Chapter 28: Shocking the World! State-Mandated Allocation!

These words were not only spoken for Qin Lihua, but for Chu Xiao himself. He had resolved to fly back to Mingzhu City and meet Number One face-to-face for negotiations.

Mingzhu City, 6:30 in the afternoon.

Chu Xiao knocked on the door of Number One’s office.

“Leader, could you urgently gather everyone for a meeting? I have an important measure to announce!” Chu Xiao said solemnly.

Number One looked at Chu Xiao, sensing that things were far from simple.

“Alright, I’ll do it,” Number One agreed.

Half an hour later, all senior officials were summoned to the top floor of the Mingzhu Tower.

Chu Renfang was among them.

The leader and Chu Xiao sat in the center, their expressions grave.

The leader swept his gaze across the room, recalling the words Chu Xiao had spoken to him before the meeting began.

“Greetings, everyone! I’ve called you here today because there’s something crucial regarding oil I must discuss!”

“Right now, our National Mass Production campaign is facing an unprecedented crisis!”

“The crisis is food. Food is the most fundamental human need. Without it, there’s no point talking about resisting the invasion of the Dark King—survival itself becomes questionable!”

“We must now focus on solving the food problem. Food must be given equal priority to the construction of fortresses!”

As his words fell, a murmur swept through the room.

People whispered to each other, discussing the current predicament.

Chu Renfang watched his son with a loving gaze.

“Now, please have Director Chu explain the measures for resolving this crisis,” Number One said, gesturing toward Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao stood, scanning the crowd, observing closely.

Everyone looked up at Chu Xiao, curiosity bright in their eyes.

After a long moment, Chu Xiao spoke slowly.

“There are only two solutions. One is to send troops or manpower nationwide to search for food and transport it to the underground and aboveground bases established in Xishan Province. The other is national compulsory allocation.”

A look of astonishment swept across everyone’s faces.

Compulsory allocation—everyone understood what it meant.

At that moment, true equality would be realized. Wealth and status would no longer matter, for in an era of state-mandated allocation, only the nation could decide whether you would have access to food.

Chu Xiao’s next words stirred an even greater wave.

“Under the compulsory allocation system, all food and daily necessities must be collected and controlled by the nation!”

“Each person can receive a fixed amount of food daily, though the quantity will vary—those who labor more shall receive more food!”

‘Controlled by the nation’—this was truly shocking.

“But this will surely provoke public dissatisfaction!” Qi Tianli spoke up, voicing opposition.

As the Minister of Commerce, he understood the importance of distribution according to labor, and the gravity of private property.

Everyone’s gaze shifted between Qi Tianli and Chu Xiao.

Chu Xiao’s face remained solemn, but he showed no signs of displeasure.

“We won’t confiscate what people have at home, but shops, factories, and such must be controlled by the state, abolishing private ownership. It may seem merciless, but when war erupts in two months, how can you predict the shortage of food?”

“If prediction is needed, only strict national control will work. If the public is dissatisfied, we can promise that after the war, everything will return to normal—with appropriate compensation.”

“Of course, the prerequisite is that we all survive.”

With these words, no one in the room raised further objections.

Who could say anything? They weren’t even sure if survival was possible; who had time to worry about private property?

“Do not lose heart! I believe that as long as we unite and solve these immediate difficulties, defeating the Dark King is not impossible! He is just a machine—even with intelligence, he will never possess emotion or emotional intelligence!”

“His purpose is only for himself.”

“We fight not just for ourselves, but for the millions of citizens of Jiuzhou! Their lives depend on our protection!”

“Let us now dedicate our strength to safeguarding the people of Jiuzhou!”

Chu Xiao’s final words were meant to inspire the officials present. Without them, Jiuzhou’s path would be even harder.

Everyone’s faces were heavy with the weight of their responsibilities.

“Draft this system quickly, and publish it!”

“If possible, at the moment the sun rises tomorrow morning, release the new regulations through every media channel, so the people are informed!”

“Then, within an hour, immediately arrange personnel to take control of all shops and factories!”

“If there is resistance, and persuasion fails, declare at once that henceforth their life and death shall no longer be under Jiuzhou’s care! In times of disaster, they must not seek Jiuzhou’s protection!”

Chu Xiao’s words refocused everyone’s attention and sent a chill through their hearts.

He was clearly just a young man in his twenties, yet he possessed resolute judgment and a terrifyingly meticulous plan.

“As for personnel allocation, leave it to Minister Qi Tianli. Divide them into two groups: one to revise the system and promulgate the new law; the other to assemble staff and prepare to enforce control an hour after the new law is announced!”

“Does everyone understand?” Chu Xiao’s last words were nearly shouted.

“We understand!” the officials responded loudly.

December 23rd. Sixty-seven days remain until the Dark King awakens.

Because it was winter, the sun rose especially late.

At half past seven, sunlight illuminated the land.

Every citizen of Jiuzhou received the same message on their phones. Turning on the television, every channel was broadcasting the same news on repeat.

“Emergency Notice! Emergency Notice! Attention all citizens! New law issued! From now on, we will implement a national compulsory allocation system for an extended period! For details, click the link below!”

“Emergency Notice! In one hour, military personnel will begin collecting shops and factories! Please cooperate! Otherwise, you will not be under Jiuzhou’s protection!”

Fan Si was among those who received the message.

He had just woken up and, upon seeing it, shuddered in shock. After all, he ran a small shop—not large, but it had been in business for over ten years.

“What the hell! Has the nation gone mad?” Fan Si cursed as he clicked the link.

He finished reading the linked explanation and related notes.