"...All the suffering survivors in the wasteland are comrades on the same front. Although we have not fought side by side, I believe that you, who are kind-hearted, will not refuse to become friends with the people of Borneo Province.
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Zayin De's head turned rapidly.
Although he had not yet broken free from the chaotic downtime, he still subconsciously lowered his posture and tried to regain some goodwill from this little girl.
"My name is Zayin De...Dear Miss Alyssa, I'm really sorry for disturbing you in this way."
Although glib humor can alleviate embarrassment, it is obviously not likable.
However, seeing that he took the initiative to report his name, Alyssa relaxed her frown and spoke in a gentle tone.
"Alyssa, first time meeting...and you?"
Unexpectedly, this distinguished lady would actually turn her eyes to him. Savar, who was standing behind Zayinder, did not dare to look at those beautiful eyes and stammered.
"I...Vasa."
Seeing how hopeless this guy was, Zayinder sighed and looked at Alyssa with a slight apology.
"Sorry, he is...my student and also my assistant. Although he is very capable, he is a little shy."
"I'm sorry!" Sava quickly bowed to express his apology.
Seeing this clumsy young man, Alyssa suddenly thought of herself last year, couldn't help but smile, and said in a gentle tone.
"There is no need to apologize for this kind of thing. No one is born to be able to stand alone. My... a friend used to cry when he encountered difficulties, but now he can calmly think about some countermeasures. I
I believe you can do the same. After all, the road you have traveled is much longer than hers."
She didn't know how far away Borneo was, but it should be much further than the distance between Stone City and Dawn City.
"Thanks……"
The sound was like the spring breeze blowing across his face. The young man buried his head lower, staring directly at the tips of his shoes, and the blush spread from his cheeks to the roots of his ears.
What a kind girl!
No one has ever encouraged him like this, not even his closest family members.
Although he had no doubt that Mr. Zayinde was right, he still couldn't help but be confused...whether the gentleman who had been helping him and teaching him had misunderstood something.
Turning her eyes to Zayinder's face, Alyssa continued with a slightly serious voice.
"Mr. Zayinde, I am not a petty person. If you are sincerely sorry, just tell me directly. Please don't use the survivors of Borneo as a shield. Of course we are happy to cooperate with the survivors of Borneo."
They become friends, but you still cannot represent them.”
"Indeed... I didn't think carefully." Zayin De admitted his mistake simply and frankly.
Maybe there is something wrong with my reasoning.
This woman who cares about little things doesn't look like a particularly dignified woman. Instead, she makes him feel a bit...silly?
It would be fine if it was because she looked down upon her own abilities, but it was obviously not for this reason. She seemed to be acting like a child.
Does it matter whether you lie or not on such an innocuous issue? In the end, it didn’t have any bad effects.
Not to mention that he reconciled his words in the end, and anyone with a little bit of political cultivation would laugh at him.
And if he wins in the end, this might become a good story in people's mouth.
However, he did not think that there was any problem with his analysis, it was just that there was a lack of information.
It is extremely difficult to investigate a person in Dawn City, especially for him who is still in the entrepreneurial stage. He does not have a group of loyal guards who are loyal to him, and he does not even have diplomatic immunity.
Be careful not to break Alliance laws.
Alyssa nodded slightly and whispered a few words to the staff member who looked unhappy next to her.
"I have indeed never met them, but they are not bad people, but there may be some misunderstandings."
The staff member still looked worried and asked seriously.
"Do you really don't need me to call security?"
Alyssa said dumbfounded.
"No, no, no, don't cause trouble to others with this little matter, I will take care of it."
The latter's expression gradually softened, and he stared at Zayinder with a warning look, which seemed to say, "I remember your face." Then he turned around and walked back to the arena.
After watching him leave, Alyssa looked at Zayinder again.
"Let's get down to business. What do you want to see me for? Well...but before that, I actually want to know, where did you hear my name?"
Zayin De had a pleasant smile on his face. After all, he still wanted something from the girl in front of him.
"You underestimate your own popularity. Your name is known to everyone in Boulder City, and it is no less famous than that of the fictional Bol."
Alyssa said politely.
"You're flattering me, I'm not such a great person."
Zayinde continued with a smile.
"No, I don't mean to flatter you at all. I would rather say... I admire you very much."
