Chapter Fifty-Seven: Come on, come on! Everyone, come over for a photo.

As time passed, the population of Black Wind City continued to grow.

When Chen Tong saw that the headcount was approaching one thousand, he realized it was time to push forward with the comprehensive issuance of citizenship cards.

Consequently, Chen Tong once again summoned key cadres such as Liu Meng, Chen Feng, Old Man Zhao, and Xie Hu for an important meeting.

Everyone sat around the conference table, whispering to one another and guessing the purpose of Chen Tong’s summons this time.

Liu Meng spoke up casually and boisterously.

"Since Chief Chen called us here at this hour, it must be for something major. Maybe he wants to discuss how we should expand our territory!"

Chen Feng gently shook his head. "I don't think so. I haven't heard any news about movements around us lately. It's likely related to matters within our city."

With a solemn expression, Chen Tong swept his gaze across the crowd and spoke.

"Everyone, as Black Wind City has developed up to now, our population has grown larger, and management has become increasingly complex."

"To manage things better and to give everyone a stronger sense of belonging, we need to accelerate the production and issuance of citizenship cards."

Xie Hu scratched his head and asked with a puzzled look.

"Chief Chen, what on earth is this citizenship card thing? I heard you mention it before, but I never quite understood."

Chen Tong smiled slightly, retrieved several finished citizenship cards from behind him, and placed them gently on the tabletop.

"Take a look, everyone. This is the citizenship card."

The crowd crowded forward. Liu Meng grabbed one, looked at it from left to right, and muttered.

"What use could this little piece of paper possibly have?"

Old Man Zhao squinted at it from the side.

"There's even a portrait of a person on it. How on earth was this made?"

Xie Hu widened his eyes and exclaimed, "It's a miracle! This can actually copy a person's likeness directly onto this tiny piece of paper. Chief Chen, how is this even done?"

Chen Tong explained patiently.

"This is a special lamination technology that can securely fix the image and information onto this paper. Furthermore, this lamination is waterproof, so it won't smudge even if it gets slightly wet."

He did not mention that this was modern technology, glossing over it simply to avoid causing excessive confusion and panic.

At that moment, Chen Tong turned his gaze to Scholar Zhao and Miss Sun standing nearby and said.

"Scholar Zhao, Miss Sun, since you've previously helped me handle these manufacturing tools, I must trouble you both once again to assist in making the citizenship cards."

Scholar Zhao nodded quickly and said respectfully.

"Rest assured, Chief Chen. It is my honor to contribute to Black Wind City."

"Having been exposed to those novel gadgets before, I've learned quite a bit and can definitely be of use this time."

Miss Sun also chimed in crisply. "Just give the word, Chief Chen, and I will do a good job. I remember everything I learned from operating them with you last time!"

Afterward, Chen Tong led the key cadres to a room specially designated for making citizenship cards, which was furnished with equipment such as a camera, computer, and printer.

As soon as he entered, Liu Meng blurted out, "Goodness me, these strange gadgets are about to come in handy again!"

With the assistance of Scholar Zhao and Miss Sun, Chen Tong began taking photographs of the cadres.

"Everyone stand still, don't be nervous, look right here."

Chen Tong said while adjusting the camera.

"Click!!"

The flash went off, and Liu Meng jumped in fright.

"That thing flashed so brightly it blinded my eyes!" This drew a burst of laughter from the crowd.

Immediately after, Scholar Zhao and Miss Sun skillfully operated the computer to import the photos.

While operating the computer, Miss Sun explained to Chen Feng, who was peering over curiously.

"Brother Chen, look, this photo has entered the computer, and now we can edit it however we want."

Scholar Zhao was busy doing the layout work meticulously, occasionally exchanging words with Chen Tong.

"Chief Chen, do you think this font size is appropriate?"

The printer buzzed away, printing out photo after photo. After going through the lamination process, brand-new citizenship cards were completed.

