I Become a Landlady in the Game World

Chapter 16: Chapter 012: Danger Approaching_2

"No problem," Li Xingteng replied dryly, then immediately started to arrange people, diving into the work himself, which was clearly a move to win over hearts and minds.

With people taking action, Zhou Zhengping left the command to Li Xingteng and approached Zhou Bai and her mother, saying, "It feels good to have people helping out."

"Do you admire him?" Ding Qiurou knew Zhou Zhengping well. As soon as he spoke, she discerned his intent. "Just yesterday you said he was scheming, trying to test us, and now you've changed your mind?"

"He is indeed scheming, but as long as he's on the right path, I don't see a problem," Zhou Zhengping spoke lightly, "having a few more people like him would be better for our territory."

Listening to Zhou Zhengping's words, Zhou Bai suddenly understood his meaning. She also felt that having more people like that would be better; with others to help, her duties as a Lord would be much lighter.

Tool Man, huh! Who wouldn't love that?

"You're right, but there aren't many like him. Others, most of them, are just trying to get by," Ding Qiurou said, "Though many in the territory are willing to go out, some have money and don't want to leave, staying within the territory instead. You can't force them, and everyone has their own way of living."

Thinking about it, she added, "To get people to work, you have to offer benefits, like when you offered a higher price for materials. Those with spare resources were willing to sell to you. If someone could be like Li Xingteng, we should think of ways to motivate them, see what they need, and provide it."

Listening to her, Zhou Zhengping praised, "Wife, you're right!"

Then he turned to Zhou Bai, "What about you? What do you think after hearing what your mother said?"

"Um, I have some thoughts. Basically, all of that can be solved by properly developing the territory. If we have better weapons and equipment, many who want to become stronger will think about buying, and I could even make a requirement that those who contribute to the territory can trade. They would certainly work hard on the territory's tasks; if the variety of goods in the territory is sufficient, those with money wouldn't resist spending it. If they have enough money, spending is also a contribution to the territory; otherwise, they'll look for ways to earn...So the core is still to build a strong territory. Once the territory is strong, they will feel more connected to it," Zhou Bai said, feeling helpless. "But, step by step! Everything about the territory can't just be as I want right now."

After hearing her, Zhou Zhengping nodded, "Yes, you're right, step by step. The foundation of the territory is key. When the territory thrives, others will only be more inclined to stay. As long as they are here, aren't we sure they will work?"

Ding Qiurou looked at her husband and daughter agreeing with each other and smiled, "Since we have to take it slow, don't overthink it too much. I just traded for some nice things, should I make something delicious for you?"

Her greatest wish was to take good care of her husband and daughter; as long as they were happy, she was content.

"Then you go ahead, we'll stay here a little longer," Zhou Zhengping quickly said.

After all, so many new people had arrived, most of them wounded. It was better to keep an eye on them.

"Okay." Ding Qiurou nodded and headed toward home.

On the site, thanks to everyone's efforts, all the wounded had been initially treated in a while.

Apart from those who really couldn't move, the rest had started heading to the Lord Mansion to receive their Identity Tokens. Once they had those, they bought or rented houses to rest.

For those unable to move, some money was spent to get help.

Since yesterday, they hadn't had a proper rest, but tonight they could finally feel a bit more at ease! @@novelbin@@

The residences newly built by Zhou Bai were quickly taken! Other goods also sold well.

This allowed Zhou Bai, who had been spending money, to make a good return. Every time a new group of people arrived, she could "make a fortune."

Glancing at her account, Zhou Bai's smile crept up—indeed, the feeling of making money was pleasant!

Watching his daughter smiling foolishly, Zhou Zhengping couldn't even look.

Zhou Bai, noticing Zhou Zhengping's helpless gaze, composed herself and quickly changed the subject, asking about his rescue efforts today. She had seen the condition of those people and knew it wasn't simple. For fear of touching a sore spot, nobody dared to ask for details earlier. She could only learn from her father.

Zhou Zhengping shared what they encountered, especially the fact that Demon Beasts could Upgrade after eating humans.

After listening, Zhou Bai frowned, "After you guys went out, I was keeping an eye on the map the entire time. That group of Demon Beasts wasn't on it at all. They must have followed those people here. Since they can hunt a group of humans, our territory is located here; I'm afraid the Demon Beasts might come too. Perhaps the increase in the Residents today is partly for that reason."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhengping's brow also furrowed deeply.

At that moment, having managed everything, Li Xingteng came with his people to find Zhou Zhengping.

"Everyone is settled!" While he spoke, a touch of pleasure showed on Li Xingteng's face, commanding people and receiving their gratitude felt quite satisfying.

"You've done an impressive job, everything is clear," Zhou Zhengping sincerely complimented, knowing Li Xingteng's personality. Everything was taken into account—indeed, in this regard, he could not compete with Li Xingteng.

"It's nothing, everyone helped out, and we're the territory's Guard Team! It's only right that we do a bit more for the territory," Li Xingteng replied with a smile, gaining a bit of fondness for Zhou Zhengping. This teammate seemed alright.

"Working with someone like you makes things easier for me in the future."

"I feel I'll be at ease too. As for matters concerning the territory, we'll discuss and hope for it to get better and better!" Li Xingteng continued.

Zhou Zhengping nodded, then glanced at the pitch-black night outside and decisively said, "Let's have our two teams take turns on night watch. The Demon Beasts we encountered today were a bit strange."

"Okay." Li Xingteng, remembering the scene, instinctively nodded.

He had a profound memory of today's grisly spectacle.

Moreover, if the territory recruited them for the Guard Team, they must have anticipated something. It's always good to be careful!

Zhou Bai, observing how Zhou Zhengping quickly decided on the night watch, understood his intention. In the face of the unknown, protecting the territory was paramount.

Yet for some reason, Zhou Bai had a foreboding feeling rising within her.

**

During the night, the Guard Team started to take turns watching over the territory's gates.

In places they couldn't see, shadows gathered, slowly closing in on the territory.