Although Zhang Xiangming guessed Chen Yu's identity as soon as he arrived, Chen Yu didn't seem to care too much.

He nodded and readily admitted, "That's right."

"Dean Zhang, could we go over there and talk privately?"

As Chen Yu spoke, he pointed to a small cubicle behind the cafeteria.

Zhang Xiangming sneered upon hearing this: "Fine, I'll see what tricks you're up to."

The two entered the small cubicle one after the other, and the door closed gently, the thick snow wall shutting out the noise from outside.

The small cubicle was simple and plain, with only a table and two chairs, making it seem particularly deserted.

Zhang Xiangming sat down first, staring sharply at Chen Yu, and said coldly, "Chen Yu, I don't care what kind of survivor base you're setting up in Zhongyang, but I'm warning you, don't even think about sticking your nose into our Academy of Sciences!"

"Dean Zhang, your words are rather biased." Chen Yu smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of determination and openness. "My initial intention in establishing the survivor base was to provide a safe haven for those struggling to survive in the apocalypse, a place where they could rebuild their homes and restart civilization on Earth..."

"Stop giving me that high-sounding talk." Zhang Xiangming interrupted Chen Yu directly. "I've been watching you for a while now. Do you think I don't know what you're up to?"

“Dean Zhang, I understand your concerns and precautions. After all, in this era full of uncertainties, everyone is considering their own survival and interests.” Chen Yu’s tone was calm and sincere as he tried to ease the tense atmosphere. “But please allow me to emphasize again that I have never had any intention to harm the interests of the Academy of Sciences.”

"You came to the Academy of Sciences to bewitch people and try to recruit our researchers to join your survivor base. Isn't that harming our interests?" Zhang Xiangming crossed his arms and sneered.

"This... Dean Zhang, this is really a misunderstanding!" Chen Yu said with a wry smile.

"Trying to win people's hearts with small favors and then gain everyone's trust through Lin Lele and my teacher? You think you can fool me with such tricks? Do you think I'm stupid?" Zhang Xiangming said in a deep voice.

"Dean Zhang, that's not very meaningful. It was all consensual. How can you use the word 'trick'? Are the senior members of the Academy of Sciences all confused?" Chen Yu retorted.

"You...you're just being unreasonable!" Zhang Xiangming was speechless for a moment after being asked a question by Chen Yu, and his face immediately turned ashen.

"Hehe, my 'Tianyu Base' has earned everyone's trust, so it must have its merits, right?" Chen Yu laughed. "Water flows downhill, and people strive for higher positions. Since you can't even provide for everyone's basic needs, why bother holding onto us?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiangming narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Living is not just about having enough to eat and wear. These people are scientists trained by our Great Xia. Their mission is to explore the unknown, promote scientific and technological progress, and contribute to the future of mankind. What you call 'having enough to eat and wear' is just a basic need for survival, not the entire meaning of their existence."

"Haha~! What a fine 'not the whole meaning'!" Chen Yu sneered. "Is it really what you want to see, just watching everyone freeze and starve to death?"

"Our food rations are all scientifically calculated and sufficient to guarantee everyone's basic survival needs. While we cannot expect lavish meals, we will never let anyone go hungry or cold," Zhang Xiangming said firmly, leaving no room for doubt.

“They are individual people and have the right to decide their own affiliation,” Chen Yu said.

“Normally, I wouldn’t care where they go, but now, at this time of national crisis, each of them must stay at their post!” Zhang Xiangming said solemnly. “Until they receive instructions from the country, they cannot leave Anfei, even if it means death!”

"Zhang Xiangming, don't try to fool me with that nonsense. Human civilization is on the verge of collapse, and you're still so conservative. If everyone were like you, our human civilization would probably come to an end!" Chen Yu shouted. He was really angry at Zhang Xiangming's remarks. Lin Hong had told him before that Zhang Xiangming was rather old-fashioned and conservative, but he didn't expect that the other party could be this old-fashioned.

"Enough with the nonsense, Chen Yu. I'm reminding you again, our Academy of Sciences is a national academy of science and technology, a people's academy of science and technology. I will absolutely not allow anyone to take advantage of our misfortune. You'd better not think about causing trouble at the Academy of Sciences again, or you will regret it," Zhang Xiangming said coldly.

"You dare call yourself the People's Academy of Science and Technology?" Chen Yu sneered. "In this apocalyptic era, when the country faces unprecedented challenges and the people are living in dire straits, your Academy of Science and Technology remains closed off, unwilling to contribute to broader survival and reconstruction. Is this what you call loyalty to the country and the people?"

Zhang Xiangming's face darkened, clearly stung by Chen Yu's words, but he still responded firmly: "You don't understand, Chen Yu. Every research project of our Academy of Sciences is related to the future of the country and the continuation of human civilization. These scientific research results must be properly protected and cannot easily fall into the hands of others, much less be used to satisfy personal desires."

"Protection? Or selfish possession?" Chen Yu retorted. "In the face of the apocalypse, what humanity needs is unity and sharing, not like you, locking resources and technology away in your own safe. Your actions will only plunge more people into despair and make the hope of rebuilding civilization even more remote."

"I have my own reasons. At least, what I'm doing is in the best interest of the country!" Zhang Xiangming said solemnly.

"Then how can you face the countless people suffering from hunger and cold, or even those who have already perished?" Chen Yu questioned, his voice carrying an undeniable accusation. His gaze was fixed on Zhang Xiangming, as if trying to pierce through the barriers in the other's heart. "Dean Zhang, you keep saying you've done right by the country, but have you ever considered that the foundation of a nation lies in its people, and the well-being of its people is the cornerstone of its prosperity? In this apocalyptic era, when countless lives are struggling to survive, when our compatriots are suffering unprecedented hardship, shouldn't we unite as one and strive to overcome this natural disaster to save everyone?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiangming frowned. After a long pause, he finally managed to utter a sentence: "We are prepared for a long and arduous battle. As long as we are given enough time, our 'Academy of Science and Technology' will definitely find a solution!"

Chen Yu shook his head upon hearing this. He knew that Zhang Xiangming's ideas were deeply ingrained, and it would be very difficult for him to persuade Zhang Xiangming on his own.

Chen Yu stopped arguing with Zhang Xiangming. He took a deep breath and pulled an envelope from his pocket.