The polite expression on Alyssa's face did not change, but the smile was still repelling people thousands of miles away.
"Even if you praise me, it won't do any good."
"You are too wary of me. In fact, everything I say is true..." Gazing at those wise eyes, Zayinder pretended to be innocent, sighed and said, "From the beer hall
From the drunkard to the newsboy delivering newspapers to the teller lady behind the bank counter... everyone has given you high praise."
"They all unanimously praised your bravery and kindness, thinking that it was you who allowed them to avoid the worst outcome and finally achieved that almost impossible miracle."
"To be honest, I don't believe in the existence of gods in this world, but I still can't help but wonder whether you are blessed by gods. After all, it would be difficult for anyone else to have a good death."
After listening to the emotional words, Alyssa suddenly believed what this person said.
He may indeed have some filters of admiration for himself, but what he admires is neither his own personality nor something he is proud of.
But something else...
Just like the shadows used to highlight the light spots in a sketch.
But if this is the case, then the residents of Borneo Province would be too pitiful.
There was most likely a casino that was even bigger than the former Boulder City, and the chips placed in that casino were most likely an astronomical number that she had never heard of.
A thin trickle of sweat couldn't help but form on Alyssa's forehead.
She instinctively wanted to save those people, so she spoke subconsciously.
"...Indeed, even if I think about what happened that day today, I still feel scared. But I don't think that I have been blessed by the gods, nor do I think that I am a miracle."
Not knowing what she was thinking at this moment, Zayinde said with a smile in a coaxing tone.
"If this is not a miracle, what kind of thing would it take to be a miracle?"
Alyssa said without hesitation.
"It's the residents of Boulder City."
Zayin De was slightly stunned.
"The residents of Boulder City? Ah... Of course, I don't deny that they are indeed indispensable. Their courage and ideals are equally impressive-"
"It's the residents of Boulder City."
Alyssa repeated her words again, and there was a hint of hope, or pleading, in her unmistakable voice.
"Why do you think I'm a miracle... It's obvious that they are still looking for light when the night comes, they are the ones who still don't give up even though the flame of hope has been extinguished countless times, it's obvious that you are looking for everyone you have seen before finding me.
They are all miracles, why do you think I am the miracle?"
Zayin De was stunned for a moment.
It wasn't because the girl in front of him said something inappropriate for her age, but because he didn't know why she was so excited.
What's this……
Very important thing?
Those polite words he said were just to gain her favor, but now it seems that his flattery has hit the horse's leg again.
What does this guy want?
Zayin De couldn't help but feel a little annoyed in his heart, but he didn't show that annoyed expression on his face.
As if sensing his impatience or resistance, Alyssa stared into his eyes seriously and couldn't help but speed up her speech.
"...Mr. Zayinder, I must say it again, my life and death are not worth mentioning in the face of the real wave! No matter whether I died that night or not, no matter where my body was hung in the end, it will not matter to Boulder City
It won’t have any impact tomorrow, the sun will still rise and set at the right time.”
"I am not the miracle you imagined. Those who let me go are the real miracles."
"They could have let that fire burn unchecked, pinned all the mistakes on a little girl, and then stepped on our corpses and moved into the inner city. They could have become the new owners of the casino, but they closed it themselves
This casino...everyone who comes out of the casino is a miracle."
What a naive statement...
No.
It should be said that it is stupid.
Zayin De looked at her coldly, but his spring-like smile did not change at all.
In fact, she didn't miss the point at all. At least there was one sentence that he agreed with, and it unexpectedly made his eyes light up.
If you let that flame burn wildly...
But if this happens, a lot of people will probably die.
"Mr. Zayinder?"
Hearing the concerned voice, Zayinde suddenly came back to his senses, then looked at Alyssa and said with a smile.
"What's wrong?"
"nothing……"
Alyssa's eyes were a little frightened. For a moment just now, she saw something terrible in his eyes.
Swallowing again, she spoke quickly.
"If you want to ask how to save the residents of Borneo, you might as well try to start by running a newspaper to let the survivors express their own voices..."
Zayinde coughed slightly, interrupting her endless chatter.
"I'm really sorry... Although I am very interested in your theory, the sun is going to set soon. Maybe we can have a good chat next time we meet again. By the way, if it is convenient, I would like to ask you
Please do me a favor."
