Chapter 54: Lockdown (Extra Chapter with Monthly Votes)

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Chu Zhu proceeded straight ahead, just as in the previous timeline, rushing to the union headquarters at top speed.

“Mr. Zhu?” The guard at the entrance brightened instantly upon seeing Chu Zhu.

Chu Zhu showed no emotional fluctuation and spoke directly, “In my capacity as the former chief executive of the union, I hereby issue an order.”

Upon hearing this, the two guards’ pupils constricted, and their backs straightened immediately.

“Effective immediately, all officers, cadres, and street directors stationed in the redevelopment zones must mobilize men, women, and children alike. Then—seal off the redevelopment areas; no one may enter or exit.”

“I am ordering the three industrial districts of Jinghai City to strike today! If the factory owners ask why, tell them it’s on my orders.”

“Factory security teams, mobilize fully. Reserve security teams, also mobilize and be incorporated into the factory security teams!”

“Security personnel are not permitted to leave the redevelopment zones. But they must stay prepared—anyone who attempts to disrupt order within these zones must be met with a decisive blow. Likewise, any trouble arising anywhere in the redevelopment zones must be met with a heavy hand.”

“If anyone dies due to disorder, the union security captain of the street office and the street director will be immediately dismissed!”

After a brief pause, Chu Zhu continued, “I once established an emergency grain policy. Now, bring out the grain stored in the union’s emergency grain depots across the redevelopment zones and activate the ‘Labor in Exchange for Relief’ system set forth in Proposal No. 52 from the union’s founding.”

“All men, women, and children involved in the mobilization will receive a temporary ration. The porridge made from this ration must be thick enough that chopsticks can stand upright in it.”

“Complaints from men, women, and children are permitted.”

Chu Zhu emphasized, “Grain is the utmost priority! If there are minor issues elsewhere, I may only reprimand those responsible, but if the grain supply falters and causes famine—I want the head of the culprit.”

Silence fell.

“Yes, sir!” The guard on the left was the first to speak, hurriedly pulling a pen from his pocket and furiously taking notes.

The guard on the right was a beat slower but hastily nodded. Then, looking at the other scribbling guard, his expression stiffened, as if the sky had fallen—How can you be so diligent?

Of course, while both tried their best to memorize everything, they couldn’t help but wonder why Chu Zhu had suddenly appeared to issue such commands. Yet there was no doubt—they both sensed something huge was about to happen!

Emergency mobilization system!

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This was a system Chu Zhu had single-handedly pushed through at the very beginning of the union’s establishment.

It was this system that transformed the originally scattered, nearly unorganized redevelopment zones into a unified whole. Thanks to this, the individuals in these zones could stand their ground and negotiate with the powerful factory owners and capitalists.

It was also because of this system that the mortality rate among workers and vulnerable populations in the redevelopment zones was kept to a minimum without pushing factory owners to the brink.

Watching the two men rush into the headquarters building, Chu Zhu exhaled deeply, calming his mood, then entered the building expressionlessly.

Although he had ordered a complete lockdown, Chu Zhu did not expect to catch any slip-ups from the assassin—

Let alone an assassin capable of killing him silently! Even Chu Zhu himself, at this moment, could evade the lockdown and escape into the city.

Supernaturals, even those only at the first stage of physical refinement, were leagues above ordinary people.

Arriving again at the chief executive’s office, Chu Zhu did not force the door open but stood quietly with his hands behind his back, waiting.

After a moment, hurried footsteps sounded. One by one, men and women in work uniforms appeared beside him.

Once all footsteps ceased, Chu Zhu turned and surveyed the people: four men and one woman. “Hmm, looks like everyone’s here.”

“Um!” The vice chief executive leading the group cautiously raised his hand. “Brother Zhu, President Zhou hasn’t arrived yet, right? Maybe we should... Also, some people have already gone home! Should we send someone...”

“Forget about those who went home.” Chu Zhu suddenly exerted force and kicked the wooden door.

With a muffled crash, the door bolt was blown off.

In the next instant, the heavy wooden door slammed heavily onto the floor.

Four men and one woman: “!!!”

Before they could even react to Chu Zhu’s surprising strength, they noticed a head hanging from the ceiling light—Zhou Ze.

“Wh-what...” The vice chief executive’s pupils widened slowly, unable to believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes repeatedly, looked again, rubbed once more, cycling through disbelief as if trapped in a hallucination.

“Ah!” Another male officer screamed in terror. The female officer in charge of women’s affairs nodded, confused, “So it was a dream! No wonder it didn’t hurt.”

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“That’s because you were the one choking me!” the male officer grit his teeth, occasionally glancing up at the ceiling.

“Wait!” The third captain of the union security team trembled as he raised his hand. Recalling Chu Zhu’s previous words, he asked incredulously, “What did you mean by not caring about those who went home...?”

“If there’s no accident, then something’s happened to them!” Chu Zhu’s voice was cold. “And this is the fundamental reason I ordered the lockdown of the redevelopment zones and activated the emergency mobilization.”

His gaze sharpened like a blade, scanning each person present. “You all know very well that more than one officer died at the same time... including Zhou Ze! Without guidance, what do you think the outcome will be?”

No one spoke.

They exchanged looks, their minds flashing with fear, anger, confusion... but in the end, all these emotions transformed into relief!

They were grateful Chu Zhu was here.

Strictly speaking, though they were considered high-ranking union members, most of them held deputy positions.

If Chu Zhu hadn’t been present and this matter suddenly erupted, even if they wanted to control the situation, their authority and prestige would not be enough.

This was no longer a question of chaos! This shook the very foundation of the union—under such dire circumstances, only Chu Zhu, the union’s founder and the creator of the security team, could hold the situation down.

“Alright then,” Chu Zhu nodded. “This will serve as a brief meeting. You should now understand why I’m acting this way. Next...”

“Begin the execution.”

“Be absolutely sure to uncover the murderer!” Chu Zhu enunciated each word deliberately. Though he held little hope of finding the killer, issuing the order was a different matter.

If he didn’t emphasize this, no one below might take it seriously.

After all, this situation was rife with conspiracy theories—even for Chu Zhu as the union’s founder.

“Yes, sir.” Everyone present was solemn, responding in unison.