Read Novel Full Chapter 544: Ian’s Offer
Chapter 544: Chapter 544: Ian’s Offer
Ambition practically spilled from his gaze. The idea of controlling fate itself intoxicated him.
However, ambition alone was not enough. To make it reality, he needed to meet her first.
After arriving near the city base where Ivy resided, Ian did not rush forward recklessly.
Instead, he surveyed the surroundings with passive look.
"We settle here first," he ordered his subordinates. "Establish a forward base."
Without hesitation, construction began. Tents rose, defensive perimeters were drawn, and supply tunnels were secured.
His people moved with disciplined efficiency, transforming empty ground into a functioning outpost within an astonishingly short time.
By the time news of this new "Talon Base" reached Ivy, its foundations were already solid.
By the time she realized who had arrived...
It was too late.
Ian Morris himself had already walked up to the gates of the city base, standing calmly before them as a vistor.
When he finally reached the entrance, he noticed the stark difference between himself and the others waiting outside.
Most people stood in a long, tense line, clutching their identification cards as guards inspected each person one by one.
Ian, however, did not join the queue.
Instead, he calmly stepped forward and handed over a neatly prepared note, an official request for a visit, written on behalf of a businessman and representative such as himself.
Or to be more precise, a base leader like him.
There was a separate entrance for people like that.
Once the basic identification procedures were completed, those with proper authorization were escorted through a side corridor.
The guards inspected Ian carefully, their eyes scanning his documents and then his face.
Ian stood there patiently, his posture straight and composed, giving off the calm demeanor of someone who had nothing to hide.
’Stay relaxed... there is no reason for them to suspect anything.’
Ian had always maintained a clean record.
As a wealthy heir, his background check revealed no criminal history, no suspicious activity.
After a short investigation and a few quiet exchanges between the guards, the metal gate slid open.
He was allowed inside.
The moment he stepped through the gate, the atmosphere of the base became clear to him.
The cold wind outside faded, replaced by the warmer, structured environment within the compound.
People moved with a relaxed pace.
Soldiers patrolled the walkways in disciplined formations, their boots striking the pavement with steady rhythm.
Ian walked toward Martha’s office.
He had already been informed of the locations he needed to visit in order to negotiate the deal, so he moved without hesitation.
As he walked through the inner streets of the base, his sharp eyes absorbed everything around him.
The grocery stores were orderly. The shelves were stocked. The streets were clean.
Most importantly, there was almost no chaos.
No shouting. No desperate fights over food.
Even the civilians walking along the paths seemed calm, their faces tired but not hopeless.
’Interesting... very interesting.’
The soldiers here were extremely disciplined, and even the civilians appeared organized. More importantly, he didn’t see anyone starving.
This observation alone stirred a quiet admiration inside him.
’As long as food is provided... humans rarely revolt.’
That simple principle had always been true.
By the time he reached Martha’s office, a plan had already formed in his mind.
He opened the door and stepped inside.
Martha looked up from her desk the moment he entered.
She studied him briefly before gesturing toward the chair in front of her.
"Sit."
Ian nodded politely and took the seat.
By now, Martha had already received the message that Ian wished to meet with her.
She adjusted the files on her desk, her expression calm but attentive.
Ian leaned back slightly as his thoughts continued running.
’This place... it is perfect.’
The more he observed the base, the more convinced he became.
It was the perfect foundation for cooperation.
Or perhaps something even better.
’If I can somehow marry Ivy... everything becomes easier.’
If that happened, he would be able to control her.
And if he controlled her, then the same protection she currently provided to this base could easily be redirected to his own base.
The idea grew increasingly tempting.
’Yes... that might actually work.’
The more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed.
Finally, he looked up at Martha.
"I came today because I have something to offer this base," he began calmly. "And in return, I wish to establish a stable food trade."
Martha folded her hands together on the desk, her sharp eyes studying him carefully.
"Submit your proposal. I will review it first. If it meets the necessary conditions, I will forward it to Ivy."
Ian nodded, trying to hide the small flicker of excitement rising inside him.
He signaled to one of his subordinates, who quickly stepped forward and handed the prepared proposal to Martha.
Martha adjusted her glasses and began reading through the document.
The room fell silent except for the faint rustling of paper.
As she read, she realized that Ian had offered two methods of payment.
The first was zombie crystals. The second was fabric.
Her brows slowly drew together as she continued reading the details.
’Zombie crystals... and fabric?’
Neither of those resources were currently in short supply for the base.
Which meant only one thing.
’This man must be another base leader trying to strengthen his survival chances.’
From the structure of the proposal, it was clear that Ian wasn’t reckless.
He had carefully calculated the resources he could spare while securing food for his own base.
After finishing the document, Martha slowly placed the proposal back on the table.
’The offer itself is reasonable.’
However, one thing remained. Ivy’s approval.
Martha stood up from her chair. Ian immediately looked at her.
"What happened?"
Martha pushed her glasses slightly up the bridge of her nose.
"I am going to confirm the proposal with Ivy."
Ian blinked.
"Wasn’t Ivy supposed to come here to review the proposals?"
Martha shook her head lightly.
"I apologize if you misunderstood. Ivy does not personally attend these meetings. All proposals must pass through me first. I will forward the approved documents to her."