No. 97 Street is located in the West District of Boulder City, where sewage flows across the street, the air is polluted, and dilapidated tube buildings are crowded together. It is often criticized as a "crow's nest" by nearby citizens. 14
Due to its proximity to the giant wall, residents here can only enjoy the morning and noon sun.1
At dusk, the street is shrouded in the shadow of the giant wall.3
Objectively speaking, if we ignore the lighting, life here is still much better than the slums outside the giant wall.
Most of the people living here are workers from nearby factories.
Except for local residents, few people want to go near this place.
There is almost no entertainment here, and almost no one will open a shop among a group of poor people... 7
People who have a job need to work for 16 hours and fall asleep when they get home. People who don't have a job will not take out a chip from their pocket to spend even if they are idle all day.
But there are no exceptions.
At the junction with the industrial area, there is a beer hall called "Walnut". Its iconic sign is a pile of empty barrels made of walnut at the door. 5
These wine barrels are not big and can be used as tables or benches, and can even be used to deal with hygiene problems.10
When workers pass by after a day's work, they will occasionally take out a chip awarded by the foreman, drink a cheap and large draft beer, and forget about the day's worries before going home.
Some unemployed workers also come here to spend the whole day.
Although the money is tight, it would be nice to smell the beer or take a few puffs of second-hand smoke.
No matter what, it's better than sitting at home and listening to that yellow-faced woman sighing and complaining that she can't live her life anymore. 8
Since almost no mercenaries will come here, tourists and traders from other places will not go near the Western District at all.
Over time, this place became a club for workers in Boulder City.
Not only do people drink, they also gather in small groups to discuss family affairs or gossip they have heard.
Especially the gossip in the factory area.1
Of course, what people are most looking forward to is hearing news about which factory is short of workers, but this has not happened for a long time.
An unemployed worker with unshaven beard suddenly spoke.
"...How about we become mercenaries."
His co-workers, who had also been laid off from the cannery, gave him a look.
"Have you ever touched a gun?"1
"No, but I heard it's not that difficult. Turn on the safety, aim the muzzle, and then pull the trigger to drive the hot metal fragments into the head of the corpse eater." The unshaven worker gestured with the broom beside the barrel.
With one shooting movement, "Look, it's that simple." 7
The crowd burst into laughter.
"The wave will have to wait until next year. It's summer now, and your opponent will most likely be a predator."
"I heard that the Liszt Caravan is recruiting people. They plan to open a new trade route from here to the Great Rift Valley."
"The Great Rift Valley...I heard it's in the northernmost part of the Valley Province."
"It's really far away."
Beside the door beam, a group of workers gathered together, taking turns smoking the butt of a cigarette that was about to burn out. 4
Siberg couldn't help but take one more puff, and found that everyone was staring at him, so he quickly gave the cigarette in his hand to the next friend. 4
Picking up the cigarette butt and taking a drag, Pique, who had a bandage on his arm, suddenly spoke.
"Speaking of which, why haven't you seen Kent recently?"
"I don't know, last time he led us to surround the city hall. It was so refreshing to see those well-dressed bastards turned pale with fear!" 1
"It would be nice to do it again anytime."
They didn't have anything else to do anyway, so maybe they could do some good by going to the streets to make some noise.
At this time, the potbellied tavern owner walked out of the utility room next to the tavern, holding a huge wooden frame.
His name is Tang, which is a very short word in Renlian, with only one syllable. 1
Looking at these idle poor people, Tang couldn't help but complain.1
"How long do you plan to spend time here? Can't you find a job if you don't have money?" 1
The worker who was smoking said with a smile.
"We also want to work. Do you have any shortage of cleaning staff, waiters or handymen?"
Tang chuckled and said unceremoniously.
"Why should I hire a handyman who has breasts but no breasts and a butt but a butt and a butt." 9
Another tall and thick man raised his hand and said with a playful smile.
"Are you going to hire the boss lady? I'll sign up." 3
"Get lost." Tang cursed.
The Walnut Tavern has been having a hard time lately.
There are more and more poor people, and even the butts of cigarettes have to be smoked by different people, let alone taking out chips to buy alcohol.
Sberg suddenly discovered that the old girl who helped pour the wine and the young man who did the handyman had actually been fired.
Now even this kind of physical work is done by the boss himself.
At this point in the past, this fat pig would be sitting behind the stage dozing off and being lazy.
At this time, Sberg noticed the wooden frame in his hand and the stack of papers in the wooden frame, and couldn't help but asked curiously.
