The fifth day after the bombing ended.

Inside Jade City.

Zhou Yi and Bone Man Sun Chonglai were chatting about the Mushroom Forest in the room.

"Chairman, we've recently completed the supporting improvements for the giant mushrooms, and there was a difficult issue concerning the security and theft prevention."

"In the early stages of the giant mushroom's growth, all it takes is to tear open the fiber layer to get inside, and it's also challenging to lock it."

"The feasible solution we confirmed is to wait for the giant mushrooms to grow bigger. When a giant mushroom reaches the height of 10 meters, its skin will be tough enough that it cannot be opened without metal tools. Using metal tools to force it open would cause very clear vibrations, which would be immediately detected by the people inside."

"So, during the early growth, we first use stones to fix an entrance, and after it takes shape, we seal it with wooden planks, thus creating a secure wooden door. However, it takes 2 to 3 months to reach the height of 10 meters, so we have to be patient and wait."

Zhou Yi actually thinks it's quite good.

For a mature and secure location, just wait for the finished product. If you can't wait, then you settle for an unfinished unit at your own risk.

"Additionally, there has been a little discovery in the Mushroom Forest; if the Chairman has time, you might want to come over and take a look."

Bone Man said.

Zhou Yi, shaking his finger, said: "Old Sun, you're getting more and more fond of playing the mysterious card and keeping us in suspense."

"It's not that, Chairman, because with this matter... I really can't tell if it's good or bad, so you might have to see it yourself to make sure."

Bone Man scratched his head.

Zhou Yi was about to go out with him.

Suddenly, Red Kestrel said, "Lord Sand Sea is coming this way with Lin Qin's extension."

Zhou Yi raised his eyebrows.

They've finally become restless.

"Old Sun, let me meet a guest first."

Ten minutes later.

The mechanical octopus and Lord Sand Sea arrived at 3101.

"Mr. Zhou, I hope you'll forgive my intrusion."

Zhou Yi nodded: "Speak your mind, I'm busy today."

"..."

The other party seemed somewhat embarrassed: "Could we have a private conversation?"

"Speak your mind, I'll only say this once."

"..."

The other party's electronic eyes flickered: "Mr. Zhou, we request to negotiate peace, to put an end to this honor war as soon as possible, and to restore peace."

Zhou Yi smiled faintly: "I'm not asking for territorial concessions, but compensation is necessary."

"... We can discuss that."

Lin Qin no longer had the previous arrogance, only trying to maintain a dignified appearance.

"Old Sha."

Lord Sand Sea excitedly responded, "Yes."

"Count the city's losses with Duke Beidu and Steel Refining Lord."

"Yes!"

Zhou Yi looked at the obedient mechanical octopus, his mood brightening.

This was the attitude of seeking peace.

Surviving in the Wasteland World, apparently, one must first show sufficient strength before others are willing to have a proper dialogue.

Duke Destructive was no exception.

Today, I am a great power!

Not to mention, it really feels quite good.

Half an hour later.

Lord Sand Sea brought up a metal box; this was an enhanced controller made of glass screens and sand pixels, only larger than the ordinary ones used by company employees.

He opened the lid, and dual screens popped up.

The left screen showed the image of Duke Beidu's ships: "In the area where Shell City is located, war caused casualties, destruction of buildings and equipment, and the cessation of fishing, wild cultivation, and basic processing... The total losses converted to Light Seeds amount to 117,000."

The right screen featured Steel Refining Lord looking like a peculiar large vehicle: "The total losses for Steel Refining City are 34,000 Light Seeds."

Finally, Lord Sand Sea said: "Sand Port City, being at the rear, was less affected, with losses roughly about 1,700 Light Seeds."

Zhou Yi nodded.

Summing it up, the total losses of these three places are 152,700.

Hiring two Northern Ocean Army troops cost 40,000 Light Seeds, and bringing in Qin Xie's heavy cruiser guard amounted to 21,000.

Together, that's 213,700.

The loss of buildings 3 and 4, priced at 72,000 per unit in Jade City, comes to 144,000.

Including loss of work, emotional damages, etc., the total comes to 400,000 Light Seeds.

Duke Destructive's previous compensation demand was 200,000 Light Seeds; they must pay this sum.

Not for any other reason.

Zhou Yi wouldn't settle for less.

He told the other party, "I've always been reasonable; compensation of 600,000 Light Seeds, and we can negotiate."

"That's really too much..."

The mechanical octopus, gesturing with its tentacles, said with some difficulty: "Our assessment estimates your losses at around 160,000. We have come in utmost sincerity to negotiate and are willing to offer compensation of 180,000 Light Seeds."

Zhou Yi was getting annoyed too: "You think it's expensive, I think it's expensive too? Do you know how much my Earth-breaking Light Bombs cost? Just one costs over 70,000."

"That's the price, take it or leave it, continue fighting until one side can't take it anymore."

He already restrained himself, not asking for too much.

The other party's raised tentacle stiffened.

"This... I need to consult with Duke Destructive."

"Go ahead."

The mechanical octopus's eyes went dark.

Zhou Yi wasn't in a hurry.

Now holding the initiative, whether to fight or to talk peace was all up to him.

After about fifteen minutes, Lin Qin's eyes lit up again.

"Mr. Zhou, I have now obtained authorization from the lord."

"The Shuanghe Region doesn't have that many available Light Seeds; we can offer up to 400,000 Light Seeds at most. The remaining 200,000, of which 150,000 will be paid by us at 30,000 Light Seeds per year over five years to settle the balance."

"On the east side of the Shuanghe Region, there is a bone man tribe overseas under our rule, possessing special cattle-rearing techniques. We are willing to transfer this tribe, valued at 50,000, to your side."

A cattle-rearing tribe?

Zhou Yi's interest was piqued: "Tell me more."

The mechanical octopus explained, "The Tamed Bull Tribe has 43 bone men and 32 mechanical bulls. The mechanical bulls they breed can carry heavy loads and serve as vehicles."

Zhou Yi was disappointed.

He thought it would be real cattle.

He had already begun to fantasize about dairy products and beef stew.

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