109: Drone strikes

At the dinner table, everyone looked at each other blankly, not quite understanding what Tian Ming meant by his words.

"Boss, we only have brute strength. The Materials Group does all the dangerous, life-threatening work. This certainly can't compare to the Shen siblings," someone said.

Tian Ming shook his head helplessly and said, "Forget it, I can't explain it clearly to you. I'll just give you a heads-up first. The Shelter needs to establish a Comprehensive Management Department, or more accurately, to establish a management-type company, similar to a property management company. Your Materials Group currently has too many people and needs to be streamlined."

As soon as these words came out, everyone's expressions weren't very good. Their Materials Group had the most abundant resources, and although it was dangerous, no Materials Group member was willing to leave.

"Boss, what... what does 'streamline a portion' mean?" Qiu Wuhui asked hesitantly.

"It's exactly what it sounds like: cutting out some unnecessary people," Tian Ming said directly.

At this, the atmosphere became even more somber. The full table of dishes suddenly lost its appeal.

Tian Ming tapped the table, frowning, and said, "What's wrong? What does it mean that no one is speaking up? Right now, there's no one for generator maintenance, no one for circuit repair, and no one for heating system operation and maintenance. Even the kitchen is overwhelmed trying to prepare meals for over a thousand people every time. Are you giving me attitude just because your Materials Group is cutting some people?"

"Do you think I, your boss, am giving you a hard time?" Tian Ming looked at the silent crowd, feeling a bit annoyed. "Now, I've brought you library resources, various professional skill video tutorials. A self-study computer room for skills has also been opened next to the Laboratory. During the study period, the Shelter can provide you with certain subsidies. Everyone, go and mobilize, see how many people are willing."

This matter was first proposed by Mo Santong. He specifically discussed it with Tian Ming, as the Shelter's equipment was increasing, and more professional technical personnel were needed. If they didn't train them in advance, it would be difficult for the Shelter to operate normally in the future.

Tian Ming fully supported this. The Materials Group was definitely the first department in the Shelter to 'eat the crab' (try something new). From a broader perspective, the Materials Group simply didn't need so many people. Once the unmanned cargo helicopters were built, the Materials Group would only need to retain one or two teams.

At this moment, Qiu Wuhui was the first to stand up: "Brothers, the boss personally came to tell us these things, so we cannot let temporary gains and losses affect the overall situation of the entire Shelter. Our Materials Group, the teams that agree to obey the arrangements, stand up and express your stance."

Several team leaders exchanged glances, then all stood up and said, "We will listen to the boss. We believe that with the boss here, we will definitely not lack food." Everyone raised their glasses. In truth, no one was foolish; going against Tian Ming would certainly not end well.

Tian Ming picked up his glass, poured a drink, and downed it in one gulp: "Words are unnecessary; it's all in this cup of wine. I promise you all, as your boss, I will make our Shelter better and better, and let everyone live a good life."

Everyone clinked glasses, and the originally somber atmosphere eased somewhat. In fact, the Materials Group consisted entirely of rough men, many of whom were former hooligans.

Before the Apocalypse, these people were active at the very bottom of society. They were straightforward and lacked cunning, but that didn't mean they were foolish. They also understood that if the Shelter was to operate long-term, it had to move in unison and follow the boss's arrangements. What was coming would always come; there was no escaping it.

"I see everyone's efforts and sacrifices. This meal is on me today," Tian Ming said, putting down his glass.

Everyone chatted a bit more. These members of the Materials Group had a strong 'jianghu' (underworld) vibe. With Tian Ming at the table, they felt constrained and suppressed themselves.

When Tian Ming had eaten enough, he stood up and said, "You all eat. You can't relax with me here. I'll add two more dishes for you; order whatever you like, and put it on my tab."

With that, Tian Ming walked outside. Coming out of the cafeteria, it was already pitch black outside. It got dark quickly now, and since there was no public lighting inside the Shelter, everywhere was dark at night.

Tian Ming strolled through the night, looking up at the sky. The Star Ring in the sky was still as bright as ever. The weather was quite good tonight; it wasn't snowing, but the temperature was still very low.

Buzzing...

A sound of rotor airflow caught Tian Ming's attention. It sounded like it was coming from a small drone. Tian Ming frowned, thinking to himself, "Not good, something's going to happen."

Boom! From the dormitory building, a flash of fire erupted, followed by a huge explosion.

"Damn it..." Tian Ming's expression changed, and he immediately ascended, flying rapidly towards the dormitory area.

In the sky, there were ten drones in total. They were operating these small weapons through a communication link established by a large drone at high altitude.

Tian Ming flew over almost instinctively. Wherever he went, the drones immediately lost power and plummeted to the ground. In just one or two minutes, the drones in the air were cleared out.

After Tian Ming cleared out the small drones, the fixed-wing drone at high altitude quickly changed direction and fled northward.

The Enforcement Team and the Patrol Team immediately organized the evacuation of personnel from the dormitory area after the explosion. The entire dormitory building was in chaos. Tian Ming sat on the rooftop at the site of the explosion, watching as the destroyed section automatically repaired itself.

The dormitory buildings had been specially reinforced by Tian Ming, but this bomb was released by a drone that flew directly into the top floor corridor, and its power was immense.

The impact of the explosion shattered all the windows in the dormitory building.

"Report the casualties!" Tian Ming leaped from the rooftop, landing lightly, and spoke into his earbud on the communication channel.

"Boss, the current casualty count is nine people, three of whom are already dead. They were all residents of the sixth floor; they were directly thrown downstairs by the explosion's shockwave. The remaining people were inside their rooms; the walls were not blown through, they were just startled," Director Han's voice came through the communication channel.

Tian Ming frowned, feeling extremely annoyed.

"Dog, collect the fallen drones and send them to the Laboratory."

"Okay, Boss, I'll go collect them now."

Tian Ming scanned the scene. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and cleared out the other drones; otherwise, the consequences would have been very severe.

Tian Ming's speed just now was extremely fast. In an emergency, Tian Ming almost instinctively performed precise flight maneuvers that would normally be impossible. However, he hadn't realized this yet.

Tian Ming slowly closed his eyes and, through his telepathic ability, had Iron Dude bring Huang Qiusheng to the Laboratory. This drone attack must have been sent by Hua Xin Group. If they were playing for keeps, he wouldn't hold back either.