The group at Azure Cloud Resort wasn't completely empty-handed after that skirmish.
Aside from gaining information about West City, they had also seized twenty assorted firearms and several hundred rounds of ammunition.
After the meeting concluded, several severely injured vice-chairmen left early to rest. Only Lin Qianqian remained with Han Ning and a few other Awakened, examining the pile of weapons on the table.
There were domestically produced QB-19 assault rifles, Type 92 pistols, QC submachine guns, and several other models.
"Chairman Wu said you're everyone's benefactor," Lin Qianqian said, lightly patting Han Ning's shoulder. "Take your pick first—as many as you want. You can have them all if you wish."
"Taking them all would be pointless," Han Ning replied. "Without bullets, these guns are just scrap metal."
If ammunition were plentiful, Han Ning had a bold idea. He could use his Vines to control dozens of rifles simultaneously, like an octopus, unleashing a terrifying storm of bullets—a one-man metal tempest capable of shredding everything in its path.
"If only someone could manufacture enough bullets..." Han Ning sighed again.
His Vines could fling out sharp spikes in large quantities over a short period, but their range was limited by the Vines' reach.
Wait—
A sudden flash of inspiration struck Han Ning.
If he couldn't make bullets, could he cultivate plants that functioned like firearms and ammunition?
Plants vs. Zombies?
That might be a viable direction. He could discuss it with Professor Ye later...
"So, anything you want?" Lin Qianqian's voice brought him back to the present.
Han Ning snapped out of his thoughts and took ten rifles and submachine guns, along with three pistols. Pistols weren't as effective as his Vines at close range, so he planned to distribute them to his team for self-defense.
He coiled the weapons with his Vines and said, "This should do."
Back in the suite, Xu Ming was playing with building blocks on the bed with Xu Yinyin. Professor Ye sat by the planting area on the balcony, jotting notes in a small notebook under dim light. Su Mingke stood by the window, gazing at the endless rain outside, her silhouette exuding loneliness. Snowflake lounged dramatically on the carpet, occasionally casting a coppery-eyed glance at Su Mingke.
At the sound of the door opening, everyone paused and looked over.
Han Ning placed the guns on the table and motioned to Su Mingke. "Teacher Su, come outside for a moment."
Outside the door, Han Ning got straight to the point:
"Professor Ye's abilities check out. You can return to the Agricultural and Forestry University now."
"You know the way, so I won't escort you."
Su Mingke froze.
She had imagined many possible futures—being detained long-term, used as a bargaining chip for resources, even forced into dangerous hunts. But she never expected Han Ning to release her so abruptly.
Her lips pressed together as an indescribable mix of emotions welled up inside her. Strangely, she found herself hesitating—precisely because conditions here with Han Ning were so much better than at the Agricultural and Forestry University.
There was relatively comfortable housing, ample food, and many powerful Awakened standing guard—not to mention that adorable little girl named Xu Yinyin.
But—her mind flashed back to the faces of those who had fought side by side with her at the Agricultural and Forestry University, supporting one another.
The colleagues and students who had helped her, and whom she had helped in return.
In the end, the scales in her heart tipped toward the latter.
She took a deep breath, suppressing the complex emotions, and nodded.
"Alright."
Su Mingke didn't waste words. She turned and walked toward the exit.
Just before leaving the hallway, her steps hesitated slightly, as if she wanted to turn back and say something. But in the end, she only straightened her back, her figure disappearing into the dimly lit corner.
Watching Su Mingke leave, Han Ning absentmindedly opened the door.
His thoughts were still preoccupied with what the gaunt man had told him.
Setting aside the already abnormally powerful monsters from the other world, the realization that there might be people stronger than him had planted a sense of urgency in his heart.
What if one day, he encountered someone far more powerful than himself—someone who wanted to take his ship, his supplies, even the people around him—or even his life?
What would he do?
"Hah—"
Han Ning shook his head, refusing to dwell on it further.
He planned to focus on improving his own strength while assisting Professor Ye with crop research.
"Where's Teacher Su?"
Xu Ming and Professor Ye, seeing Han Ning enter alone, couldn't help but ask curiously.
"She went back to the Agricultural and Forestry University. She was just a hostage I brought here, after all," Han Ning said with a faint smile.
"She left, huh..." Professor Ye sighed wistfully.
After all, they had all come from the same place and had endured hardships together for nearly a month.
But with his wealth of life experience, Professor Ye quickly steadied his emotions. He picked up a notebook and said to Han Ning,
"Boss, I've already outlined the crops we should prioritize planting in the future."
"Oh?" Han Ning's interest was piqued. He pulled up a chair and sat beside Professor Ye, ready to listen.
"Based on our current conditions, space limitations, the strict lighting requirements of the ship's environment, and the basic nutritional needs for human survival, I've compiled a preliminary list of the most suitable crops to prioritize for cultivation on board."
He pointed to the first item in his notes:
"First, leafy greens—I strongly recommend spinach. It's rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K—essential for preventing scurvy, night blindness, and maintaining electrolyte balance."
"Spinach is a semi-hardy vegetable with a wide temperature tolerance. Some shade-tolerant varieties can grow normally even under relatively weak light, as long as they're managed properly, making them ideal for the ship's environment."
Professor Ye then moved to the second item:
"The second category I recommend is edible fungi, particularly oyster mushrooms and king oyster mushrooms. They provide us with protein, and their growth requires no light at all—in fact, they thrive in darkness or extremely low light. They're perfect for the ship's lower decks or storage corners. Plus, their cultivation is flexible—mushroom bags can be stacked or hung, maximizing vertical and corner space."
"Third, sprouts—soybean sprouts, mung bean sprouts, and radish sprouts are all viable. They have an extremely short growth cycle. After soaking, beans can be harvested in just 3-7 days under suitable temperatures, while radish sprouts take only 7-10 days. The entire cultivation process happens in darkness or low light, requiring zero sunlight."
"It has concentrated nutritional value. During the sprouting process, the seeds are rich in vitamin C, and the space utilization rate is high. With just one standard seedling tray or even a deeper plastic tray, using multi-layer vertical racks for planting can yield several kilograms of fresh and tender sprouts at once. Hydroponics is sufficient—clean and hygienic, requiring only 1-2 water sprays per day."
"I'm not entirely sure if your ability can replace the effects of sunlight and other natural environmental factors. But given that you've managed to grow those crops under such harsh conditions, it seems possible for now."
"To be on the safe side, I've selected these crops. They have short growth cycles and taste good. What do you think?"
"Good. For now, let's proceed with these crops to make the cultivation containers."
With Professor Ye around, Han Ning no longer had to wander around aimlessly like a headless fly.
Han Ning nodded in agreement, then recalled the inspiration he had just gained from firearms and asked, "Professor Ye, do you know of any highly offensive plants? Preferably ones we already have in our seed bank?"