You were supposed to hoard supplies, why the heck did you hoard zombies!

Complain that toilet paper is too rough?

Indeed, that comment wasn't wrong.

In fact, there were already quite a few survivors doing exactly that.

These once critically important red papers' only value now was to provide them with some sense of "throwing money around."

But if it wasn't money they were using, what were the few hundred pieces they mentioned?

Could it possibly be some sort of material goods?

While everyone was curious, Big Beard had already pulled something else out of his pocket, which looked like some kind of blue-grey paper.

Peng Yue immediately asked with curiosity, "What's this?"

"Exchange coupons."

Big Beard said with a smile.

"Exchange coupons?"

Upon hearing this, Peng Yue had a guess in mind and hurried to closely examine the exchange coupons before him.

At first glance, the craftsmanship didn't seem special.

The paper was somewhat stiff, and its surface was very smooth; it was probably printed on some kind of paper previously used for printing flyers.

But when he saw the design on them, his heart skipped a beat.

A handsome profile!

Below the portrait was a line of small print:

"Zhang's Group Chairman Zhang Ye?" The room quieted as these words were read out loud.

The Peng family brothers all wore strange expressions, looking at one another.

Shock was visible in everyone's eyes.

Wasn't this essentially Shen Zhou currency?

The difference was the face on it.

And the name.

If this had happened before the disaster, such actions would have landed someone a few years' labor on the sewing machines, at the very least!

But now things were different, and admiration followed the initial shock!

Sure enough, he was an expert who had fought his way to power barehanded!

Truly daring to push the envelope!

The exchange coupons were passed around among the Peng family brothers, as they clicked their tongues in amazement. Meanwhile, the eldest, Peng Yue, had already started to inquire about the denominations' meanings.

Big Beard revealed a surprised expression upon hearing his questions.

It's no wonder he's the leader; he's quick on the uptake.

"Initially, the exchange coupons were not meant for external use, only within the company."

"A denomination of one means one bag of instant noodles."

"Or one loaf of bread."

"Other goods are priced based on this standard, like the canned food we had today. Guess how many coupons one can costs, Peng elder brother?"

"Ten?"

Peng Yue ventured a guess.

As far as he was concerned, that was the value of a can of food.

After all, based on the value of instant noodles or bread, ten units could adequately last four or five days if one were frugal.

If exchanged for canned food, however, you'll likely starve in four to five days.

But no sooner had he finished speaking than Big Beard and Hou Shubin exchanged glances and then burst out laughing.

Peng Yue didn't feel embarrassed; he had pretty much confirmed the identities of the two men, so a small offense like this was of no consequence.

"Looks like I guessed wrong."

"Could it be that it takes several dozen bags of instant noodles to exchange for one can?"

He laughed along with the two men and then offered his new guess.

But there was a note of skepticism in his voice.

Clearly, he didn't believe it himself.

Finally, Hou Shubin stopped laughing, looking at these Peng family brothers as if a city dweller viewing country folk, a sense of superiority slowly filling him.

This is the big shot out there?

Pssh, not as knowledgeable as a low-level worker like him.

He shook his head and took another bite of the apple on the table before saying, "Peng elder brother, you're too conservative."

"This can of fish, in the company store, is priced at fifty coupons."
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"And this one with shrimp in it is more expensive, sixty."

Peng Yue's eyes revealed a flash of surprise. Sixty coupons for one can?

In other words, sixty bags of instant noodles or loaves of bread?

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So expensive, and people buy it?

Are they all idiots?

"You're definitely thinking only an idiot would buy it, right?"

Hou Shubin glanced at him and immediately guessed Peng Yue's thoughts, then chuckled.

"So, you're lucky to run into us brothers."

With those words, Peng Liu became restless, but before he had a chance to get up, he was suppressed by a look from his big brother.

"This stuff isn't meant for the average survivor to enjoy."

"A genuine luxury item in the safety zone."

"Wanna try?"

Without any hesitation.

The five brothers from the Peng family quickly finished off the two cans of seafood.

Meanwhile, Big Beard and Hou Shubin just watched.

It was the first time either of them realized that watching others eat could be so satisfying.

By now, they didn't have to worry about whether they could make it out alive; rather, they had to consider what items here the company might need.

First and foremost was the population—this was now the top priority for the company's mission.

Then, intelligence.

And it was clear that both could be obtained through certain means.

Trading.

Peng Yue took his time savoring the last piece of fish, and just as he lifted his head, he heard Big Beard already asking:

"Director Peng, we've said what needed to be said, and you've seen what needed to be seen."

"Now that your stomach is also pretty full."

"Isn't it time to talk business?"

Business?

He instinctively paused.

Then quickly remembered a sentence they had uttered while facing off in the yard.

"We're here to do business."

That was their purpose.

Peng Yue nodded, pondered for a moment, and finally gave his answer.

"I want to meet your boss, can I?"

————————

The walls over three meters high seemed to have no end in sight.

A crossroad suddenly appeared ahead.

The pickup swerved abruptly, and a roadblock materialized in front.

Peng Yue subconsciously tensed, but his hand didn't find his gun in its usual spot.

Several fully-armed figures had already surrounded them.

The lead guard showed a wary expression when he saw the strangers in the car, but his mouth still followed procedure and questioned:

"Name, profession, department."

A moment later, the pickup was allowed to pass and slowly approached a large metal gate.

Then another squad of guards came out for a check.

When he finally entered Zhang Ye's courtyard, he had undergone no less than five security checks.

The latest was right in front of this courtyard's gate.

Under the pavilion sat a man.

Surrounded by a phalanx of security guards.

"I remember you, Big Beard, right?"

No sooner had Zhang Ye spoken than the leading Big Beard immediately began nodding and bowing, delighted, "Yes, yes, yes!"

"Director Zhang has a great memory, I am Big Beard!"

As he spoke, he didn't forget to bring Hou Shubin up to the boss to make an appearance, and surprisingly, Zhang Ye even recognized Hou Shubin!

The two of them were so moved that they almost knelt down and called him dad on the spot!

Who said Director Zhang was a cold-blooded and ruthless broker?

He was clearly the kind and genial father figure!

Zhang Ye, seeing the two men's emotional state, also internally wiped a cold sweat. The preparations Ai Bing had made for him were indeed effective.

Not in vain had he spent a precious three minutes memorizing their information.

And this middle-aged man beside him—

"Peng Yue, right?"

"Hehe, I've heard of you."

```