In less than half an hour, the citizenship cards for all the key cadres were finished.

Chen Tong handed these citizenship cards to them one by one and said.

"Everyone, this citizenship card is no ordinary item; it represents the identity of our Black Wind City residents."

"Next, your task is to properly publicize this to the official citizens within Black Wind City, letting everyone understand the purpose of this citizenship card and dispelling any feudal doubts in their minds."

"Be sure to explain patiently so that every single person is crystal clear."

Liu Meng patted his chest in assurance.

"Chief Chen, rest assured, I will handle this matter well and let everyone know the benefits of this citizenship card! If anyone doesn't believe it, I'll slap my card right across their face!"

Chen Feng spoke with steady poise.

"Chief Chen, I will go door-to-door to explain, and I guarantee I'll make everything clear."

The others also expressed their stances, and a publicity campaign regarding the citizenship cards quietly unfolded in Black Wind City...

Liu Meng strode briskly into the marketplace.

At that moment, the market was bustling and extraordinarily lively with people coming and going. He stood upon a high platform and shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Listen up, folks! This citizenship card has tremendous benefits! From now on, when you buy things here in Black Wind City, you can get a discount just by holding this card!"

The surrounding people crowded around with perplexed expressions.

A vegetable vendor asked, "Liu Meng, is what you're saying true? Just this little piece of paper, and you get a discount on purchases?"

Liu Meng hurriedly pulled out his own citizenship card, waved it, and said, "Of course it's true! Chief Chen said so personally, could it possibly be false?"

"Furthermore, if you possess a Medal of Honor or are rated as a First-Class Meritorious Hero, you can get an even steeper discount on top of the regular one!"

A commotion rippled through the crowd as people whispered among themselves.

"Such a great deal? Then how can one get this citizenship card?" a young man asked eagerly.

Liu Meng smiled and said.

"It's simple. Go to the designated spot to have your picture taken, and it can be made."

"Those of us who came earliest to build Black Wind City—meaning the original brothers of Black Wind Stronghold—will be the very first batch of official citizens to enjoy this benefit!"

Meanwhile, Chen Feng was busy conducting door-to-door publicity.

He arrived at a household's doorway and knocked gently.

An elderly woman opened the door and looked at him with guarded vigilance. Chen Feng hurriedly smiled and said, "Granny, I am Chen Feng, here to tell you about the citizenship card."

The granny asked doubtfully, "What use is this citizenship card anyway?"

Chen Feng explained patiently.

"Granny, with this citizenship card, buying things will be much cheaper for you from now on. Besides, you are an elder of our Black Wind City and one of the earliest official citizens; you must surely enjoy these benefits."

Upon hearing this, the granny was greatly tempted. "Then I'll go get my picture taken and make one right now?"

Chen Feng nodded. "That's right, Granny. I'll take you there."

Enticed by the welfare policies, more and more official citizens began to take action.

Some individuals who had originally harbored doubts could no longer sit still after seeing those around them obtaining their citizenship cards.

Several burly men who were still hesitant gathered together to discuss.

"I heard buying things really gets you a discount with a citizenship card. Shall we go get one made?"

"But I heard that picture-taking contraption is rather frightening."

"What is there to fear? For the sake of these benefits, let's go for it!"

In the end, half-pushed and half-willing, they headed to the photography station to have their citizenship cards made.

As for those who originally belonged to Black Wind Stronghold, their response was even more enthusiastic.

They already held deep affection for Black Wind City, and now with the added perks, they actively headed over in droves, even bringing those around them along.

For a time, long lines formed at the spot where photographs were taken for the citizenship cards.

Scholar Zhao and Miss Sun were kept extremely busy, having to operate the equipment while also soothing everyone's emotions.

"Don't be anxious, everyone, take it one by one. Rest assured everyone will successfully receive their citizenship card," Scholar Zhao said loudly.

As more and more people received their citizenship cards, the administration of Black Wind City gradually stepped onto the right track.