"What's this?"
"Daily Survivor." Tang didn't say much and moved it into the tavern.
Survivor Daily?
Everyone looked at each other, having never heard of this name.
Of course, it may also be because they don't read newspapers.
Although most workers are literate, they can basically only recognize a few words and can probably understand equipment operation manuals and recruitment instructions.
Workers who can afford newspapers will not have time to read them.2
Reading and reading newspapers are pastimes that only those who sit in the office deserve to have. 1
"How much does this stuff cost?"
"No money is required. You can watch as much as you want, but you can't take it away." Tang said impatiently.
These newspapers are provided free of charge by the "Daily Survivor" newspaper company, and come with a box of Nuka-Cola every month. 1
Anyway, it doesn't occupy a large area, and it can also be used as a pastime for drunkards. In line with the principle of not taking advantage of anything, he brought it back.
"for free?!"
When everyone heard this, they were immediately shocked.
Is there such a good thing? 2
What makes them even more unbelievable is that these words were actually said by this iron rooster with no hair off.
Sperger walked up, took a newspaper from the wooden frame, and unfolded it in his hand.
Peake, who was smoking, also threw away the finally burned out cigarette butt in his hand, and curiously came up to watch.
"..."
"The negotiations between the city hall and the new alliance authorities went smoothly, and the 200 million aid loan will strive for a win-win situation for both parties... What is a win-win situation?" 7
"I just want to smash the factories of the New Alliance to pieces! Throw the junk they produce out of the giant wall!" 5
"But their creditors don't seem to be bad either... Kate Textile Factory resumed operations. According to this newspaper, it was because it received an order worth one million chips."
"Alyssa has lost a Southern Shorthair cat. If anyone sees it, please contact the address in the newspaper for a reward of 25 chips... Alyssa... this name sounds so familiar." 3
"I remembered...she is Governor Moore's youngest daughter!"
There is no entertainment industry in Boulder City, let alone celebrities. The top brand of Queen of the Night and the families of dignitaries are the objects of gossip for most ordinary people. 3
Everyone is naturally familiar with Governor Moore. After all, there is only one bank in Boulder City.
As soon as they heard this adult's name, everyone immediately came back to their senses, with envious looks in their eyes.
"...She is actually the daughter of the president's family."
"If anyone can marry her, he won't have to worry about it in the next life." 3
"Stop dreaming, it's not dark yet." 2
"You can find a cat with 25 chips... If you exchange it for nutritional cream, it would be enough for 25 kilograms! Do these people have too much money and no place to spend it?" 2
"What do you know? I think it's cheap!"
"Hey, it's great to have money..."
The people gathered in front of the newspaper were talking a lot.
Although the reward of 25 chips made people jealous, no one set out to look for it.
Boulder City is so big, where can they find a cat? 3
Not to mention whether the cat is still inside the giant wall or not is a question.
Everyone was chatting excitedly about gossip, but Sperger's attention was on the last line of the newspaper.
We are committed to creating a newspaper that serves all survivors. If you see this newspaper on a public newsstand, please leave your valuable suggestions on it, and we will use it as a reference after recycling.
A newspaper for all survivors?
Ah.
It's really strange.
Although everyone is a survivor and living in the same wasteland, Sberg can vaguely feel that people are different. 3
Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and some people are born and live like cockroaches.9
Just like that Miss Alyssa.
What does the wasteland look like, does it have much to do with her?
She may have never seen nutritional cream, let alone tasted it.11
After hesitating for a moment, Sberg finally asked his boss to borrow a pen and wrote at the bottom of the newspaper.
"We're very interested in what City Hall is doing."
"The president's daughter's cat makes me frustrated. When I was still working, 25 chips were my ten days' salary." 1
"...It would be great if you could publish more information about work." 1
"wish you a happy life."
After writing these words, he returned the pen to the tavern owner.
At this time, Sberg suddenly remembered that the newspaper mentioned that ten empty Coke bottles can be exchanged for one newspaper to take home.
He couldn't help but think in his mind, how about waiting for it to get completely dark and go to the wine street to pick up empty Coke bottles.
It would be a good idea to change a newspaper and take it back to teach my son how to read. At least it won't look like I have wasted the whole day... 7
valley]
…
Sperger wasn't the only one with similar ideas.
In the past two days, there have been many "scavengers" picking up empty bottles around the taverns in Boulder City.
