The survivors living around Hulai City clearly enjoyed a higher quality of life than those in the other areas of the Southern Fire Domain.
The houses on both banks of the tributary were not perfectly uniform, but at least every one of them looked sturdy and reliable. There were no dangerous structures that seemed ready to collapse at a glance, nor were the houses scattered haphazardly here and there in a disorderly mess.
Even more eye-catching was the fact that, even on the outskirts, quite a few houses had already built solid walls around them. This was not only a way of defining personal space, but also a clear signal that the survivors intended to settle here for the long term and live in peace.
"Looks like the enterprise isn't as miserly and wretched as the rumors claim."
Chu Chaofei nodded pensively, his gaze slowly sweeping across the surroundings. Starting from these observable facts, he tried to infer the reality behind them.
If the enterprise were truly as stingy as the outside rumors claimed, cold and indifferent toward the survivors and refusing to pay them any attention, then the people staying here would never have decided to remain in such a short time.
After all, in the wasteland environment, which was still full of opportunities and challenges, survivors tended to make more radical choices. They would do their best to find a suitable place before considering settling down again.
But thinking about it, that made sense, too. Given the enterprise's scale, even if only a little leaked through the gaps between their fingers, it could still be a precious opportunity capable of changing an ordinary survivor's fate.
"We're going to dock at this Fishing Village. For the next few days, we'll ask around on the outskirts first. We'll go in