Chapter 103: Could This Be a Perk from the Captain?

A sharp-eyed woman with short hair spoke up, “I think the other side isn’t entirely wrong. We want to survive, yet also desire freedom without constraints—that’s clearly impossible. Imagine if we had the power; wouldn’t we restrict the others to protect our own safety?”

The room fell silent. If it were them, they’d definitely impose restrictions, perhaps even more than what Lin Mu and the others had requested.

Zhao Jin glanced at the time. It was almost time.

“Everyone, decide quickly. We’re about to meet. If you’re uncertain…”

“Let’s vote by a show of hands, Captain.”

Zhao Jin nodded. “All those in favor of this merger, please raise your hands.”

Out of 21 people, 11 agreed. Whether Zhao Jin agreed now no longer mattered.

“In that case, I consent to this merger. Rest assured, I will fight for more rights for everyone.”

The right to freedom.

As for the rights of the convoy, Zhao Jin knew without needing to think that those would surely be taken away.

Sigh.

Taken away or not, as long as they lived, it was enough.

Every time she saw the number of people on the channel dwindling, Zhao Jin felt a chill run down her spine.

For her, every day survived was a day earned.

A golden light enveloped Zhao Jin, and she vanished before everyone’s eyes.

The women all wore worried expressions.

“Do you think the convoy won’t do anything to us?”

In this game, whether male or female, the weak were inevitably bullied.

Not only was a woman’s virtue unprotected, even refined men could not escape such a fate.

“It probably won’t, right? Didn’t Sister Zhao say the contract was quite binding?”

“Given the nature of this game, it’s hard to say for sure.”

“What’s the big deal? At worst, we can sacrifice someone else to save ourselves.”

...

Back in the same office, Zhao Jin looked at Lin Mu before her.

“Isn’t this written right here? After you touched the contract, you should know its effects.”

“I’m just worried, hoping you can fulfill this.”

Lin Mu shrugged. “If you don’t trust even this contract, I don’t see the point in continuing this conversation. For me, this invitation is merely a tool; whether it succeeds or not is not so important.”

Seeing Lin Mu’s indifferent expression, Zhao Jin’s heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that it really meant nothing to him?

“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll sign it now.”

Zhao Jin picked up the pen on the table and signed her name and her team’s name.

A smile curved Lin Mu’s lips—a perfect resolution.

The next target: the Qin People’s Convoy.

“The multi-person contract is set. Let’s hope for a smooth cooperation.”

Zhao Jin forced a wry smile. “From today on, you’re my captain.”

She hoped he could truly lead them to survive.

“Don’t worry. I can offer you more than you imagine.”

After they parted, Lin Mu inquired about the situation near Shu Xin’s location. So far, nothing unusual had been detected.

This was the last chance with an invitation letter; they summoned the captain of the Qin People’s Convoy directly.

Familiar surroundings quickly put Jiang Han, captain of the Qin People’s Convoy, at ease.

“Long have I admired Captain Shuai… I didn’t expect to meet you today.”

That name…

“I’ve long felt a kinship with Captain Jiang Han and have wanted to meet you. Today, thanks to the invitation, we finally meet.”

The usual commercial pleasantries were obligatory.

“So, what brings you to me?”

“Convoy merger.”

“Who will be the captain?”

“Of course, me.”

Jiang Han squinted. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate? How about setting up parallel squads instead?”

Lin Mu leaned back in his chair, clicking his fingernails. “The Rose Convoy has already merged with us. Now my convoy has 41 people, a level 3 convoy, with over 20 million points. Parallel squads? Is that even possible?

“There’s no need for me to say more. They didn’t specify the exact timing or nature of the disaster this time.

“But I know this is real survival, pure and simple.”

This was the sudden realization Lin Mu had after over two hours of observing nothing.

Surrounded by water, mountains, and trees—would they have to gather resources themselves?

Though untested, it was highly likely.

Jiang Han’s expression grew thoughtful.

Merging with this convoy would be a good thing, but surrendering power was another matter.

“Take a look at this contract first. If it suits you, we sign. If not, we can discuss later. We can add a contact method so you can apply to join our convoy directly.

“But if my convoy is full, then I’m afraid it won’t be possible.”

With the Rose Convoy joining, Lin Mu was in no rush for the second convoy.

There would be plenty of opportunities ahead.

If there were four chances, Lin Mu might have tried harder, but for now, he decided against it.

After the other side suffered some losses, things would likely be much better.

Jiang Han flipped to the back page and saw the collar. His eyebrows twitched.

“This collar is a bit excessive, isn’t it?”

Lin Mu shrugged. “It’s for my own safety. What if you try to replace me?”

Such things were not unheard of; on Blue Star, such occurrences were common, let alone in a lawless place like this.

Jiang Han nodded. “I understand, but I can’t accept it. Besides, we’re both Chinese from Blue Star. Chinese don’t deceive each other—that should be written in the contract.”

Lin Mu’s mouth twitched. That was unnecessary.

“Forget it. Maybe another time. I believe with your strength, you can last at least a month.”

“I have confidence in my convoy. We have 100,000 rifle rounds alone.”

“Oh, that’s not much. I won’t even mention my heavy machine guns, towed cannons, and grenade launchers.”

A flash of light, and Lin Mu returned to his vehicle.

Jiang Han snorted at his disappearance. “Towed cannons, huh? Why don’t you say you have an aircraft carrier? I’ve fought so many battles and haven’t seen any of those cannons.”

...

Lin Mu arrived at a clearing and summoned Zhao Jin’s convoy.

Beams of light landed before him as cars appeared one by one.

When Zhang Qian and the others saw the women in the convoy, their eyes gleamed.

“Brother Qian, do you think this is the captain’s favor to us?”

“No idea, but I know our captain seems… not quite capable.”

“Didn’t they say he couldn’t get up?”

“Didn’t they say something was broken?”

“...”

Shu Xin suppressed a laugh and whispered to her sister, “How do these rumors get more and more ridiculous?”

“Maybe that’s just the impression Lin Mu left on people.”

But to Shu Yi, it was quite good—they three women were living well enough.

Lin Mu brought the cautious Rose Convoy over.

“From today on, the Rose Squad merges with us. I want to emphasize: if anyone uses force, don’t blame the gun in my hand. But voluntary matters, I won’t interfere.

“Shu Xin, prepare a welcome party tonight. Let me know if you need anything.”