. Just show it to me when you’re done."

After they rested for a while, Lin Mo somehow managed to rally another twenty people to come down, a mix of men and women.

Among them was a round-faced girl who looked utterly defiant and even tried to run back.

Lin Mo grabbed her.

Fu Yuanyuan’s face was full of reluctance. "Dr. Lin, there are so many other people on the ship! Why me? My own father never made me do heavy labor, and now I have to start here? Are you even a woman? Why are you always siding with the men? Do you just do whatever they tell you? Listen to me, stop pandering to them! Only sisters can help sisters, especially in the apocalypse. We should be sticking together!"

Lin Mo just calmly turned Fu Yuanyuan around to face outward, pointing her in the direction of Yu Dong and the others.

"Look. Most of the combat personnel are men. If respecting them is ’pandering to men’... then I think we should all do a little pandering."

"But..."

"No buts, Yuanyuan. The combat personnel have done their job. Now it’s time for you to do yours. If you can complete this task, I’ll add some points to your psychological evaluation."

"Huh? What kind of points?"

"The life-or-death points that determine whether you’re fit to remain on this ship."

Although a faint smile played on Lin Mo’s lips, Fu Yuanyuan saw the ice in her eyes.

She shuddered, then silently followed the large group down to get to work.