Chapter 348 : Sweet Words
Lu Keran’s words reminded Zhang Yi.
This ti, while they gathered so construction materials at West Hill Base, it was only enough to set up the outer defenses.
The shelter’s wall had been half-destroyed by Ling Feng's earlier explosion, greatly reducing its defense.
To repair this kind of seamless wall, they needed special building materials.
“If we want to get those materials, we’ll have to go out,” Zhang Yi mused, rubbing his chin. “Though it’d be best not to leave right now. But these Western powers we’ve ntioned... so far, they haven’t openly confronted us.”
“They wouldn’t dare act rashly unless they’re sure there’s no danger in the area.”
“So, if we go out within the next couple of days, grab the materials, and co back right away, it shouldn’t be a problem!”
Lu Keran nodded. “Got it, Big Bro!”
After Lu Keran shared his thoughts, Liang Yue looked like she wanted to say sothing. But Yang Xinxin jumped in first.
“Let share my thoughts!”
Liang Yue, keeping her own thoughts in, waited for Yang Xinxin to finish.
Everyone paid close attention to what Yang Xinxin had to say. This girl was exceptionally intelligent and often had constructive ideas. If she had a downside, it would be her tendency to be overly logical, which sotis ca across as cold.
With a calm smile, Yang Xinxin addressed everyone, “I think you’re all getting a bit too tense!”
Pointing to her head, she said, “Don’t lose your judgnt out of fear. Actually, our current situation isn’t as bad as you think.”
“First, let’s look at these Western powers. Their reach hasn’t extended to the areas around West Hill Base.”
“For instance, West Hill Base controls the standing army in Tianhai City; their military might is unmatched, yet even they haven’t fully taken over West Hill and Lu River Districts.”
“You can tell by the fact that they’re still sending patrols.”
“So, we can conclude that even the Western powers haven’t fully secured their territories.”
“Plus, they’re keeping each other in check, wary of expanding recklessly and leaving their ho bases vulnerable.”
“This ans we’ve got a decent window to prepare for what’s to co.”
Yang Xinxin’s reasoning put everyone at ease. Indeed, though they were aware of other powerful forces in Tianhai City, they were letting their imaginations run wild.
Realistically speaking, it was highly unlikely the enemy would co looking for their shelter.
With the Ice Age, transportation, and communication are severely hindered.
Besides, they had no irreconcilable differences with Zhang Yi, nor any reason to waste resources searching for the shelter.
The fall of West Hill Base had only heightened their sense of caution, making it even less likely for them to act without caution.
Fatty Xu said cautiously, “Still, it’s a good idea to reinforce the defense lines as a precaution.”
Yang Xinxin nodded. “Yes, build up defenses, but don’t stress yourselves out over it. Instead, we should use this ti to gather as many useful supplies as possible.”
At this, Yang Xinxin looked at Zhang Yi. “Zhang Yi, aren’t you planning to gather materials to fix up the shelter?”
Zhang Yi t her gaze and sensed sothing strange in her eyes.
She seed to be hinting at sothing.
With a slight nod, Zhang Yi replied, “Yes. According to Keran, we’ll need a lot of rare construction materials to repair the shelter’s outer wall. It’ll take so ti.”
Yang Xinxin then turned to the thoughtful Liang Yue.
“Liang Yue, I imagine Xu Family Town could use so extra food supplies, just in case?”
Liang Yue blurted, “Exactly! If there’s an enemy attack, won’t they be in danger at Xu Family Town?”
Yang Xinxin tilted her head, looking at Liang Yue. “You can’t protect them forever, right? I suggest informing them in advance so they can stock up on food and hide.”
“Don’t worry, Liang Yue. Like I said, no enemies are likely to show up around here anyti soon.”
Zhang Yi caught on to Yang Xinxin’s intent.
He gave her a deep, aningful look before casually sipping his milk tea.
From the start, Yang Xinxin’s words struck him as odd.
Even if they didn’t know when the enemy would co, why was she so insistent on easing everyone’s guard?
When she ntioned Xu Family Town, Zhang Yi realized her plan.
First, she and Zhang Yi both wanted those students gone—they were just a headache.
Second, with Liang Yue around, they couldn’t just kick them out openly.
