Chapter 516 Do I Still Have to Pay for Repairing the Water Pipe? (1/2)

The celebration lasted until late into the night.

On the last night in the desert, if Chu Guang hadn’t quickly and wisely organized a limited-time unboxing event on the official website, those noisy little players would have been excited to play the game until dawn.

These guys really want to live in the "game world"...

The next day, Chu Guang got up early.

Yawning, he opened the door curtain and as soon as he stepped out of the tent, he saw Rama wearing the ten-style "oath" exoskeleton standing at the door.

This exoskeleton was seized from the hands of the Enlightenment Society. It is the standard equipment of the People's Federation Army. Compared with the police type five "light cavalry", it emphasizes the defense against rifle bullets and explosive fragments.

After the Alliance repaired it, it was repainted with a layer of cement gray paint and an Identification Friend or Foe logo was affixed, and it was considered Alliance equipment.

In order to become familiar with the use of the exoskeleton as soon as possible, she almost slept in it since receiving this equipment.

Seeing Chu Guang walking out of the camp, Lu Bei, who was guarding the door, immediately stepped forward to give him a military salute and reported.

"My lord, she has been standing here since dawn."

Chu Guang nodded, looked at Rama standing at the door, and said in a gentle tone.

"What's the matter?"

Following Lu Bei's example and placing his right fist against his chest, Rama lowered his head and said respectfully.

"You told me last night that you would arrange my future work this morning."

It seems that this is indeed the case.

Chu Guang originally planned to ask Captain Adria what happened to him last night, but he thought that the big-nosed man probably hadn't gotten up yet, so he looked at Rama and said.

"Since you have put on this suit of armor, you must have made your mind up, so I won't talk nonsense."

After a pause, Chu Guang continued.

"Come with me and I'll introduce you to someone."

"who?"

"Your future partner."

partner?

Rama was stunned for a moment, but saw Chu Guang passing by her and walking towards the other side of the camp, so she followed closely.

A group of people came to a tent.

At this moment, the curtain of the tent opened, and a fair and beautiful face came into view of Rama.

It was a dignified-looking woman with long, light blond hair tied into a high ponytail with a simple hairband.

Rama's first reaction when he saw her was that he was not from the same world as him.

Even though she was only wearing a very ordinary jacket and stain-resistant denim trousers, it was difficult to completely conceal the elegance of her movements.

A distant concept appeared in Rama's mind. That person was like the young ladies from the big landowners' families, but not that similar.

"Dear Manager... Good morning." Seeing the manager, Teresa had a surprised expression on her face and bowed slightly.

"Same to you, good morning."

After a brief hello, Chu Guang looked at Rama aside and introduced, "This is the girl I mentioned to you on the phone."

After hearing this, Theresa's eyes lit up and she looked at the lady wearing the exoskeleton.

"Are you Ms. Rama?"

Rama responded with an embarrassed expression.

"Yes, it's me... who are you?"

Teresa curled her lips and said happily.

"My name is Teresa, a resident from the Alliance...but it may be strange to say this. From now on, this will also be one of the Alliance's recovery areas."

"She used to be one of the princesses of the Falcon Kingdom, but now she has given up this identity and is now a resident of the Alliance."

Looking at Rama who was confused, Chu Guangyan briefly and concisely introduced Teresa's past, and then continued.

“She first worked as a chore and bookkeeper in a refugee home. After the establishment of Fallen Leaf City, she followed the expedition through the Lion Kingdom and arrived at the Honey Badger Kingdom. She was responsible for coordinating the management of relief supplies, some post-war reconstruction work, and rescuing local survivors. "

"According to the evaluations of her former boss, Ma Ban, the city lord of Fallen Leaf City, and her former partner, Ad Honey Badger, her performance at work is outstanding, so I plan to appoint her as the city lord of Pioneer City, responsible for handling this The administrative and management affairs of the settlement.”

Like several other survivor settlements, the first city owner of Pioneer City was still appointed by the alliance.

Chu Guang needs a candidate who has sufficient management and practical experience, has done specific survivor rescue work, and can understand the alliance's creed.

As for identity.

This has never been a problem in the league.

His chief of staff was originally a surrendered Weiland officer. The city lord of Dawn City was once a serf, and the city lord of Dawn City was a refugee who deserted the army.

As for Rama, he has no management experience and prefers to be a warrior rather than sitting in an office processing documents.

After holding Rama's hands, Teresa stared at the girl's simple eyes and spoke in a serious tone.

"I heard your story, and I was deeply moved by your determination to stay for those who have not yet been saved. I also want to do something for you through my own efforts... Please also use your strength in the future. Lend me!"

