Living with them these days, she felt a strong sense of love, something she had never experienced before. She used to be a tough person; if the Allen family hadn't treated her well, she would have left them without hesitation. Living with them wasn't about being a saint or fulfilling any obligation as their "daughter." What moved her was the affection of the Allen family and the little things they did for her.
"Why bring up this topic today? Aren't we living happily as a family?" Alexander was puzzled. "Women these days have impure intentions, whether in the M Base or the Y Base. Because there are so many women close to me for resources, do you think they genuinely want to be with you? In reality, they're just looking for a long-term meal ticket."He already felt embarrassed relying on his younger sister for support, let alone bringing another dependent into the picture.
Arnold rubbed her head gently, his handsome face smiling warmly. "Don't worry about us. If we find someone suitable, we'll bring her back for your approval. If you disagree, we'll break up without hesitation."
Alice chuckled, "Won't I be stealing our parents' position?"Shouldn't it be the parents who give their approval, not the younger sister?She wasn't that domineering; as long as someone had a good heart and character, that was enough. Besides, the resources in her space would last a lifetime, and she was willing to contribute for her family.
Blanche laughed and asked, "Forget about your brothers. What about you and Hurley? You've been waiting for so long, but there hasn't been any progress."
Alice hesitated, "Our current status is above friendship but below romance."She had a good impression of Hurley, but it seemed like something was missing, and she didn't feel a strong urge to be together.She couldn't describe this conflicting feeling; perhaps they hadn't reached that point yet.She was a rational person and wouldn't easily give away her feelings.
Atticus's mood was complicated; perhaps only those with daughters could understand.
The next day, Alice decided to take a trip up the mountain. She was quite curious about the shelters up there, and since she was bored staying in the RV for so long, she might as well explore. Today, the typhoon had weakened, and the rain had subsided a bit. She put on her raincoat and water shoes and descended the small staircase from the RV.
The water level had risen again today, but fortunately, it only reached ankle-deep, not hindering her outing. As she walked up the mountain, she saw a large cluster of makeshift houses, with smoke rising from many of them, indicating that fires were burning inside.
Some of the doors were wide open, revealing people sleeping on the floor, with no beds or mats, covered only by thin blankets, huddled in the corners. A small space was cleared in the middle of some houses, where a fire pit burned, and a dozen or so people sat huddled together, looking weary.She walked all the way and found that it was almost the same everywhere. When she reached the end, she saw several guards holding guns. They frowned as they saw Alice approaching. "Are you guys ever going to stop? The Base Commander doesn't want to see you. Don't come here again."
Alice frowned at their words. What did they take her for?
"The Base Commander keeps a clean reputation and doesn't like women who actively pursue him. Before you, there were over a dozen such cases. Let me make it clear to you, the Base Commander gets annoyed whenever he sees you. Don't come here again," another man said.
These guards found it annoying too, with those women trying to cling to the Base Commander, hoping for a better life by seducing them. One person was actually tempted and secretly let a woman in. As a result, both the woman and the one who let her in were dismissed from their positions. Their job only required them to guard, and they received ample supplies every month. Their entire families were counting on them to bring home food. They couldn't afford to make such mistakes.
Alice hadn't intended to find Ignatius. It just so happened that she walked here. However, seeing the disdain in their eyes, she suddenly shifted her focus.She shouted from outside the gate, "Is the Base Commander here?"
"Shut up! Don't make a fuss here, or the Base Commander will get annoyed and throw you out," one of the guards retorted.
Ignoring them, Alice continued to shout a few more times.
When Ignatius heard the familiar voice, he walked out and saw Alice. He instructed someone to let her in. "Let her come in."
This made the several men feel a bit awkward; they had offended someone.
Alice glanced at them and walked briskly past them. However, she didn't follow Ignatius into the house. She stood outside and asked, "Base Commander, where's Hurley?"
Since he came out, she might as well find a topic to talk about.Ignatius's eyes lit up, thinking to himself that she claimed not to care, yet here she was, coming to him voluntarily.
"I sent Hurley to guard the supplies in the office building. If you want to find him, I'll have someone escort you there," Ignatius said, then remembered something else. "Oh, there are plenty of empty rooms over there. If you want to stay, feel free."
The twelfth floor was used for storing supplies, while the eleventh floor served as temporary dormitories for the guards. The lower ten floors were vacant. If the Allen family wanted to stay there, he could grant them permission. As for others, they didn't have that privilege. Despite the harsh conditions, everyone lived together on the mountain without complaints. Even if there were grievances, they couldn't blame the base or him.
There had been suggestions from some to live in the office building, but he rejected them, as he didn't want to separate the food supplies. If he, the Base Commander, lived with them on the mountain, what was there to complain about?
After a moment's thought, Alice replied, "Our yard can accommodate more people. If it's not enough, we'll go to the office building."
"Alright, wait here for a moment," Ignatius said, disappearing into the house briefly. He returned soon with a blue access card. "This is the access card for the office building. Having this card means I've approved it. People inside won't kick you out."
"Thank you, Base Commander," Alice said, surprised that Ignatius was allowing her to move.
"Don't mention it. Just remember to keep it quiet," Ignatius said in a hushed tone.This matter couldn't be leaked; it was an unspoken understanding.
Alice felt uneasy about accepting, so she added, "I'm also capable of helping guard the supplies."
Ignatius chuckled, "That's even better. But you don't have to guard."
As long as she had the intention, there was no need for her to actually guard.Alice is serious, though. She accepted the key card. If the seawater floods to the doorstep of the RV, their whole family will move to the office building.
"I'll head back first," Alice said with a smile.
Ignatius nodded, reminding her, "Okay, take it slow on the way back, watch out for slippery ground."