Chapter 342: Chapter 337: Apocalypse Sisters
Because of a remark by Duan Kai, Ying Yiming and his team were left hanging for three whole days. When Duan Kai finally decided to meet them, including Ying Yiming, all were somewhat angry. But on someone else’s turf, what could they do?
Duan Kai sat in the main seat, his eyelids opened to glance at the people and then habitually drooped again, his right index finger gently tapping on the table. Although there were no other small movements, his demeanor gave off a lazy yet dangerous feeling.
This indifference seemed as if he was looking down on people. The team members were holding back their anger, and Ying Yiming, looking intently at him, said, "Commander Duan, it’s an honor to meet you."
"Hmm, you’re being polite." Duan Kai accepted without any sign of falsity.
Luo Yong couldn’t help getting angry again: "Mr. Duan, our captain is being polite by addressing you as commander. We all are educated people of the new era. Do you really think it’s good to dominate while holding yourself so superior?"
Duan Kai laughed, his stare at Luo Yong was like a venomous snake eyeing its prey. Luo Yong was no match for him and was completely choked by his powerful presence.
"I am indeed the commander of this base, what’s wrong with that? It is the apocalypse now, are you still expecting me to abide by pre-apocalypse standards? Heh... I protect this base, and the people of the base are willing to support me. If you have objections, just leave here." His words seemed to be a retort to Luo Yong, but actually, he was staring at Ying Yiming the whole time.
Ying Yiming’s eyes deepened, and he responded calmly and firmly: "This is the Hu Province Base, of course, Commander Duan has the final say. However, I recall that the base isn’t solely under Commander Duan’s control. Moreover, there are higher mountains beyond our hills, and there are people beyond our reach, Commander Duan, better not to make such definitive statements."
"What? You mean you have the ability to overthrow me?" Duan Kai showed no regard for Ying Yiming’s face, "Trying to create a rift between me and Ye Dong? Afraid you don’t have that capability."
Duan Kai’s face grew colder, due to his experiences before the apocalypse, he disliked these roundabout types of people, especially someone like Ying Yiming, a princely figure. Although he admitted Ying Yiming was capable, what did that have to do with him? Wanting his help then show the attitude of asking for help, who else needs to see such a superiority? Could he not see this was indulging subordinates in questioning him?
Ying Yiming’s expression also shifted. He came from a prominent family and was among the top in terms of capabilities. Even in competing with others, it was always covert strife. Unlike Duan Kai, who would show contempt at any dissatisfaction.
This sort of person just governs through sheer aggressive energy, right? He admitted the Hu Province Base had many good aspects, but if it were being managed by someone like Duan Kai for a long time, it might just head towards doom.
Ying Yiming had calculations in his mind. Before the apocalypse, he was a person capable of great vengeance. After the apocalypse, with his superior abilities, he harbored cold calculations. If someone like Duan Kai could maintain his position as the commander of the Hu Province Base through raw power, what about himself? He certainly believed he could do better.
But now, there’s someone like Ye Qiu whose research has a significant impact on the situation. What if she stopped helping Duan Kai? Or, what if he himself found another capable scientist like Ye Qiu?
However, all these thoughts were premature. Seeing how Duan Kai seemed eager to drive him out of Hu Province Base immediately, how could he still get in touch with Ye Qiu and Ye Dong?
"Commander Duan, you take this too seriously. I meant no disrespect nor did I intend to create a rift. We originally came to the Hu Province Base to look for someone, but after arriving at the base, we thought we might be able to make a deal." Ying Yiming’s tone became more neutral, adopting an official business attitude.
If Duan Kai continued to sulk at this time, it would only make him seem petty.
Duan Kai stopped the cold smirk on his face, his fingers continuing to tap on the table: "I wonder what kind of deal Captain Ying wants to make?"
"A cure for the Zombie Virus." Ying Yiming cut to the chase, "We all are Hua Country people, Mr. Duan wouldn’t want innocent people to turn into zombies, right?"
"You can buy with Crystal Cores. Transparent pricing, and there are member prices if you join our base." Duan Kai seemed not to understand Ying Yiming’s words, shrugged, and said nonchalantly.
After a pause, he looked bewildered at Ying Yiming: "Do you mean you want us to supply it for free? Captain Ying, you seem smart enough. This medicine is the result of long experiments by our base, do you think you can just take it for nothing? Is there such a deal in the world?"
"We all are Hua Country people, isn’t it too selfish for you to monopolize your research results? You clearly have the opportunity to save more people." Li Lewei couldn’t help saying.
"Clap, clap, clap!" Duan Kai clapped appreciatively at her, "I’ve seen such a Holy Mother attitude for the first time post-apocalypse. Miss Li, I heard your superpower can promote the growth of vegetables and fruits, did you ever provide to everyone continuously for free before?"
"I’m not powerful enough to provide every day," Li Lewei said matter-of-factly.
"Hmm, I understand that." Duan Kai pondered for a moment before saying, "But I’ve heard that ordinary people and other superpower users have never gotten fruits from Miss Li. I also hear that because of your excellent abilities, your status is quite exceptional in Jiang Province Base. You ask us to contribute selflessly, but initially, how did you use your superpower to trade for privileges? Miss Li, please set an example yourself before you say such things."
"You..." Li Lewei’s face flushed with anger, feeling that Duan Kai was being unreasonable.
Duan Kai’s expression darkened: "Don’t point your finger at me, what do you think you are?"
Li Lewei had never been treated this way before. With her outstanding appearance and unique abilities, everyone in Jiang Province Base praised her. It was only since coming to Hu Province Base that things hadn’t gone her way, it felt like everything was against her.
And who was Duan Kai? She had never even heard of him in the stories; probably just a dreadful nameless extra, she thought.
With this thought, Li Lewei suddenly didn’t feel so angry anymore. Just a dead man, why bother arguing with him!
Duan Kai’s gaze towards Li Lewei was very displeased, thinking who was she to look down on him? Comparing her with other women of great appearances, he inadvertently compared her with Ye Dong. Hmm, upon this comparison, he found Ye Dong much more pleasing.
"Since Commander Duan is unwilling to provide the medicine that combats the Zombie Virus for free, I wonder if we could exchange Crystal Cores or something else needed by Commander Duan for the formula?" Ying Yiming spoke again.
"The formula is impossible. Trading with Crystal Cores and weapons for the medicine, I warmly welcome that," Duan Kai stated without any intent to cooperate, chuckling at the notion. If Jiang Province Base gained the formula, what advantage would his side have left? Whether it’s weapons or reserves of oil and food, they couldn’t compete with them. What if one day they attack his side? He wasn’t a fool.