Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies
Chapter 777: Conversation with Zhu Zheng

Chapter 777: Conversation with Zhu Zheng

Zhang Yi arrived at the new Operations Command Center.

Since the original site had been destroyed in the battle, with many records lost, the new center was exceptionally busy.

Beyond needing reinforcement to headquarters' standards, they also had to restructure the organization—people were constantly coming and going in the bustle.

Zhang Yi hadn't seen Baili Changqing for a while.

After using Compound-5, Baili had managed to hold on for some time, but his body ultimately suffered adverse effects.

Absorbing Daiku Kai Enzu's life force had saved him, but now he was undergoing treatment in the medical department—though no one knew what state he'd end up in.

Truthfully, Zhang Yi had always kept his distance from the power granted by such drugs.

If Baili Changqing someday developed an incurable genetic disease like Bian Junwu, it wouldn't surprise him in the least.

Upon arriving at the new command center, Zhang Yi was immediately met with an overwhelmingly warm welcome.

This wasn't mere politeness—they genuinely admired and were grateful to him.

Had Zhang Yi not intervened when he did, most of them would have died.

Even those who survived would have lost everything they had due to Zhu Zheng's death.

The atmosphere strongly reminded Zhang Yi of when Gao Changkong had first returned victorious from battle.

Zhang Yi had no time for nostalgia. He directly stated his purpose for coming.

Soon, Zhu Zheng summoned him to his office.

Lan Xincheng personally came to greet Zhang Yi.

The once-arrogant secretary now treated Zhang Yi with exceptional respect—whether out of gratitude for saving his life or due to his sharp intuition recognizing that Zhang Yi's status would be fundamentally different from now on.

This change stemmed from the power Zhang Yi had displayed.

At the very least, his current strength surpassed that of standard squad captains.

Zhang Yi found Zhu Zheng wearing a standard green military shirt, reading documents by the window.

The moment he saw Zhang Yi, his face lit up with enthusiastic warmth.

"Zhang Yi! Come, have a seat!"

They sat on the sofa while Lan Xincheng had coffee served.

Zhu Zheng effusively praised Zhang Yi, though his words covered the usual platitudes.

Zhang Yi listened with a faint smile before stating his purpose.

"The Moon of Corrosion threat has been dealt with. It's time I returned to Tianhai City—I came to bid you farewell."

Zhu Zheng immediately tried to persuade him to stay.

"Zhang Yi, your performance in this operation left everyone speechless. You're extraordinarily talented—not just in combat prowess, but also in battlefield command. Most importantly, your loyalty to the Jiangnan Region has been made abundantly clear!"

"I hope you'll remain. I can retain your position in the Celestial Hound Squad as a full-fledged investigation captain."

"Though Blizzard City has resolved the external threat, internal issues remain. Bian Junwu died in battle, and Gao Changkong's betrayal leaves us vulnerable. We desperately need elite combatants."

"Will you stay?" Zhu Zheng gazed at him earnestly. "Name your terms—anything within my power, I'll grant."

Zhu Zheng was practically starving for talent, and Zhang Yi was the one he most wanted to secure.

Zhang Yi chuckled softly and sipped his coffee.

"I don't care for a life of constant fighting. I appreciate the offer, but no."

He showed no hesitation—giving Zhu Zheng an opening would only invite more persistent attempts to keep him.

Zhang Yi owed Zhu Zheng nothing; if anything, Blizzard City owed him a massive debt. There was no need for courtesy.

Zhu Zheng sighed inwardly but couldn't press further—not when Zhang Yi had saved his life (and frankly, he lacked the means to compel him). Yet relinquishing such an asset pained him.

After some thought, he made another proposal.

"What if you became an external agent? You wouldn't need to stay in Blizzard City. I'll retain your Celestial Hound Squad position with captain-level—no, above-captain-level privileges and benefits!"

"A 20% increase over standard captain-level compensation!"

Captain-level benefits were substantial—primarily priority access to cutting-edge weapons, equipment, and gene-modifying drugs.

But these held little appeal for Zhang Yi now.

He shook his head.

"I've no worldly desires."

Zhu Zheng's brow furrowed deeply.

"If the Jiangnan Region faces another crisis, would you refuse to act?"

Zhang Yi took another sip as he carefully phrased his response.

"If it's truly a matter of survival, I'll intervene."

"But if it's for personal interests, I'll have to decline."

His words were diplomatic, but the truth was simpler—he wouldn't participate unless there was something in it for him.

The Moon of Corrosion invasion had been an exception.

He refused to become anyone's subordinate or hired muscle.

Zhu Zheng's current politeness (even deference) would vanish the moment Zhang Yi agreed to become an investigation captain.

It was like when resigning from a job—employers sweet-talk you to stay, but their attitude flips instantly afterward.

Appearances could deceive; sentimentality led to regret.

Having been saved by Zhang Yi, Zhu Zheng couldn't push further.

"Very well. I'll keep the Celestial Hound Squad captain position open for you. You'll still receive monthly headquarters benefits."

"If Blizzard City encounters difficulties, I only hope you'll consider assisting. That's all I ask."

Zhang Yi replied with deliberate hesitation, "If circumstances permit... I'll help."

When rejecting requests, be decisive. When agreeing, be cautiously noncommittal.

Zhu Zheng nodded before shifting to casual conversation, asking about Zhang Yi's future plans.

Zhang Yi had no particular ambitions—content with his current lifestyle, he simply planned to rest and enjoy himself in Tianhai City.

Once Tianhai stabilized, he might take a sea voyage using one of Chen Jingguan's large ships—not going far, just coastal fishing and perhaps sightseeing in southern ice waters.

Mention of maritime matters reminded Zhang Yi of the pirate invaders. He inquired about them.

Zhu Zheng responded dismissively, "Those overambitious fools? I've already asked the Eastern Sea Region to handle them."

Author's Note