Chapter Nine: Establishing a Base!

At this moment, the “National Mass Production” movement had already taken center stage across all news outlets in the Nine Provinces, its popularity firmly holding the top spot in trending searches. This movement was not only shaking the elite circles but had also awakened ordinary people to its unusual nature. Even students abroad were being summoned home. It was a difficult yet momentous campaign, a nationwide mobilization tied to the very survival of the Nine Provinces.

The entire nation would unite. Together, they would resist the enemy!

How could Chu Xiao possibly sleep soundly under such circumstances? He could not. He had to seize the scant time that remained, devising more detailed plans—plans capable of countering the Underworld King.

At last, after a day and a night, Chu Xiao stepped out of his room, his eyes bloodshot from exhaustion. Chu Renfang, who had been anxiously waiting outside the door, hurried forward upon seeing him emerge. Yet Chu Xiao ignored Chu Renfang completely, heading straight for Qin Lihua.

“Mother, are you willing to help me?”

Qin Lihua gazed at her son, a strange sense of unfamiliarity settling in her heart.

“Of course I am! But you need to tell me what’s going on,” Qin Lihua replied. Years spent navigating the business world had sharpened her instincts; she had long noticed Chu Xiao’s unusual behavior.

A woman’s intuition told her that this was no simple matter.

“I hope you can help me establish a base in Xishan Province, to serve the Nine Provinces in their future resistance against the Underworld King,” Chu Xiao said, handing her the blueprint he had sketched during his sleepless night.

Only he knew how crucial this blueprint would be in the coming struggle.

Qin Lihua took the drawing, her brows knitting as she studied it. With just a glance, she understood the gravity and scale of the task.

“This calls for surrounding all of Xishan Province, forming a solid bulwark. Over the next three months, we must continually transport essential supplies inside, preparing for the battle against the Underworld King,” Chu Xiao explained, carefully articulating his intentions, hoping Qin Lihua could wield her abilities to their fullest.

Moreover, managing supplies in Xishan Province was the only way to ensure Qin Lihua’s safety during the apocalyptic war that would follow.

Qin Lihua had already heard about the Underworld King from Chu Renfang, and she knew Chu Xiao had been appointed by the Head of State as one of the chief leaders of the “National Mass Production” movement.

Where once she had been half-convinced, now Qin Lihua trusted Chu Xiao completely.

“Very well!” Qin Lihua’s gaze was resolute, every word deflecting all doubts.

Chu Renfang stood by, bewildered, unable to comprehend the sudden shift—how had the conversation leapt so quickly to base-building?

“Wait, just a moment!” Chu Renfang interjected, desperate to understand what was happening.

Both turned to look at him.

“Chu Xiao, why were you chosen as the chief leader of the ‘National Mass Production’ movement?” Chu Renfang voiced the question that had been haunting him.

Chu Xiao offered no lengthy explanation. Instead, he embraced Chu Renfang tightly. “Father, you must trust me. Everything I do is for our family, for the survival of the Nine Provinces!”

When the Nine Provinces stand, so does the family. If the nation falls, so does the family.

Chu Xiao understood this deeply. Without the Nine Provinces, there was no home—nor himself.

“Ah, my son has grown up,” Chu Renfang uttered, moved from the heart.

The strained relationship between father and son, once distant, was softened by the looming catastrophe.

Chu Xiao released him. “I’m leaving with Mother. Take care of yourself. I’ll return in a few days.”

“Alright.”

Outside the Chu residence, Chu Renfang watched as mother and son departed.

The arduous struggle had only just begun.

“Mother, I know our family’s wealth is immense, and building a base will inevitably consume vast resources, but I hope you won’t hold anything back,” Chu Xiao said as they discussed the plan in detail aboard the plane.

Qin Lihua nodded. “Naturally. This is only the beginning. I fear you haven’t seen the true power of the Qin International Group.”

Even if losses were inevitable, who could hope to save themselves alone in a disaster that would sweep the entire nation?

Qin Lihua understood this well.

Chu Xiao nodded solemnly, hoping all would go smoothly.

Xishan Province.

Upon arrival, Chu Xiao’s first step was to meet the Mayor of Xishan City and discuss his strategy.

He took Qin Lihua with him to the City Hall.

“Hello, I’d like to see the Mayor,” Chu Xiao requested. Though he appeared somewhat disheveled, his eyes were piercing.

The guard at the door regarded Chu Xiao, who looked like a vagrant, but noted the beautiful lady beside him. Years of military service told him this was no ordinary situation.

Yet from the wanderer’s tone and bearing alone, the guard felt compelled to show respect.

“May I have your name, sir?” the guard asked, unconsciously adopting a formal address.

“Chu Xiao.”

“What? Chu Xiao!” The guard was stunned. Chu Xiao’s name had appeared countless times in the media.

Now, the guard dared not delay. He rushed to report to Mayor Zhang Fengli.

“Chu Xiao is here?” Zhang Fengli stared in shock at the guard, wishing he could slap him.

“Why are you only telling me now? Quick, invite him up!”

“No, I’ll go down and welcome him myself.”

He’d received word that Chu Xiao was coming, but had not expected him so soon.

“Chief Chu, welcome!” Zhang Fengli saluted.

Chu Xiao nodded. “Thank you. I need your help.”

“Say no more—every resource and manpower in Xishan Province is at your disposal.”

The Head of State had already ordered all government officials and military personnel throughout the Nine Provinces to memorize Chu Xiao’s name and appearance. Wherever he appeared, they were to obey and follow his direction without question.

Xishan Province was no exception.

“Good. Let’s discuss further upstairs.” Chu Xiao took the first step.

The weight of that step was something only he could know.

But it was not just his own fate—it was the fate of the entire Nine Provinces. How could he evade it?

He could not.

Chu Xiao handed the blueprint to Zhang Fengli.

“I wish to build a base in Xishan Province. The Qin Group will continually transport essential supplies for the resistance, and I also require vast manpower and resources.”

“No problem! All at your command!” Zhang Fengli knew that if Chu Xiao so desired, even his position could be handed over.

Yet there was one thing Zhang Fengli could not understand: why would Chu Xiao entrust such a crucial mission to a mere Xishan Province?