Alyssa was stunned for a moment, but nodded slightly.
"What's the rush?"
"I would like to ask you to introduce me to the managers of the alliance."
"Guan, Mr. Manager?" Alyssa looked at him blankly, not following the escaping train of thought.
Zayinde nodded, looked into her eyes intently, and said seriously.
"I need his help...or rather, we need it."
Meeting those fiery gazes, Alyssa immediately understood what he meant, but fell into silence.
Objectively speaking, the alliance has indeed reduced the suffering that the survivors of Boulder City have to endure, but it is ultimately the survivors of Boulder City who will end all this suffering.
When you're not sure what's at the bottom of the mountain, accelerating doesn't always bring good results.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Excuse me."
"When everything is over...when the Wasteland Era is over, is there anything you want to do?"
As if she was worried that Zayin De was going astray again, Alyssa hurriedly added something later.
"I'm not talking about wishes or anything like that, just things that I simply want to do. For example, riding a horse or painting...any kind of hobby is fine."
"Those things are the sentiments of nobles, and I will not be corrupted by those things," Zayinder smiled, "I haven't thought about such far-off things for the time being. I just want to save the residents of Borneo Province and let
The light of equality shines on every inch of land along the Everliu River, and there is nothing else in my mind."
There was a hint of disappointment in her eyes, Alyssa's lips moved, and finally all her words turned into a gentle sigh.
"I know a very kind old grandfather... He said that after he retires, he wants to build a small wooden house by the lake, plant some flowers and plants, fish and so on."
Zayinder: "He is?"
"The designer of Mr. Fang Ming..."
Alyssa suddenly raised her head, her eyes were more determined than ever before, she took a deep breath and said.
"I will never introduce you to Mr. Manager... please come back!"
She refused without any tact.
If she could not make up her mind just now, she was completely convinced now, and saying anything to this guy would be a fool's errand.
This guy who keeps talking about equality despises what he says more than anyone else.
He had planned everything, but he had not planned at all where he would be in that new world.
In the end, he just wants to be the god of the new world and continue to operate the casino under a different brand.
Won't see you again next time.
She would not say another word to him, and she even regretted what she had just said. She should not have told him what the real miracle was.
This guy is not a comrade at all!
Maybe even the enemy...
Once he really succeeds, he will immediately block all the leaky windows in the entire casino!
Facing the increasingly cold eyes, Zayin De was not angry, but bowed slightly and saluted.
"It seems that I have caused you displeasure...I'm sorry."
Although it is a pity, there is nothing we can do about it.
The meeting broke up unhappy.
Zayin De had lost the meaning of staying here, so he took the young apprentice beside him and left here without looking back.
On the way back, Vassar looked at Mr. Zayinder with a puzzled face, and finally couldn't help asking about his confusion.
"I just said...we should find a more tactful way to contact her."
"The result is the same. If she is the person we are looking for, we can meet the manager through her no matter what. But unfortunately she is not, so this road will not work."
As if to find some reasons for his miscalculation, and as if he really thought so, Zayinde paused and continued.
"Actually, it's not a bad thing."
"A good thing?" Vasa was completely confused.
"That's right."
Zayinde nodded slightly and continued nonchalantly.
"At least, through the testing just now, I can confirm that she and the managers of the alliance have indeed maintained correspondence exchanges... No matter what form of communication it is, at least their views overlap on some issues."
"It only took us one afternoon to figure out the manager's preferences. As an investment test... this deal is quite cost-effective."
Vasa said with some disappointment.
"But she won't help us..."
He wasn't sure whether he regretted that he might never see that beautiful lady again, or whether he really regretted the fate of his family.
Maybe it's both.
Zayin De smiled faintly.
"It doesn't matter. There are many ways to meet that gentleman. The key is what happens after meeting him."
If he did have the idea of pleasing with Alyssa, a potential political ally, at first, he immediately gave up the idea after realizing that she was still a child at heart.
It's troublesome to make allies with naive people, so it's better to use her as a touchstone.
The next time he meets the league manager, he will try to avoid all the minefields.
Just like listening to the opinions of the residents of the shelter and changing the equality meeting to a family meeting.
