Holding his arms, Shao Qi interjected, "Your choice is correct. The Jiangnan Base expends a great deal of effort to prevent the forest from encroaching. It also harbors the largest civilian population. Due to the need for a substantial workforce, it's populated by common people. However, its military defenses are relatively weak."

"Why?" Zhou You was perplexed. If exploration teams were deployed for missions, why hadn't they encountered other teams along the way? Jiangnan Base was nearby, so wouldn't some teams enter the Yunlan Mountain Range for hunting? Surely they wouldn't all miss this opportunity?

"Because of poverty!"

"What? You're saying this is the largest grain-producing base in the country, and it's poor?"

Shao Qi gave him a sidelong glance. "Forgive my frankness. Any base nowadays has no shortage of grains. The cost of transporting grains is exceedingly high. Therefore, aside from Dawn City, only wealthy individuals from various bases purchase grains. In order to transport grains, Jiangnan Base has to deploy a large portion of its martial practitioners. The rest barely manage to maintain the base's security."

Shao Qi cast a gaze at the group of workers and continued, "I think Grandmaster Wei chose this place to recruit laborers for similar reasons. Even if they realize people are disappearing, they simply can't afford to divert manpower for search and rescue."

The team set up camp near a farmland. Exiting the mountains, everyone relaxed and began preparing food to eat before getting a good night's sleep.

Observing a nearby vegetable garden, Zhou You inquired of the local workers if he could harvest some vegetables. They generously responded, "Help yourself. These crops don't require much attention. They grow exceptionally well. If you harvest today, they'll likely regrow in a few days. We have to come and clear them every month."

Zhou You had pondered why plants possessed such terrifying growth rates and why both humans and animals were evolving in a stronger direction. The composition of the air in this world had changed. Could this mean that today's air had a tremendous impact on living beings, akin to the spiritual energy in novels that aided martial artists in cultivation?

"Hurry up, I'm hungry," Shao Qi's urgency interrupted Zhou You's contemplation.

He casually harvested a few vegetables, stir-fried a large plate of greens, simmered a pot of bone broth with radishes, steamed a bowl of tender egg custard, and of course, there was the indispensable grilled meat. The presentation, aroma, and flavor were all exquisite, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Li Yunxi approached with a rice bowl, snatching a piece of grilled meat. The meat had been marinated in sauce, thin yet substantial, tender and devoid of the gamey taste they had been accustomed to, making it incredibly appetizing.

"Zhou You, why do you prepare so many dishes for every meal? Doesn't it bother you?"

"Just three dishes and a soup, nothing excessive." This was a very common meal style before the apocalypse, and it wasn't complicated to prepare. However, people were generally too lazy to make such varied dishes. As long as they were full, it was sufficient.

"I've noticed a significant trait of yours," Li Yunxi finished a piece of grilled meat and didn't continue to compete for more. The amount of meat distributed to each person was limited, and she wasn't one to be excessively greedy.

"What trait is that?"

"You always carry an air of contentment wherever you go, as if turning fleeing into a leisurely journey. Look at everyone else; who is as composed as you?"

Zhou You chuckled lightly, "It just means I have a steady personality. When you're alive, it's only natural to treat yourself well. Who would willingly mistreat themselves when they have the means?"

"The woman who marries you will surely be happy." Li Yunxi felt a fondness for Zhou You, but that didn't mean she would marry him just because of that. In this era, women either pursued independence and became admired female powerhouses, making their choices among men open, or they selected someone strong, capable of protecting themselves and their children.

Zhou You was too weak.

Zhou You smiled, "I'm just a bit skilled in cooking, nothing special. Why don't you come join us?"

Li Yunxi vigorously shook her head, "No, no, no. I'd rather not share a table with the Grim Reaper. I can't eat in peace with that face around."

"Grim Reaper? Are you referring to Mr. Shao? Why?"

"Don't you find him terrifying? I can't even look him in the eye. Sometimes when he says nothing, I feel like he might start killing any moment."

"It can't be that exaggerated," Zhou You laughed helplessly.

"Well, I don't think he's a good person. You need to be cautious around him. Also, don't let him take your White Tiger. It's your private property."

Zhou You coughed, speaking softly, "You're a bit late with that advice. I've already given White Tiger to him."

"What?" Li Yunxi shrieked in shock. "You... How could you give it away? What on earth is this ultimate level of naivety? Doesn't he realize what he received?"

Li Yunxi chastised him with exasperation, "Are you an idiot? The White Tiger is beyond valuable. Even my brother was tempted. How could you just give it away? No, I'm going to help you get it back!"

Li Yunxi assumed that Zhou You had been either deceived or forcibly robbed by Shao Qi. Not only did he lose his White Tiger, but he was also being ordered around to cook for Shao Qi. What a despicable man!

Zhou You stopped her and explained, "No, it was voluntary on my part. He offered to pay, but I declined. Alright, the food will get cold. I'm going to eat now."

Author's aside: Shao Qi: "He's truly skilled at passing the blame!"

Chapter 035: My Kindness Depends on the Person

Zhou You carried the food back to the vehicle, and Shao Qi withdrew his gaze, propping up his chin as he murmured, "A talented woman and a handsome man, they could be considered a perfect match."

Zhou You wasn't as polite with him, scoffing, "Hurry up and eat. Don't forget the reward you promised me."

Dr. Zhao strolled over leisurely, sniffing the air and marveling, "Though it's evident this isn't the work of a master chef, these simple home-cooked dishes really bring back memories. My late spouse was particularly skilled at making steamed egg custard. Taking a bite of this, so tender and smooth, I haven't had this dish in ages."

Apparently, egg custard tasted the same everywhere. Dr. Zhao shed a tear after the first bite. Zhou You and Shao Qi stopped quarreling and finished the meal quietly.