Looking at those scorching eyes, Rama's expression became more and more embarrassed, and his voice hesitated a little unconsciously.

"I, I have just made up my mind to become a warrior. I may not be very skilled in shooting yet, and it may not be as reliable as you think..."

"What happened?"

Teresa curled her lips and said softly.

"No one ever comes to the meeting. What is more important than the result is courage and determination. In my opinion, you are the most reliable candidate."

"Before joining the Alliance, I was just a vase placed in the palace. It wasn't until I met many people that I gradually realized that the meaning of life can be much more worthwhile besides the designed part. The thing you pursue...compared to me who only reacts later, you who dare to stand up and face the savagery in the wasteland are already stronger."

Rama's overly tense expression couldn't help but loosen a little, and his sunken eyes turned slightly red unconsciously.

Chu Guang glanced at Theresa in slight surprise.

We haven’t seen each other for a while, and this guy has really grown up a lot.

He had already seen some shadows of a politician in her, but she was not very mature in some places.

Opening up the city will be a challenge for her.

The number of people in this survivor settlement is not large, but it will accept many survivors from the desert in the future. Among them are wastelanders, blue jackets, and even an old popsicle from two hundred years ago.

How to deal with the relationship between different groups, use limited resources to solve the needs of each group, and let people unite instead of internal friction in conflicts... The problems that need to be solved by her will be as high as a hill.

But Chu Guang still has confidence in this guy.

Putting aside her resume, if she can clear the "dungeon" of Honey Badger City with the debuff of her bloodline, she has basically graduated from herself.

But every time he thought about this, Chu Guang couldn't help but wonder.

Lu Bei, this idiot, has been following me for so long and being so close. Logically speaking, he should have gained some knowledge, but the result is still the same.

Apart from admiring himself more than before, this young man has not changed at all.

Chu Guang doesn't hate this loyal young man. Loyalty is a valuable quality, but it's a pity that he still has a long way to go before he can become a pillar of his own.

Originally, Chu Guang wanted to release him as the commander of the Alliance's Third Corps, but now it seems that the Guards Corps is more suitable for him.

Withdrawing his gaze from Theresa, Chu Guang looked at Rama.

"I said that I will explain the specific work to you today."

"The alliance plans to establish a new corps. This corps will be mainly engaged in search and reconnaissance missions. It will be positioned as a special operation. It will be stationed in the desert area for a long time and use Kaoru City as a base to carry out activities."

"You will be the commander of this corps. Your mission is not only to search for survivors in the ruins and annihilate the mutant tribe, but also to recruit reliable partners from the rescued survivors and teach them how to use weapons. Encourage them to join your cause.”

After a pause, Chu Guang continued.

"As Teresa said, unskilledness has never been a problem here, people never show up... I hope to see an excellent regiment commander and a group of experienced corps leaders by this time next year warriors.”

Hitting his chest with his right fist, Rama said solemnly.

"I will definitely not disappoint your expectations!"

Chu Guang smiled, looked at this brave girl and nodded, and then turned his attention to the tents of the survivors in the distance.

"Those are the people who choose to stay with you."

"Just don't live up to their expectations."

…

Regarding what to call this newly formed corps, Chu Guang originally planned to ask Rama for his own opinion, but he himself looked confused and couldn't make up his mind.

In the end, the troublesome task of naming was thrown back into Chu Guang's hands.

He really didn't have any good ideas and didn't want to waste time on minutiae issues, so he simply opened a voting thread on the forum to solicit players' opinions.

What surprised Chu Guang was that the players were enthusiastic about the things he found troublesome and started making suggestions for him.

It's just that the names are varied.

The 11th Space Marines and the Sisters of Battle have appeared... What do these guys think of the Alliance?

In the end, Chu Guang chose a name that was more reliable and easier to remember, and simplified it based on the names of other regiments in the alliance.

"...How about the Thorn Corps?"

Thorn Corps...

Repeating the name in his mouth silently, Rama suddenly seemed to have received some inexplicable revelation, or inspiration.

She put her right fist against her chest and said in a solemn voice.

"Thank you, Lord Administrator, for the name."

It seems that she is very satisfied with this name.

Chu Guang nodded and said happily.

"Then it's decided."

In this way, the Thorn Corps was officially established.

Coming from the wilderness, they will choose like-minded partners from the rescued survivors.

Of course, the Thorn Corps, like other NPC regiments, also welcomes players who are interested in the great desert to join.

…

Not long after Chu Guang handed over the specific work of the Thorn Corps to Rama, Captain Adria finally woke up from his deep sleep.

