Chapter 81

Chapter 81

Hearing Cheng Jing's words, Department Head Wang praised:

"So, in times like these, people like you become the backbone of order. In my capacity as the head of the Base Infrastructure Department, I formally invite your entire team to stay comfortably in South City Base and join us in expanding the base to protect survivors together."

"..."

Jiang Nian and Cheng Jing exchanged puzzled looks—they were already settled here.

Noticing this, Yang Kai, who was standing nearby, promptly explained:

"Here's the situation. Xia Weiwei and Liang Yunhao came here specifically to see you. They want to persuade your team to join Base S."

Miss Xia was her usual arrogant self, just like Base S, which seemed intent on positioning itself above all other bases.

Fortunately, Cheng Jing and his team had voluntarily chosen to join South City Base and had Zhou Li's recommendation. Now, they were practically insiders, making negotiations much easier.

"..."

Hearing this, Cheng Jing and Jiang Nian exchanged startled glances:

So Xia Weiwei did have another agenda!

Zhou Li also confirmed:

"That's right. That's why we arranged to meet you separately today. We used Cheng Jing's training as an excuse—we won’t meet her until tomorrow afternoon."

Xia Weiwei was Chen Yue's girlfriend, and Chen Yue was Jiang Nian's younger brother. On top of that, Liang Yunhao was Cheng Jing's business partner in the security firm. Under normal circumstances, such connections would carry strong persuasive power.

Cheng Jing pieced together the situation and nodded:

"So that's how it is. We understand now."

Jiang Nian maintained a neutral expression, but inwardly scoffed at Xia Weiwei's delusion. Did she really think they would follow her? She must be dreaming!

Department Head Wang's expression turned more solemn as he looked at them and said:

"Relative to the overall population, human superpowered people are still very rare—especially those with powerful, unique abilities. As the frontline fighters against zombies, they are highly sought-after talents for any base."

"The post-apocalyptic era has entered a stable phase, and what follows will be a war of attrition. Superpowered groups have become an indispensable part of every base's strength. You get what I'm saying."

As he spoke, his eyes rested pointedly on Jiang Nian, who was sitting quietly.

In truth, their main purpose today was to find a way to persuade Jiang Nian. Zhou Li and Yang Kai had both said that to keep Cheng Jing's team here, they only needed to convince Jiang Nian.

If Xia Weiwei managed to sway Jiang Nian first, Cheng Jing and the others would undoubtedly follow—no persuasion from Liang Yunhao would even be necessary.

Though he couldn't pinpoint what made him special, he understood the dynamics between partners. Cheng Jing commanded the team, but Jiang Nian had Cheng Jing wrapped around his finger.

"..."

Feeling Department Head Wang's gaze, Jiang Nian looked up and gave him a polite smile:

"We appreciate your confidence in us, Department Head Wang."

Cheng Jing also chimed in:

"Thank you, Department Head Wang."

They understood the implication—it was about snatching people. As the post-apocalyptic chaos entered a stabilization phase, disputes between base factions began:

Gathering capable people to strengthen their bases' influence, followed by smaller bases yielding resources to larger ones and cooperating with their research institutes to accelerate breakthroughs.

This was a natural progression. From this, one could imagine that smaller bases and some unofficial shelters would likely become subordinate "resource depots" for major bases in the future.

"..."

Zhou Li felt Department Head Wang was being too subtle and worried Cheng Jing and Jiang Nian might not grasp the message or play dumb. After observing their reactions, he added:

"To put it simply, every base is scrambling for top-tier Superpowered individuals. Xia Weiwei and Liang Yunhao want to play the emotional card to recruit you for Base S, while we hope you’ll stay here."

Having worked with Cheng Jing’s group since the early days of the apocalypse, he understood their capabilities better than Department Head Wang and others.

Moreover, Cheng Jing, a former soldier, had much higher ideological awareness of collective duty and moral principles than ordinary Superpowered individuals. His team was also more reliable, as shown by how they handled Case 1805.

With the collapse and restructuring of order, bases—even the nation—needed such talents. That was why he personally wrote a recommendation letter when he learned they were coming to South City Base.

Jiang Nian gave Cheng Jing a slight nod, and the latter, understanding, turned to Zhou Li and Department Head Wang with a serious expression:

"Rest assured, we chose South City Base with the intention of settling here long-term. We’ve even rented shops and farmland. Unless forced by circumstances, we won’t leave."

Even without such an invitation, they had no intention of following Xia Weiwei. In fact, if possible, they wouldn't mind if she didn't leave alive.

As for Liang Yunhao, Cheng Jing knew his partner well. After arriving at the base, Liang had contacted them several times—he just wanted to get better resources for their team, with no ill intent.

All they needed was to show Liang Yunhao they were thriving in South City Base.

Zhou Li nodded in relief.

Department Head Wang, observing the couple’s interaction, relaxed his stern expression:

"Good. Whatever conditions Base S offers, South City Base will match them. I give you my word as a soldier that you’ll face no unfair treatment, and first pick of external resources whenever possible."

This was the utmost sincerity South City Base could offer—no pie-in-the-sky promises.

Zhou Li glanced at Yang Kai, who cut in:

"From now on, we’ll work together in South City Base. It’ll be easier since we’re all on the same side."

Having seen his share of people, Zhou Li knew Cheng Jing always kept backup plans and made sure to keep Jiang Nian out of official collaborations—likely fearing Jiang Nian might be controlled.

Though he didn’t know Jiang Nian’s secret, as long as they took care of him, Cheng Jing would cooperate.

"Good."

Cheng Jing and Jiang Nian spoke in unison, sharing a knowing smile.

This wasn't quite what they'd expected—Xia Weiwei wasn’t just their opponent but South City Base’s as well. That made things much easier!

A weight lifted from Department Head Wang. Shifting forward slightly, he patted his knees:

"Hearing that sets my mind at rest. Once Xia Weiwei brings Jiang Nian’s supposed relatives, the base will take proper care of them. Jiang Nian, you can then persuade them—"

"No need."

Jiang Nian abruptly cut him off:

"Sorry, but to prevent any misunderstandings, since this concerns long-term plans, let me make this clear: they’re not my relatives. My only family died before the apocalypse."

"This..."

Department Head Wang and Zhou Li looked puzzled, while only Yang Kai had a knowing smile. Nice work—Xia Weiwei's "recruitment" operation was doomed from the start.

Ignoring their confusion, Jiang Nian laid it out plainly:

"I don’t care what plans Xia Weiwei has, but if she brings troublemakers here, I hope the base won’t interfere and let me handle it myself."

This way, it would make things easier for us.

Hearing this, Department Head Wang nodded immediately:

"Of course, this is your private matter. Since you’ve said so, the base won’t intervene. We're all on the same side here—as long as certain things aren’t deliberately brought into the open, we respect your decisions."

"Thank you, then."

Jiang Nian expressed his gratitude sincerely. With Department Head Wang’s assurance, he could act more decisively.

The base was their home turf—there was no way he’d let those clowns get away with disrespect in front of him.

With that, the matter of "preventing them from getting played by Xia Weiwei" was settled.

"..."

With the serious discussion over, the conversation turned more casual. Soon after, Department Head Wang stood up and left with Yang Kai, taking a guard with him.

After a brief silence, Zhou Li opened the document bag he had brought, pulling out a twenty-page stapled document and placing it in front of them.

"I came today for another matter—to inform you that the final ruling for Xiao Ya’s case has been decided. Here, take a look."