Chapter 422: Chapter 421: Decision
Upon seeing Chairman Xiao enter, everyone present immediately quieted down.
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Xiao Zhengyan, the City Council President, remained composed as he described the current situation of the Underground City in a nearly matter-of-fact tone.
These people present were not ordinary citizens; they had more or less an understanding of such information.
Thus, they knew this was just the appetizer; the real matters to be notified hadn’t yet been laid out.
The Bald Guy interrupted Xiao Zhengyan at the right moment, pretending to be indifferent as he said, "Chairman Xiao, Old Jiang doesn’t understand this. Just tell us directly what you want to say."
Xiao Zhengyan glanced at the Bald Guy, his eyes carrying some approval of the Bald Guy’s understanding.
"Very well, I’ll speak directly."
Xiao Zhengyan turned his head to signal the secretary to close the door to the lounge.
Once this solid wooden door was completely closed, he continued to speak.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, the words felt as explosive as a thunderstrike to those listening.
"Everyone, the council has decided to abandon Shelter Number 9."
As soon as these words were spoken, except for Lv Bai, everyone present inevitably experienced intense emotional fluctuations.
This is not a decision that can be made lightly.
Bear in mind, mankind officially entered the era of the Underground City several hundred years ago.
This duration, from the perspective of an ordinary individual, is long enough that the current generation has completely forgotten what life on the surface is like.
Even a single person finds it difficult to make such a decision, let alone an entire political group.
"Yeah, I’m not joking."
Xiao Zhengyan raised his wrist to look at his watch and added, "Now all levels of functional personnel should have already begun acting with the aim of evacuating Shelter Number 9."
The lounge briefly sank into silence; it seemed everybody was trying to digest this piece of news.
After a moment of calm, Pu Xueli belatedly remarked, "Quite decisive."
Actually, from a logical standpoint, going to the surface is not a completely outrageous choice.
For one, the explosion of the Heavy Element Reactor itself means that the Underground City will lack energy, unable to sustain the nearly 200 million population.
To ensure the Underground City is not crushed by a bloated population, finding another path for the excess hundreds of millions becomes necessary.
On the other hand, the council itself has already been preparing to respond to the Monan People’s war.
And in the contents of this preparation, the battlefield was never considered to be placed in the Underground City from the start.
The Heavy Element Reactor’s explosion, to some extent, actually provided a push regarding heading to the surface.
As for other reasons, they seem irrelevant and not worth mentioning too much.
After Pu Xueli’s remarks, he accurately asked a critical question: "How many people will remain in the Underground City?"
"Tentatively, ten thousand."
Xiao Zhengyan had no intent of hiding anything.
Indeed, the so-called abandonment of Shelter Number 9 is merely a grand excuse.
Given the current situation of the shelter, even without the Heavy Element Reactor, simply sustaining nearly a million could still pose no problem.
Using common sense, compared to the unknown surface and imminent war,
Staying in the Underground City would actually be much safer.
"Have the quotas for these ten thousand been set?" The Bald Guy touched his smooth head, his expression unchanged.
"Naturally."
Xiao Zhengyan’s gaze swept over everyone present; he didn’t think anyone would have any objections.
After all, relatives of people like them would surely be allocated quotas.
Just like in previous meetings, it wasn’t without alternative proposals being offered, but in the end, the least opposed plan in the meeting is what gets implemented.
As for the billions who must leave the shelter?
They can’t blame anyone but themselves for not voicing concerns during meetings.
Seeing everyone quickly understand and accept this news, Xiao Zhengyan showed a slight smile.
He wanted to ease the atmosphere in the lounge, clapped his hands, and casually inquired, "Speaking of which, illuminating the Underground City was done by one of you, wasn’t it?"
Done well; if it weren’t for this move, the council might not have been able to quickly gain control. Just this act counts as a big merit."
Everyone in the lounge began to echo the sentiment.
The captain of Team Six, seeing Lv Bai had no opposing intent, helped explain: "According to Deputy Captain Lv, the illumination can be maintained as long as he wishes."
Hearing the title Deputy Captain Lv, the Bald Guy’s expression froze momentarily.
In Cheng Zhiwu, the deputy captains with the surname Lv, only his Team Ten had one.
"So it’s Deputy Captain Lv’s ability?"
Xiao Zhengyan seemed close to Lv Bai, speaking kindly: "I’ve heard Xue Yin talk about you; indeed you’re one of the top talents in our Underground City."
"Xiao Xueyin?"
Lv Bai still recalled that unnaturally pale-skinned fellow.
Xiao Zhengyan stepped forward a couple of steps, encouragingly patted Lv Bai’s shoulder: "I’ve read Captain Yan’s report, successful capture of the Can Society President, dismantled Can Society’s stronghold, just these two deeds qualify you for a Captain position."
On the side, the Bald Guy silently swallowed his saliva, recalling how he previously spoke thinking Lv Bai was just here to dazzle, feeling awkward enough to wish to find a hole to crawl into.
It should be noted that among the others present, the gaze directed at Lv Bai carried a rich color of astonishment.
Many among them had crossed paths with the Can Society President, knowing all too well how troublesome he was.
So Lv Bai being able to capture the President truly did make them rethink their underestimations.
"Alright, let’s end the chatter here."
Xiao Zhengyan turned around, his face resuming a serious expression: "To ensure the migration goes smoothly, everyone needs to work together."
Whether it was giving face to Chairman Xiao or indeed planning to attend to the matter earnestly, in any case, everyone in the lounge solemnly responded.
Xiao Zhengyan pressed a button on his communication device, the lounge door reopened, and two secretaries holding tablets entered.
"The council has already allocated tasks for everyone, hoping you will execute them as soon as possible. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. If there are any questions, feel free to inquire my two secretaries."
Having said that, Xiao Zhengyan prepared to leave.
But just at this moment.
One of the secretaries carrying a tablet suddenly said in surprise, "Chairman Xiao, the secretary-general has sent new news."
Xiao Zhengyan tried hard to control his expression, but still revealed a hint of panic.
He previously arranged for his secretary-general to protect Xiao Xueyin, and given how long the secretary-general had been with him, he knew Xiao Zhengyan would be very busy next. Unless there was something major, he absolutely wouldn’t send messages to disturb him.
