Shang Qi looked at Zhang Wenbin and spoke directly, "We also have selfish motives."
Having lived through the apocalypse once, Shang Qi and Su Ling still held onto the goodness of humanity.
However, this goodness was reserved only for survivors who lacked the ability to protect themselves.
For awakened individuals who could fend for themselves and claim territory, their every motive was laced with personal ambition.
"Selfish motives?" Zhang Wenbin's interest was piqued. He looked at Shang Qi, "Tell me about your selfish motives."
Su Ling, who had been consuming candy frequently lately, was now basking in the sun and enjoying a lollipop while Shang Qi conversed with Zhang Wenbin.
Shang Qi's gaze was fixed on Zhang Wenbin, but his peripheral vision was keenly on Su Ling. He said, "Ah Ling and I, and our group, originally planned to head to a city in the south to find an absolutely safe place and establish a survivor base to provide help and shelter for those in need during the apocalypse."
As Zhang Wenbin listened to Shang Qi's words, he vaguely guessed the underlying intent, even before the full explanation was given.
Shang Qi's narrative continued without pause. He went on, "Before this place was discovered, our destination was the southernmost city. With the discovery of this place, our resolve wavered."
"However, our plan remains unchanged. We will still go to the southernmost city to investigate further. If we are not satisfied with what we find there, we will return here and work with you to provide assistance to the survivors of the apocalypse."
The reality proved that Zhang Wenbin had guessed part of it, but not all.
In fact, he had guessed incorrectly.
Zhang Wenbin had assumed that after a tour of the southern cities, if Shang Qi and his group were dissatisfied, they would return to Sea Island and seek control of it. He didn't have strong feelings about this; if Shang Qi wanted it, he would give it, given Shang Qi's formidable strength.
However, Shang Qi had no intention of taking control of Sea Island. He merely wanted to stay and become a source of power.
Zhang Wenbin was truly impressed by Shang Qi's magnanimity.
Shang Qi's selfish motives had been fully revealed. Zhang Wenbin expected more, but seeing Shang Qi fall silent, he spoke, "Is that all? Is that it?"
Shang Qi hummed in affirmation, his tone casual. "Ah Ling and I have no desire to dominate any territory. We just want to find a quiet and safe place to live out our simple lives. And, to help those in need as much as we can. That's all."
The struggles for power and territory were not what they desired, having seen through human nature after living through two lives.
Zhang Wenbin understood. He immediately said, "Rest assured, whether you eventually return or not, Sea Island will always reserve a piece of land for you. It will be permanently set aside for you. It will always be here, its existence unwavering with the passage of time."
If the Sea Island survivor base was successfully established, Shang Qi and Su Ling would be among the first contributors, and Zhang Wenbin's promise was the treatment they deserved.
Seeing that the mutual understanding had been reached, Su Ling remembered the ship docked at the pier and spoke, "Shang Qi and I need to go to the pier now to collect Peng Yansheng's ship."
"There's no need for such trouble," Peng Yansheng interjected immediately. He looked at Su Ling and explained, "We are also preparing to return to make preparations for the establishment of the new base."
Peng Yansheng's heart was already filled with anticipation.
Su Ling glanced at Peng Yansheng and explained in a calm voice, "It will hail again near noon, and it will stop when the sun sets in the evening. After dark, it will hail again, and it will stop in the latter half of the night."