Zi Xi knew in her heart that this was probably the result of Wen Zhaoye deliberately giving them the main credit.

That man, in this awkward way, fulfilled his promise to make them win effortlessly.

After agreeing on a price, the base purchased the research rights to the space bracelet in exchange for upgraded accommodations and 50 million per year.

The price for that long-distance real-time communicator is 20 million for the research rights per year.

Both parties were very satisfied.

Just then, there was a knock on the door of the lounge.

The other survivors were also brought back.

But their condition was shocking.

Hu Jiang was brought in on a stretcher, one arm twisted at an unnatural angle, her face pale, and she was unconscious.

Yuan Ke was wrapped in bandages, and blood was still seeping out. His once bright eyes were now filled with exhaustion and fear.

Meng Nan was in slightly better condition, but he had a deep claw mark on his face that revealed the bone, and his eyes were gloomy as he remained silent.

The one with the lightest injuries was Aiqi from the rabbit tribe, but she seemed to have suffered a great mental shock. She was curled up in a corner, sobbing softly, and her body was trembling.

They also underwent testing and disinfection, but the attention they received was clearly more focused on the medical aspects.

Staff members quickly stepped forward to provide emergency treatment and assess the injuries.

The officer looked at the report, his brow furrowed: "Encountered highly mutated creatures and traps. Three seriously injured, one slightly injured, and two killed."

His gaze swept over Zi Xi and Mona, then looked at the seriously injured Hu Jiang and the others, and he sighed and shook his head.

The contrast is just too obvious.

Both teams entered high-risk areas, but one team was almost completely wiped out, while the other team emerged unscathed and even received a generous reward.

Such an anomaly is hard to ignore.

Zi Xi could sense several scrutinizing gazes from the shadows falling on her and Mona.

It wasn't entirely malicious; it was more of an exploration and assessment.

The waters at the base were far deeper than she had imagined.

The subsequent procedures were still cumbersome.

They were asked to give a detailed account of their experiences in the Otherworld, especially the monsters and traps.

Zi Xi and Mona worked in perfect unison, each taking turns to describe the scene.

Zi Xi kept her speculations about Wen Zhaoye to herself and never mentioned them.

After the report, they were told they needed to go to the quarantine center for a 48-hour isolation and observation period.

This is the standard procedure for all returning personnel.

The quarantine center was more solemn than the lounge, with white walls and soft lighting attempting to create a tranquil atmosphere.

But the ubiquitous surveillance cameras and the low hum of the air circulation system reminded them of the special nature of this place.

Just as the staff were leading them to their assigned quarantine rooms, a somewhat familiar female voice, tinged with dissatisfaction and coquettishness, came from the other end of the corridor.

"Dad! Mom! Don't worry! The base is making a mountain out of a molehill! There's no virus there! Look at me, I'm perfectly fine!"

Zi Xi and Mona, who were walking together, subconsciously looked over.

Xu Tiantian was seen holding the arm of a middle-aged couple, pouting and complaining.

The couple were dressed in clean, but clearly out-of-place, everyday clothes.

Their faces bore the weariness of a long journey and the unease of the unfamiliar environment, but their eyes were filled with doting affection and worry as they looked at their daughter.

These were Xu Tiantian's parents.

"Sweetie, say less. The base is doing this for everyone's safety."

Xu's father advised in a low voice, glancing timidly around.

"Yes, Sweetie, just stay here for a few days. You can leave once the checkup is clear."

Xu's mother gently patted the back of her daughter's hand to comfort her.