Yao Ran nodded and explained, "Yes. We have greenhouses and hydroponic rooms here. We have also cultivated some land outside to grow edible mutant plants. While the variety is limited, it should be enough to feed everyone."
"As for meat, you can organize hunting teams for mutant animals. I also have extra livestock, poultry, and fish that I'm willing to share with you."
After she finished talking, the room fell into stunned silence. It seemed almost unbelievable that ordinary animals still existed.
After a moment of shock, Xu Qipeng came back to his senses and asked, "Xiao Ran, what do you want in exchange for these supplies?"
Yao Ran knew that even among allies, clear agreements were important. Without settling things clearly, kindness could be taken for granted over time.
After thinking about it, she replied, "I don't need anything for now. How about this? In exchange for the supplies, Uncle Xu, you owe me one promise."
Xu Qipeng, as the highest-ranking member of the team, carried significant authority and power. Knowing she might need his support in the future, especially against The Ark, Yao Ran wanted to secure his promise today.
After studying her for a moment, Xu Qipeng asked, "Are you sure all you want is one promise?"
"Yes," Yao Ran answered calmly.
After some thought, Xu Qipeng nodded. "Alright. I will give you one promise. Just let me know when you need it."
Satisfied with his agreement, Yao Ran smiled. "Thank you, Uncle Xu. I will let you know when the time comes."
With seeds, livestock, and fish secured, the group began discussing how to build the base. Seeing there was nothing else for her to contribute, Yao Ran said, "I still have other matters to attend to. I will take my leave now. My team will deliver the supplies later."
Xu Qipeng nodded. "Alright. Thank you, Xiao Ran."
After she left, Mu Xichen whispered to Xu Ruihan, "Ruihan, have you ever seen any livestock around here?"
Xu Ruihan shook his head. "No."
"Me neither." Mu Xichen glanced toward the closed door and mused, "Do you think Younger Sister Ran Ran has a secret place where she keeps them?"
Xu Ruihan considered the idea but replied, "I don't know. It's not really our business. I'm just grateful she is willing to share."
Seeing Xu Ruihan's lack of curiosity, Mu Xichen looked at him thoughtfully and dropped the subject.
While Xu Qipeng and his team were busy building their new home, Yao Ran and Long Yu were making preparations for their journey to Luocheng City.
Ten days later, Yao Ran woke up early as usual and left the shelter to check on the farmland outside. As she opened the door, she noticed something unusual.
Observing the thick haze and countless particles drifting in the air, Yao Ran frowned, her mind deep in thought. It was then that Long Yu approached her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"Ran Ran, good morning," he said softly.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Yao Ran looked up at him and smiled. "Good morning, A Yu." Noticing the concern in her eyes, Long Yu asked, "Is something bothering you?"
Yao Ran glanced back at the gloomy sky and replied, "Although the eternal night is over, the haze and dust in the air worry me. I'm afraid it might lead to another disaster."
After hearing her concerns, Long Yu pondered for a moment before saying, "I will ask Qiqi and Uncle Han to prepare more medicinal herbs in case the haze and ash cause illness."
Yao Ran nodded thoughtfully. She was silent for a moment before saying, "I recently harvested another batch of medicinal herbs from my space. I will send them to the infirmary so the doctors can process them."
As she said that, a man nearby asked in confusion, "Hey, where is all this dust coming from?"
Another man standing nearby wiped his face and inspected his fingertips, now covered with a layer of fine dust. After examining it more closely, he asked his companion, "Isn't this volcanic ash?"
His words caused a ripple of realization. Everyone began touching their faces, noticing the accumulating ash in their bodies.
As the volcanic ash grew denser by the second, Yao Ran said, "Everyone, please head back inside. We will distribute masks to those working outdoors. Those who want to go out should cover their noses to prevent illness."
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