As they were speaking, a team ca over, all won, over thirty years old, with dark faces, short hair, wrapped in cloth around their lower bodies, wearing poor-quality floral T-shirts on top, carrying baskets on their heads filled with clothes, food, and so brought hot water over. At Bar's command, they split into two groups and delivered various supplies into the room, everyone silently watching this scene and sighing with relief.
So bold elderly people and children curiously gathered around, pointing and arousing everyone's curiosity. Suddenly, Zhang Hao lowered his voice and said to Luo Zheng, "The elderly here have cataracts, probably caused by partial nutritional deficiencies. It's fatal for them, but for us, it's a minor surgery that might beco our bargaining chip in negotiations."
"Oh? How sure are we?" Luo Zheng asked in delight.
"No problem at all," Zhang Hao confidently replied.
"That's good, tell everyone to keep it quiet; we'll discuss it later," Luo Zheng quickly instructed in a low voice.
At this point, those who delivered supplies gradually left. Bar enthusiastically said to Luo Zheng, "Have sothing to eat and rest for a while. I'll hold a welcoming banquet for you tonight."
"Sounds great, thank you," Luo Zheng politely replied.
Bar exchanged a few polite words and then left, leaving behind an ard team for so-called protection, but clearly for surveillance. Luo Zheng understood and said nothing more, motioning for n and won to separate and return to their rooms while he waited outside, gazing out with eyes full of worry.
After about half an hour, the dical team had washed up with hot water, changed into clean clothes, and ca out chewing on roasted sweet potatoes, visibly looking much better. Zhang Hao also ca out, gratefully looking at Luo Zheng and said, "Everyone washed up a bit, we saved so hot water for you. Everyone drank so hot water and ate a bit, they should recover soon. Anything we can do?"
"No, let everyone eat sothing and get so rest," Luo Zheng instructed, suddenly hearing a commotion in the distance. Looking up, he saw Ghost Hand and Madela coming over, followed by a dozen ard personnel. Both of their weapons had been handed over to the ard forces, and they looked exhausted, barely able to walk.
Luo Zheng was overjoyed, went up to them, and hugged Ghost Hand, saying excitedly, "Good brother, I'm so glad you're back, just glad you're back."
"Rest assured, everything's fine," Ghost Hand said, feeling moved, as a deep sense of camaraderie surged in his heart.
"Great job, thank you for your hard work," Luo Zheng said, letting go of Ghost Hand and playfully punched Madela's chest with a smile.
"No problem, is everyone okay?" Madela smiled, revealing bright teeth on his dirt-covered face.
"Everyone's fine; there's still so hot water inside, go wash up," Luo Zheng quickly said.
The two didn't argue, heading for the wooden cabin. The dical team made way, gratefully watching them with sincere greetings. Luo Zheng watched the two enter the cabin, his heart at ease; with such brothers, what couldn't they solve?
Luo Zheng also went to the cabin, casually wiped his face with hot water, drank so hot water, picked up a potato from a basket, and started eating while chatting. With hot water, clean clothes, and no need to travel, everyone was in much better spirits. So people fell asleep, snoring on the plank beds. Life and death were at stake; no one was in the mood to fuss.
After eating a bit, Luo Zheng told Ghost Hand and Madela to rest while he stayed on watch. Although the Basto Tribe had shown goodwill, and their future Clan Leader Bar had no hostility, it was better to be cautious, especially near the female doctor. What if soone got malicious thoughts?
Luo Zheng changed into dry clothes and went outside. The clothes were old camouflage uniforms but fit well. He looked at the wooden cabin next door, ard personnel were patrolling the entrance. Seeing no abnormalities, he finally relaxed, looking at the rising moon; surrounding residents had gone ho for dinner, quieting the once bustling street.
For now, the dical team was safe; next on the agenda was negotiating. To gain Basto's support, they must pay a price. The country would back them, but the more severe issue was Hariri's side. How were Yu Xin and others doing? Hopefully, all was well.
Ti slipped by unknowingly; night completely fell. At so point, Luo Zheng sensed soone approaching, turning to see Ghost Hand, asking softly, "Not sleeping a bit longer?"
"You're tired too, take a rest, I'll take the watch," Ghost Hand softly said.
"I'm not sleepy," Luo Zheng replied softly, with a hint of sentintality.
"Worried about my situation?" Ghost Hand asked softly, noticing Luo Zheng didn't answer but knew his guess was right. Gratefully, he smiled and said, "There shouldn't be any issues. Hariri will surely figure out our identities, knowing we won't rest until we have leverage. But how do we handle the current situation?"
"Xue Er and others are on their way to the capital. I told them to infiltrate Hariri's valley upon arrival to find people. We might need two days here; they won't easily trust or let us go. However, they're very poor, and we have what they need. Still, negotiations might take ti. Without handing over goods, they fear they won't release people."
"Two days should be fine. The dical team also needs a solid two days' rest," Ghost Hand said.
"Hmm," Luo Zheng responded noncommittally. He saw Bar approaching with several people, surprised to see it was already around 10 PM. As they neared, Luo Zheng noticed Bar bore no hostility and relaxed slightly, softly telling Ghost Hand, "Be careful, this guy's very shrewd and hard to deal with."
"Understood," Ghost Hand whispered back.
Soon after, Bar approached with his people, warmly saying to Luo Zheng, "I've prepared roast lamb, it'll be ready soon. We'll roast it in your room. My father is old, and couldn't stay up, so I'll take good care of you. If there's anything you need, just say it. Is the accommodation satisfactory?"
"I'm satisfied, thank you for your help," Luo Zheng courteously replied.
"The conditions here are poor, and I have nothing of substance to offer. Make do; it can't be called help. Now that we know each other, we're friends. A friend in need is a friend indeed. When we face difficulties, surely you'll help us too, right?" Bar smiled courteously, shrewdness flickering in his eyes as he sized up Luo Zheng, as though Luo Zheng had so treasure on him.
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