High-End Talent

On the 3rd floor of the base, in Leon's private reception room.

Amy had specifically instructed the base's chef to prepare a special meal, laying out a very lavish lunch.

Mr. Amrin had accepted the invitation, bringing his two children with him.

Halfway through the meal, both men were slightly tipsy from the wine. Amy, being sensible, took the children to the next room to play.

Leon swirled a glass of red wine, took a sip, and said:

"Professor Amrin, after spending a day here, what are your thoughts on our base?"

Amrin offered a gentle smile. After a day of rest, he had changed into a clean suit, shaved off his messy stubble, and regained that scholarly elegance typical of an intellectual.

He cleared his throat lightly, his tone steady, neither fast nor slow, with a hint of flattery toward the powerful, and said:

"It's very safe, with excellent conditions. Everyone at the base is united and hardworking. To find such a secure refuge in this apocalyptic world is already a blessing from God."

"Of course, I'm even more grateful for your kindness."

"Mr. Castor, as an ordinary technical specialist, I can't offer advice on base construction or the organization's future."

"However, based on my observations over this time, I've found where I can contribute to the organization."

Leon's interest was piqued. He could hear the confidence of a professional beneath Amrin's humble tone.

"Go ahead, Mr. Amrin. I'm a generous boss who doesn't skimp on rewards for anyone who contributes."

Amrin smiled modestly and said:

"My research focuses on electronic engineering and software design. With over 20 years in the field, I've covered most aspects of this knowledge."

"The first thing I can think of is our currency payment system. When I picked up supplies yesterday, I noticed the Logistics Department staff were still using manual record-keeping. It's inefficient and prone to errors."

"I think I could design a proprietary currency management system for the company—a magnetic card payment system, like a scaled-down version of modern banks and supermarkets. All data would be transmitted to a central smart computer. With just one magnetic card, it would serve as both ID and personal bank card, making usage and management much more convenient."

Leon's eyes lit up. He felt such a payment system would befit a high-end organization like Umbrella Corporation. He asked with some excitement:

"What about materials and equipment?"

Feeling the boss's attention, Amrin's confidence grew. He replied:

"I've already asked Ms. Quinn, who manages the warehouse. I found plenty of blank magnetic cards, along with card writers and readers—enough for several hundred people. These are common office supplies. As long as I design the software and load it onto a computer, it should work fine."

Leon was slightly surprised, looking at the university professor with a meaningful gaze.

So he'd prepared in advance. This Professor Amrin was clearly a smart man, knowing how to showcase his abilities to those in power, understanding that valuable people survive better in this world.

He nodded slightly and said with a smile:

"Very good, Professor Amrin. Once this is done, I'll credit you for it. Do you have any other suggestions?"

Amrin's smile widened. He chose his words carefully and continued:

"As you know, Mr. Castor, I used to be the chief engineering consultant for Delta Air Lines. Atlanta is Delta's headquarters, and I know a lot about their operations."

"That includes several large aircraft fuel depots, private aircraft hangars, various advanced equipment, and supplies stockpiled for their many employees."

"I estimate there's over 100,000 tons of fuel there, along with nearly a hundred brand-new small private planes."

"100,000 tons of fuel? And private planes?"

Leon's lips curled into a bright smile.

He felt his power supply for the next few years was secured.

Delta Air Lines was one of America's top major airlines, known as the busiest in the country, with over 4,000 flights daily, 19 airports, and hundreds of routes, providing tens of thousands of jobs in Atlanta.

Atlanta's role as a transportation hub in the southern U.S. was thanks in no small part to this airline.

If Amrin's intel was accurate, his estimates were likely conservative.

Leon felt joy inside but showed a regretful expression on his face, saying:

"Very good. Your intel is useful, Professor Amrin."

"Unfortunately, our current strength isn't enough to take those large bases surrounded by zombies."

"But your information gives us a clear path for the future. I'll credit you for this too."

"Do you have any other suggestions?"

Amrin's smile remained humble. He cleared his throat lightly and said:

"Last year, I worked on programming for a military drone production base, designing the operating system for their reconnaissance drones."

"It's about a hundred kilometers from here. I still remember the location. I estimate there should be a large stock of reconnaissance drones there, with few military personnel and some military equipment."

"It's likely already fallen by now."

"If we could get them, it would significantly boost our reconnaissance capabilities."

Another stunning piece of good news. Leon was almost numb. He kept his smile and asked:

"Any other suggestions, Professor Amrin?"

"The satellite communication system is down now. If Mr. Castor could find a high-power radio station or similar radio transmitter, I'm confident I could build a communication system with wide coverage for the base."

Leon's mouth twitched, but he still asked:

"Anything else?"

Amrin considered for a few seconds before saying:

"I recall that the Georgia Institute of Technology had a well-established disaster emergency system. If the survivors there handled things properly, it's only been a little over a month, so there should still be quite a few survivors to be found."

"By the way, if Mr. Castor intends to visit the Institute, I hope you can bring back as many books from the library as possible. They are the crystallization of human wisdom, the spark of humanity's revival. We can learn a great deal of knowledge from them and rebuild human civilization."

"Is there anything else you'd like to say, Professor?"

"Not for now. Time was too short; these are all I've thought of. If I come up with anything else later, I'll inform you immediately."

Leon took a deep breath, looking at the frail middle-aged man before him with a hint of admiration, and said:

"Professor Amrin, your suggestions are extremely valuable—exactly what we need right now."

"But our strength is limited at the moment. We can't accomplish everything at once; we have to take it step by step."

"You can go back and rest for a few days first, then join the work."

Amrin shook his head silently and said:

"No need for rest, Mr. Castor. I want to start working immediately."

"While waiting to die in that basement, I thought a lot. I've rested far too long. These are critical times; I need to work harder to contribute to humanity."

Leon looked at the university professor in silence for a few moments, then said:

"Alright, Professor Amrin. This afternoon, I'll have Amy arrange your workspace. You can bring any needs to her. But take care of yourself—a good person of value deserves a better life."