Chapter 214 - 146: Ambushed in the Alley (Part 2)

So, when Han Lei proposed this plan and got Zhao Zun’s approval. That very night, the system rewarded her with a staggering amount of gold.

Zhao Zun has a heavy workload at Beiguan, including overseeing the construction of the bastion, adjusting the military structure, training assault and city guard teams to use modern firearms, drafting weapon management rules, and assigning ordinary soldiers to open up wasteland for farming.

Therefore, Zhao Zun and twenty trusted aides still need to stay at Beiguan for the time being.

Han Lei only needs to stay in Yong’an City until the bastion reaches a preliminary scale. After teaching the trusted aides further use and maintenance of firearms, she will leave enough materials and return to Fufeng County to oversee local development.

Meanwhile, the construction of the bastion is proceeding as planned. During the half month Zhao Zun and Han Lei were at Beiguan, the cement factory in Fufeng County experienced rapid development as well.

At the cement factory, all five kilns are in operation. Due to the rudimentary equipment, the cement production is not much, but it barely manages to keep up with the road and house building schedule here.

Excavating the water channel could have been done with a small excavator, but because Han Le has too much to handle, and operating the excavator is not as simple as driving a three-wheel truck.

Han Lei has not yet had time to select technical talents to learn excavator operation.

Therefore, the water channels drawn from Qu Linjiang are being manually dug by laborers with shovels and pickaxes.

This team is getting larger, with newly recruited laborers and craftsmen arriving daily.

Those who have just arrived and do not yet know what they can do are all sent to dig water channels and learn to drive the three-wheeler as transport workers.

Hua Tianyou is very attentive to training the new recruits, and with his guidance, the recruits change day by day, with great improvements in their spirit and demeanor.

At the moment, Hua Tianyou stands in the parade ground of the camp, his gaze sweeping over rows of neatly lined up new recruits.

His voice is loud and powerful, repeatedly commanding the soldiers in their drills.

A few months ago, Hua Tianyou was still a notable figure in the Capital City’s circle of playboys, embodying the air of a wealthy young master.

After several months of training at the Beiguan Camp, his once frail and sickly body has undergone noticeable changes.

Now, having taken on the task of training new recruits, he is mindful to set a good example for them with every gesture.

With ongoing practice, he has gradually shed his frivolousness, with a touch of determination and calmness now visible in his expression.

After training concluded, Hua Tianyou wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked up at the sky.

The evening sun’s afterglow painted the freshly paved cement ground in the camp with a golden hue.

Feeling inspired, Hua Tianyou thought of Zhao Ling’er, who was busy over at the poultry farm.

Since Zhao Ling’er followed Ms. Li and Eleven to the cement factory, she found everything here quite interesting.

The population gathered by Eleven in Jingzhou began arriving gradually. Zhao Ling’er, having attended school and being literate, spent these days by Ms. Li’s side, helping with tasks like accounting and record-keeping.

Despite leaving early and returning late every day, she always had a smile, feeling more fulfilled than when she stayed home barely stepping outside.

Hua Tianyou quickly headed toward the poultry farm and saw from afar Zhao Ling’er squatting on the ground, holding an account book and meticulously recording something.

Her long hair, styled casually like Han Lei’s, was tied back, and a few strands were gently blown by the wind, highlighting the softness of her profile.

"Ling’er, still busy?" Hua Tianyou approached, his voice carrying a hint of concern.

Zhao Ling’er looked up, and upon seeing Hua Tianyou, her face broke into a smile, "Tianyou, why are you here again? Finished training the new recruits?"

"Yes, just finished." Hua Tianyou squatted down and glanced at the account book in her hands, "Are these accounts complicated? Do you need my help?"

Zhao Ling’er shook her head, smiling, "No need, I can manage these. But you’ve been training all day, surely you’re tired, why not rest?"

Hua Tianyou chuckled and gazed at her warmly, "I’m not tired, but you, don’t overwork yourself with these chores."

Zhao Ling’er lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, "I don’t find it tiring. I’m happy to be of help."

The two fell silent for a while, with a subtle atmosphere seemingly coursing between them.

At this moment, Eleven passed by and jokingly remarked, "Mr. Hua, have you made the poultry farm your second camp? Why do you come here every day?"

"Get lost! Go do your work. Can’t I come to check on Ling’er?" Hua Tianyou glared at him.