Shaking his head with a splitting headache, Adria grabbed his personal guard and said with spittle flying around.

"...Where is Chu Guang? The manager of the alliance...go and call him over, and tell him that I have something important to discuss with him!"

Looking at the commander who had not yet sobered up, the guard said in a dumbfounded voice.

"Sir, the Alliance's airship is ready to anchor. I saw their manager next to the pod... If you sleep a little longer, you probably won't be able to see him."

Upon hearing this, Adria suddenly became excited and sobered up from the wine.

"Take anchor?"

The guard nodded.

"Well... I heard that they plan to return to the River Valley Province."

"Take me there quickly!"

Looking at Adria who turned over and got out of bed, the guard was stunned for two seconds and responded quickly.

"yes!"

Without bothering to wash up, Adria put on her coat and went out, jogging all the way, and finally found Chu Guang before the Heart of Steel retracted its anchor chain.

This guy drank a lot yesterday, and there was a strong smell of alcohol all over his body, which made Chu Guang frown and step back.

Speaking of which, this guy is very nervous. Not even half a month after the ceasefire agreement was signed, he dared to get drunk in the enemy camp.

He was busy explaining the work of the new settlement and the corps just now, and he almost forgot about this guy.

"Hiccup - thank you for your hospitality," Adria rubbed her swollen eyes and managed to cheer up. In order to make herself look less sloppy, she then cleared her throat vigorously, "Next time I have a chance, I'll treat you to a treat. Have two drinks."

Seeing this guy's drunken appearance, Chu Guang made a joke.

"You're welcome. As long as you don't feel embarrassed, you can stay here tonight."

After all, she still felt embarrassed. Adria coughed dryly with a red face and continued, "I have a proposal."

Chu Guang: "Tell me."

Adria said quickly.

"Your camp is so big, and now a group of people have left, so many of the barracks are empty. Why don't you lend us a few?"

The Alliance soldiers have been expanding the camp before, and many of the barracks were left there after being built. The living facilities are not to mention how complete, but at least they have water and electricity. Living there is definitely more comfortable than the shabby tents they brought on the airship. .

It is now November, and winter has already begun in the northern hemisphere. Even if this year is a warm winter as usual, it will snow at the latest in December.

Especially considering the specific heat capacity of sand, the nighttime temperature in the desert can be as low as ten degrees below zero. Living in a linen tent like that might freeze you to death...

Looking at Captain Adria who looked embarrassed, Chu Guang didn't embarrass him and asked casually.

"How much do you want?"

"One hundred rooms..."

Seeing that Chu Guang's eyes were getting weird, Adria quickly explained, "Of course, I won't borrow your house for free... I will pay for it! How about paying in dinars?"

Seeing Adria hurriedly explaining, Chu Guang couldn't help but feel a little funny.

If it were ordinary wastelanders, or a smaller survivor colony, these big noses would have already grabbed it, and there would be no way to negotiate payment.

The way he was bargaining was really unlike those military officers with bulging noses.

"Pay? What do I need the dinar for."

Looking at Captain Adria who still wanted to fight for it, Chu Guang suddenly felt something in his heart and continued, "Let your governor talk to me. I can't tell you clearly."

Seeing that things could turn around, Adria, who had just hit rock bottom, suddenly became overjoyed and said immediately.

"Okay! Wait for me!"

"You'd better hurry up," Chu Guang glanced at the time on the VM and said briefly, "We plan to set off at noon."

…

Without staying at the Alliance camp for too long, Captain Adria immediately returned to the camp next to the Arbitrator airship. Through the ship's correspondent, he contacted Governor Cohen who was waking up from his 100-square-meter luxurious bedroom, and reported that he and Difficulties faced by many officers.

To sum it up in a simple sentence, the Arbitrator's fault is quite serious, and it will take a lot of time to completely repair it. If nothing else goes wrong, these more than a thousand people will have to spend the winter in the desert.

Although food and drink can be transported from the Falcon Kingdom, safety is an issue that cannot be solved.

In particular, the Enlightenment Society is watching in the dark, and no one can be sure whether those rats in the gutter will come back to kill them.

After listening to Captain Adria's difficulties, Cohen had no choice but to send a communication request to Chu Guang, expressing his hope to rent some of the barracks in the camp and provide them to Weilan who was stranded in the desert. Special person.

However, after hearing Chu Guang's offer, Cohen couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"100 silver coins a day for a room?! Are you crazy?"

Looking at Cohen in the holographic image, Chu Guang said without blushing.

"The entire Dawn City has this price. Of course, if you rent on a monthly basis, I can give you a 10% discount."

