"Let’s talk about cooperation." Seeing Li Yajun had calmed down, Xu Xin said.
"Hmm... alright, um... what you mentioned before in the regional channel, letting us become parasites and develop together, is that true?" Li Yajun looked at the two of them with uncertainty.
"Of course it’s true," Li Wenxi patted her chest. "We never lie! But..."
Li Wenxi glanced at Xu Xin. She wanted to explain the situation of the parasitic treehouse to Li Yajun.
"Xu Xin, let’s explain clearly to her, it’s about the parasitic treehouse." Li Wenxi tugged at Xu Xin’s fingers, whispered.
"...Go ahead and say it, this kind of thing needs to be clear." Xu Xin looked at her somewhat helplessly, thinking she could be heard even if she whispered.
However, he didn’t oppose it.
"What’s wrong with the parasitic treehouse?" Li Yajun looked at Li Wenxi with some confusion, then seemed to understand, and quickly waved her hand, saying, "Are you talking about the restricted functions? I know about that, I don’t mind."
"No, actually, there’s another issue."
Ji Chaoyang had only mentioned in the regional channel that the parasitic treehouse would have its functions restricted by the main treehouse but hadn’t said that the owner of the main treehouse is of a higher rank than the owner of the parasitic treehouse, can do everything the parasitic treehouse owner can do, and can even change the holder of the parasitic treehouse.
The reason for not mentioning this in the regional channel was to avoid negative publicity, which might deter survivors who intended to come. Now, facing her directly, without the interference of others, it was good to clarify. If she was truly unwilling, then that would be it.
Of course, this was only true for those in the same region; for those from different regions, not coming meant certain death, with no room for negotiation.
Li Wenxi explained the situation to her in detail.
"So, you still need to think it over, about whether you want to come or not. Once you come, you can’t regret it." Li Wenxi picked up Keke, who was lying on Xu Xin’s lap and still sulking, turned it over, and rubbed its little belly, speaking to Li Yajun.
"Oh~" Keke stopped being angry as soon as its belly was rubbed, closing its eyes in comfort.
Li Yajun lowered her head in thought.
She really didn’t want to continue being alone, but the cost of this cooperation was indeed a bit high.
If the previous situation she knew was akin to a boss and employee, now the situation felt like the status gap between parents and children who haven’t yet gained independence.
Moreover, without the constraints of familial affection and law, if the owner of the main treehouse were ruthless, it would basically be similar to a master and slave, with the risk of being discarded at any time.
After all, by simply changing the holder of the parasitic treehouse, the original owner essentially loses their treehouse, which is essential for survival.
"...Can I go to your protection zone?" Li Yajun raised her head to look at Li Wenxi.
She felt that if the other person was a girl about the same age as her, and it was this girl in front of her, there shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
"Of course you can!" Li Wenxi immediately replied, but she quickly clarified the situation on her end, "But I need to make it clear, my place involves mining and smelting, can you handle it? Would you dislike it or find it impossible to do?"
"I can handle it!" Li Yajun looked at Li Wenxi, nodding affirmatively, "Anything is good, I just want to survive with the right people."
Her words... Xu Xin glanced at her, thinking that anyone who didn’t know would assume she wanted to be a romantic rival.
"That’s good!" Li Wenxi glanced proudly at Xu Xin, making him feel a mix of emotions, "Actually, I originally wanted to take you to my protection zone, can’t let this guy have it easy!"
Li Yajun breathed a sigh of relief and gratefully said, "That’s good, thank you, I’ll go with you. So... should I demolish my treehouse now and leave with you?"
It seemed she really couldn’t wait to leave.
"No, not yet." Xu Xin suddenly spoke.
"...Ah?" Li Yajun’s expression froze.
"It’s true we can’t do it now; we have other things to attend to today." Li Wenxi nodded, as she also needed to go see Sister Xuefei, couldn’t exactly take her along, could she?
The meeting with Fellow Explorers would involve discussing some matters regarding capabilities, and bringing someone else along was definitely out of the question.
"We’re going to find another member of the [Explorers], and the connection of the protection zones is not yet confirmed. We might encounter danger along the way, so we can’t bring you." Xu Xin explained, "We should return via the same route later today, and we’ll take you then."
"Ah... I see." Li Yajun breathed a sigh of relief, but still felt a slight unease, and asked cautiously, "When will you be back then?"
"Don’t worry, since we said we’re welcoming all survivors from area 188, we won’t break our word." Xu Xin smiled, "Within today, we’ll definitely bring you to her protection zone. While we’re gone, you can stay in your treehouse and wait for us."
Li Wenxi raised her left wrist and pointed at the watch, "I’ve already sent you a private message, we can contact each other anytime!"
Li Yajun nodded vigorously, "Alright, I’ll stay in the treehouse waiting for you today and go nowhere!"
"By the way," Xu Xin, concerned about Silver King’s earlier abnormal behavior, asked, "During the previous activity, was there anything unusual around your treehouse?"