Chapter 836: Granting Their Wish
On the Golden Edge, Zhu Yunque theoretically held the second-highest authority after Zhang Yi.
After all, everyone knew she was the niece of the Jiangnan Region's commander.
Zhang Yi would humor her on minor matters to save face.
Let alone someone like Old Tian.
At that time, only two people aboard could have helped the stowaways sneak into the lower deck undetected.
Either Zhu Yunque or Zhou Ke'er.
But Zhou Ke'er wasn't foolish enough—she always prioritized Zhang Yi's interests.
That left Zhu Yunque as the sole possibility.
Zhu Yunque squirmed uncomfortably, bracing for Zhang Yi's scolding.
The truth matched his speculation—she had indeed smuggled a group of stowaways aboard.
Around twenty people.
They'd risked their lives climbing onto this massive ship to survive.
Initially, over a hundred had attempted the same, but most were shot off the hull by Old Tian's crew, their bodies plunging into the frozen sea like dumplings into boiling water.
Witnessing this carnage, Zhu Yunque's conscience compelled her to conceal the survivors and guide them to the lower deck.
The crew's diverse appearances and multilingual chatter minimized interaction, making detection unlikely if they kept to themselves.
Zhu Yunque's plan was simple: establish their presence as a fait accompli.
Even if discovered later, surely Zhang Yi wouldn't heartlessly toss twenty-odd people overboard?
Biting her lip, she thought: At worst, he'll reduce my rations or confine me. I can endure that!
Yet Zhang Yi ignored her entirely.
He could practically read her mind.
Did she fancy herself some noble martyr?
Sacrificing herself for stowaways?
Excellent. Zhang Yi always enjoyed granting wishes—he'd give her that very opportunity.
His gaze swept across the crowd, pinpointing the trembling stowaways with their panicked, darting eyes.
A headcount by Old Tian would expose them instantly.
But what purpose would that serve?
Beyond painting himself as a monster and hardening Zhu Yunque's misguided resentment? No reflection on her part.
So Zhang Yi concocted a far more entertaining alternative.
The sheer amusement of his scheme nearly made him grin ear-to-ear.
"Miss Zhu, Su Nuanxi—how should we handle these stowaways?" Zhang Yi suddenly asked the two women.
All eyes turned to them in confusion.
The stowaways stared desperately, clinging to their presence like drowning men grasping at straws.
Zhu Yunque misread Zhang Yi's intent as humiliation.
Still, she clenched her jaw and insisted, "They're living beings! Having survived, we can't abandon them now!"
"We should take them to Huaxu Kingdom and arrange their resettlement."
Gratitude flooded the stowaways' faces as they gazed at her.
Su Nuanxi studied Zhang Yi oddly before her inner saint emerged.
"Of course we forgive them! They only wanted to live—what's wrong with that?"
Old Tian and some Rockflow Group members exchanged knowing smirks or resigned headshakes.
"They really don't understand Mr. Zhang. Given his temperament, he'd never tolerate stowaways!"
Zhang Yi nodded approvingly.
"Then forgiven they are. Since they're aboard, they'll stay!"
Even Old Tian and Zhu Yunque gaped at him as if he'd been body-snatched.
Only Zhou Ke'er tilted her head with dawning comprehension, smiling knowingly.
"Zhang Yi's definitely plotting something."
The stowaways exhaled in relief, overflowing with gratitude.
Standing among them, Zhang Yi proclaimed, "In this apocalyptic era, life is cheaper than grass! Haven't we all fought tooth and nail to survive?"
"Precisely now must we unite, clinging together like family!"
"I know many view me as some cold-blooded villain. But earlier actions were necessities of circumstance."
"In truth, I'm usually exceedingly kind."
Some hung their heads, ashamed for doubting him.
"Therefore," Zhang Yi declared, sweeping his arm grandly, "I decree they remain, joining our shared struggle!"
His speech electrified the chamber.
The crowd roared in jubilation.
Satisfied, Zhang Yi concluded, "Then no further blame shall be assigned. It's late—all return to rest!"
The stowaways scurried away like pardoned convicts.
Most spectators, touched by Zhang Yi's apparent benevolence, dispersed while Rockflow Group members unaffected by the affair drifted off.
Lu Dahai lingered near the rear, frowning.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, something felt... off.
After pondering, he suddenly realized—
Wait! This makes no sense!
Their initial protest was about food shortages.
All this drama changed nothing about the core issue!
Slapping his forehead, he rushed toward Zhang Yi—only to be blocked by crew.
Zhang Yi was already speaking privately with Zhu Yunque.
Eyes shimmering with wonder, Zhu Yunque whispered,
"You... you're not angry?"
"Surely you know I acted alone. I expected harsh punishment..."
She bit her lip, looking down.
Zhang Yi internally scoffed: As if I'd waste energy punishing you. Too many damn theatrics.
Outwardly, he beamed with saintly patience.
"Not at all. You meant well—simply ensuring everyone's survival."