Chapter 356.2: You Provide the Tech, We Provide the People! Win-Win!

That was to never let tools replace thought, never let hands substitute for the brain, and never expect a flawless method to solve all future problems.

As Chu Guang glanced at the nearly 5MB text file on the computer screen, a relaxed expression spread across his face.

The newly established Alliance Management Organization comprised a total of 12 departments, covering various fields from production to the economy, and extending to transportation, logistics, and residents' daily lives.

For each department, Chu Guang had designed detailed strategies and action plans.

He didn't invent them out of thin air, but he also didn't blindly copy the experiences from another world.

For instance, when establishing the Education Department, Chu Guang relied more on advice from parents, teachers, and students rather than wild imaginations from players on forums.

In Wasteland Online, where the average lifespan was only 35 years, many individuals had already crossed the statistical midpoint of their lives by the age of 17.

However, for players living in peacetime, that age was merely the beginning. They weren't even considered adults yet.

If he adopted a one-size-fits-all approach, setting the minimum working age and compulsory education time based on the standards of developed planets, the Alliance's education level might increase, but less affluent families would fall into an even worse situation due to education expenses.

Chu Guang opted for a middle ground, gradually increasing the minimum working age and compulsory education time each year, while allocating subsidies to outstanding students.

That was the so-called scholarship he would provide.

Whether it was for evening classes attended by adults or full-time students, anyone with excellent grades could receive financial aid.

Although the money wasn't enough for them to lead a wealthy life, it provided sufficient support for their households.

Education was just one aspect of his considerations, and this long-term investment required patience to see returns in the future.

Among all the departments, Chu Guang invested the most effort in the industrial sectors directly related to production.

While he provided guidance for other departments' general directions and frameworks, when it came to specific production issues, he consulted industry experts and even made detailed plans for each stage of production capacity.

Not all problems could be solved by developing productivity, but at least it could address 99% of current issues.

Thanks to the 200 million silver coins infrastructure plan and the 200 million chip loan, he now had the means to accomplish many things.

"... Speaking of which, I have to draft a procurement list later." Chu Guang pinched his forehead, glanced at Little Seven sitting at the table, and instructed. "Tell Charlie to wait for me at the Traveling Merchants Association's office at 2:00 in the afternoon."

"Okay, Master," seeing the tired expression on Chu Guang's face, Little Seven said with some concern, "Although it might sound a bit verbose, please take care of yourself."

Chu Guang smiled and used his index finger to rub Little Seven's head, showing a reassuring smile. "I will."

At this moment, a breeze swept through the doorway.

Looking at Chu Guang, who was playing with her doll on the table, Pai’s lips curled up in satisfaction. "How is it? The gift I gave you is not bad, right?"

"Thank you for the gift; it's very stress-relieving. It adds a lot of fun to my dull daily work." Chu Guang joked, "What about the drone I gave you? Do you like it?"

"It's amazing!" Pai nodded in satisfaction, showing off, "I modified it a bit, and now it flies even faster!"

Chu Guang looked at her in slight surprise, not expecting this little girl to have such skills. However, his surprise was brief.

Unlike the Camp 404 which leaned towards industry and military, Camp 101 guided by Shelter 101 had invested all their skill points into education and archaeology.

Especially since this girl not only had exceptional talents but also utilized pre-war advanced technology.

If abilities and talents could be quantified, she might be on par with Hyrja from Shelter 401.

"Um..." Glancing around, Pai suddenly looked a bit embarrassed, whispering, "About Xiaoyu... Have you talked to her?"

Chu Guang nodded. "Mhm, I've spoken to her family, and she is very willing to continue her studies. If you have no objections, I hope to send a few more people over to your side for an exchange."

Xiaoyu was a sensible child. When Chu Guang told her about it, she thought for a moment and nodded obediently.

He could feel that she was reluctant to leave everyone, but at the same time, she harbored a deep desire for growth and strength.

She wanted to contribute more, not just sit behind the counter counting money.

With more people joining the New Alliance, the bank had to consider more than just balancing the books. They had to think about how to use that invisible hand to make each silver coin fulfill its proper role.

This involved a lot of knowledge that she didn't understand. Although she had gained some experience through practice, systematic learning was still required.

This included some mathematical methods and knowledge of sociology.

If there were professionals to guide her, she could navigate her path more effectively.

As for Xiaoyu's family, although they were initially worried, after hearing Chu Guang promise to ensure her safety, both her parents and brother were relieved.

The wise and mighty administrator never broke his promises.

No one in the entire northern suburbs would doubt this, whether they were NPCs or players.

Hearing Chu Guang's words, Pai was so excited that she almost wanted to jump. Patting her chest confidently, she promised. "Don't worry; I've already told my master about this. Everyone is very happy. They even told me to bring back more local specialties, especially chocolate and coffee! Oh, and that meat bun that oozes soup when you take a bite! It's so delicious!"

Chu Guang smiled. "That's easy. When you're leaving, I'll send you a truckload of local specialties."

Chu Guang thought Pai would happily agree. However, to his surprise, the little girl, with a serious expression, shook her head and declined the gift. "Although this proposal is tempting, we can't accept your kindness for free."