So, Yang Xinxin subtly guided the conversation, making it seem as if the situation wasn’t that urgent.
This way, Liang Yue wouldn’t ask Zhang Yi to bring those students to Cloud Manor for protection.
In fact, it was a “kill with a borrowed knife” approach.
If there were an enemy attack, they’d likely take out the villagers of Xu Family Town near Cloud Manor first.
By standard logic, Xu Family Town would be seen as an outpost of Cloud Manor.
To attack Cloud Manor, they’d need to deal with Xu Family Town first.
Liang Yue was visibly conflicted by Yang Xinxin’s words.
She hesitated, then asked Zhang Yi, “Can we have them co help us with the defense work, in exchange for our protection?”
Zhang Yi didn’t imdiately answer Liang Yue’s question.
Instead, he chuckled, “Have your students learned to fish yet? Because if they can’t, in this freezing weather, they’re in real trouble.”
Liang Yue’s face turned awkward.
Zhang Yi was implying that this bunch, who couldn’t even fish through frozen ice, would be no help at all.
They’d just be dead weight, and he didn’t need that!
Yang Xinxin consoled Liang Yue, “Don’t worry, Liang Yue. This is just our guess. The enemy may never co. Who knows?”
Liang Yue sighed, “If that’s true, it’d be a relief!”
Finished speaking, Yang Xinxin left Liang Yue hesitant to ask Zhang Yi for help.
At that mont, however, a voice broke the tension.
“If you’re so worried, Liang Yue, then let think of a solution for you!”
It was Zhang Yi.
Smiling, he looked at Liang Yue. “If danger does ever co to the area, I’ll allow your students to temporarily stay near the shelter.”
There were a few empty villas around the shelter—enough for them.
Liang Yue looked at Zhang Yi, astonished, as if hearing these words from him was unbelievable.
To her, Zhang Yi had never been this kind.
Even Fatty Xu, Uncle You, and Lu Keran looked shocked, as though eting Zhang Yi for the first ti.
Only Yang Xinxin stared at him calmly, a slight smile on her lips and admiration in her gaze.
Noticing Liang Yue’s surprise, Zhang Yi spread his hands and laughed, “Why the look? You really thought I was heartless?”
Liang Yue’s expression grew awkward, though her face confird her thoughts.
Zhang Yi shook his head.
“Maybe that was true before…because back then, we weren’t allies.”
“But now, Liang Yue, you’re one of us!”
“You’re a friend and part of our family! So the people you want to protect—I’ll help you protect them!”
Zhang Yi’s eyes held sincere warmth, as earnest as a devoted follower.
Liang Yue was deeply moved; in her ti of conflict, Zhang Yi had been there for her.
This 27-year-old single teacher felt ripples in her heart, even forgetting her resentnt over him taking her prized sword.
“Zhang Yi…I… I don’t even know how to thank you.”
Her face flushed with excitent.
From the kitchen, Zhou Ke’er, watching this scene, muttered a few words to herself, ones that looked inappropriate for younger ears if you followed her lips.
Zhang Yi simply smiled and shook his head.
“No need for thanks. We’re all in this together now. Just focus on keeping everyone safe.”
(Just as long as you stay obedient, and follow orders when needed.)
Liang Yue nodded firmly. “I’ll do my best!”
Zhang Yi’s image had grown noble in her eyes.
She realized she’d misjudged him, thinking him selfish and arrogant.
With Liang Yue’s problem resolved, Zhang Yi addressed everyone else’s concerns, bringing the matter to a close.
“In short, we have two imdiate priorities: first, fortify defenses centered around Cloud Manor to guard against possible enemies.”
“Second, Keran and I will head out to find materials to repair the shelter.”
“Apart from that, no one is allowed to act on their own or leave the shelter area, to avoid unwanted clashes with other factions’ scouts.”
Everyone agreed. This was the best course of action for now.
One thing, however, went unsaid.
Zhang Yi had already killed so superhumans and regular soldiers from the Chaoyu Base at the West Hill Base entrance.
So the current peace wouldn’t last as long as he hoped.
He chose not to ntion it, and both Fatty Xu and Uncle You kept silent as well.
They assud Zhang Yi was keeping morale steady in the shelter.
But in reality, Zhang Yi was setting up his own plan.
Author's Note
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