Heading to the Farm

As Leon finished speaking, the atmosphere at the scene turned cold for a moment.

Colonel William squinted, staring hard at Leon for half a minute. Seeing the boy meet his gaze without a trace of fear, the middle-aged colonel's expression softened slightly, and he said:

"We're all homeless now. I'm not opposed to joining another organization, but we know nothing about you. I can't recklessly make decisions for my soldiers."

"Is Dr. Melpha still here? I'd like to have a chat with her."

Leon pondered for a few seconds, then said to Colonel William:

"We've cleared out a high-end hotel outside the base. You and your soldiers can stay there temporarily. After I've sorted things out with Dr. Melpha, you can enter the base alone to speak with her."

Colonel William nodded and said:

"No problem. I'll follow your rules."

He thought for a moment and added:

"There are about forty or so survivors with us. We only helped them out of military duty. If you can convince them to join your company, we have no objections."

Leon gently shook his head, a faint, confident smile on his lips:

"Let them do the same as you—observe for a few more days, take a good look, and then decide."

In the evening, Leon invited Colonel William to dinner together, joined by Dr. Melpha and her husband, along with four professors from the Polytechnic Institute. This time, he didn't host the meal in his private reception room but moved it to the Public Cafeteria on the first floor.

Leon hadn't eaten at this cafeteria many times, except during banquets. He ordered eight of the highest-tier meal sets, complete with wine, meat, candy, and a main course. Each set cost 50 Contribution Points, roughly equivalent to half a day's wages for an ordinary Logistics Department employee.

Once the guests were seated, Leon introduced everyone to each other in turn.

Then, with a smile on his face, he asked Dr. Melpha:

"Doctor, how are those students I assigned to you doing? They're all top graduates from the Polytechnic Institute's biology department."

Dr. Melpha's face still wore that stern expression as she said flatly:

"Not bad. They barely qualify as interns here and can serve as our assistants. But if you want them to truly be useful, they'll need at least five more years of training."

Leon nodded with a wry smile and said:

"That can't be helped. There are too few survivors now, and finding people with specialized skills is even harder."

Dr. Melpha's expression softened slightly as she looked at Leon and said:

"You've already worked very hard, Leon. I've witnessed with my own eyes how you built such a vibrant organization in just three months. It's nothing short of a miracle."

With that, Dr. Melpha turned to Colonel William and said:

"Colonel William, I know why you're here. Months ago, you followed orders from your superiors, took the soldiers, and abandoned us. That led to the research center's staff either dying or fleeing. Jenner and I had almost given up all hope."

"It was Mr. Castor who found us and took on all the responsibility himself, allowing our research to continue."

"In these past months, he's saved hundreds of people. I can vouch with my reputation that Mr. Castor is a trustworthy and good man."

Colonel William met Dr. Melpha's gaze for a few seconds, then nodded and said:

"I trust your judgment, Doctor."

After that, the people at the table started chatting casually. But aside from Leon and William, everyone else was a highly educated intellectual, and the conversation quickly veered into territory Leon couldn't follow at all.

Leon glanced at Colonel William, who looked equally lost, and gave a wry smile. He pulled a box of cigars from his pocket and tossed it to him, then leaned back in his chair, observing the people coming and going.

Most of those dining now were Logistics Department employees. Leon could tell they looked familiar, but he couldn't name a large portion of them.

They had finished their day's work, faces still carrying a hint of fatigue, and came here with their families to eat. After some lighthearted chatter and play, they all broke into happy smiles.

Leon didn't know if they harbored many complaints in their hearts, but regardless, he felt he had done his best with a clear conscience.

In a corner of the cafeteria, Leon spotted Shane and Rick's family. They were seated around a table, faint smiles on their faces, sharing a roast chicken.

He hadn't seen this family in a few days. He wondered how Rick and Shane's discussions were going. Judging by their harmonious appearance, things seemed to be heading in a good direction.

The dinner went on until it ended, and everyone took their leave to return to their rooms. Before leaving, Colonel William said to Leon:

"In three days, I'll ask the soldiers for their opinions. Whether they choose to stay or not, I will stay."

The next morning, Leon woke up and found he didn't have much official business. Coincidentally, a few students from the Engineering Department who were heading to Hershel's farm were about to set off that morning.

After thinking it over, he gently pinched the little nose of Amy, who was sleeping on his chest. When the girl stirred awake, Leon asked softly:

"My fair lady, you must be bored staying here. How about coming with me today to the farm for some fun—horseback riding, feeling the breeze, and enjoying some countryside food?"

The girl wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her soft body against his, and let out a little hum of agreement.

Hershel's farm wasn't too far from the base, about sixty kilometers away. Around ten in the morning, Leon drove his modified military jeep to the destination. Arriving with him were five students coming to learn agricultural knowledge.

When Leon stepped out of the car, holding Amy's hand as she wore a white dress, he saw an old man with graying hair and beard, accompanied by two young girls, waiting not far down the road.

A dozen seconds later, a car sped over. Glenn hurriedly got out, his face full of apology as he said to Leon:

"Sorry, Boss. We were out exploring another town yesterday. I got your message this morning, but I was still a bit late."

Leon smiled and patted Glenn on the shoulder, saying:

"Don't worry. Do you really think I'm the kind of petty person?"

"Come on, we can talk later. Let's not keep the host waiting too long."

With that, he took Amy's hand and walked toward the Hershel family with a warm smile.

When the two groups drew near, the stern old man with graying hair cracked a smile and said, "Welcome, Mr. Castor, our guest from afar. I've prepared a hearty lunch and invite you all to join us."

"It's my honor, Mr. Hershel. I've brought my friends along to your farm to experience true pastoral life."

Leon reached out and shook Hershel's hand, his smile growing warmer. With his handsome features and refined demeanor, that sunny, warm grin easily won their goodwill.

"Please, don't stand on ceremony. It's been a long time since our farm has had so many guests."