Ignatius carefully explained the rules to them, which were similar to the labor points system in Base M, relying on labor to earn points. Worried that they might be taken advantage of, Ignatius took the initiative to accompany them to the exchange hall.
Alice, all the way, observed the people of Base K. Life here seemed decent. Although there were quite a few people with lean figures, their expressions were not numb. Even two thirteen or fourteen-year-old children had a determined look on their faces. It was evident that with effort here, life would improve.
Arriving at the exchange hall, many people were in the process of exchanging points, forming long queues.
"The items available for exchange and their corresponding points are listed here. Over there at the counter, you can buy houses. If you can't afford to buy, you can also rent. There are both expensive and affordable options, according to your needs," explained Ignatius.
As Ignatius entered the exchange hall, the people working there stood up to greet him. "Hello, Base Commander!"
Ignatius waved his hand, indicating that they could continue working and didn't need to mind him. Alice observed all of this.
The smiles on the faces of these people were genuine, not just simple flattery.It is clear that Ignatius has a very good reputation in the base and is highly respected. Alice planned to inspect the houses first before deciding how many supplies to exchange.
Blanche leaned in and whispered, "Alice, do you want to stay here for a long time? If not, don't buy a house. It would be a waste of supplies."
Arnold also agreed, "Otherwise, just rent a small courtyard. The rent isn't expensive."
A small villa costs fifty thousand points, an apartment building costs twenty thousand points, and a small courtyard, whether bought or rented, costs ten thousand points. Renting for a month only requires a hundred points. If they ever get tired of living here in the future and want to move, they can leave without worrying about handling a house.
Alice shared the same thought. Since the whole family agreed, they chose a small courtyard with four rooms, just enough for them.
The staff allowed them to choose a small courtyard, saying, "There are not many courtyards left in the base, only three vacant ones. People have been inquiring about buying one recently, so act quickly if you want to rent."
Alice chose a convenient and parking-friendly small courtyard. "Please wait for us; we will go exchange points now."
If it were someone else, the staff would have refused. The rule is first come, first served. However, seeing Ignatius nearby, the staff changed their attitude, "Sure, I'll reserve it for you."
Alice and her group were not oblivious to the fact that they benefited from Ignatius's influence.
Planning to rent for a year, it would cost them twelve hundred points. Seeing that the points for high-quality rice were the highest on the exchange list, Alice pretended to walk to the car but took out a bag of a hundred kilograms of rice from her spatial storage.
This could be exchanged for two thousand points. Of course, whether it was high-quality rice or not was up to the assessment by the staff. After pouring out the entire bag and confirming there was no adulteration, the staff smilingly said, "It is high-quality rice."
People in line to exchange points cast envious glances at them. High-quality rice was scarce outside, and finding some that hadn't been soaked in water was considered good.At this point, it was almost impossible to find high-quality rice outside; finding some that hadn't been soaked in water would be considered fortunate. Clearly, these people had a considerable wealth, having accumulated so many supplies since the beginning of the apocalypse.
The staff quickly issued them cards. Alice instructed them to deposit a hundred points into the cards of Atticus, Blanche, and others. She had a remaining balance of sixteen hundred points. After deducting twelve hundred points for the rent, she still had four hundred points left.
Hurley also wanted to rent a house on his own, but Ignatius adamantly refused, "You'll stay with me. If you find you have too many supplies, you can give some to me as your rent."
Ignatius pulled him aside and advised, "You need to save supplies. Both of you are getting married; you can't spend recklessly. You'll have to support a family in the future."
Hurley looked at him with a puzzled expression, "Where did you hear this gossip? I didn't know I was getting married."
"Tsk tsk tsk, what's with the act? We're all men here. I can see that look in your eyes. If you run out of supplies, I'll help you out. Your parents are not around anymore, and I'm your family," Ignatius said.
Hurley: "..."He looked towards Alice, who was not far away, filling out rental paperwork. She had her head down, focused, with long and delicate eyelashes, a fair side profile, and a slender swan-like neck visible through the slightly lowered collar. The alluring collarbones were also exposed.Suddenly, he subconsciously pondered Ignatius's words.And then it hit him; he wasn't worthy of Alice at all!
She had an infinitely spacious storage where she could store enough supplies for several lifetimes. While he could ensure a comfortable living, he still needed to continuously search for supplies and keep stocking them into the storage.
As Alice walked away with the keys to those courtyards, she noticed Hurley's melancholic expression. She paused for a moment and then walked over.What's wrong? Weren't you happy to see family again?"
Hurley concealed his emotions and raised an eyebrow, asking, "Have you completed the formalities?""Everything's done," Alice said. Thinking that Hurley hadn't exchanged supplies yet, she asked, "I still have a few hundred points in my card. Do you want a hundred?"
As soon as Alice finished speaking, Hurley saw several people around looking at them, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy. Someone even whispered, "These days, it's better to be a kept man. Look at them, a hundred points given just like that."
Hurley's expression immediately darkened. He took a deep breath and smiled at her, "No need. I still have supplies. I'll go exchange them when there are fewer people. You all can go back now."
He was staying at his uncle's place, and he didn't need to do any chores. On the other hand, Alice and her family probably had a lot to do.
Alice didn't want to waste time. It was already 7 p.m., and going back to tidy up, they'd probably finish around 8 or 9 p.m.
"This is the address of the small courtyard. Come over when you're free," Alice left the address with him, jokingly adding, "We're just moving in, so don't forget to bring gifts when you visit."
Hurley's lips curved in a slight smile. He quickly took the address and charmingly said, "Sure."
The Allen family left in their car. K Base was much larger than M Base, and they had to ask several people before finding the location of the small courtyard.
The small courtyards were on the east side of K Base, with dozens of them, many already occupied. Some had cars parked outside, and others had decorated gates.
"Number 66, this is it," Arnold had been searching all the way and finally found the corresponding house number.
Alice took out the keys, opened the door, and the family walked in. The yard was empty, with nothing except for the four rooms.
The walls of the courtyard were only coated with cement, not particularly fancy, but compared to those without a fixed place to live, it was already good.
"Hurry up and bring things out. Let's tidy up before it gets dark," Blanche said.
Alice walked into the house and brought out their beds, cabinets, and other belongings. They each took responsibility for arranging their own things, choosing rooms randomly.
Arnold glanced at him disdainfully and mocked, "Still so childish at your age."