10 empty Coke bottles can be exchanged for a copy of "Survivor Daily". Even if you don't need to read it, you can just take it home to pad the table or make the bed. 3
As for where this "Daily Survivor" came from, no one has paid attention to it.
After all, it has just released its first issue and its popularity is too small.
As small as the factory owners, chamber of commerce bosses and city hall officials in Boulder City, it is impossible for them to notice... 2
That night.
With an energetic expression on his face, Governor Moore returned to his mansion on the inner edge.
The negotiation with the Lord of Shuguang City went very smoothly. The other party came up with a beautiful purchase list, which included a large number of building materials, textiles and food.
This will create at least 50,000 jobs in Boulder City and solve the food and clothing problem of nearly 100,000 people.
By this time next year, Boulder City’s GDP will reach a new high! 5
The interest repaid by the new alliance and the influx of raw materials from the northern suburbs will give the factories in the industrial zone a new lease of life!
What makes Moore most gratified is that many factories have recently begun to take loans from him.
Some people borrow money for consumption, and naturally some people are willing to borrow money to expand production, and his bank can make money from both ends.1
And there is almost no risk of bad debts!
Boulder City has entered a new cycle, and he seems to have seen the dawn of economic recovery! 5
"It seems that you are in a good mood today. Did something good happen to you?" The lady took the coat from his hand.
"Of course," Merle said with excitement, "after so many days of wrangling, the negotiations are finally over. The representatives of the new alliance signed the agreement. Our relationship with the new alliance will enter a new chapter from now on!"
Although the progress of the negotiations was full of twists and turns, thanks to his resourceful performance at the negotiating table and firmly controlling the pace of the negotiations, he finally forced the representatives of the new alliance to make concessions and reached an agreement. 6
"But...is it really okay to lend money to those country bumpkins?" The lady's expression was a little worried.6
In her opinion, the people outside the giant wall were either vulgar mercenaries, slovenly scavengers, or plunderers who robbed homes.
It was hard for her to trust those people.
Even if those people look at her for a second, she will get goosebumps all over her body and feel physically uncomfortable. 8
There was a confident smile on Moore's face.
"What's the problem? They have copper mines, farmland, and large forests... I even wish those country bumpkins could borrow more." 1
"Debt will turn them into our slaves, which is much better than shackles." 18
At this time, he suddenly noticed the newspaper on the table.
The headline on the cover of the newspaper actually published news that the negotiations were progressing smoothly.
Moer couldn't help but raise his eyebrows curiously.
The negotiations just ended today. Representatives of the new alliance reluctantly signed the loan agreement two hours ago, and neither party had time to make an official announcement. 1
How did this little-known newspaper guess that the deal would be concluded today? 1
It's quite accurate.
It couldn't have been printed a few hours ago.
"What's this?"
"Survivor Daily."
Alyssa, who was sitting on the sofa, was gently stroking the cat in her arms. After hearing her father's question, she raised her head and answered softly. 3
"Has our family subscribed to this newspaper?" Moore asked doubtfully.
Alyssa shook her head gently.
"No, but I think this newspaper is quite interesting... Didn't I lose a cat before?"
Moore can't remember which one it is. His daughter has too many cats. 3
Seeing that her father didn't seem to remember this, Alyssa continued in a soft voice.
"You told me at the time that you had already ordered the butler to post a notice for the missing cat in the tavern, and it wouldn't take long for mercenaries to help me bring it back."
"It seems like this happened...what happened next?" Moer couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
It seems that the cat has not been found and he has broken his promise in front of his daughter.
However, the sensible Alyssa did not blame him and continued in a gentle tone.
"Later, the mercenary gentleman did not show up, but the newspaper found me through the cat-hunting notice in the tavern, and said that they could place an advertisement for me in the newspaper for free. As long as they found Xiao Hei, I would be willing to do it for him. They can just write a thank-you note.” 5
After hearing this, Moore smiled.
Is this because he wants to use his daughter’s fame to increase the popularity of the newspaper?
These people are quite business-minded.
In the upper class society of Boulder City, one's daughter's name is much more expensive than a few chips.
However, such a small thing was not worth worrying about. He just cared about his daughter.
"It would be great if I could find it."
"yes."
Caressing the kitten in her arms, Alyssa had a trace of sadness in her eyes, "I'm really worried whether it will be hungry." 19
…
at the same time.
A single-family building not far from the warehouse district has a plaque reading "Voice of the Alliance" hanging on the door.1
Judging from the brand-new nail, this sign must have just been hung up.
