Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 598 — Submission

The trip to Blizzard City made Chen Jingguan fully aware of his own strength — completely insufficient to support a powerful base.

After much deliberation, he finally made a decision.

That very day, he stood outside Zhang Yi's room and rang the doorbell.

When Zhang Yi saw Chen Jingguan, he thought for a moment and assumed he was here to ask for help in taking revenge.

So, Zhang Yi planned to say a few words and send him away.

But to his surprise, the moment Chen Jingguan stepped inside, he dropped to his knees, pressing his head firmly against the floor.

“Mr. Zhang Yi, please! I beg you to take over Chaoyu Base!” he pleaded sincerely.

Zhang Yi was a little surprised. Once he registered what Chen Jingguan had just said, he immediately understood the reason behind it.

Looking down at Chen Jingguan, Zhang Yi’s eyes were sharp and cold as he thought, He’s realized it. Chaoyu Base is doomed sooner or later in his hands. If he wants it to survive, he has no choice but to rely on me.

Zhang Yi remained composed, silently weighing the pros and cons of taking over Chaoyu Base.

As for the downside, there wasn’t much.

At most, he’d have to look after the people of Chaoyu Base.

It’d be a bit troublesome, sure, but Chaoyu Base was self-sufficient, so it wouldn’t be too big of a problem.

He just needed to make sure no other factions attacked them.

As for the benefits — Zhang Yi would gain complete control over Chaoyu Base.

There were over a thousand people there. While there weren’t many fighters, the rest were all experienced seafarers and fishermen.

If Zhang Yi ever needed to go out to sea, these people would be invaluable.

After some thought, Zhang Yi found this deal to be quite profitable.

However, he couldn't agree too easily.

Zhang Yi remained silent for a long time, making the kneeling Chen Jingguan increasingly anxious.

Does Zhang Yi look down on Chaoyu Base?

After all, the team is made up of elites, and they aren’t short on supplies. It wouldn’t be surprising if he thinks we’re not worth it.

But right now, he’s the only one I can rely on.

Just then, Zhang Yi’s voice sounded above him.

“Get up first. Tell me — how do you see this situation?”

Zhang Yi moved to the couch and sat down.

Hearing this, Chen Jingguan raised his head. Seeing Zhang Yi’s calm expression, with no hint of his true thoughts, Chen Jingguan nervously got up and walked over.

He sat across from Zhang Yi, fully prepared with what he wanted to say.

“I’ve been with Chaoyu Base’s fleet for seven years. I have deep feelings for the team.”

“After Wei Lao died in battle, I had no choice but to take on the role of base leader. But I’m not strong enough, and now, because of my own mistakes, people look down on Chaoyu Base.”

“In these chaotic times, someone is bound to target Chaoyu Base like a piece of fat meat. I’m sure it won’t be long before they invade.”

Chen Jingguan clenched his fists tightly on his knees.

“We no longer have the power to protect ourselves. If Chaoyu Base falls, who knows what fate awaits the old brothers of the fleet.”

“So, I hope you, Zhang Yi, can take over as leader of Chaoyu Base and protect our brothers!”

Zhang Yi nodded.

“You’ve got a point. If outsiders take over Chaoyu Base, no one knows what they’ll do next.”

If they ran into brutal types, there could even be a massacre.

Chaoyu Base wasn’t just home to warriors and technicians — there were families, the old, the weak, women, and children.

Once conquered, would other factions even bother to feed them?

Never gamble on human kindness — you’ll lose every time.

And Chen Jingguan knew Zhang Yi well enough.

Zhang Yi might be ruthless and cunning on the battlefield, but he never killed innocents.

If Zhang Yi became the leader, at least the people of Chaoyu Base would be safe.

Suddenly, Zhang Yi laughed.

“You’re pretty smart. You know I’ve always been lazy and don’t like managing people. Even if Chaoyu Base recognizes me as the leader, aren’t you the one who’s still going to be running it?”

Chen Jingguan quickly said, “I won’t dare disobey any orders!”

“As long as you protect Chaoyu Base, we’ll meet any of your demands! Whether it’s food, weapons, or even women — we’ll offer them all!”

He gritted his teeth, “There are quite a few beautiful women in the base. If you don’t mind married ones, they could—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!”

Zhang Yi quickly cut him off.

He already had his hands full with the women around him. Plus, he had zero interest in breaking up families.

What do you take me for, Chen Jingguan?

Chen Jingguan stared at Zhang Yi with pleading eyes, desperate.

Zhang Yi chuckled. “Now you realize just how badly you’ve screwed up?”

Chen Jingguan lowered his head, “I know... I was too reckless.”

Leaning back on the couch, Zhang Yi said flatly, “I don’t mind becoming Chaoyu Base’s leader, but you’ll have to hand over the key to the Chaoyu Shelter.”

Chaoyu Base had two cores — the fleet and the underground shelter.

Each shelter had special keys, and only those with the keys could open its doors.

In other words, whoever had the shelter’s keys was its true master.

Zhang Yi had learned this from Xing Tian.

Without hesitation, Chen Jingguan reached into a hidden pocket of his jacket and took out a black metal box, handing it to Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi had seen the shelter’s keys before — Chen Jingguan couldn’t fake this.

Inside the black box were three keys.

Normally, the keys were split among three people. Only by placing them all into the box’s key slots could someone gain control over the shelter’s doors.

But now, Chen Jingguan had all of them.

He handed Zhang Yi a full set.

This meant that from now on, Chaoyu Base was fully open to Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi took the keys and the controller, giving Chen Jingguan a deep look before the controller vanished into his palm and entered his spatial storage.

Chen Jingguan let out a sigh of relief and bowed his head deeply.

“Thank you, Chief!”

The moment Zhang Yi accepted the keys, it officially marked him as the new leader of Chaoyu Base.

Zhang Yi said calmly, “You’ll still handle the daily operations of Chaoyu Base. I’ll give you orders when necessary.”

“Yes, sir!”

A faint smile appeared on Chen Jingguan’s face.

It felt like he was back to being a dependable deputy again.

Truthfully, he was never fit to be a true leader — following a boss suited him better.

“Boss, what’s our next move? Do we head back to Tianhai City or find a chance to deal with those Daze City people?”

Chen Jingguan asked eagerly.

Zhang Yi replied flatly, “I’ll handle it. Wait for my orders. Once we’re back in Tianhai City, I’ll tell you what to do.”

Seeing how confident Zhang Yi was, Chen Jingguan finally relaxed.

After working with Zhang Yi for so long, he knew Zhang Yi’s style well.

So, he didn’t ask further.

He simply gave Zhang Yi a deep, respectful bow and left the room.

Author's Note