Shang Qi had not finished speaking when he was impatiently interrupted by Wen Shangyin.
As for Shang Qi, his words were cut short, and he simply looked at his anxious older brother, his tone dismissive: "I don't want half your fortune, nor do I want you to arrange for people to protect me and provide weapons."
These were all external possessions, and if he truly accepted them, it would be like installing spies and time bombs for himself.
Having others monitor his every move would mean a complete lack of freedom, worse than having nothing at all. "Then what do you want?" Wen Shangyin looked at Shang Qi, suddenly becoming vigilant, feeling that Shang Qi harbored ill intentions.
Despite facing his own brother, he harbored many suspicions and speculations about him.
Shang Qi looked at the food on the table, not meeting Wen Shangyin's gaze, and lowered his head, speaking to himself: "We plan to establish a survivor base in City A, to provide a sanctuary for survivors in need during the apocalypse."
Having said this, Shang Qi looked at Wen Shangyin, "The establishment of a new base requires manpower and resources. Since you want to negotiate with me, then help me establish this new base. Once the new base is completed, you will return to your capital, and we brothers will have no further dealings. You also don't need to worry about me vying with you; I disdain to compete for such things."
This was the plan hatched by Su Ling and Shang Qi. They needed manpower and construction materials for the new base.
Since Wen Shangyin had come knocking, offering manpower and resources, they would naturally make full use of them.
Otherwise, building the base themselves would be a monumental undertaking, troublesome and exhausting.
Wen Shangyin had expected Shang Qi to make an exorbitant demand, but he was surprised by what Shang Qi said: "Just this?"
Shang Qi grunted, looking at Wen Shangyin: "It's that simple. If you can agree, we'll write it down in black and white, sign it, and seal it as proof. You also won't have to worry about me competing with you, nor will you have to hunt me down."
Shang Qi had said what he needed to say. If Wen Shangyin remained stubborn and unyielding, then there would be nothing more to discuss; it would be time for action, and if violence could resolve the issue, he would not waste any more words.
"You're not trying to trick me?" Wen Shangyin looked at Shang Qi, still finding it hard to believe it would be so simple.
In his opinion, this was far too accommodating for Shang Qi.
Therefore, Wen Shangyin suspected that Shang Qi would not be so easy on himself.
Shang Qi glanced at the naturally suspicious Wen Shangyin, "Haven't I already offered to put it all in writing, isn't that enough to convince you?"
This was Shang Qi's rhetorical question and his final bottom line and concession. If Wen Shangyin continued to be greedy and complain, then Shang Qi would not be blamed for ceasing to engage in pointless chatter.
By nature, Shang Qi would have been too lazy to waste words with Wen Shangyin and would have resorted to direct action.
Hearing Shang Qi's words, Wen Shangyin knew he could not push his luck further. After a moment of careful consideration, he said, "Alright, I'll agree to your terms. I'll have things prepared immediately, we'll sign and seal it, and then we can begin preparing everything."
Having spoken, Wen Shangyin quickly instructed Song Lian to prepare the items, giving Shang Qi no chance to back out.
Soon, Song Lian, as instructed by Wen Shangyin, had the ink, brush, and paper ready.
Wen Shangyin looked at the blank paper and the brush, then turned to Shang Qi: "Do you want to write it, or should I?"
"You're the elder brother, you do it," Shang Qi was content to not lift a finger if he didn't have to.
Since someone was willing to do the work, he was happy to take the easy route.
Seeing Shang Qi's reluctance to move, Wen Shangyin took it upon himself. He would dictate, and Song Lian would write.
Soon, the blank paper was filled with writing, and Song Lian handed it to Wen Shangyin.
Wen Shangyin read it, then passed it to Shang Qi: "Do you see anything that needs to be added?"