Different from the deserted scene at the door, the newspaper office was very busy at the moment.
Especially Hal, who was the president of the newspaper, was busy from morning to evening without a moment's rest. He wished he could divide himself into two people. 7
In fact, this is indeed the case.
Since the newspaper had just been established and was short of manpower, he had to wear multiple hats, responsible for both the content and layout of the newspaper, as well as the newspaper's contact with the outside world. 1
As for why this happened, we have to start from that afternoon three days ago.
According to the instructions of the administrator, the new alliance needs its own voice channel. 2
However, due to the shortage of manpower in the New Alliance office in Boulder City, after some discussions between Shuyu and Luka, this significant task fell on Hal. 3
Hal was flattered by the new alliance's trust.
Although he also wanted to repay these people for saving their lives and taking them in, and to prove his abilities, he had never run a newspaper after all, and he didn't even know what a newspaper was.
Fortunately, Shuyu didn't really throw all the work on him. Instead, he went to the job market to find a few employees who had worked in "The Voice of Boulder City" for him.
Busy, but not in a hurry.1
"Daily Survivor" is the first product they launched, and its distribution scope is mainly in the outer city of Boulder City.
1,200 copies of the first issue were printed and distributed in pubs, grocery stores and mobile vendors with relatively low consumption levels. 1
These newspapers are printed at local printing plants in Boulder City. The printing volume is less than 10,000 copies. The factory cost of each newspaper is about 0.5 chips.6
If labor, rent, water and electricity are included, their expenses for the whole day would have reached thousands of chips.
As for income, don’t worry about it for now.
These newspapers are provided almost free of charge to those partners.
The retail price of each newspaper is one chip. If it is sold, deducting the profits belonging to the partners, they can recover the cost of printing the newspaper at most.
And to promote these newspapers, they also sent fifty-six boxes of Nuka-Cola!
But these efforts are worth it.
A meeting was taking place in the conference room on the second floor of the newspaper. Hal convened the newspaper's only six editors to summarize the suggestions left by readers on the newspaper and discuss the content of the next issue.
At this time, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open, and a staff member walked in hurriedly.
"Good news! Half of the 1,200 newspapers have been sold!"
After hearing this, many people at the conference table relaxed their brows and showed joy on their faces.
When you can browse it at will, you can sell half of it. For a new newspaper with no reputation, this result is quite good.
At least it means there's nothing wrong with their content.
The staff member paused for a moment and continued.
"...But the bad news is that we didn't make any money. We only recovered 120 chips and more than 3,000 empty bottles."
After hearing the second half of this sentence, the editors sitting at the conference table looked at each other.
"...Maybe I can make a fortune by selling these bottles." An editor glanced at the newspaper president and suggested in a low voice.1
It’s not easy to find a job these days.1
Especially newspapers are not necessary for daily life.
He was really worried that the job he finally found was gone again.
Seeing the concerns in everyone's eyes, Hal, who was sitting at the conference table, stood up and cheered everyone up with an enthusiastic voice.
"Don't worry about losses, profit is not our goal! There is only one thing we have to do now, and that is to become famous as soon as possible!" 3
"I have just carefully studied the feedback suggestions. The title "Survivor Daily" is still too general, and the content is not targeted enough!" 4
"No one sitting in the office is interested in which factory's assembly line is short of people, and the workers in Boulder City are not interested in what the Queen of the Night's number one is wearing today." 3
"I think that in addition to the Daily Survivor, we should also establish different sub-magazines such as the Worker's Daily, the Citizen's Daily, and the Playboy Daily to target different customer groups with different content!"
25
"Now that "Voice of Rock City" has occupied the upper class society of Rock City, let's go to areas they have never set foot in and open up a new battlefield!" 5
When he said these words, Hal felt that every cell in his body was boiling, and his eyes were shining with excitement and ambition. 3
If this plan can be realized, the newspaper he founded will occupy every minute of the residents' leisure time in Boulder City, and the words he wrote will be read repeatedly by hundreds of thousands of people.
And he will become the "uncrowned king" of this city! 7
After being away from home for so long, this was the first time he encountered such an exciting thing.
Listening to him describe this amazing blueprint, everyone's faces showed expressions of surprise.
One editor couldn't help but ask.
“Do we have that much budget?”
Hal said firmly.
"...There will always be a way! Didn't our boss say that? The alliance will not be stingy in investing in the chemical industry!"
"What's more, we just got a loan of 200 million chips. There must be somewhere to spend the money?" 54-