Chapter 789: Preparations for Departure [Bonus 4]

For this voyage, Zhang Yi planned to only bring Zhou Ke’er along.

Given the several-month-long journey, illnesses among the crew would be inevitable, making having a ship doctor absolutely crucial.

After settling household matters, Zhang Yi contacted Chen Jingguan to arrange for an icebreaker ship and crew.

"Send me the most experienced sailors with open-sea experience."

Chen Jingguan naturally didn’t dare voice any objections and promptly made the arrangements.

Due to the urgency of the mission, Zhang Yi headed to Chaoyu Harbor that very afternoon to inspect the ship and personnel.

Following Zhang Yi’s request, Chaoyu Harbor provided their most advanced icebreaker, the Golden Edge.

The harbor naturally had warships available, but given the mission’s confidentiality, those were outright dismissed.

Zhang Yi boarded the massive icebreaker.

The Golden Edge measured 106 meters in length with a full-load displacement of 16,000 tons and could carry 2,000 tons of fuel.

In this ice age, it was undoubtedly the best choice for open-sea voyages.

Chen Jingguan assigned Zhang Yi the most seasoned sailors, including Old Tian, who had previously captained for Zhang Yi, along with twelve other crew members.

Each had at least seven years of sailing experience, all veterans of long-distance voyages.

Zhang Yi gathered everyone and emphasized the mission’s importance.

"This voyage is to retrieve overseas Chinese citizens. It’s my first open-sea journey, so I’ll need your full cooperation."

He raised a finger. "Most importantly—keep your mouths shut. No communication with outsiders, and no discussions with the returnees once we pick them up."

"You may address me as Captain or Mr. Zhang. Do not reveal my name."

"Understood?!"

His stern tone made the sailors quickly respond in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Zhang Yi nodded and ordered Chen Jingguan to confiscate all their weapons, which he would redistribute later.

He then inquired about outfitting the icebreaker with weapons.

Chen Jingguan replied, "That would require modifying the hull. It might take some time."

Icebreakers weren’t designed with gun placements.

Zhang Yi sighed. "If necessary, we’ll go old-school—mounting land artillery on the ship."

He had considered this carefully—using a warship would draw attention, but sailing unarmed meant relying solely on himself if trouble arose, which could expose his identity.

After much deliberation, he decided to improvise artillery if combat became unavoidable.

He also stockpiled naval mines—not just for submarines, but more likely against mutated sea creatures.

By that evening, Chen Jingguan had the ship and basic supplies ready.

Early the next morning, Zhang Yi set off for Chaoyu Harbor with Zhu Yunque and Zhou Ke’er.

Zhu Yunque seemed surprised Zhou Ke’er was joining.

She pulled Zhang Yi aside privately.

"Zhang Yi, I’m not being petty, but this mission is critical. Bringing your girlfriend along seems... inappropriate."

Zhang Yi arched a brow. "Ke’er is a doctor. Months at sea without one—how do you think that would go?"

Even a minor cold could turn fatal.

Zhu Yunque insisted, "Surely there are other doctors? The crew are all men. Having one beautiful woman—me—is enough. Bringing another seems improper."

Zhang Yi smirked. "Relax. I only brought one beautiful woman."

Zhu Yunque froze, then flushed—he’d implied she wasn’t as attractive as Zhou Ke’er.

Stamping her foot, she snapped, "Take this mission seriously!"

Zhang Yi’s expression darkened—his first sharp tone with her.

"Miss Zhu! Remember—I lead this mission. You’re just tagging along. Don’t question my decisions!"

"To be blunt, if not for Commander Zhu, I wouldn’t bother bringing you at all."

"So mind your place when speaking to me. Clear?"

"One more tantrum, and I’ll send you back."

His fury cowed her instantly.

A veteran of bloodshed, his aura alone terrified this sheltered noblewoman.

She shrunk back, stammering incoherently.

Zhang Yi left without another glance, heading to Zhou Ke’er.

Yet after he departed, Zhu Yunque stared after him, her gaze shifting oddly.

No man had ever dared yell at her before.

Strangely... she found his dominance intriguing.

Zhang Yi found Zhou Ke’er packing in her cabin—over a dozen suitcases of clothes and personal items.

With his spatial storage, quantity wasn’t an issue.

Leaning against the doorway, he admired her figure as she bent over her luggage.

"Open-sea voyages are harsh," he remarked. "Two to three months of rough waves—nowhere near as comfortable as home. Sure about this?"

Zhou Ke’er straightened, stretching to reveal her slender waist.

She beamed. "Of course! When else would I get months alone with you?"

She hugged his arm, pressing close.

"Let me be useful!"

Her fox-like eyes gleamed mischievously. "Besides, you said yourself—two to three months at sea. Without me, you’d struggle, wouldn’t you?"

"Hmph! I’m not giving that woman any chances."

Zhu Zheng’s motives for sending Zhu Yunque were transparent—hoping for a romantic development.

But in this uncertain apocalypse, aligning with any faction was unwise.

Yet months alone at sea, with no other women aboard—could Zhang Yi resist temptation?

Even he couldn’t guarantee it.

Sighing, he pulled her close. "You’ve thought this through. Don’t worry—if danger arises, I’ll keep you safe."

With his Skywalk and spatial traversal abilities, even a shipwreck wouldn’t endanger her.

He’d already studied every island and reef along their route.

Author's Note