Chapter 184 I'll Come Back to Make It Up to You
Since that fight, after Josie laid out the rules, everyone has been willing to handle problems with the utmost patience.
As people gradually integrated and became more tolerant of each other, similar incidents never happened again.
The harsh winter was finally driven away by the gradually warming spring breeze, the frozen soil thawed, and the mountains and fields began to be dotted with tenacious tender green.
The base ushered in its first real spring and a period of bustling construction.
Amidst a deep hum, the earth-elemental ability users concentrated their minds, guiding the power of the earth.
As they turned their hands, the ground undulated as if it came alive, and thick, solid earthen walls rose from the ground, outlining the initial contours of the future outer security zone.
The other survivors, who did not yet possess superpowers, formed small teams and ventured into the nearby mountains and forests with their tools. The sounds of axes and chisels cutting down trees and shouts filled the air. The timber would be used to build houses and make tools, and everyone was full of enthusiasm.
With the help of high-level crystal cores, the base gained several more third-tier ability users.
At this point, the core team of the base now has six Tier 3 powerhouses. This force is enough to attract attention anywhere, greatly enhancing everyone's sense of security and confidence.
In order to prove their worth and integrate into the inner circle more quickly, the newly acquired members work even harder.
The entire base, both inside and out, presents a vibrant and thriving scene.
Josie walked through the bustling crowd and arrived at a piece of land that had just been leveled.
A wood-type ability user is attempting to cultivate several sample plants, and the tender green seedlings are unfolding at a visible speed under his hands.
Josie stopped to watch, then pointed to a large area, her eyes sparkling with the light of planning for the future: "You've done a great job. From here on, this entire area will be designated as our planting area. We can further refine it: the east side will be dedicated to growing vegetables with short growth cycles to ensure daily supply; the west side, with its more suitable soil and sunlight, will be used to introduce various fruits in the future, making everyone's dining table more diverse."
As they were talking, Luo Xiang walked over with a big smile. He was covered in mud, but looked very energetic: "Sister Qiao Xi, everyone's really working hard right now! Judging from this momentum, I'll take a small team in a couple of days to sneak into the seed station and agricultural research institute in the city. At this time of year, those sealed seeds probably haven't completely spoiled yet, so we need to collect them quickly. Then, we can truly be self-sufficient here, with no shortage of any fruits or vegetables!"
When the people working around him heard his vision, they seemed to see a fruitful future already in sight. The weariness on their faces was replaced by hopeful smiles, and their voices encouraging each other became even louder.
Josie laughed too: "That's a great idea, but it'll be hard on you again. You'll have to take care of everything inside and outside the base."
Luo Xiang scratched his head sheepishly: "It's not hard! I've been cooped up for months in the winter, and my bones are stiff. Now that hope is in sight, I'm full of energy to work!"
After speaking with Luo Xiang, Qiao Xi turned and walked towards the laboratory area.
The base is developing rapidly, and the demand for various materials has increased significantly, but the most urgent need is still for crystal cores to maintain the power of the superhumans and for scientific research.
She must go out and find more sources.
She waited quietly in the corridor outside the laboratory until the door opened and Fu Jinxing walked out surrounded by a group of researchers, including the taciturn Chen Chen.
Fu Jinxing spotted her immediately, walked straight over, and naturally took her hand. His fingertips were slightly cool, carrying a hint of the chill of the laboratory: "Have you been waiting long?"
“Not long after,” Josie shook her head, “I have something important to discuss with you.”
Fu Jinxing gave a soft "hmm" and glanced behind him: "That's all for today, everyone go and rest."
The others dispersed one after another, leaving Chen Chen at the very back. His gaze swept over Fu Jinxing’s tightly clasped hand with Qiao Xi’s, and over the invisible possessiveness that emanated from the man’s posture.
His expression changed slightly. Last time it was Shen Han, this time it's Professor Fu...
But in the end, he lowered his head, silently turned and left.
"Is there some difficulty in the construction of the base?" Fu Jinxing pulled her to the window, where sunlight streamed through the glass, casting dappled patterns on his meticulous white coat.
"The construction is going smoothly. Everyone is working hard for the new home, and everything is moving in a positive direction."
Josie paused for a moment, then got to the point, "It's just that the consumption rate of crystal cores is far exceeding expectations, and the inventory is running low again. I plan to go to that underground black market with Shen Han again to try and get as many crystal cores as possible."
Fu Jinxing frowned immediately: "Let Shen Han take the other elites, you stay at the base. It's too chaotic outside, I can only feel at ease when you're here."
Josie's attitude was firm: "Brother Jinxing, you know I don't want to rely on anyone completely. If I hadn't met you, I would have had to face countless times more dangers and difficulties on my own."
Fu Jinxing raised his hand and gently stroked the top of her head, "But you have me now, and you have Chen Han, and you have everyone. There's no need for you to take these risks again..."
Seeing his tough stance, Josie immediately changed her strategy.
She moved closer to him, wrapped her arms around his waist, tilted her head back, and spoke in a soft, sweet voice with a hint of coquetry: "Please let me go, okay? I've been cooped up in the base all winter, and I really want to get out and see what's going on outside. Besides, this isn't the first time we've been to that black market; we know the route well. Shen Han and I have enough abilities to handle most situations, so we'll be careful."
“Xi Xi…” Fu Jinxing looked at her rare display of girlishness. Even though he knew she was being somewhat deliberate, his heart softened involuntarily. He realized that he could never truly be cruel to her.
Josie keenly sensed his softening attitude, and immediately tiptoed to give him a quick kiss on the corner of his lips, her smile as sly as a triumphant cat: "Then it's settled! I'll be back safely as soon as possible!"
She struck her target and tried to retreat, but Fu Jinxing grabbed her waist and held her tightly in his arms.
"Trying to run away after flirting?" His deep voice carried a dangerous hue. "One kiss isn't enough."
Before he could finish speaking, warm lips covered his...
He only released her when Josie's breathing became slightly erratic.
Fu Jinxing pressed his forehead against hers, his breathing slightly rapid, "...Back to my room?"
Josie blushed slightly, but smiled and nimbly stepped back from his embrace: "That won't do! We agreed to leave today. I'll make it up to you when I get back."
Like a slippery fish, she turned around, smiled, waved, and quickly left.
Fu Jinxing watched her receding figure and sighed helplessly.
He was filled with conflicting emotions: he wanted to create an absolutely safe haven for her, to isolate her from all the darkness and danger in the world, but he couldn't bear to break her wings and confine her in a cage.
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