Xu Qian raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "We hope the base accepts everyone, good or bad, regardless of age."
This was the truth; as long as they could contribute to Hope Base, their age was irrelevant.
Wei Daying stroked his beard and chuckled, "That's good, that's very good."
Soon, people from both bases were gathered. They carried little with them, mostly just small backpacks.
Having fled their bases, they hadn't brought many possessions.
The group walked outside the cave. With a thought, Xu Qian conjured several large buses.
She shone her flashlight on the buses, displaying their full forms to everyone.
"Get on one by one. Don't rush for seats. When a bus is full, it will drive itself, so don't panic.
When you reach Hope Base, the bus will stop automatically. To enter, just state the base's name, and they won't trouble you. Do you understand?"
In the darkness, everyone's eyes gleamed, and they obediently agreed.
After Xu Qian saw them all onto the buses, she conjured a black SUV.
She turned to Wei Daying, who was watching them leave.
His gaze was distant, filled with disbelief.
"Boss Wei, I'll be going now."
Wei Daying snapped back to attention, "Good, good, good. Remember to visit when you have time."
"I will."
The black car gradually disappeared into the wind and rain. Wei Daying's eyes flickered, and he firmly closed the door.
Hope Base.
"Who's there?"
The guards at the gate were stunned. People dared to come now?
Didn't they know how bad the storm was?
A voice from inside the vehicle shouted, "I am Yang Lian, bringing everyone to Hope Base for refuge. Our base was destroyed by the storm, and we can no longer stay."
The man frowned. Yang Lian's base?
"Wait, I need to get approval first."
"Alright!"
Yang Lian was slightly panicked. What if Hope Base refused to accept them?
Would they have to stay in the car forever?
They didn't even have any food...
Just as he was lost in thought, a series of beeps sounded, and the gate opened.
The vehicle drove in by itself and parked in the indoor garage.
The car doors opened automatically.
The people exchanged glances and disembarked.
A dozen or so soldiers surrounded them. The man at the forefront was tall and imposing, quite handsome.
"Who is Boss Yang?"
Yang Lian trembled and raised his hand.
"I am... Yang Lian."
The man gave a military salute.
"Hello, I am Mo Tianran, responsible for Hope Base security. Everyone, please cooperate with our personnel for physical examinations.
Those who are clear can proceed with registration directly. Those with wounds will need to be observed for one day."
Yang Lian quickly agreed, "Yes, whatever you say, sir."
"As for Boss Yang, please go for your examination first. Our person in charge is waiting for you."
Cold sweat threatened to break out on Yang Lian's back.
Why did they want to see him?
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Person in charge, Boss Yang is here."
"Come in."
As the door was pushed open, a black panther lay before the sofa, its long tail swishing, as if afraid others wouldn't notice it.
Yang Lian stood outside the door, hesitant to enter.
"This black panther, it won't bite, will it?"
A cool, melodious male voice came from inside.
"Boss Yang, Little Black doesn't bite. Please come in and sit."
His voice was calm, yet it carried an inexplicable pressure.
Even if he said the panther would bite, Yang Lian would still have to enter.
Yang Lian closed his eyes and walked in.
Mo Tianran wisely closed the door and left.
"Sit."
Yang Lian opened his eyes and saw that the black panther paid him no mind, idly playing by itself.
Yang Lian obediently sat down, awaiting judgment.
He didn't dare to look up at all.