Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 348 : Sweet Words

Lu Keran’s words reminded Zhang Yi.

This time, while they gathered some 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 mentioned... 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 come 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 something. But Yang Xinxin jumped in first.

“Let me 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 sometimes came 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 judgment 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 home bases vulnerable.”

“This means we’ve got a decent window to prepare for what’s to come.”

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 come 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 time 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 met her gaze and sensed something strange in her eyes.

She seemed to be hinting at something.

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 some time.”

Yang Xinxin then turned to the thoughtful Liang Yue.

“Liang Yue, I imagine Xu Family Town could use some 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 anytime soon.”

Zhang Yi caught on to Yang Xinxin’s intent.

He gave her a deep, meaningful 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 come, why was she so insistent on easing everyone’s guard?

When she mentioned 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 come help us with the defense work, in exchange for our protection?”

Zhang Yi didn’t immediately 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 come. 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 moment, however, a voice broke the tension.

“If you’re so worried, Liang Yue, then let me think of a solution for you!”

It was Zhang Yi.

Smiling, he looked at Liang Yue. “If danger does ever come 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 meeting Zhang Yi for the first time.

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 confirmed 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 time of conflict, Zhang Yi had been there for her.

This 27-year-old single teacher felt ripples in her heart, even forgetting her resentment over him taking her prized sword.

“Zhang Yi…I… I don’t even know how to thank you.”

Her face flushed with excitement.

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 immediate 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 some 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 mention it, and both Fatty Xu and Uncle You kept silent as well.

They assumed Zhang Yi was keeping morale steady in the shelter.

But in reality, Zhang Yi was setting up his own plan.

Author's Note