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The joy of reunion did not last long, and the port was certainly not a place for lengthy conversations. As Tan had thought earlier, Song Yao and her companions had different identities this time on the island. Big Hat and Chang Xiangrong personally came to greet them, so it was impossible for them to arrange a visit to the Living Area. The soldiers lining up to escort them back rudely interrupted the girls' reunion. The woman accompanying Chang Xiangrong expressed a slight apology and politely declined Tan's invitation, stating that the reception had already been prepared in the administrative district.
Disappointment was evident on Tan's face; despite her reluctance, there was nothing she could do but wave goodbye to her old friends, promising to catch up once they finished their business.
With too many outsiders around, many words could not be spoken openly. Zeng Yadong sensed that Song Yao and her friends were displeased. He pulled Song Yao and Luci to the back of the group and whispered, "Just hold on for now; it should be fine by tonight. We can go find Tan then."
"Under someone else's roof," Luci pouted, tears still lingering in her eyes as she occasionally glanced back at the small figure by the port, murmuring, "The little girl has grown up."
Zeng Yadong smiled faintly but said nothing more. He urged the two girls to squeeze back into the line and keep pace with the group.
Song Jiu and his companions felt like outsiders, remaining silent throughout the journey. Occasionally, they exchanged a few quiet words but had to be cautious of the stern-looking soldiers nearby. Perhaps it was due to Xiao Zhuang's initial bad impression; in any case, Song Jiu couldn't muster any fondness for the people from The Establishment. He wasn't alone in this sentiment; Wu Wentao also felt uncomfortable. According to their previous discussions, they were supposed to be straightforward with Yao Jinsong on Taiping Island. However, with their plans altered midway, it was uncertain whether their prior arrangements would still apply.
Since disembarking, Sun Houqi and Xiao Zhuang had turned mute. It seemed that the sudden change of plans affected them as well. The faction leaders' meeting hadn't concluded yet, and what they were discussing remained a mystery. Plans often change unexpectedly; who knew what new measures would emerge after the meeting? If the new proposals deviated from expectations, then Song Jiu's involvement might become meaningless. Under such circumstances, Xiao Zhuang and Sun Houqi could only remain silent. After all, Zeng Yadong was with them; as Yao Jinsong's capable assistant, she surely had more comprehensive information than they did.
In short, their first encounter with The Establishment was not very pleasant, and no one felt inclined to admire the monotonous falling leaves of large trees. Chang Xiangrong chattered incessantly about The Establishment's pioneering history along the way, regardless of whether anyone was listening, speaking animatedly as if enjoying herself.
Song Jiu still hadn't figured out the relationships among these people from The Establishment. Chang Xiangrong claimed to be from Yongshu Reef Garrison's reception team while her sister's friend was from Taiping Island. It remained unclear whether there was any deeper meaning behind their joint arrival at the port; however, judging by their conversation during the journey, there seemed to be no sparks between them—perhaps he was overthinking it.
After more than ten minutes of tedious talk, under Chang Xiangrong's lead, they arrived at the administrative district. The island's leisurely atmosphere was instantly replaced by a tense ambiance that filled the air; even the surrounding banyan trees appeared much more solemn. As newcomers to the island, Song Jiu and his group had no clear concept of what constituted the Living Area or administrative district. Chang Xiangrong’s introductions along the way were trivial; naturally, she wouldn't elaborate on topics involving sensitive matters regarding the island’s layout.
Luo Yu and Wu Wentao were accustomed to observing their surroundings throughout the journey. Once they entered the administrative district, their expressions gradually grew serious. Compared to Jinbo Island’s comfort and ease, there was an indescribable sense of urgency here. The concrete walls hidden behind palm trees exuded a coldness; the U-shaped Administrative Building resembled a lifeless government office building—stale and dim.
Entering the administrative district required passing through three heavily guarded gates. Each entrance was manned by sentinels; grayish walls remained unadorned with peeling concrete exposed to the elements. "What’s currently happening?" one guard asked as they approached.
Zeng Yadong turned to Song Jiu at the sound of his voice, raising an eyebrow before shifting his gaze back to Song Yao, surprised as he asked, "Who is he?"
"My brother," Song Yao replied with a gentle smile, shrugging her shoulders. "By blood."
"No wonder, he does look a bit familiar," Zeng Yadong chuckled.
Chef Jia and Luo Yu exchanged glances, both scoffing at the notion. They had never thought that Song Yao and Song Jiu resembled each other in any way—neither in personality nor appearance. Aside from their shared surname, they seemed like entirely different people.
Fortunately, Zeng Yadong did not intend to delve deeper into this topic. After a few casual exchanges, the conversation gradually shifted to the main subject. Unlike Chang Xiangrong's dismissive attitude, Zeng Yadong was clearly prepared. She skipped over unnecessary details and succinctly briefed everyone on the current situation regarding The Establishment.
Reality was often harsh. The decision made by Song Jiu and his companions to seek out The Establishment primarily aimed at spreading Antibody, hoping to benefit from the support of a larger entity. However, the current state of The Establishment as described by Zeng Yadong left them utterly disheartened.
According to Zeng Yadong, discussions among representatives of The Establishment had already been scheduled. While Song Jiu and his group were still frolicking in the wilderness, the Spratly Islands had already plunged into new chaos.
The Establishment had dominated the seas for three years now, and their efforts during this time were undeniable. Yet, it was unfortunate that the islands were inherently limited. Despite the ocean's resources being richer than those on land, The Establishment's current strength and resources were insufficient for large-scale extraction and development.
As previously mentioned, since their arrival on the islands, the population of The Establishment's Garrison had seen little growth. Development required not only material resources but also fresh blood—a crucial element. To the exiled Survivors, The Establishment seemed like a paradise free from Zombie invasions; however, this paradise significantly constrained the revival of civilization.
In the past, the Spratly Islands held immense strategic value. These scattered islands had been transformed through land reclamation from mere rocks that would be submerged at high tide into habitable islands for over a thousand people. Yet their essence could not be changed. Located far to the south, they were distanced from both Zombies and the mainland. No matter how prosperous life was here, it remained an isolated island unless The Establishment could connect all these islands into one continuous landmass amidst the vast ocean. Otherwise, they could only serve as a strategic buffer without initiating true civilizational revival.
Thus began the disputes.
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