Chapter 926: Conditions

As the words fell, outside Baishan Town instantly formed two scenes.

One side consisted of survivors pretending to pack up, excitedly discussing life after leaving; the other side had Yuan Feng and Mo Ling standing behind Lin An with strange expressions.

The two opened their mouths somewhat amusingly, but didn't know what to say.

If Lin An couldn't be considered a big shot, then no one in the entire Huaxia war zone would count.

The mayor before them, his mindset probably still stuck before the Apocalypse outbreak, merely treating it like pre-disaster relief, Long An had sent a small soldier to contact them.

After a long period of stability, those trapped here have lost even basic awareness of the Apocalypse.

Not wanting to waste words, Lin An smiled, intrigued, at the mayor who wore a self-satisfied air and felt his words were appropriate.

These people actually gave him a sense of familiarity he hadn't felt in a long time.

"I'm Lin An; let's get straight to the terms."

Speaking calmly, Lin An made no attempt to hide his identity, his mental power firmly locked onto each Awakened One.

They stood in opposition.

The mayor, who had just turned to say something to his subordinates behind him, upon hearing this, instinctively turned his head back, forced a nonchalant smile, and nodded:

"Oh, so you're Comrade Lin An... long admired... long..."

"Huh!?"

Midway through his words, the middle-aged man's habitual pleasantries froze; his face stiffened as if he'd suddenly realized something, his gaping mouth locked in place, his expression shifting back and forth like a quick-change act.

The two sudden words struck like a bolt from the blue, leaving his brain unable to catch up for a moment.

"Wait, what did he say!?"

"Lin An!?"

"Which Lin? Which An!?"

Visibly, the crowd that had been excitedly chatting suddenly fell silent; many stiffly turned their necks, all eyes focusing on Lin An.

That name is truly too "jarring."

No matter how poorly they understood the chat channels or were unfamiliar with the system's functions, the name Lin An absolutely left a deep impression.

Especially, the topics associated with that name are often not "good."

In disbelief, the mayor subconsciously wanted to treat the name as a coincidence.

In his view, although he didn't fully grasp honorary titles based on strength, someone like Lin An—officially recognized, holding the title of Tri-Province Governor plus an extremely high military rank—how could such a super big shot possibly come in person?!

An existence of this level shouldn't be overseeing the whole situation, leaving everything to subordinates to handle, should it?!

Hard to put into words, his shock at this moment was like a village chief chatting with locals, then looking up to see a State Council leader having come down to the countryside!

Breathing rapid, after being stunned for a while, he seemed to read the hint of mockery in Yuan Feng's eyes.

Combined with Lin An's words, he could only fearfully accept this fact.

"It... really is Lin An!?"

Instinctively stepping back half a pace, the mayor swallowed dryly, his mind racing, and he stammered:

"Originally... originally... it's General Lin An... failed to welcome you properly, failed to welcome you properly..."

"I... I..."

"Wang Lao Er, quick... quick go pour tea for the honored guest!!"

He slapped his own attendant's head, then cautiously watched Lin An with a forced smile, his mind quickly recalling whether he'd said anything wrong.

After a while, seeing Lin An's slightly furrowed brow, his heart jolted.

That's it; I've been lingering in ink stains, probably offending this big shot and making him displeased.

Raising terms... should I bring up the conditions I've contemplated countless times from the start?

Deep down, he inevitably felt a little frightened by Lin An's prestige—that instinctive awe a small person feels before a great one.

Yet his heart also surged with an unbearable heat, as if wealth and honor were beckoning him.

In the eerie atmosphere, he furtively felt the carefully sewn mother seed in his pocket,

his heart hardened, and in an extremely short time he quickly made a judgment based on his understanding.

The mother seed is absolutely a good thing! Even better than I imagined!

Otherwise, why would Lin An personally come out himself?!

If I don't make use of it, I'd be letting down the heavens for giving me this seed!

Forcing composure, he strained to think of a list in his mind, then anxiously blurted out:

"Since General Lin An himself has come to us, his words must be trustworthy!"

As he spoke, the middle-aged man subtly gestured behind him, signaling the crowd to join in the clamor.

Although he'd never seen a true big shot, in his bureaucratic career he'd also worked out a set of ways to treat superiors.

Such big shots, often given flattery, will, out of face-saving concerns, actually be easier to talk to than the underlings below.

With Lin An personally arriving, discussing terms will surely be even better than imagined!

His eyes shifted; the few people following behind the middle-aged man understood his meaning and hurriedly echoed:

"Yeah! Lord Lin An definitely won't shortchange us! We've made such a huge contribution; the higher-ups are watching!"

In no time, a string of flattering voices rose up.

Seeing the fawning die down, the mayor's timidity lessened by half; with so many people present, when he makes his demands, Lin An will surely have to save some face.

He cleared his throat:

"General Lin An, the folks actually have no demands."

"We just want to secure our livelihood... you know, the outside world is chaotic, and we folks are also afraid."

"You see, after the folks go to Long An, could you give them some work in the city? And also turn everyone into Awakened Ones?"

"I've heard there's something out there called a 'node'; shine it on someone and they become an Awakened One!"

Surely Long'an Base is that strong; there must be lots of them.

While talking, the town mayor brought over a relative of his—a man who kept coughing and had a lame leg:

"I know! Becoming an Awakened One means strengthening the body and having no illness."

"Even though we villagers can't fight monsters, if our bodies are healthy, farming will go faster, right?"

Thinking his words were flawless, the middle-aged man finished speaking and then carefully observed Lin An's expression.

"Yeah!"

Hearing the town mayor's words, several dark-skinned, sturdy middle-aged women's eyes lit up, and they raised their voices shouting:

"I heard that becoming an Awakened One makes a person thin and beautiful!"

Laughing and jostling, many elderly women looked full of longing, while their gazes toward Mo Ling carried a hint of jealousy.

They don't understand becoming stronger, but if they become prettier, maybe their dead husbands won't keep eyeing those flirtatious women all day.

Look at the little girl beside the one called General Lin An—so small and delicate, clearly idle, kept just for her looks.

Beside Lin An, Mo Ling wrinkled her nose, her gaze gradually turning cold.

Although Lin An didn't speak, even she could tell what the other person's words meant.

Nothing more than feeding them well upon return, so everyone becomes an Awakened One.

As for fighting? That's completely impossible.