Wang Jun’s question made Ren Yuanyang pause. After a moment of thought, he understood why the other man was asking.
’The Aircraft Carrier Base must have realized the Cherry Tomatoes we traded them weren’t evolved.’
’They aren’t Evolutionary Plants, yet we can grow so many so quickly. The only explanation would be a Wood-Type Evolver.’
"If I said that our base doesn’t have a Wood-Type Evolver, would you believe me?" Ren Yuanyang replied with a smile.
Wang Jun was taken aback, his brow furrowing. "Then how can you grow Cherry Tomatoes so quickly?"
As soon as he asked, he felt he had pried too much and hurriedly said, "My apologies, I overstepped."
"It’s fine. We have other methods for cultivation, but I can’t disclose the details right now. Once we’re more developed, you’re welcome to order food from us!" Ren Yuanyang replied nonchalantly.
Wang Jun nodded slightly. "Alright. Our fleet is running low on food supplies. As long as you have a surplus, we’ll take it all."
"You have a deal! But what we need are various types of animals and plants, so you’d better get ready on your end," Ren Yuanyang replied.
"No problem. We’re already starting to gather all sorts of animals and plants," Wang Jun replied with a smile.
After a moment’s thought, Ren Yuanyang continued, "How is the research on the Evolution Potion coming along?"
"To speed up the research, the relevant labs and personnel from our three fleets have all been consolidated. I’m sure we’ll see results soon!" Wang Jun said, sounding very confident.
"Good. If you successfully develop the Evolution Potion, let us know immediately. We’ll want to buy some," Ren Yuanyang said, placing an advance order.
Wang Jun replied with a smile, "The Evolution Potion won’t be cheap, you know."
"Don’t worry. We’ll be sure to offer items of equal value in trade," Ren Yuanyang said with unshakable confidence.
This stunned Wang Jun. After a moment, he replied, "Alright. We’ll be sure to notify you as soon as it’s ready."
"Alright, let’s keep in touch." Ren Yuanyang ended the chat.
Wang Jun, however, stared at his phone screen, lost in thought. The conversation made him feel more than ever that Peach Blossom Base was more than they appeared.
’If Peach Blossom Base really doesn’t have a Wood-Type Evolver, yet they can still grow Cherry Tomatoes this quickly, it means they’ve mastered a technology to accelerate plant growth. That kind of tech is incredibly important right now!’
Wang Jun was inclined to believe Ren Yuanyang. He felt the other man had no reason to lie; there was nothing to gain from deceiving him.
What he was more curious about now was what exactly Ren Yuanyang could offer that would be of equal value to the Evolution Potion.
After thinking for a long time without any leads, he sent a screenshot of his chat with Ren Yuanyang to the captains’ group chat.
Ji Yizhi and Long Zhan were both taken aback when they saw the screenshot.
"Is this for real? Peach Blossom Base doesn’t have a Wood-Type Evolver?" Long Zhan asked, his face a mask of disbelief.
Ji Yizhi’s brow furrowed. "He doesn’t seem to have any reason to lie to us."
"If they have this technology, shouldn’t we find out where Peach Blossom Base is?" Long Zhan said grimly.
Ji Yizhi shook his head. "They’re too cautious. Besides, most of our drones were damaged by the geomagnetic storm. It’ll be too difficult to find their base."
"What if we capture them by force during the next trade?" Long Zhan suggested.
Wang Jun immediately shook his head. "Their speedboat is very fast, and we always maintain a safe distance during trades. Even if we managed to surround them, the person who comes for the trade is just one of their grunts. There’s no guarantee he’d cooperate, and it would just ruin our relationship with them."
"Besides," Ji Yizhi continued his analysis, "according to intelligence from Black Dragon, Dawn Base has clashed with Tattooed Haonan before and clearly came out on the losing end. The Dawn Cruise might not compare to our fleet, but it’s still a top-class vessel. If their team lost to Peach Blossom Base, it proves that the base has significant combat strength. They can’t be underestimated."
Long Zhan nodded. "In that case, let’s just drop it. After all, they’re still willing to sell us their surplus food."
"Exactly. Peach Blossom Base is more than meets the eye. For now, let’s maintain a good relationship," Wang Jun said gravely. "Once the Evolution Potion is developed, we’ll see what they can possibly offer that’s of equal value."
The other two nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Qin Haonan was sorting through potential trading partners while on a video call with Ren Yuanyang.
"Boss, did you agree to join the Aircraft Carrier Base?"
Ren Yuanyang glanced at him and retorted, "You want to join?"
"I definitely don’t want to join, but their offer looked pretty good. I was just afraid you’d be tempted!" Qin Haonan replied with a laugh.
"It only looks good on the surface," Ren Yuanyang said, shaking his head. "With just a handful of us, if we really joined the Aircraft Carrier Base, they’d never treat us as equals."
’With the system’s help, I’m definitely strong when it comes to food production,’ he thought. ’But against an aircraft carrier fleet, I don’t have enough power to protect myself.’
’Even with the Iron Melons and Spray Melons, the aircraft carrier fleet has a real army with a much greater arsenal of guns and grenades than we do.’
Qin Haonan paused for a second, then nodded. "That’s true."
"Enough about that. How’s the screening for trades going on your end?" Ren Yuanyang changed the subject.
"Don’t even get me started. I thought there were actually that many plants available! It’s all just people wasting my time," Qin Haonan said, exasperated.
"In that case, the screening process should be quick," Ren Yuanyang reminded him. "Remember, make them send a photo first. And when you go to make the trade, have them move to a location we specify. Safety first!"
"Yes, Boss!" Qin Haonan replied with a grin.
Although Ren Yuanyang had tirelessly emphasized these points many times, Qin Haonan never got tired of hearing them. He knew his boss was just concerned for his safety. As an orphan, very few people had ever shown him such care.
"Once you’ve finished your trades, hurry back. Elder Hua is getting impatient," Ren Yuanyang reminded him with a smile.
"What’s the hurry? Only one bamboo stalk is mature right now. Even if he gets the tools, he’ll have to wait before he can make what we need," Qin Haonan replied.
"Those tools aren’t just for making bamboo products," Ren Yuanyang said, shaking his head. "We also need them for our daily work clearing out the aerial roots."
"Oh, I see. I’ll get a move on then!" Qin Haonan replied. "I’ll go get that piece of ginger first. That way, you won’t have to put up with the stench of that crocodile blood anymore!"
"Okay. Be safe," Ren Yuanyang said with a nod.
After ending the video call, Qin Haonan immediately headed for the location of the nearest piece of ginger.
According to the picture the person had sent, it was a fresh piece of ginger. If he could get his hands on it, they could cultivate more.
Ren Yuanyang posted another message in the regional channel: "If you do not have plants, do not send us a private message! Anyone without plants or other important information who private messages us more than three times will be blocked and blacklisted from all future trades!"

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