Chapter 385: Chapter 178 Cleaning the Underwater Area_2 In the future, gold is likely to remain a hard currency. This item is resistant to corrosion, and its molecular structure is stable, making it valuable in research and other fields. Since ancient times, it has been an irreplaceable wealth. Liang Yuan figured that once everyone solved the basic needs, they would need a standard to measure the value of items for trading. Gold would likely become the currency unit again by then. With a satisfied smile, Liang Yuan was very pleased with the haul after scavenging this layer of gold. He walked to the window and glanced outside. Amidst the floodwaters, it was pitch black; they were around the 6th-floor level. His Spiritual Power could already explore the depths of the water. On the submerged cement road, a large amount of silt had accumulated, and in the darkness, the shadows of gigantic creatures flickered by. Amidst the undercurrents, huge strands of seaweed and kelp-like plants swayed with the water flow. Vaguely, straight street lamps stood tall among them. This place had already formed an environment similar to the deep sea. It was uncertain how many mutated monsters were lurking in the dark forest of water plants. Liang Yuan withdrew his Spiritual Power and did not continue probing the eerie underwater depths. That place was a forbidden zone for humans, an area he couldn’t easily tread upon for now. He continued descending, heading downstairs. The lower three floors were large supermarket complexes. Unfortunately, all the edible items had already been taken away. Apparently, during the initial flooding, Wang Weidong and others were not idle and moved the supplies out immediately. Only some perishable goods, now thoroughly soaked and spoiled, were left behind. However, items like shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and toothbrushes were still on the shelves. Liang Yuan immediately switched to scavenging mode, quickly collecting supplies. After scouring these three supermarket floors, finding nothing usable in fresh goods or seafood sections, Liang Yuan decisively abandoned them and proceeded to the next floor. The penultimate floor housed sports equipment stores, with various sporting goods like soccer balls and basketballs. Liang Yuan took everything without hesitation. The first floor had many car dealerships and showroom vehicles. Brands like BYD, Haval, NIO, Xiaomi... Liang Yuan thought for a moment and directly stored all the cars in his inventory. Who knows, he might need their parts someday. After sweeping the entire building, his superpower energy was almost exhausted. Liang Yuan hurriedly returned. Upon resurfacing, he realized that more than half the day had passed. Returning to the 26th floor, Liang Yuan noticed that many of the residents who were previously resting on the ground had regained mobility. Though still somewhat weak, survivors from Henglong Building were spontaneously helping the residents of Meidu Garden. It was clear that Henglong Building survivors were trying hard to integrate into the Meidu Garden survivor group. The Meidu Garden survivors bore little resentment towards them, having learned from various Patrol Team Captains that these people were also oppressed by Wang Weidong’s gang. Seeing the cautious Henglong Building survivors trying to blend in, everyone seemed to see a reflection of their former selves. Sympathy grew within their hearts, making it easy to accept these poor souls. The Patrol Team Captains collected rice, mutant fish jerky, instant noodles, and other supplies from Yang Mei to distribute to the residents under their authority. With the help of Henglong Building survivors, they began cooking on the spot. Instantly, the whole building became lively, and under the warm glow of the Mutated Sunflowers, the scene appeared particularly cozy and peaceful. Many Henglong Building survivors, watching the rising cooking fire and hearing the laughter and chatter of Meidu Garden residents, were momentarily dazed, as if transported back to the pre-flood days. When did such peaceful exchanges between people become their deepest longing? Under Wang Weidong’s rule, everyone lived in constant fear. Men feared saying the wrong thing and being beaten by the security team. Women were terrified of going out alone, always at risk of being dragged into a secluded spot and raped by strangers. Chatting and laughing like this among strangers, was something they hadn’t experienced for half a year. Some emotionally fragile girls suddenly covered their faces and wept. One person’s tears quickly led others to cry. The men from Henglong Building also had red eyes. While cooking, Huang Han noticed the girl beside her crying and quickly said, "Hey, hey, why are you crying all of a sudden?" The girl, barely eighteen or nineteen, probably should have been in school but had dropped out early to work in a restaurant. Trapped in the building and subjected to inhuman torment, her fragile heart was now moved by the warmth, causing her to break into loud sobs. Huang Han hurriedly tried to comfort her, but the girl clung to her, crying even harder, as if finding an outlet for her emotions. This left Huang Han somewhat at a loss, nervously glancing at an older middle-aged woman nearby. The middle-aged woman, wiping her tears, said, "Captain Huang, let her cry. We haven’t met such good people like you in so long." Huang Han was momentarily silent, beginning to understand their feelings.