Greene Farm

Time flew, and soon it was September.

The warriors of the Security Department had cleared all zombies within three kilometers of the base, rendering this area of over eighteen square kilometers completely safe.

Meanwhile, the employees of the Logistics Department faced their next task: building a wall.

Using materials previously obtained from the Steel Building Materials Factory, they would construct a defensive wall with steel bars and metal mesh as the main body, supported by steel frames. It would encircle an area of twelve square kilometers within a two-kilometer radius of the base—slightly smaller than the famous Foxconn factory from the past.

This way, the base's employees could kill large numbers of zombies through the metal mesh, just like the protagonist group in the prison from the storyline.

But unlike the prison, Umbrella Corporation's walls were professionally designed, with no regard for material costs, making them many times more durable.

A student from the Architecture Department at Polytechnic University confidently guaranteed that this wall would be sturdier than ordinary concrete stone walls, and even a tank would struggle to breach it head-on.

This was another massive project requiring vast resources, time, and labor. According to expert estimates, with the base's current workforce, it would take about two months to complete.

Though troublesome, it was a task with nothing but benefits. Once Umbrella Corporation fully occupied this land, they would gain not only a high-end hotel, three factories with different functions, a small forest, a large grassy area, but also an artificial lake spanning over a thousand square meters.

They'd have both buildings and land to their name.

To ensure the safety of the Logistics staff, Leon had to pull two combat squads from the Security Department—over forty people in total—to accompany them at all times.

The captains of these two squads were Daryl and Merle, who had earned Leon's trust through their loyal performance.

The third squad's captain was Glenn. Though this Korean young man wasn't exceptionally strong, his dedication, courage, and kind character had won Leon's approval.

All three had been promoted to C-class employees, making them some of the few Mid-level Managers in Umbrella Corporation. Even in this post-apocalyptic world, they could enjoy the treatment of ordinary elite professionals from peacetime.

Atlanta in September was still a bit sweltering. Leon lay on a cool lounge chair, enjoying a massage from Amy. Since assigning two assistants to his junior aide, the girl was no longer as busy as before, and in her free time, she devoted more attention to her boss.

"Boss, how's my massage technique?"

Leon let out a couple of comfortable grunts, deliberately nitpicking: "Not bad, but the pressure's too light."

Amy bit her lower lip. "That's not my fault, boss. I'm using all my strength—it's just that your muscles are too developed."

Leon glanced at Amy's slender legs wrapped in black stockings and said, "Why don't you just step on my back instead?"

Amy tilted her head without refusing, but she looked around a bit guiltily, blushed, took off her high heels, climbed onto the lounge chair, and began earnestly walking on his back.

After Leon finished lunch under Amy's care, a communication request came in from Glenn.

"Glenn, have you guys eaten yet?"

"We've already eaten, boss. The insulated self-heating boxes designed by the Engineering Department are really practical—we can have warm meals anytime."

Leon exchanged a few pleasantries with Glenn before getting to the point. "How's the mission going? Did you find the target?"

Glenn's voice sounded a bit frustrated. "Yes, boss, we found it."

"Greene Farm. The owner is named Hershel Greene. Besides his family, a few of his neighbors live there too—six people in total."

"But that old man named Hershel is very stubborn. Andrea and I both tried to persuade him, but he refuses to leave his family's farm."

Leon thought for a few seconds, then said to Glenn, "Hand the radio to Mr. Hershel. I'll talk to him myself."

"Alright, boss. I'll go now."

After about a minute, an aged voice came through the radio. "Hello, this is Hershel Greene. Who am I speaking with?"

"Hello, Mr. Hershel. I am Leon Castor, the manager of Umbrella Corporation."

Leon's voice was polite. "I imagine my employees have already explained our purpose to you, and you've turned them down."

Hershel's voice was neither humble nor arrogant. "Yes. My family and I love this land deeply. We won't abandon the soil we've lived on for generations just because of a few words from outsiders."

Leon didn't get angry. His voice remained calm. "I understand your feelings, Mr. Hershel. But I suspect you haven't been outside in a long time. The whole world is now filled with those terrifying monsters, and many people, having lost their humanity, have become Raiders—even more disgusting than the monsters."

"Over the past few months, Umbrella Corporation has eliminated over a hundred ruthless Raiders and rescued dozens of poor, good people from their hands."

"I don't think you'd want your family and friends to become food for monsters or playthings for those Raiders."

"So, Mr. Hershel, I have a proposal. I hope you'll give it some serious thought."

There was silence on the radio for over ten seconds before the aged voice spoke again. "Mr. Castor, please go ahead."

Leon grinned, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"The twenty-plus men I sent are all formidable warriors. They'll set up a temporary camp near the farm, station themselves there, and take charge of protecting the farm's safety."

"Of course, this isn't free. You'll need to provide my men with detailed local intel, help them gather supplies nearby, and rescue any survivors who've made it."

"It's not a hard choice, is it?"

Hershel thought it over for a moment, then replied:

"This is a virtuous act endorsed by God, Mr. Castor."

"I'm willing to accept this proposal."

Leon continued:

"Mr. Hershel, our base is in urgent need of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're willing, you can trade your produce for whatever supplies you need."

"Also, I have a small request."

"Please, go ahead, Mr. Castor." Hershel's heart tightened as he spoke.

"In a little while, I'll send some young people to your farm to help with the chores and learn your farming techniques. Is that alright?"

Hershel quietly let out a sigh of relief and said:

"No problem, Mr. Castor. That's a trivial matter."

"Then it's settled. You can discuss the specifics with that young man named Glenn."

"He's my right-hand man—brave, kind, and a fine fellow."

"I hope you two get along well."

Setting down the radio, Leon cracked a faint smile and thought, Glenn, Glenn, the Boss can only do so much for you. Whether you land your future wife is up to you now.