Chapter 18: Jiajia Town, New Regulations

That survivor, Qiao Jia remembered, had arrived here in the same batch as Shen Tong.

She was among the first survivors to come to Qiao Jia. Back then, the system hadn’t detected any protagonist’s aura on her.

“Can a protagonist’s aura be acquired later?” Qiao Jia muttered under her breath. If so, could she herself develop such an aura?

[Sorry, Host, I don’t know either. But I can ask my seniors about it.] The system understood what Qiao Jia wanted to ask, but it truly had no answer. After all, Qiao Jia was the system’s contracted host, a person technically deceased and not truly belonging to this world—so naturally, she wasn’t likely to gain the world’s favor.

But nothing is absolute. Miracles had happened more than once with these hosts.

“It’s nothing, I was just thinking aloud.”

Qiao Jia wanted the aura mainly to get better, more desirable items from the blind boxes.

“How’s your task going?”

[Done!] The system puffed out its chest with pride. Back at the system training center, it had been the most popular; handling a small task like this was nothing.

[Host, look!] The system opened its mouth and, to Qiao Jia’s amazement, spat out a huge vending machine!

However, this vending machine looked rather old and battered, clearly not new. Its red exterior was chipped and faded.

This was the legendary blind box vending machine, borrowed from its senior system’s host!

As long as you put in enough crystal cores, you could purchase blind boxes from the machine.

Qiao Jia was planning a trip into the city to attract new customers and offer door-to-door deliveries.

There were still many survivors in the vast city of Giantwood, the system could sense as much.

Once she entered the city, the vending machine would fit perfectly in the residential area.

“Oh, right, Host, this was given to us by the senior system’s host as well,” the system said, following up by spitting out a massive wooden town gate, then immediately began explaining its marvelous uses.

[This town gate comes with a wooden wall. Host, look.] The system glanced around, searching for the best place to put the gate. Qiao Jia took it and, with her bare hands, planted it directly opposite the wooden bridge over the river.

[Host, you’re amazing!!] The system clapped enthusiastically in admiration.

“Go on,” Qiao Jia brushed the dust from her hands and looked down at the system.

The system nodded, and a virtual screen unfolded before Qiao Jia’s eyes.

It was a map of the nearby region.

Mountains, rivers, cities, and highways were all marked, even the Beichen Base dozens of kilometers away.

[Host, we can mark the area of the town on this map. Once it’s set, the wall will automatically extend and link up from the town gate.]

[You can also spend some points to open additional gates for easier access.]

[Here’s where you name the town. Like the wall, the first time is free.]

[But even though the first time is free, Host, we shouldn’t enclose too much land—if damage occurs later, repairs will cost a lot of points.]

[That’s not all—it has plenty of features, like preventing non-residents from entering the town, collecting overnight fees, and more…]

[It only takes ten points a day to maintain!]

“Isn’t this item a little too good?” Qiao Jia stared at the virtual screen, her tone distant, as if lost in thought.

[…]

At her question, the system’s little face turned awkward, its puppy-like features glancing sheepishly up at Qiao Jia.

[Actually, the senior systems and their hosts have a private betting pool on this competition. For the contestants they favor, they’ll quietly offer a bit of support.]

[As long as it’s not excessive, the Supreme God just turns a blind eye.]

The senior systems and their hosts were nearly broke lately—driven to desperation, they hoped to profit from Qiao Jia’s potential.

That’s why they were so generous, opening this backdoor for her.

But compared to the assistance other contestants had received, Qiao Jia’s help was nothing special.

There are always those with connections.

“I see.” Qiao Jia nodded. If that was the case, it was understandable.

“All right, let’s set it up.”

[Okay!]

Qiao Jia and the system began discussing the initial area to enclose for the town. The river definitely had to be included. The land near the highway was also a must. After some deliberation, they settled on enclosing about fifteen thousand square meters—enough space for her to develop for a long time.

As for the town’s name, Qiao Jia chose lightly, naming it after her blind box shop: Jia Jia Town.

She placed the blind box vending machine by the bridge, where it was clearly visible.

[Host, what about the survivors already inside the town?]

[Those who haven’t paid rent?] the system asked.

If these survivors were allowed to stay without paying, many would likely avoid renting houses altogether.

There were just too many freeloaders.

“We’ll set some rules,” Qiao Jia replied coolly, arms folded.

It was her town, after all; her word was law.

And so, when the survivors—rarely roused from their restful sleep—arrived at Qiao Jia’s stall, they were met with a dreadful announcement.

“What the hell?” one survivor exclaimed, staring in disbelief at the giant sign that had appeared overnight. So shocked was he that he completely overlooked the new town gate and walls.

“Jia Jia Town is now established. From today onward, all survivors staying overnight in the town without renting a house will be charged one crystal core per night by the mayor, Ms. Qiao Jia.

“Survivors renting homes in the town will be registered as residents and enjoy resident benefits—to be determined.

“Those already renting should promptly sign or update their leases with the mayor to be entered as residents.

“To maintain the town’s order and appearance, survivors are forbidden from constructing any unauthorized buildings within the town. Tents are allowed temporarily, but not after one week.

“P.S.: If you live in a vehicle, the town has a designated parking area. Parking costs 500 crystal cores per month (no additional overnight fee required).

“All residents and survivors are urged to cherish and protect the beauty and harmony of Jia Jia Town.

“Anyone caught littering, damaging town property, or committing crimes will be fined at minimum (in crystal cores) or, at maximum, sentenced to death—method of execution not specified.

“All terms are subject to final interpretation by Mayor Qiao Jia.”

“Is she crazy?! Just because she says it’s hers, it’s hers? Why should we pay?”

“She’s not offering anything for staying the night, but still wants so many crystal cores? Are you all really going to stand for this?” one survivor clenched his fists, looking ready to charge at Qiao Jia at any moment, his words stirring up the crowd.

“I think it’s pretty reasonable. The boss—I mean, the mayor—provides a safe place; we pay an overnight fee. Nothing unfair about that,” the leader of the Cat Paw survivors’ squad shrugged.

“Coward!”

“If you’re so brave, why don’t you say it louder?” The Cat Paw captain rolled her eyes. Did he really think she didn’t know what he was trying to do?

“Mayor, someone here has a problem with you!” she called out to Qiao Jia.

“!!!”