He can further improve his character and try to say as much as possible that the gentleman would like to hear...
"What if she writes to the administrator?" Vasa whispered.
If it were him and there were other voices in the family that were about to stir up trouble, he would tell Mr. Zayinde without hesitation.
He felt that the young lady was the same as him and would do the same thing.
Zayin De's expression froze slightly, but soon relaxed.
"This possibility cannot be ruled out...children do like to tell stories, but I believe that the gentleman will not unilaterally believe what the family says, but will listen to both sides."
And for a person like him who comes from a humble background, what he lacks is the connections.
"If she did mention me in her letter to managers, I would have to thank her for the favor."
…
At the southernmost point of the central axis of the distant Central Continent, there is a port called Yongye Port.
It is located in the southernmost corner of the ruins of the Southern Industrial Zone of the People's Federation, facing the Antarctic wasteland across the sea.
Because the location is too remote, it is a place that even the White Bear Knights who are keen on exploring maps have never been to.
If compared to a real-life map, this port is probably located in South Africa, but it is at a higher latitude than the latter.
At the same time, this is probably the southernmost settlement in the entire wasteland.
Since it was winter in the Southern Hemisphere when the Legion first set foot on this land, it was a time when the days were short and the nights were long.
Therefore, this settlement was named Evernight Harbor by the Wilant colonists.
Unlike the Eastern Legion, which occupies a vast plain, the land of the Southern Legion is more fragmented. Except for a peninsula in the mainland, most of the territory is mainly distributed in the western industrial zone ruins of the great desert and the coastline of the southern industrial zone ruins.
Although the soil in these lands is too poor to grow crops, it is rich in mineral deposits.
Due to this series of factors, the Southern Army's style of conduct was also very different from that of the Eastern Army.
They are more like colonists in the late Middle Ages than military nobles who own large ranches and estates.
Although they are equally ruthless when exploiting other ethnic groups, they are not above using more tactful means when it suits their own interests.
For example, bribe the locals and rule the locals.
For example, slaves were allowed to be redeemed.
Another example is using debt slaves instead of indentured slaves, etc.
After all, they don't have as much land resources to waste as the Eastern Legion, so they have to put some thought into how to increase the colony's production capacity.
It is precisely because of this style of conduct that they have become very close to the civil servant group in Triumph City.
Of course, the similarity in form and style is only one aspect. In the final analysis, it is because the interests of both parties are tied together.
For example, the ports of the Southern Legion happened to be located along the route from Borneo to Triumph City.
The ships of the civil service group often brought back from Borneo not only the spices, tea and sugar that Triumph City was keen on, but also the slaves and livestock needed by the colonies of the Southern Legion.
Compared with the nomads and alien species living in the great desert, the survivors and livestock in Borneo are undoubtedly much docile, and are more popular with the southern colonists.
By the way, when these ships return to Triumph City, they will also carry some specialties from the colony.
For example, various ores, gems, gold, etc.
It is precisely for this reason that the port of Yongye Port never lacks ships from Borneo.
Especially the ships from West Sails Harbor.
But recently, something unexpected happened here...
The port of Yongye Port was crowded with people, and a large number of passengers carrying suitcases gathered at the door of the ticket office, making noisy noises at the top of their lungs.
It is summer in Yongye Port in December. The sea breeze blowing from the sea is already a bit hot, and people's emotions are like a powder keg.
A Valeant passenger finally squeezed his way to the counter and slammed his fist holding the ticket on the counter, wishing he could stick his nose into the narrow window.
"Where's the boat? I bought a ticket to Triumph City! Where has the boat gone?"
"Please calm down sir, let me see which flight you bought...I can help you refund your money."
The staff reached out to grab the ticket, but the passenger snatched it back.
Staring angrily behind the window, the Wilrantian traveler shouted loudly about filial piety.
"I never said I wanted a refund! I want to go home!"
The staff member looked at him helplessly and said with a wry smile.
"I know...but there's nothing I can do about it. If your scheduled flight doesn't show up at the pier, it's most likely a breach of contract, and we will compensate you for your ticket in accordance with the contract-"
"What do you mean by a high probability of breach of contract!" the Wilante man roared angrily, "It's already the end of the year, and I only go back to Triumph City once a year! Damn it, why do I have to rush before my birthday!"
