The next day, a cold wind began to blow again.
The group rose early and ate a hearty breakfast.
With two professionals on board, the research on the infectious substance advanced at an undeniable pace.
That morning, Su Jin gathered ice, divided it into identical containers holding varying amounts, and heated it into water.
Each container held a different concentration of the grey substance, and he numbered every single one.
This step relied entirely on his unique sight.
Based on his naked-eye observation of the grey mist's density, he drew a grayscale reference chart on white paper with a pencil for the two experts to use.
Afterward, guided by Sun Ya and Wei De, he made a few minor adjustments to correct errors and compensate for blind spots.
Under the experts' direction, this supernatural, invisible matter known as the grey mist was subjected to quantifiable testing within a remarkably short time.
By the time they wrapped up the experimental phase, it was already noon.
The two elderly men remained in the makeshift laboratory in the secondary bedroom, still busy with their observations.
When Su Jin stepped out of the room, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.
The Fu family was sitting in the living room, entirely at a loss for what to do.
After sitting idle for hours, visible anxiety was written across Fu Hu and his wife's faces.
Su Jin swept a glance over them and understood immediately.
Out of consideration for what they had been through, he had not assigned them anything yet.
Now, he had to give this family something to do.
Whether to distract them or help them contribute to the team, resting any longer would only make their mental strain worse.
Perhaps staying busy was the better way to rest.
Before Su Jin could speak, Fu Hu stood up and stammered, "Director... what should I do?"
"Wait right here." Leaving behind those words, Su Jin ran up to the fourth floor.
After several round trips, a pile of supplies had accumulated in the living room.
There were stones of various sizes, rolls of clothing and sheet aluminum... and a sack of pig feed.
Catching his breath, Su Jin planted his hands on his hips and said, "Lao Fu, the stones and the stuff in that bag are for you and your daughter.
"Right now, you don't need to do anything else except train inside the apartment to build up your physical strength and stamina! Focus mainly on your arms and legs, as well as your lung capacity.
"There's also the bow and arrows. Open both our front doors, clear the entryway... hang up a quilt as a target, and practice hard. You'll need it later."
As Su Jin spoke, he pointed at the sack of pig feed on the floor. "Take a scoop of what's inside before and after you train. It'll help you build muscle quickly and relieve fatigue."
Fu Hu scratched his head. "Director, isn't that pig feed?"
"Pig feed? What pig feed! That's a specially mixed training supplement I prepared for you in advance. I just used a pig feed sack because it holds a lot," Su Jin replied, completely straight-faced. "If you're not sure how to train, I'll teach you..."
Even though the sack said pig feed, what was inside was the genuine article.
Pure whey protein!
The fitness market in this world had never developed, and public awareness of whey protein's true value was practically nonexistent.
The protein powder eaten by gym enthusiasts had once been treated like swill for rural pigpens!
When he had first discovered the whey protein at the slaughterhouse, he had been ecstatic!
Perfect protein... and who knew, there might even be some precious veterinary medicines mixed in to fight disease!
Beyond that, finding it at the slaughterhouse had given him an idea at the time.
Pharmacies strictly controlled any potent medicines, but veterinary drugs had far fewer restrictions.
Later, obtaining antibiotics had been child's play.
Although their standards and specifications certainly did not meet human-grade requirements, given the state of the world now, such minor impurities meant nothing at all.
His only regret was failing to get testosterone.
If he had testosterone, giving Fu Qingdai a couple of injections would have made her muscle mass explode!
There was no need to worry about side effects, either. If real danger struck, the zombies would send her to the grave long before the hormones could rocket her off to planet steroid.
Listening to Su Jin's explanation, Fu Hu looked completely bewildered and hesitated. "Director, training is fine by me. But my daughter... she's just a girl, what could she possibly gain from it? What if something happens and she's too weak to move..."
"She'll be weak if she doesn't train!" Su Jin said sternly. "Lao Fu, I won't mince words with you now. You're just uneducated and stuck in old-fashioned ways!
"We're safe for the short term. Even though girls build muscle slower, their muscle recruitment improves quickly. Everything I just told you..."
After hearing it all, Fu Hu remained thoroughly baffled, but his expression grew dead serious.
"Director, even if I don't quite get the theory, I understand what needs to be done."
"Very good. That's settled then." Su Jin turned toward Zhang Wan, who looked somewhat ill at ease, and softened his tone. "Sister-in-law.
"I know you're frightened, but since I'm here, as an official of the state—quite apart from Qingdai's special circumstances—it's my duty to protect you. I'll watch over your family to the very end. Put your mind at ease."
Tears welled in Zhang Wan's eyes, and she nodded repeatedly.
"Collect yourself, because I have a task for you as well." Su Jin looked toward the materials on the floor. "You know how to sew. I need you to redesign these clothes and fabrics, stitch pockets onto them, and cut the aluminum strips to slide inside.
"First, ensure flexibility, and second, make sure the protection is comprehensive without leaving any blind spots. With your professional skill, I'm sure it won't pose a problem."
Inspecting the garments on the floor, Zhang Wan nodded. "That's not hard. I should be able to manage."
"Excellent! Sister-in-law, this is a vital link in our safety." Su Jin looked at Zhang Wan with focused intensity. "Our lives are in your hands."
"Yes, don't worry... I won't mess it up."
***
By afternoon, lunch was finished.
Suiting up again with thorough protective gear, Su Jin hurried downstairs carrying a thin sheet of iron.
He did not plan on searching for new recruits in the building today.
The two experts were busy researching the infectious matter, and later, before night fell, they would need to dissect a zombie.
His physical strength and stamina were limited, so he had to remain in top shape when recruiting newcomers to prevent unexpected mishaps.
Besides, dragging things out a bit longer was not a bad idea. The longer people held out on their own, the stronger their resolve would become.
Forming a team in haste would only bring along the weak-willed, who were better left behind.
Despite having laid out that plan, upon reaching the first floor, Su Jin still knocked on the doors of the two ground-floor units.
Hearing faint shuffling footsteps followed by thuds against the door, he let out a sigh and walked out of the building.
Both families on the ground floor had been wiped out.
Although the floodwaters had not submerged their units, he had seen zombies knocking on their windows the next morning... Both households had opened their windows. It seemed they were completely gone.
Outside the building, the moment Su Jin emerged, people on the upper floors behind him and in the opposite building began shouting and crying for help.
Su Jin ignored them, swiftly drew his gun, estimated the distance, and dispatched the only two remaining zombies.
He then found a nearby zombie corpse, covered it with the sheet of iron, and dragged it back.
He had no idea whether these things could suddenly reanimate, but covering it up would buy him enough time to react if one abruptly lunged.
Fortunately, the worst did not happen. He hauled two corpses in succession, placing both inside Wang Song's apartment.
Chapter 31