Chapter 687.3: Why Shouldn’t I Agree??? |
Chen Jianhong’s eyebrow twitched, but he stayed silent. Actually, it wasn’t as bad as he thought. At least the dock reached deep water. They just needed a floating bridge.
And the most important part was that they were under the New Alliance’s protection. Unless the Federation wanted a war with the New Alliance, they wouldn’t dare attack again.
Not that the survivors cared. The moment they saw the golden beach, their malnourished faces lit up with desperate longing.
They just wanted to live under the sun again.
“… By the way,” Chen Jianhong asked Sisi, “are you sure building a settlement here is safe? This is the Baiyue Province.”
Knowing what worried him, Sisi reassured him. “Don’t worry. Our people will keep you safe. You can already see people living here.”
He relaxed slightly. “I would like to meet the one in charge.”
Sisi smiled and looked to the sea. “He’s already on his way.”
Right on cue, a small boat arrived. Ample Time climbed off, brushing off slimy seaweed from his shoulder before striding forward with a smile. “Welcome, Captain Chen! I’m Ample Time, the person in charge of French Fry Harbor!”
Ample Time grinned. “Rest assured, I’ve already reported to the administrator. He welcomes your decision! From today onward, you are citizens of the New Alliance, protected by its laws, and obligated to uphold them.”
Relief washed over Chen Jianhong. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you,” Ample Time replied warmly. “On our road to rebuild civilization and order, we’ve gained a reliable ally.” Letting go of the captain’s hand, he continued, “Since the New Alliance does not currently have a naval command, and we lack experts in that field, we would like you to continue serving as captain of the Dolphin. We’ll pay you and your entire crew according to our standards for now.”
Chen Jianhong froze. “Wait, what do you mean pay? The Dolphin isn’t a warship. I’m not even a soldier…”
Ample Time quickly reassured him, “I know. Don’t worry. You won’t be doing combat missions. We don’t have enemies to fight at sea.”
Hearing that, Chen Jianhong finally relaxed. But after thinking it over, he felt embarrassed and added, “I’m not afraid of fighting. If the opponent were the Federation, I would beat them without hesitation. But this submarine has no real weapons, and it’s too big for offensive use. I hope you understand.”
He paused, then sighed, “Also, we’ve been drifting underwater for a while. Many systems need maintenance. Could you build a proper port here? Not a wooden one, something more reliable.”
Ample Time was about to say Ideal City’s engineers were already hired when suddenly a man squeezed out from the crowd of survivors, raising his hand. “If you’re building a port, I can help!”
He wore a faded brown shirt, looking weary but bright-eyed.
Ample Time blinked and asked, “And you are…?”
Chen Jianhong glanced at him and answered in his place. “His name is Li Shihao. He’s an engineer from Coral City. Used to work at the submarine docks. I forgot his specialty, ”
“Port and channel engineering!” Li Shihao cut in rapidly. “I worked on the Ring Island and Peace Island port renovation projects, and Coral City’s submarine docks. With enough manpower and materials, I can build you a universal port that can handle this submarine!”
At those words, Ample Time’s eyes lit up instantly. “Perfect! You’re hired! Not only will I give you workers and materials, I’ll pay you 10,000 silver a month as base salary! I’ll throw in bonuses and commission! As long as you work hard, I guarantee your life in the New Alliance will be better than your old shelter administrator’s! Oh, right, whether you accept or not…”
“I accept!” Li Shihao practically lunged forward, excitement all over his face.
He had no idea what 10,000 silver meant, but a job was a job.
Seeing someone get hired before even stepping ashore, the other survivors stared in envy.
Then one shouted, “I’m his coworker!”
“I can help too!”
“You need fish farmers? I raised fish in Coral City!”
“I’m a surveyor! Both underwater and on land!”
“I’m a miner!”
“Are you interested in underwater robotics? I worked on the electric ray welding drone!”
“I’m a materials specialist, waterproof, anti-corrosion!”
Ample Time’s face lit up with pure joy. Those people were walking gold mines.
Sisi and Tail exchanged shocked looks. They were surprised both by how talented the survivors were, and by Ample Time openly turning the dock into a recruitment fair.
“Giao…”
“This guy is way too shameless…”
Ample Time raised his hands to calm the crowd. “Don’t worry! There’s work for everyone, especially those with skills and knowledge!”
“When we issue ID cards, I’ll register your professions. I promise everyone will find respectable work, and start a new life on this land full of sunlight!”
“And, we’ve prepared food and wine from Dawn City! Before we begin again, let’s say goodbye to past hardships!”
Food! Wine!
Cheers erupted across the deck. Their faces shone with joy. Tail howled in excitement along with them.
Watching the celebration, Chen Jianhong smiled warmly. If their ordeal had to end somehow, this was as good as it could be.
With help from the players, a floating bridge was quickly placed between the dock and the submarine. The survivors streamed ashore.
The Men’s Dream Tavern, normally opening in the evening, was bustling at dawn. Tables and chairs were set up on the beach. It felt like a festival.
Meanwhile, far out at sea, a Federation patrol boat sped toward French Fry Harbor.
It was Muda.
After finally dealing with the interrogation, he didn’t return to Ring Island. Instead, he headed straight over.
He needed to deliver the hot potato, the probe, strapped under his boat to the New Alliance. He also needed to report that the two girls had gone missing near the power station ruins.
But what Mudo never expected was… As soon as he entered the eastern Baiyue Strait, he saw a massive shadow floating on the water.
The Dolphin.
The ghost submarine rumored to have sunk 12 Federation cargo ships.
The Federation Navy’s number-one wanted target.
Standing at the bow, Muda stared at the enormous vessel, speechless.
Behind him, a sailor swallowed hard. “Captain…?”
Muda’s eyes flickered with turmoil. Finally, he gritted his teeth and whispered, “… Approach it.”
The sailor and the pilot exchanged glances, Both seeing deep dread and confusion in the other’s eyes. The further they went, The darker the road became.