In the courtyard.
Su Ling and Shang Qi’s presence in this negotiation was, in truth, quite minimal and not particularly strong.
The real negotiation was between Zhang Wenbin and Peng Yansheng, yet Shang Qi and Su Ling could not extricate themselves from the matter.
Zhang Wenbin had intended to smoke, but considering Su Ling’s presence, he abandoned the thought, merely holding the cigarette in his hand.
In fact, Zhang Wenbin did not comprehend Shang Qi and Su Ling’s motives for bringing people back to the defense post.
The topic had not yet officially begun; it still required Shang Qi and Su Ling to initiate the conversation before their intentions could be understood.
It was not yet noon, and the sun was strong, but it did not scorch; it was within an acceptable range.
Shang Qi looked at Zhang Wenbin and spoke concisely, “His name is Peng Yansheng. Before coming to the island, he was someone sent by the head of the survivor base in Lucheng to search for supplies. During his absence, the Lucheng survivor base was destroyed by my brother. Upon his return with his people, they found themselves with nowhere to go, so they came to the island.”
Zhang Wenbin and Peng Yansheng remained silent, listening quietly as Shang Qi spoke.
After explaining the origin of the matter and Peng Yansheng’s identity, Shang Qi continued, “Uncle Zhang intends to establish Hai Shang Island as a survivor base for the apocalypse, providing a sanctuary and a home for survivors.”
“This is a cause that is very worthy of advocacy and support.” After first affirming Zhang Wenbin’s actions, Shang Qi elaborated, “However, Hai Shang Island is, strictly speaking, disconnected from the outside world. For Hai Shang Island to re-establish contact with the outside world, an intermediary force is needed. According to my thinking, Peng Yansheng can perfectly serve as this intermediary force.”
Shang Qi looked at Peng Yansheng. “He will retreat to Lucheng, and Uncle Zhang will arrange for people to assist him in establishing a new survivor base in Lucheng. In my opinion, the new survivor base should ideally be as close to the port as possible.”
“Once the survivor base is established, control of the port will be handed over to Peng Yansheng. Survivors who hear the broadcast and wish to come will be vetted by Peng Yansheng. Those who meet the conditions for coming ashore will be sent to Hai Shang Island by ship.”
By this point, Shang Qi’s purpose and motivation for bringing Peng Yansheng back were clear.
Next, it was up to Zhang Wenbin and Peng Yansheng to negotiate.
Peng Yansheng was undoubtedly very tempted by Shang Qi’s proposal.
If he cooperated with the official personnel and retreated to Lucheng to establish a new survivor base with official support, from another perspective, he would also be considered part of the official group. This outcome was undoubtedly the best choice for him.
For Zhang Wenbin, Shang Qi’s words and the person he brought back undoubtedly solved a major problem for him.
This problem was precisely the liaison responsible for connecting Hai Shang Island and the port of Lucheng.
Now, his problem was solved.
With this thought, Zhang Wenbin looked at Peng Yansheng and said, “You—”
“I am very willing,” Peng Yansheng said, standing up before Zhang Wenbin could finish speaking, his back perfectly straight. “I am willing to retreat to Lucheng, establish a new base, and then supply survivors to Hai Shang Island, sending them to Hai Shang Island.”
As Peng Yansheng, who was most familiar with the sea route from Lucheng to Hai Shang Island, he was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
Although Peng Yansheng agreed so readily, Zhang Wenbin also had his own considerations. He looked at Peng Yansheng and presented his condition: “My people will also stay with you in the Lucheng port area. Do you agree to this as well?”
“I agree,” Peng Yansheng replied without hesitation, agreeing immediately.
Zhang Wenbin was very pleased with Peng Yansheng’s awareness. He beckoned to him, “Sit down and let’s talk.”
“Yes, leader.” Peng Yansheng obediently sat down, his posture upright and his back perfectly straight.
Zhang Wenbin looked at Shang Qi and Su Ling. “You two are truly my lucky stars and benefactors. You’ve helped me out immensely!”