331: Just as a gift to my children

Tian Ming spent a full five days replicating three hundred mechs, and two-thirds of the originally planned one month had already passed. There were less than ten days left.

The entire Base had undergone earth-shattering changes in just over twenty days, and the expansion of the Underground City was constantly increasing under the development of a large number of humanoid robots. A large number of people on the surface had already begun to move underground, which could now accommodate more than three hundred thousand people.

With robots helping with work and the use of various intelligent devices, obtaining living materials also became more convenient, and the operation of the Base became smoother.

Tian Ming looked at the busy Base, his heart full of relief. For the remaining time, Tian Ming planned to convert all the rock and soil excavated from the Underground City into raw materials for production, such as various metals, chemical raw materials, and so on.

Once the time came, he would go north alone to have a good talk with Jiang Chen of Beidu, and while he was at it, deal with Lord Li. So many people in Su Yuan Base couldn't have died for nothing. Although his ability couldn't do anything to Jiang Chen, dealing with Lord Li was still not a problem.

The first time he was hypnotized and fell into an illusion, but it was only that one time; there wouldn't be a second.

"Boss. Come for a drink tonight, at the Underground City's central cafeteria, for my daughter's full moon celebration."

Doggy directly transmitted his call to Tian Ming's mind through his senses.

"Okay, see you tonight, I'll definitely be there to show my support." Tian Ming responded with a smile.

As night fell, Tian Ming also finished his conversions and arrived at the Underground City's central cafeteria.

The operation of the super-large fusion power station ensured that the Base no longer lacked energy. The cafeteria was brightly lit, and half of the entire cafeteria had been reserved. Those who came were all familiar faces. Many people had already taken their seats, and the full moon celebration was quite large, with at least over three hundred people.

As soon as Tian Ming appeared, Doggy greeted him with a grin. The Boss honoring them with his presence was the most prestigious thing in this Base, bar none.

"Boss, sit here." Doggy directly pulled Tian Ming and sat him down at the largest table.

At this table were all familiar faces: Meng Xian, Ji Ruping, Qiu Wuhui, Qiu Qian, Shen Yi, Director Han, Lin Yue, Wan Yu, Zhang Mengqi, Liu Chuan, Wu Cuiling, Mr. Yuan, Su Rou, Mo Santong, Ye Fan, and others.

Everyone stood up and greeted him one after another.

"Boss!"

"Boss!"

At this moment, Xiao Qian also came over, holding a fair and clean baby girl.

"Boss, you're here?" Xiao Qian's face was full of smiles as she greeted Tian Ming.

Tian Ming looked at the baby girl in Xiao Qian's arms and said with a smile, "Xiao Qian, such a beautiful daughter! Doggy is truly blessed."

Xiao Qian chuckled softly and then said gently, "Boss, Doggy can have what he has today all thanks to you. You are the great benefactor of our family."

Tian Ming smiled and said, "Come, let me hold the child!"

Xiao Qian handed the baby girl to Tian Ming. Tian Ming took the baby girl and examined her carefully, then said, "This child is so cute. What's her name?"

Xiao Qian's face showed a hint of embarrassment when she heard that. She said, "My late husband's surname was Gou, which isn't very good for naming, so we changed it. We added the 'anti-wen' radical after 'Gou' to make 'Jing', so her name is Jing Wenqian."

"Mm, a good name, it sounds nice." Tian Ming turned his head and looked at Ji Ruping, who was seated.

"Ji Ruping, the Underground City school should be established by now, right?"

Ji Ruping quickly stood up and said, "Yes, there are about 150,000 people under 18 years old in the entire Base. We have established a total of 150 primary, middle, and vocational schools, which currently meet the demand."

Tian Ming looked at the baby girl in his arms and said, "In these twenty days, I've earned over one trillion points. From now on, the expenses for these schools will be deducted from my company. All children under eighteen will be completely free. Additionally, plan for 30 more childcare and early education facilities. One of them will be called Wenqian Nursery, and its main management will belong to Xiao Qian. Consider it my full moon gift to the child."

Doggy and Xiao Qian, who were standing by, were so touched by Tian Ming's words that they were somewhat incoherent, not knowing what to say.

Xiao Qian's eyes instantly reddened, and she pulled Doggy, ready to kneel before Tian Ming. A nursery, to Tian Ming, was only a matter of tens of thousands of points, not even a drop in the ocean for him.

But this bond of friendship was extremely important to Doggy and Xiao Qian.

Tian Ming quickly reached out to stop Doggy and Xiao Qian, saying with a smile, "What are you doing? I didn't know what gift to give. Children are the future of our Base. Although it's the Apocalypse and the zombie problem hasn't been solved yet, rest assured, with me here, I will surely keep you safe."

Doggy and Xiao Qian looked at Tian Ming gratefully; they knew this bond of friendship could not be expressed in words. They bowed deeply to show their gratitude to Tian Ming.

Tian Ming handed the baby girl back to Xiao Qian and sat down. The banquet began. They were all familiar faces, but because Tian Ming was present, everyone felt a bit constrained.

Tian Ming looked at their reserved expressions and said jokingly, "What's wrong? Why is everyone so constrained with me here?"

Qiu Wuhui scratched his head and said, "Boss, you're too good to Doggy. Everyone's a bit jealous. Your gift makes us quite envious, you know?"

As soon as he said that, Qiu Qian tugged at her brother's clothes and whispered, "Are you out of your mind, brother? What nonsense are you talking about?"

Tian Ming waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's fine. You are the first group of veterans of the Shelter. Actually, before, my attitude towards everyone was a bit problematic, seeming somewhat unapproachable. Since we can gather for a meal today, as your boss, I'll say a few words from my heart."

Everyone's expressions were a bit complex, but they still sat up straight.

Tian Ming looked at everyone and slowly said, "Many people will feel that I am becoming more and more powerful, already transcending the realm of mortals. Not just you, even I feel that I am starting to become unlike a mortal. Actually, as a boss, I have no friends in the Base, nor will I have friends. Everyone is respectful and subservient to me, and it feels like there's no fun. I might have thought before that it was like raising a large group of pets. I admit, at that time, I didn't care about anything, treating the entire Base as a game of Apocalypse survival."

Tian Ming paused and said, "Seeing Doggy have a child, and thinking about my own child still in someone else's hands, I truly realized that I am not a god; I still have things I care about. People, they like to find a sense of value, a sense of belonging. Actually, I don't really want to be your boss; I'd rather be your friend."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a stir in their hearts.