Zhang Qi and Qian Xi returned only after the spring had begun, and logistics had already made several deliveries. They lived at Xinghai Base and negotiated with the bases in several coastal cities nearby. Those bases relied on the sea for their livelihood, with little arable land and shortages of food but no lack of money and Crystal Cores.
Isn't this a case of mutual compensation? The main focus of Zhang Qi and Qian Xi's trip was to discuss cooperative agreements and they took the opportunity to open their stores. With this, logistics could follow closely and deliver goods to this side as the route was established.
