Qian Wendao was not surprised. He merely said, "What are you trying to say?"
"Secretary-General Qian, you killed Ander, but I have no grounds to judge you for it. My feelings about Ander are complicated. But I also want the people in the Safe Zone to survive."
"I know." Qian Wendao nodded. "Although you're in Zone 1, you're different from the people there. You're a good man. That's also why I'm willing to stand here and talk to you."
"Thank you for your trust, Secretary-General Qian. Still, I'm a little closer to Chao Ding and Gu Weiyang. My friendship with you doesn't carry quite the same weight."
Qian Wendao was not offended. Instead, he nodded. "I understand. It's right to be cautious with information that concerns our very survival. Back then, Chao Ding and Gu Weiyang often urged me not to go my own way, to talk to others more. I never imagined that would set the stage for today."
Then he smiled helplessly and changed tack. "But who in this world ever listens to advice? Gu Weiyang and I urged Chao Ding not to handle everything himself. Chao Ding and I also urged Gu Weiyang to stockpile some resources to protect himself. Neither of them ever listened, either."
Then he said softly, "If any of us had listened, perhaps things would have ended differently."
When Qian Wendao finished speaking, sorrow lingered in his eyes.
Beside him, Old Johnny and Qin Siyang also looked downcast and grief-stricken.
Yu Jianyun said, "There aren't many people I trust. But with the three of you here together, I think I can trust you. It seems you've already united the entire Safe Zone."
Qian Wendao answered slowly, "We're still far from that. There's a long road ahead."
"Chatting with you for the past few