"Is there something you need? Or are you here to make a purchase?"
Sheriff followed up with a voice message: "1945, let's cut to the chase. I'm extending a sincere invitation for you to join my team. Once you're in, you'll become the ultimate decision-maker after me."
"I know your supplies are abundant, but the zombies will only grow stronger. Only through collaboration can we ensure survival. 1945, join us!"
After listening to the message, Chen Du burst into laughter.
This Sheriff must have been a motivational speaker or pyramid scheme recruiter in another life.
The grand promises kept piling on—empty words strung together like beads.
Chen Du reflected: Could he protect Xie Li and survive in this apocalyptic world?
Moreover, he possessed an unbeatable advantage—an endless supply of resources that bordered on being a cheat.
What benefit would come from joining Sheriff's group?
Was it because Sheriff was an elderly man who might offer some kind of safety net?
Without hesitation, Chen Du replied, "Your offer sounds appealing, but I must decline."
Sheriff, eager to expand his influence, had taken a keen interest in Chen Du.
After all, 1945 was widely recognized as someone with vast resources.
If he could recruit 1945, it would significantly bolster the team's strength.
Perhaps they wouldn't need to worry about supplies for quite some time.
However, he hadn't anticipated such a direct rejection.
Unwilling to give up, Sheriff believed Chen Du simply didn't see the necessity.
He decided to appeal to both logic and emotion.
"1945, you should understand—the zombie hordes are approaching, and higher-level threats will soon emerge. Yes, your current stockpile is impressive, but can you guarantee it will last indefinitely? Can you sustain yourselves through the waves of undead? This may be a prolonged battle."
Though unwilling to reveal everything, Chen Du still needed to brush him off tactfully.
"Sheriff, thank you for your concern, but you're overthinking things. I'm not boasting when I say I'm confident in surviving this apocalypse—with or without outside help."
"So, don't waste your time on me."
Sheriff pressed further: "1945, I urge you to reconsider. Here's the truth—if we can't be allies, we'll eventually become enemies. And I'd prefer to avoid that outcome."
When persuasion failed, Sheriff resorted to threats, hoping to intimidate Chen Du into submission.
But Sheriff wasn't optimistic; deep down, he knew Chen Du wasn't easily swayed.
As expected, Chen Du responded immediately: "Sheriff, your mix of threats and false promises is impressive. But unfortunately, I'm immune to such tactics."
"Let me make myself clear—if you leave me alone, I won't interfere with your affairs. We can coexist peacefully. However, if you provoke me, don't expect mercy."
Sheriff frowned as he read Chen Du's reply.
This 1945 was stubborn, like a rock impossible to move.
It seemed there was no chance of winning him over.
If they couldn't be friends, then they would inevitably become foes.
In the old world, Sheriff wouldn't have been so extreme. But in this apocalyptic reality, any survivor with ample resources close by posed a potential threat.
From the moment Chen Du refused to join, Sheriff resolved to add him to the blacklist.
If he couldn't control him, he'd eliminate him!
What did it matter if Chen Du had abundant supplies?
Once dead, those resources would belong to him anyway.
Desperate times called for ruthless measures.
Nearby, Scorpion noticed Sheriff's furrowed brow and silence. Guessing the negotiation hadn't gone well, he asked, "Sheriff, do you need assistance?"
Scorpion led the special operations squad within Sheriff's organization. Each member used code names, indicating their loyalty even before entering this apocalyptic world.
Thanks to them, Sheriff had risen quickly to power.
Sheriff sighed and rubbed his temples.
"This 1945 is like a stone lodged in a cesspool—impossible to negotiate with. Honestly, I'd rather not make him an enemy."
Scorpion nodded, adding cautiously, "Indeed, during the Fortress Wall auction, 1945 demonstrated significant resourcefulness. His current stockpile is likely even larger than we imagine."
"But Sheriff, there's no need to worry. Our team is strong, and we continue to attract survivors daily. With time, someone isolated like 1945 won't pose a threat."
Sheriff cracked his knuckles—a habit whenever he was lost in thought.
After a long pause, he finally spoke: "For now, we'll leave 1945 alone and focus on strengthening ourselves. The priority is expanding our ranks at all costs. Spread the word—anyone who joins will be fed."
Scorpion hesitated. Their resources were insufficient to support such rapid growth.
Carefully choosing his words, he said, "Sheriff, while recruiting more survivors boosts our numbers, sustaining such a large influx might overwhelm us."
Sheriff smiled and gestured for Scorpion to sit beside him. After sipping his tea, he explained, "I understand your concerns. Food isn't unlimited, but that's not the issue."
Recently, their raids on Niu Yao and Zhou Yu's supplies had replenished their reserves. While not scarce, these resources couldn't sustain rapid expansion.
Confused, Scorpion asked, "Sheriff, I don't fully understand..."
Sheriff laughed heartily. "Do you remember how Germany conquered Europe during World War II?"
Scorpion paused, recalling his military history lessons. It dawned on him.
"You mean waging war to sustain war!"
"Exactly. By recruiting survivors en masse, we manage the initial food shortages. Later, organized resource collection and distribution will keep us self-sustaining indefinitely."
Sheriff nodded, his smile chillingly calculating.
This was precisely his plan.