Apocalypse Shelter System

Quickly realizing the bizarre and serious nature of the situation, key figures from both sides swiftly dispatched teams to the underground base where Alex's first team was originally located.

Representing Guangbei Jia's faction was Shen Xudong, the father of Shen Han. Shen Xudong's personal involvement was driven by two main objectives. Firstly, to understand what had happened to his daughter, and secondly, at any cost, to win the support of Alex.

On the other side, leading the team for Lü Weijiang's faction was Ping Deyuan himself. Their goals mirrored those of Guangbei Jia's group. They intended to unravel why Lü Bao had betrayed them and, more importantly, to gain the allegiance of Alex and his followers.

"Let Ping Deyuan come in," Alex, seated in what used to be Shen Han's office, ordered to Lü Bao, who stood by obediently.

By now, Lü Bao had become a complete puppet under Alex's control, executing orders without any trace of personal emotions.

Upon seeing Lü Bao, Ping Deyuan anxiously grabbed him and questioned, "Lü Bao! What are you up to?!"

Lü Bao coldly glanced at Ping Deyuan and continued walking without uttering a word.

As Lü Bao moved forward, Ping Deyuan suddenly felt a chill. It was at this moment that Lü Bao began speaking, reciting a statement Alex had instructed him to say beforehand.

"President Ping, who said we have to be dogs to those born with a silver spoon? Why can't I pursue my own interests? I've risked my life, while they only enjoy the luxuries. Even if we succeed, we'll still be their dogs.

Why can't I do things on my own terms?" The words, sounding vague, were carefully crafted by Alex to provide a plausible explanation for Lü Bao's sudden betrayal, filling in the gaps for Ping Deyuan.

At the same time, it planted a seed of unrest in Ping Deyuan's mind.

Ping Deyuan, led by Lü Bao, entered Alex's office. The moment he stepped in, he saw Peng Le and Shen Han standing on either side of Alex. This peculiar scene instantly threw Ping Deyuan into confusion, leaving him unable to make sense of it.

If Lü Bao sought power and independence, wanting to operate independently, what was Shen Han's motivation?

"Ping, do you have something to discuss with me?" Alex stood up from his chair, smiling and gesturing for Ping Deyuan to sit.

Alex's attitude towards Ping Deyuan was friendly, even though he already had control over one-third of the military forces within the shelter. This delicate balance resembled the strategic alliances in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Any two factions joining forces could lead to the destruction of the third.

Frowning, Ping Deyuan glanced at Lü Bao, Shen Han, and Peng Le beside Alex before forcing a smile. "I came here with a clear purpose. On behalf of Speaker Lü, we hope you can join our extended family. As for the terms, we will do our best to accommodate within our capabilities."

"Ping, I like straightforward people like you! Let's not beat around the bush!" Peng Le, next to Alex, spoke first. "Now that we're all members of the shelter, I just want to ask: why is it that you don't have to go out to collect supplies, don't have to do anything, yet get to sleep with the women inside the shelter, and enjoy the best resources?

Meanwhile, our supply collection team has the worst weapons, lives in poverty, and not only has to carry out the tasks assigned by you, but also has to hand over half of the collected supplies to you?"

Ping Deyuan was momentarily speechless at the direct questioning. After a pause, he responded, "This is a decision of the council, and as you are also part of the council, you should be aware that it's not just my personal opinion. Besides, we provided you access to the shelter, shelter protection, and weapons and ammunition. Shouldn't you repay the shelter in return?"

Shen Han suddenly smirked and said, "Mr. Ping, is this shelter yours? Are the weapons and ammunition yours? Even if we consider the order of arrival, you arrived with us. Why claim these resources as your charity?"

Shen Han's words were flawless. The shelter belonged to everyone, and if there was anyone to be thankful for, it was the brave and selfless fighters like Classical who first established the shelter. The weapons and ammunition were distributed by Classical and others, and any gratitude should be directed towards them, not the mouthpiece-playing politicians who contributed nothing.

Seeing Ping Deyuan rendered speechless by the sharp question, Alex finally spoke, "Mr. Ping, just now, we expressed dissatisfaction with the unfair treatment. It wasn't directed at you personally. In the past, our supply collection team was the weakest and fragmented, naturally susceptible to bullying. But now, the three teams have decided to unite.

With substantial weaponry and a large number of mutant warriors, we no longer need to be bullied by anyone. Therefore, starting today, we will not submit any supplies to the shelter anymore. Simultaneously, we request the armory to be open to us, providing sufficient weapons and ammunition.

Additionally, for future expeditions to collect supplies, members of the security management and city defense teams must join us. If we are to face risks outside, let it be fair – everyone goes out together. These are our demands. Whoever can help us achieve them, we are willing to follow their arrangements!"

Alex's extensive preamble and three demands were actually a cover for the third demand. As long as he could get the council to agree to send soldiers from the other two teams of the city defense battalion to collect supplies, Alex was confident that, in a short period, he could turn the ongoing battles here into his own puppets using the most straightforward method.

"Your three demands are not something I can decide on my own. I will discuss this matter with President Lü, and if he agrees to your requests, I will propose them in the council!" Ping Deyuan furrowed his brow, finding Alex's three demands quite tricky. Although the demands were not overly excessive, they all involved the council.

To fulfill any one of them, they needed the council's approval and signature. This had been the rule here for a long time and was impossible to break in the current complex power dynamics.

"You three can leave for now; I have some private matters to discuss with President Ping." Alex suddenly waved to Shen Han and the others behind him.

Once the three left, Alex continued, "In addition, I have a small personal request. I wonder if President Ping can agree. If you can, then I, Alex, am willing to follow President Ping's orders in the future. Regardless of which side we align with, President Ping, you will be our eternal friend." Alex's lips curled slightly as he gave a mischievous smile, looking at Ping Deyuan.