Lu Ming was waiting for Ling's words.
Upon hearing this, he first put on a helpless and regretful expression. Then, as if feeling he had built up enough emotion and it was time to get down to business, Lu Ming leaned forward slightly, grabbed Ling's wrist, and even feigned heartbreak. Ling thought to herself, "What a great actor..."
"Brother Zero..."
"W-what's wrong, Commander Lu..."
Although Zero knew that "泫然欲泣" shouldn't be used like that, he had to admit that Lu Ming really lived up to the idiom now.
“It’s like this, Brother Zero… Just now, I was discussing the relocation of our base with everyone, right? Everyone’s reactions were different, but judging from their expressions, it’s not that they’re unwilling to leave. As for Zero, they still have some doubts about your identity…”
"Of course, I definitely trust Brother Zero, but it's impossible to please everyone, and with so many people, I can't completely reach a consensus..."
"So... Brother Zero, I want to ask you, do you have anything to prove your identity, or anything that can convince everyone that you truly have the ability to lead them and protect their safety..."
Rather than saying Lu Ming glanced at Zero cautiously, it would be more accurate to say he was sizing him up, assessing Zero's capabilities.
Upon hearing this, Zero showed little expression or reaction.
He figured they hadn't seen him interrupt Black Tiger and Jiang Quan's fight, otherwise he wouldn't believe Lu Ming would speak to him like that.
It's nothing more than wanting to see if they have the ability to be manipulated by him.
Thinking of this, Zero simply asked directly:
"I wonder how Commander Lu wants me to prove myself?"
Looking at Ling's ambiguous smile, Lu Ming was clearly stunned.
Suddenly, he blurted out:
"Since Brother Zero knows Brother Black Tiger, he must also possess some abilities that ordinary people don't have, just like Brother Black Tiger. I wonder if Brother Zero would be willing to demonstrate them to everyone?"
Lu Ming was making plans in his mind.
Zero scoffed inwardly, but decided to go along with his wishes, patted Lu Ming on the shoulder, and then stood up, saying:
"Fine, you can't convince the public without showing some skill, can you?"
"Yes...yes."
Lu Ming simply nodded.
As the group of people walked towards them, they all looked puzzled and subconsciously turned their gazes to Lu Ming, their commander.
Seeing Ling leave, Lu Ming naturally got up and followed.
He approached the group with a smile and said to them:
"Gentlemen, this is Zero, a friend of Brother Black Tiger, from another base. As the saying goes, it's better to have a friend than an enemy, especially since Brother Zero is already our friend."
Everyone patiently waited for Lu Ming to continue.
"Based on the principle of cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win, both Brother Zero and I intend to unite everyone. Brother Zero also said that if the bases are merged, he will give you the best protection, even more secure than our bases."
...
"What!? Merge? Commander, you didn't say we were going to merge with them in the first place..."
"Yes, why should we leave this place and go to their side?"
"Brother Zero, is this your true opinion?"
...
Before long, all the criticism was directed at Zero.
Ling glanced at Lu Ming, having already anticipated his approach of stating his purpose without mentioning any reasons.
Faced with the questioning of the crowd, Zero showed no sign of panic. He stepped forward, said nothing, and simply looked at the crowd.
...
It has to be said that the differences between people are really huge!
Zero stood there, and his mere presence was enough to awe everyone. They felt that the person standing before them was the true leader who could lead them and humanity toward the light.
The crowd fell silent involuntarily.
Jiang Quan, who was standing to the side, did not react to this situation, as if it were the norm.
Black Tiger and Lu Ming both showed surprise on their faces.
Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Ling rubbed her slightly sore neck and said casually:
“Your Commander Lu is right. I do want to unite the bases in pairs, but it’s not just you. I plan to organize all the bases that can be united.”
Upon hearing this, the crowd was no longer simply shocked.
Doesn't this person know about the existence of headquarters? All the bases are organized and dispersed through headquarters.
This guy actually dared to say he planned to merge all the bases; he really doesn't respect headquarters at all...
Almost everyone has this thought in their heart.
"You don't need to be surprised, I have my reasons for saying this."
Zero said slowly.
"What reason? Are you someone sent from headquarters?!"
Suddenly, these words came from the crowd.
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded, seemingly having gained an explanation for Zero's previous behavior and words.
If Zero really was sent by headquarters, then there's no need for any reason to say this...
"I am not."
Zero shook his head, denying people's speculations.
"If that's not the case, then why do you say that? You should know that going against headquarters' wishes can have terrifying consequences!"
"Yes, yes, they might take back the right to reside and use the base. What will we do then?"
"Yeah, if headquarters abandons us, we really won't survive..."
...
"Gentlemen, I understand your concerns, and I can assure you that the so-called headquarters you speak of will absolutely not dare to say anything about the merger of the bases."
Zero solemnly assured him.
"Why is that? Does that mean your status is higher than headquarters'?"
Someone asked tentatively.
Zero shook his head and said:
"It's very simple. I will go to headquarters as well, and convey my ideas to them."
...
"This guy is insane... he's probably gone mad."
"He treats the headquarters like his home, going there whenever he wants."
"Exactly, exactly. First of all, the headquarters is some distance away from here. Secondly, even if he went there, what kind of place is the headquarters? Would they let him in? Just those AI systems, if they detect that he's not a headquarters member, they'll probably trigger an alarm and eliminate him..."
"Let's disperse. This guy is crazy. We don't need to pay him any mind."
"Okay, let's go."
...
The crowd discussed loudly, and in the end, without even glancing at Zero, they turned to leave.
"Bang—"
A soft sound, accompanied by a soft exclamation.
"What is that?"
The man rubbed his aching forehead but didn't see any wall.
What did he just bump into?
There were many others like him who felt the same way, all of them feeling as if they had bumped into something, but they couldn't see it.
But they could clearly see...
They couldn't leave within a ten-foot radius of the surrounding area.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
