As the supplier of the spiritual spring water, Lin Wan had been wishing she could split herself into a hundred to get things done.
The time in the space and the outside world differed greatly, but it wasn't entirely disconnected. She had to constantly plant good things and develop the space for its level to increase. As the spiritual spring's level rose, it could release more water. To supply the ever-increasing number of bases, she practically lived in the space.
Fortunately, everything inside was better than outside. Even if she was tired, a few sips of water would make her feel better. There were also fruits and vegetables, so she could cook something for herself and then get back to work.
To save time, Jin Wenyue also often came in to work. He was responsible for planning all aspects of the base, from where the main gate should be to where the public restrooms should be built, handling everything personally.
If not for the space, this ultimate cheat, even working twenty-four hours a day without sleep or food, he absolutely wouldn't have been able to manage.
For outsiders to enter, they needed Lin Wan's permission. Jin Wenyue had found two absolutely loyal assistants for her, who could help her and also protect her. Now, the four of them were the ones who frequently moved in and out.
Occasionally, Mother Shen would also come in. Lin Wan discovered that planting precious flowers and plants was very effective in raising the space's level, but those things were too delicate, and they often killed them. Mother Shen's survival rate was higher.
The space had already been extensively developed. Now, besides the small cabin and the spiritual spring, all other areas were planted with grains. In outside time, they could be harvested in almost two days. The reason this news wasn't publicized was twofold: firstly, to protect Lin Wan, and secondly, the food they distributed had to be made into semi-finished products under the watchful eyes of trusted individuals.
Zhu Zhu had told them that there were no naturally growing plants left outside anymore. If any were accidentally brought out and became symbiotic, everyone could be in trouble.
Things grown in the space had stronger vitality and might be able to survive outside.
It had to be said that Jin Wenyue was indeed a senior management talent capable of managing a multinational corporation. He was meticulous with every detail, something many people couldn't achieve.
The two of them were busy with their respective tasks. Lin Wan, being pregnant, did less physical labor. Jin Wenyue, while typing on his keyboard and writing or drawing, also couldn't waste time here.
After a period of busyness, Lin Wan returned to the cabin and sat beside Jin Wenyue. She spoke from the heart, "A Ye, do you ever feel like we're working for someone else?"
Despite Jin Wenyue's powerful abilities and his position as base manager, many people had a deeper impression of Shen Chongyan.
Jin Wenyue, holding her with one arm and massaging her waist, asked, "What, are you feeling unbalanced?"
Lin Wan picked up an apple from the nearby plate and took a bite. "Not unbalanced. After all, with this space, if there were truly no one left alive outside, we could still survive. Speaking of which, we're the ones who are benefiting."
"Without her, we might have just been bones and yellow earth outside, everyone included. Whether it's 007 or abilities, it's all her gift to this world. Even if she has other motives, it doesn't matter. Evil deeds stem from desire, judge the deed, not the heart. We should be grateful to have value, otherwise."
Otherwise, they might have died long ago. Like those people outside, dying by the roadside without anyone caring.
"That's true. But it's not like you to say such things. It sounds a bit like self-inflicted psychological abuse."
Jin Wenyue pondered, "Is that so?"
"Yes," Lin Wan affirmed. "In the past, you were always the one psychologically abusing others and speaking ill of them. This is the first time you've admitted you need to rely on someone."
Jin Wenyue smiled. "Perhaps. But people definitely need to unite to achieve anything. Even if it's not about relying on someone, we have to help each other."
Lin Wan suddenly said seriously, "If, I mean if, if she became like that, and still liked you, would you be moved?"
Jin Wenyue felt this was the true purpose behind Lin Wan bringing this up. Unfortunately, there was no evidence. He moved his hand to Lin Wan's head and gently stroked her hair. "Perhaps. But she became like that only for Shen Chongyan, so this hypothesis is invalid."
Lin Wan looked up. "You messed up my hair. Don't change the subject. Hurry up and tell me honestly."
"I don't admire power, why would I necessarily fall for her?"
This answer was barely satisfactory to Lin Wan. She said, "That's true. I just feel that many people would like someone like her. She's beautiful and powerful, and so mysterious, it makes people want to explore her. In the process, they would naturally fall in love."
"You like her too." Jin Wenyue detected something. "I don't admire power. Her power has nothing to do with me. On the other hand, you care so much. If she were a man."
"Then I would definitely like her," Lin Wan said with a hint of regret. "Actually, it doesn't matter if she's a woman. It's just that she already has someone she likes, and trying to poach them isn't very good... Ah, I'm just joking. Let go of my neck, let go."
Jin Wenyue released her vital point. Lin Wan reached up to touch the back of her neck and glared at him sideways. "Petty."
"You've known I'm petty for more than a day. And you still provoke me."
After fooling around for a while, the two of them went back to work. Lin Wan cut some fruit for him and for people outside. She continued reading books about upgrading the space. Apart from shortcuts like planting precious flowers, more effort had to be put into planting grains.
Reading this, Lin Wan felt her guess was entirely correct. That person was indeed making them, a couple, help her with labor.
***
Jiang Yuheng didn't plan to stay at the Lin City Base for too long. His objective wasn't achieved, so there was no point in staying. Confirming that Cao Jinnan truly had no intention of returning, they decided to leave after two days.
Before leaving, he shamelessly approached Jin Wenyue, wanting a few bottles of the original spiritual spring water. Jin Wenyue was hesitating whether to give it to him when suddenly, the base's air-raid siren blared.
007's voice echoed from the broadcast: "A large number of aliens are invading. All ordinary people, please take cover immediately."
Jin Wenyue stood up. "The aliens are here. Mr. Jiang, find a place to hide. We'll discuss the spiritual spring water later."
Earlier, 007 had predicted a more than ninety percent chance of alien invasion within half a month. Today was the tenth day, two days later than they had expected.
Jin Wenyue rushed out. Many tall buildings already had snipers in position. Several close-combat teams were armed, and ability users quickly gathered, being assigned to several entrances to resist.
Jiang Yuheng followed them out to watch the commotion. Among the numerous ability users, he immediately spotted Cao Jinnan, wearing the Lin City Base uniform. He ran with the others to the elementary school playground they had passed a few days ago. After the previous main gate was dismantled, it now served as an entrance.
In less than ten minutes, almost all ordinary people had hidden. Most of the people who had sought refuge in the past two days had been arranged. The remaining ones were hiding in the large mess hall, where ability users were also guarding to protect their food.
As the ordinary people finished hiding, the battle in the front began.