The staff member was sweating profusely on his forehead, trying to calm him and the other passengers behind him.
"Please, please calm down... I understand how you feel, sir, but there is nothing we can do about it. The carrier canceled the flight. I heard that the reason was that it was going to the east to pick up a batch of munitions -"
The passenger obviously didn't buy it and rudely interrupted his explanation.
"I bought a passenger ship! It's a passenger ship! Do you think I'm a fool?"
The staff member sighed helplessly.
"I know...but I heard that those people gave too much. You are lucky. Yesterday, a ship was about to dock. As soon as I heard the news from Xifan Port, I dropped it directly.
The passengers on the shore turned around and left."
Velantian Traveler: "???"
Penny, who was standing in the crowd, heard the quarrel in front and had a confused expression on her face.
She came here by boat from Xifan Port a week ago. She originally booked a transfer ticket for today to return to Triumph City, but she didn't expect to hear such bad news.
Finally reaching the window, she glanced at the ticket in her hand and said blankly.
"...The ships are all gone?"
The staff member sitting behind the window looked at her with a worried expression. It was obvious that this was not the first time she had answered this question.
"It's been gone since yesterday... You're lucky, miss. I heard that some people got on the ship and were kicked off."
Penny said dumbfounded.
"Then how do I get home?"
The staff member also had an embarrassed look on his face.
"I don't know...well, but according to my experience, you should just wait two days. After all, not all ships will continue to sail eastward, and some ships will return after arriving at Yongye Port. There are also some cargo ships,
If the price is right, they won't mind working part-time as a passenger ship, and we will also help you pay attention to relevant information."
"..."
Penny only regrets one thing now, and that is that she declined Governor Huye's kindness and chose to transfer at Yongye Port instead of taking his direct boat to Triumph City.
Unexpectedly, I just spent three days here and couldn't go back.
"What happened?" she asked with a worried look.
The staff member sighed.
"We are not sure about the news. We only heard that it was Captain Bennott who did the good deeds. He reached some unclear agreement with the Eastern Legion, and then all the ships on the entire route ran eastward.
Rush to pick up the money."
I heard that not only did some go there for equipment for the expeditionary force, but some also fantasized about picking up some "junk" from colleges, companies, or alliances that the front line couldn't use.
But he felt that those people were simply dreaming.
And with so many people rushing to grab it, it’s still unclear whether they can make money by then.
Penny was completely dumbfounded. She didn't expect that the person who prevented her from returning home was actually her own father who was serving as ambassador in Dawn City.
This is really...
Looking at the lady in front of her who was looking like she was about to cry, the staff member kindly reminded her.
"Things are already like this, and we have no choice. You'd better book a hotel at the port as soon as possible... By the evening, I'm afraid I won't have any place to stay if I have money. My uncle runs a hotel near the port. Do you need me to contact you?
?”
Penny shook her head.
"...No need, I have a place to live."
Her uncle is an officer of the Southern Legion, with the same rank as Mr. Pangolin, captain of thousands, and serves as the defense chief in Yongye Port.
She has been staying at her uncle's house for the past few days, and the worst she can do is to disturb her for a few more days.
However, in order not to worry her mother who was far away in Triumph City, she had to go to the post office and send a telegram to her family.
The staff sighed and apologized deeply.
"That's it...anyway, I'm very sorry and ask for your understanding."
If you don't understand, is there any way?
Penny gave him a helpless expression, nodded and thanked him, then left the ticket office with her suitcase, hailed a three-wheeler at the port, and asked the driver to take her to the post office door.
Soon the marble building came into view.
After taking out a golden dinar and paying the money, Penny carried her suitcase and walked up the steps of the post office.
However, just as she stepped through the door, she heard several hurried conversations passing her.
"Is there a boat? I need a boat to the east as soon as possible! The sooner the better!"
"The boat to the east? What are you talking about in your sleep? There is no boat at this pier!"
"Damn it! Why did you arrive at this juncture!"
Penny looked sideways and saw a middle-aged man wearing a felt hat punching the marble pillar at the door.
The man following him looked at his companion in astonishment and hurriedly stepped forward and asked.
"What happened?"
The man's expression was gloomy, and his hoarse voice was low and deep.
However, even so, Penny still vaguely heard those words——