"My master said, reciprocity is the key to lasting relationships with others. We also have to offer you some help."

Looking at the surprised Chu Guang, she continued earnestly. "But we have no money and no extra resources to share with you. If you could provide a plan, that would be great."

Upon hearing this, Chu Guang couldn't help but smile. Wasn't that what he had been waiting for?

The New Alliance was rich in resources, and players' creativity and ideas were endless. There were always one or two things that would appeal to scholars, engineers, and archaeologists.

It didn't matter if they weren't interested in stockings, artwork, or other such things. There was still an abundance of delicious food.

In addition to the dazzling array of consumer goods, there were also research samples needed by Shelter 101 and its residents.

Even ridiculously strong monsters like Deathclaw could be obtained as long as the silver coins and contribution points were sufficient to get the attention of the brave players!

Chu Guang laughed heartily. "This is easy! Although we don't implement rationing, we do pay those who contribute their labor."

"How about this, send a few engineers to our side. They can help us improve our production methods, and in exchange, we will pay you silver coins."

“If you see anything you like, you don't have to negotiate with me. Just use silver coins to buy them from our store."

Pai wrinkled her cute little nose, entering into deep thought. "

Um

... this does sound good. But... Everyone has their own work to do, and it might be difficult to free up manpower."

"Especially with the recent disappearance of marauders, we are planning to move the camp back to the surface. There's just too much to do."

Each person in the camp had their own responsibilities, and the points that determined their living standards were also based on these responsibilities.

After listening to Pai's concerns, Chu Guang patiently said, "This problem can be easily solved. Our people can help you build the camp, supply you with the materials you need for daily life, and even cook for you. Just by doing that, you can save a lot of manpower."

"This way, you can focus more on what you are good at and interested in. All you need to do is allocate some of the saved time to help us live a better life."

"You can understand this as a kind of complementary advantage. Tell your master about what I said; he will surely understand the philosophy I want to convey."

Previously, Shelter 101 had tried recruiting some local survivors, but the scale of cooperation was limited, mostly limited to odd jobs.

Chu Guang believed that after a comprehensive understanding of the situation in the New Alliance, the residents of Shelter 101 would surely feel the charm of his proposal.

Pai stroked her chin, looking thoughtful, nodding as if she understood. She rarely cared about these things; what Chu Guang said had already exceeded her expertise.

However, recording a complete sentence wasn't difficult for her.

"I will convey your proposal to everyone in the camp... Oh, right." Suddenly remembering something, Pai took out a stack of paper filled with densely packed symbols from her pocket and handed it to Chu Guang.

Chu Guang, looking confused, took it and flipped through it. Although he recognized each word, he didn't understand them when they were put together.

"... What is this?" He asked in confusion.

Pai gave him a strange stare and was a little embarrassed as she spoke. "It's the ratio and synthesis path of the fuel. Although it's not something particularly amazing... I spent some time figuring it out."

At this point, she snorted lightly. "Previously, there was a rude guy who looked down on me. Now that guy should realize how shallow his knowledge is."

At her age when the desire to prove herself was strong, being underestimated would only fuel the urge to showcase her capabilities. Therefore, it was natural for her to want to prove herself after being looked down upon. Although chemical propulsion engines were considered old-fashioned, with her understanding of mechanics and aerospace, creating efficient fuel wasn't a difficult task for her.

Chu Guang looked at the information in surprise, not expecting such an unexpected gain.

What surprised him even more was that this little girl had directly given him something so valuable without reservation.

"I... I will pass it on to him."

Translating it with Little Seven's help shouldn't be difficult, and for any difficult technical terms... Yin Fang’s face immediately appeared in Chu Guang’s mind.

Pai nodded in satisfaction. However, she quickly remembered that she shouldn't let that rude guy off too easily. So, she added. "Oh, don't let him get it too easily. Show him a page every once in a while, don’t give it to him all at once!"

To justify her request, she explained, "My master said that you can't just copy the answers; you also have to use your brain to think about how the answers are derived!"

Oh my goodness! This is going to be quite a torment.

Chu Guang helplessly nodded and put the information in front of Little Seven. "Alright... I promise not to let him get it too easily."

With his promise, Pai finally left satisfied.

Watching her joyful figure disappear at the entrance of the browsing room, Chu Guang couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.

Compared to dealing with the relationship with Boulder Town, interacting with these lovely people made him feel more relaxed and joyful.

However, as an administrator, he couldn't decide to sever or establish relations based solely on personal preferences. Many times, he had to make judgments based on the collective interests.

He suddenly missed the crew on the Pioneer.

It had been half a year already. He wondered if they had achieved their dreams.

Noticing Chu Guang's expression, Little Seven, sitting in front of the monitor, curiously asked, "Master, what are you thinking?"

With his gaze returning from the doorway, Chu Guang casually said. "I'm thinking that place might be a real utopia."

It was just that the place was too small.

It was even smaller than the shelter behind them, only enough to accommodate two or three hundred people.

Compared to the wasteland, that bit of brilliance couldn't even be considered a spark...