Published: February 9, 2025
The person bringing the news was Mina.
With Garan's appearance, Ye Zhongming had some psychological preparation regarding Mina, but he was also somewhat surprised.
In Ye Zhongming's view, Mina was a stubborn woman with principles in her actions, and her decisions would not change easily. But who would have thought that she made the same choice as Garan, who valued benefits more?
It seems the apocalypse really is a place that changes people.
The two "good friends" who had just parted met again in a short time, and awkwardness was inevitable. However, Garan had thicker skin and was able to chat and laugh with Mina after a moment.
The news she brought was unexpectedly delightful for Ye Zhongming: the Death Vine that had besieged Linhai City was about to evolve.
According to Mina’s information, several powers in Linhai City had mastered a technology using Yama Tree seeds, which could be used to counter the Death Vine during the feast day. At that time, the Death Vine would need energy to complete its evolution, making it relatively weak. If they made good use of this opportunity, there was a great possibility they could break out of Linhai in one go.
Ye Zhongming's original plan was to use the people of Linhai and some of his own methods to break out, of course, he also wanted to conduct some experiments with the Yama Tree to see if he could find some tips to make leaving the city easier. It would be even better if he could gain some benefits in the process.
But if what Mina said was true, then there was undoubtedly a second method to leave the city, which might even make it easier.
"According to what you said, you already have a preliminary plan. Why choose me?"
Ye Zhongming sat in that dilapidated house, feeling a bit crowded with Garan, Mina, and the twin sisters present.
When Mina heard Ye Zhongming's question, her gaze shifted back from the peculiar twins as she looked at Ye Zhongming and asked, "Can I ask a question before answering?"
Ye Zhongming nodded, "Sure."
He was not foolhardy. After learning about the detailed situation in Linhai City from Yang Yixi, combined with the elimination of the Black Cloud Group and the Stinger Squad, Ye Zhongming knew that anyone who understood these matters could analyze and guess his background. So he readily admitted that he came from the outside without any concealment.
Sure enough, Mina's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
"Cooperating with them indeed has hope to get out of this hellhole, but everything is unknown, and no one knows the success rate. But working with you is different; you came from the outside, proving that this is feasible. So how I decide is actually not hard."
Ye Zhongming nodded, recognizing that this woman had a clear line of thought. He pushed away Yani, who had become more autonomous and was leaning toward him due to a lack of commands, and returned her to Yaten, while addressing Mina: "Your choice is not wrong, but have you considered that this all comes from your perspective? If I have a way to freely enter and exit Linhai, why would I need to cooperate with you?"
"Because you are also trapped here."
Mina smiled confidently, extending one hand and curling a finger down, saying, "If you could freely enter and exit Linhai, you wouldn't need to do these things. Whether it's the star sunfish, the surging power, or the puppets you create, none of these are difficult to obtain outside Linhai; in fact, the resources are much richer. You have better options, yet you choose to do this in Linhai City, which can only mean that you are trapped here! You need them!"
"I don't know why the passage you used to enter cannot be exited, but I’m sure you have a way to reopen it. Everything you are doing now is for that purpose, so I think we have the basis for cooperation. What do you think?"
Ye Zhongming smiled and did not refute. Instead, he clapped, which made Garan feel a bit unconvinced and Mina somewhat pleased.
"Alright, we will cooperate. But the premise is that you and your subordinates must listen to me. This is a must, the only condition. If you agree, we will cooperate; once you do not follow my orders during the cooperation, then the cooperation will cease."