Chapter 1726

Recalling the old companions, Liang Yuan couldn’t help but smile.

As Yangshan continued to expand unknowingly, these former comrades were also constantly growing.

“How is everyone doing?” Liang Yuan asked Zhuang Shuyuan.

Zhuang Shuyuan paused, looking at Liang Yuan, feeling inexplicably touched.

He had already reached a high position as the Yangshan Leader, yet he still cared about his former companions.

She had seen too many people in high positions who believed in the principle that without ruthlessness, one couldn’t stand firm.

Not one of them was not cunning and crafty.

The qualities of sincerity towards others seemed impossible to appear in those in power.

But she could feel that Liang Yuan’s inquiry just now was genuinely heartfelt.

She gently replied, “The group that came with you back then has developed quite well; even the worst among them has established a Mercenary Corps.”

Liang Yuan laughed, nodded slightly, and said, “That’s good. Everyone followed me out of trust, from Meidu Garden to take risks in Yangshan. Now that they’re doing well, I can rest easy.”

“Don’t worry; they are pioneers. Those who followed you early had so many opportunities. Even the dumbest or clumsiest have long since found wealth,” Zhuang Shuyuan laughed.

Even the four major forces in Yangshan, subdued by Liang Yuan, have now developed quite well.

Even Zhuang Shuyuan herself had reached the position of Inspection Department Minister.

Of course, she had also ‘paid’ quite a bit.

Liang Yuan smiled, not continuing the topic.

If he couldn’t provide a prosperous life for those who first followed him, it would prove him to be a failed leader, and Yangshan a failed shelter.

On the side, Bai Lingzhen couldn’t help but show a look of envy, saying, “It’s a pity I’m from Rongcheng. If in the early days of the Great Flood I had encountered a great leader like Mr. Liang, I might have suffered a lot less.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Shuyuan teased, “Lingzhen, you’re so beautiful, and your figure is so good; I can’t believe no excellent man pursued you! Be honest, do you have someone?”

Bai Lingzhen laughed heartily, waving her hands repeatedly, “How could that be? If I had a man, I’d hardly need to show my face running boats.”

“No, there’s no one.”

Saying this, she subconsciously glanced at Liang Yuan.

Sure enough, she saw Liang Yuan’s gaze shift to her, and her heart wildly leapt.

Unable to resist explaining, “Many pursued me, but I’ve never given them a proper look.”

Zhuang Shuyuan asked curiously, “Oh? Why’s that? Anyone bold enough to pursue a beauty like you must have some ability, right?”

Bai Lingzhen shook her head, saying, “I’ve investigated their pasts, and those people often did some morally unacceptable things in the early days of the apocalypse.”

“Even though some have now become leaders of forces, heralded as wise and benevolent, that’s all a facade.”

“I don’t believe someone who once engaged in immoral, reckless acts would suddenly become a good person upon becoming a leader.”

Zhuang Shuyuan couldn’t help but nod, “You’re quite right. Once a person’s moral baseline collapses, it’s hard for them to turn back into a good person.”

“They say ‘Drop the butcher’s knife and become a Buddha on the spot,’ but having tasted the life of easy money, how could they return to the ordinary worker’s days?” Bai Lingzhen snorted.

Her words were a bit coarse, but the reasoning was right.

This girl inherently had the fiery personality of a Sichuan woman.

While talking, the small door at the connection of the wall near the water platform suddenly opened.

Then, a girl’s voice came from next door, “Hello, guest, may I serve the dishes now?”

Zhuang Shuyuan looked back at Liang Yuan and asked, “Shall we?”

Liang Yuan nodded, “Please serve the dishes; we can chat while eating.”

“Serve the dishes!” Zhuang Shuyuan shouted to the side.

“Okay, guest.”

Soon after, the girl vaguely called out: “Immortal Ring Pavilion, serve the dishes.”

Then they saw a delicate tray floating on the water platform, slowly drifting towards the three of them.

Liang Yuan sat alone on one side, while Zhuang Shuyuan and Bai Lingzhen moved to sit opposite him.

The dishes floated in front of them and were placed on the table as the water continued flowing past.

Soon, delightful dishes came floating by, quickly filling both sides of the water platform with seven or eight dishes, including cold dishes and fruits.

Besides the food, drinks naturally were abundant.

With two beauties sitting across and a feast of delicious dishes and fine wine, it truly was a feast for the eyes.

In a true sense, beauty was a feast.

“Mr. Liang, I drink to you here, thanking you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to show me around Yangshan’s industry.”

Bai Lingzhen took the initiative, pouring wine for Liang Yuan.

She slightly bent over, holding the bottle with one hand and the glass with the other.

Her slender hands, white like scallions, matched with the red wine glass.

But Liang Yuan’s gaze wasn’t drawn to her fingers but rather to the pendant Inverted Mountain as she bent over.

Between the two Inverted Mountains lies an unfathomable gorge.

Zhuang Shuyuan on the side couldn’t resist extending a foot, nudging Liang Yuan.

Liang Yuan turned his gaze, looking at her.

He saw her winking, clearly meaning ‘Is it nice to look at?’

Liang Yuan’s expression was calm, without embarrassment or awkwardness, just slightly nodding.

Zhuang Shuyuan gave a subdued snort.

“Mr. Liang, please.”

Bai Lingzhen, unaware of their little exchange, handed the wine glass to Liang Yuan.

Liang Yuan took the glass, laughing, “Miss Bai, you don’t need to be so formal. If you’re able to transport resources from Yangshan to Shu, it profits us too.”

“This is mutual benefit.”

Bai Lingzhen quickly laughed, “This line of work, before the apocalypse, was long-distance shipping.”

“In the future, many will surely do long-distance shipping. Yangshan’s resources are abundant and diverse, so many will come for trade. Therefore, I’ll have to rely on you.”

“This glass, I drink to you.”

She then downed the entire glass of wine.

However, after drinking, her white cheeks instantly flushed with red.

A dizzying sensation surged straight to her head.

The wine wasn’t spicy, yet mysteriously had a strong impact.

Zhuang Shuyuan pretended to be surprised, hurriedly advising, “Lingzhen, take it easy. The wine in Yangshan isn’t like the grain wine before the apocalypse.”

Bai Lingzhen feeling a bit dizzy couldn’t help saying, “Why does the wine have such a strong effect?”

“It’s brewed from Spiritual Mutation Fruit, with certain numbing and dizzying effects on Spiritual Power. The wine from before the apocalypse doesn’t affect Superpower Users much.”

“This wine is specially made for Superpower Users, you silly girl, why are you drinking so much in one go!”

Zhuang Shuyuan showed a caring expression, yet the wine was her personal pick!