Wasteland Development Diary

"I am the owner," Zhou Yi followed the other's lead.

A few seconds later.

"You are not the owner."

Jade City issued a warning, "There is no owner access card, no resident card, and facial recognition finds no such person."

The surveillance camera in the elevator turned slightly, aiming at Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi felt a chill down his spine and quickly changed his tune, "I want to move in, help me with the check-in process."

"This is a private residence and is not open to the public."

"..."

Zhou Yi thought for a moment and then switched to a different approach, "Since there are no owners living here, I'll buy this building. Make me an offer."

The other party was silent.

Just as Zhou Yi was about to settle for less, Jade City spoke again, "After real-time accounting, Jade City's unit two has a total of 33 floors, with six units and two elevators per floor. Excluding the damaged 33rd and 32nd floors, as well as the partially damaged 31st floor, there are a total of 180 units... The current value is 72,000 Light Seeds."

"Due to significant wear and tear, including maintenance fees, property fees amounting to 10% of the total value must be paid annually, which is a basic fee of 7,200 Light Seeds. Additional repair funds must be raised in case of damage caused by force majeure."

80,000 Light Seeds, for a living high-rise that could withstand a rocket barrage.

Not expensive at all.

The problem was, Zhou Yi didn't have the time to earn that many Light Seeds.

If he couldn't seize the opportunity now, the building would be moved elsewhere, and there would be too many variables by then.

In desperation, Zhou Yi had a stroke of genius, suddenly asking, "What if I just buy one unit? You can sell them individually, right?"

"That is possible. One unit on the 30th floor's top, 320 Light Seeds each. Ground floor, 330 Light Seeds each. Different prices for other units, valued according to the floor."

"What about the 31st floor? Isn't it partially damaged? Some parts are still usable, I'm willing to buy, what's the price?"

Jade City informed him, "After damage assessment, the remaining two units on that floor are 102 Light Seeds each. Once again, the 31st floor, due to partial damage, has parts of the infrastructure that are unusable and poses certain safety risks. Are you sure you want to purchase?"

"That's the one, I'll take it."

Zhou Yi planned to buy a cheap one first and then exchange it for a better residence later.

The key now was to acquire the residency rights first and become an owner later.

"I'll have the payment ready by the Dead Sea and wait for you."

"Good."

The two parties negotiated a series of details; due to the mind-level synchronization, the whole process actually only took a few seconds.

The elevator slowly reached the 31st floor of the building.

"Guest, please follow us."

Two Black Hand Mushrooms, having learned the use of the elevator from Zhou Yi, had become much more respectful in their demeanor.

More than half of this floor had become ruins, and the two remaining apartments were riddled with cracks.

The wind was strong on the rooftop, and the tattered clothes on the Bone Man fluttered like an ancient cape, blowing to one side. Only a red scarf tied around its cervical vertebrae added a touch of vivid color.

"Our distinguished guest's visit is an honor; please forgive me for not meeting you from afar. Due to my frail body and limited mobility," the Bone Man said.

Every movement the Bone Man made came with a creaking and grinding noise, as if its bones grinded against each other.

"I've heard from the Black Hand Mushrooms in the forest that a powerful figure has come to our bleak and remote land."

The other party was politely restrained, and Zhou Yi responded with due respect, "We're just protecting the farmland, fighting against raiders. If it has caused any disturbance to you, I am truly sorry."

The Bone Man emitted a crackling laugh.

It extended its skinny, knobbly palm, "It seems the distinguished guest and I should find some common ground."

"I am called Sun Chonglai, and as you can see, I am a Bone Man. However, due to the esteem of my Black Hand Mushroom friends here, I've been acting as Lord of this place, managing on their behalf to ensure everyone's safety and stability."

Zhou Yi shook hands with him, "Zhou Yi, Chairman of the Wasteland Development Company. Our company is currently dedicated to reclaiming farmland and also engages in some house construction and renovation projects."

Sun Chonglai said, "Chairman Zhou, your envoy, the clawed pig, mentioned that you wanted to discuss handling this Dead Sea Alien with me? I wonder what strategies you have?"

Zhou Yi got straight to the point, "I have encountered this type of alien before, had dealings with them, and have a slight understanding."

The two Black Hand Mushrooms at his side immediately chimed in, "Lord, it's true, he knows how to use the intestines of the Alien Giant to move up and down. He also taught us how to use it; it looks like he's used it before."

"Oh? Could you teach me as well?"

So Zhou Yi took the Bone Man to the elevator and demonstrated, hand in hand, how to use the device.

"Truly miraculous..."

Standing in the elevator and feeling the movement up and down, the Bone Man Lord looked around with great interest.

"It seems our esteemed guest is indeed well-versed in matters regarding aliens. We have studied these underworld aliens for many years, yet we still know little. Ah, I interrupted you earlier, please continue."

Zhou Yi observed the other party, "My approach is for you to take the Black Hand Mushrooms and leave this place; I'll handle the rest."

After this statement, the two Black Hand Mushrooms who had just spoken well of him immediately changed sides.

"Audacious scoundrel!"

"How dare you question the wisdom of the Lord!"

Sun Chonglai's skull tilted, "Chairman, it seems you are aware of some insider information... could you disclose some of it?"

Zhou Yi looked into the eyes of the Skull Man, "You won't be able to control it; a structural life of this size isn't something that external forces can manage."

"Delaying will only be a waste of time, simply depleting your energy reserves."

Sun Chonglai's body stiffened visibly.

Zhou Yi said, "My advice is to cut your losses in time and let it go."

The Mushroom Lord across from him pondered for a while, "May I ask, what is your objective?"

Zhou Yi pointed in the direction of the farmland, "Our company's tillable land is on the Oasis Side, right next to the Mushroom Forest; we are neighbors. With you there, a lot of the southern monsters and troubles can be blocked."

"You are a smart man, I believe the Mushroom Forest under your leadership would be a beneficial and high-quality neighbor for us. I do not wish to see a chaotic and disorderly Mushroom Forest."

"Another point is, this Dead Sea Alien is called Jade City."

He stepped on the cement floor below him and said softly, "I used to live in a place like this... It has been silent for many years, but it's time for it to return."

Zhou Yi put his hands in his pockets, "But whether or not you are willing to give it up, it will end up with me eventually."

"Nonsense!"

"Babbling nonsense!"

The two Black Hand Mushrooms immediately retorted in anger.

But Sun Chonglai's jaw opened slightly, his skull showing an astonished expression, "You camped out on the beaches of the Dead Sea... coming here, it was to find it..."

Zhou Yi did not respond but only said, "Now that I have paid my visit and given notice, it's time for me to take my leave. I hope the Mushroom Forest and our company can have some cooperation in the future."

He turned and walked towards the elevator.

No one stopped him.

In fact, Zhou Yi wasn't worried; the Black Hand Mushrooms couldn't break through his defenses. And with just one command from him, the Samurai Crab Army would launch a costly assault on this place.

In the elevator.

Zhou Yi confirmed with Jade City once more that after it finished charging, it would head to the company's camp by the Dead Sea and complete the entire house purchase procedure with him.

...

With a ding, the silver metal doors slid open to either side.

Zhou Yi stepped out, feeling a surge of relief.

The rest aside.

At last, he would live in a proper house.

Yay!