This is certainly not the price of Dawn City.

Take the Highway Town Hotel in Dawn City as an example. The cheapest room even costs less than 10 silver coins a day.

However, this did not prevent him from using the falsely reported prices to swindle the Wilante people.

Chu Guang knew very well that even if he doubled his quotation, it would definitely be more cost-effective than building a camp in the desert by themselves.

Apart from anything else, just talking about the issue of fresh water supply, the current situation of the Weiland people is almost unsolvable.

If you want to drill a well in the desert to get water, you have to drill at least a hundred-meter-deep well. With the current industrial capabilities of the Falcon Kingdom, unless they transport the drilling equipment from the west of the desert, there is no way.

Cohen pinched his sore eyebrows and said with a headache.

"...Where the hell am I going to get those broken coins of yours...Can I go to a silver mine?"

"That's not necessary," Chu Guang waved his hand, "Although we use silver coins, we are not silver-standard. Can you understand?"

Cohen stared at Chu Guang fiercely and spoke word by word.

"What do you want? The worst thing we can do is—"

Chu Guang coughed slightly and interrupted him.

"Bicester Town needs fresh water. I plan to rent a water supply section from the river embankment closest to No. 2 Oasis, and then build a water pipeline to Bicester Town to solve the domestic and industrial water problems of local residents. ...How about one million silver coins for ten years?”

After a pause, he added something later.

"Of course, we can actually transfer water from Oasis No. 3, but compared to Oasis No. 2, which is right next door, the cost of 170 kilometers of pipelines is too expensive. Ten years later, we will pay you based on water consumption. Money, what do you think?"

This is his plan based on the design of Petra Fortress.

According to the descriptions of several players of the White Bear Knights, the fresh water resources there are purchased from the nearest river embankment, and payment is based on water consumption.

However, Cohen was new to the market and didn't know the market situation, so he didn't necessarily know what the production capacity of a water supply section was. Chu Guang didn't talk to him about water consumption and rented it directly by time.

In fact, the "maximum" production capacity of a water supply section can supply one million cubic meters of fresh water a year, which is equivalent to half of the water in Poyang Lake.

Ten years is enough time for him to build an underground lake out of thin air in the desert.

As for the remaining energy in the river bank?

The devil knows that kind of thing.

The fresh water produced by the river embankment is like the oil buried under the feet of a few wealthy people in reality. It is pumped out every day and there is no shortage of it. Anyway, just use it when it can be used.

After all, the seawater desalination device powered by nuclear fusion will not be used up in just ten years.

As Chu Guang expected, Cohen's focus was not at all on how much fresh water a water supply section could produce.

After staring at Chu Guang for a long time, the most irrelevant question suddenly popped out of his mouth.

“Do I still have to pay for repairing the water pipes?”

Chu Guang coughed.

"That's not necessary."

Forget about using someone else's faucet, and asking others to repair his water pipes, he can't do that kind of immoral thing.

Cohen didn't speak for a long time, but he was thinking in his mind.

ten years……

As soon as this agreement was signed, Bicester Town's fresh water supply was in his hands. If the Alliance wanted to attack him one day, he only had to turn the water spigot, and the Alliance would surely give in.

As for renting a water supply section with one million silver coins, he didn't really care whether it was expensive or cheap.

A river embankment has at least eight water supply sections. Even if one is leased to the alliance, it will not be a problem, not to mention that it is the asset of a vassal country.

With a reluctant expression on his face, Cohen nodded.

"Deal! But I must first state that the price of renting the campground and other expenses must also be written in this contract!"

There is currently no stable trade relationship between the two parties, and he doesn't want the alliance to increase the rent of the camp by zero as soon as he agrees.

Let alone one million silver coins, even ten million or even one hundred million would not be able to withstand it.

Chu Guang smiled and nodded.

"No problem, but... before signing the contract, I have to give you a reminder."

Cohen narrowed his eyes at him.

"What's the point of reminding me?"

"Wealant people in our camp must abide by our laws and regulations, including robbing, stealing, and..."

Seeing that the big-nosed face was not good-looking, Chu Guang spared him a little face and said in a very soft voice, "And all behaviors that are not allowed in civilized society are considered crimes in the land of the Alliance. If it happens If you encounter unpleasant things, we will not let you off the hook, and we will punish the perpetrators in accordance with the laws of the alliance."

"So if you don't want to have a diplomatic dispute or even more serious consequences, you'd better put some thought into restraining your subordinates."

Cohen stared at Chu Guang with a dark face.

"You don't need to say this, I will do it naturally!"

Chu Guang nodded and said with a smile.

"That would be perfect."