Deep empathy.
The numerous survivors within the underground caves couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, grateful that Chen Yu could understand their plight.
In the message channel,
After a brief silence, the survivors couldn't help but express their inner sorrow.
"Big shot, what you said is so true."
"Alas, before coming to the caves, I was a financial investor, earning millions annually. After arriving, I now ponder for half an hour before buying a bottle of water. It's tough!"
"Upstairs, we're in the same line of work."
"I used to be a secretary. Executing orders from leaders and handling trivial matters for them, I was good at that. Asking me to kill bears, that's asking for my life!!!"
"Aunties and uncles upstairs, I'm a student. Before I even came of age, I'm already experiencing the hardships of life."
"I used to be a teacher. Teaching and nurturing students is fine with me, but... I can't exactly teach trigonometry to those lions and tigers, can I?"
"Math teacher, you're still alive?"
"???"
"May there be no math in heaven."
"Get lost!"
Everything was as Chen Yu had predicted. Their area was essentially a microcosm of society, with people from all walks of life.
These individuals, who had relatively decent jobs in their former lives.
Their wilderness survival skills were very poor.
However, it couldn't be said they possessed no survival skills. They certainly had some, otherwise, they wouldn't have survived this long.
Cave survival.
The most challenging phase was actually the very beginning. Those still alive had already relatively adapted to the cave environment.
Their current laments stemmed more from a comparison to their previous lives.
Chen Yu was very satisfied.
Although the survivors had slightly adapted to the environment at this stage, they hadn't absolutely adapted. They still resented such a life. Therefore, if Chen Yu could offer them a relatively comfortable life that matched their former professions at this time.
Even if the working hours were longer and the pay was lower, they would surely be willing.
Who wouldn't want to live a stable life?
Even if one yearned for adventure, they needed the capital to adventure. They simply lacked the means for self-protection, thus they had no room for choice.
Thus, the demands Chen Yu proposed.
As long as they weren't excessively unreasonable, they should accept.
In fact, there was another crucial point.
As long as Chen Yu provided them with a stable living space at this stage, it wouldn't take long. From a week to a month, they would become accustomed to a stable life.
The survival skills acquired through exploring the caves would gradually be forgotten.
In the long run.
They would only be able to work under Chen Yu, because they wouldn't be able to survive without him.
This...
Was a grand strategy.
While obtaining stable employees, he would also expand the overall strength of his camp. It was simple; even the most ordinary people had received education.
Educated people had more future than the Orcs of the caves.
Chen Yu would possess a city-state.
He could provide all positions to the cave survivors. As long as they had the ability, even if they excelled in only one area, even if they were mediocre.
They could find work in Chen Yu's city-state.
Moreover—
It could nip potential threats in the bud.
Although the cave survivors seemingly had no major conflicts of interest among themselves currently, they were actually competitors.
The more people Chen Yu recruited, the fewer people would threaten him in the future.
If, by chance,
He could acquire a few prodigies, and they remained loyal to him, that would be even better.
"Good!"
"Please, everyone, calm down a bit."
Chen Yu, typing on the screen, sent another message.
"I have fully understood everyone's difficulties. As someone who also came from outside the trial grounds and has developed quite well in the caves, I have always harbored a wish: to see more of our compatriots survive here."
"Everyone should have also noticed."
"Since I entered the caves, I have been providing you with food and water. Those who were in the same area as me from the beginning can attest to this."
After the message was sent, countless affirmations immediately flooded the screen.
"I can attest to this!"
"Me too. If it weren't for the food provided by Big shot Chen Yu, I might have starved to death by now. Our area also has the lowest mortality rate among all areas, precisely because Big shot Chen Yu has been providing us with supplies."
"Yes!"
"Our whole family is deeply grateful to Big shot Chen Yu."
More and more affirmations appeared on the screen. Chen Yu narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the messages.
"Actually, many people must be thinking that I'm just pretending to be a good person. If I truly wanted to provide food, why wouldn't I provide it for free?"
"It's very simple!"
"I want to see my supplies bring you hope, not turn you into useless people who only know how to reach out and ask."
"I can indeed provide it for free."
"But—"
"How long can I provide it?"
"My personal capabilities are ultimately limited. Only when you yourselves possess survival abilities can you live longer."
"Relying on others is not as good as relying on yourself!"
The touching messages moved countless survivors watching their wristwatches.
Many people,
Had not realized Chen Yu harbored such profound intentions.
"I truly hope that the future of the caves will be the world of us outsiders, as the indigenous people of the caves call us. I don't want to deal with a bunch of beasts in the future; I want to see you standing by my side."
"But, I'm very sorry, I... may not be able to do it anymore."
Chen Yu's message suddenly became somber. Even as he typed, his mood seemed to grow heavy.
"Unfortunately, I have something to announce to everyone. I may no longer be able to provide a large and stable supply of food in the future."
"Of course..."
"I will still do my utmost to ensure that everyone in our area can fill their stomachs."
"Oh, are you going to raise prices?" Suddenly, a message appeared on the screen, seemingly mocking, "If you want to raise prices, just say it. Why go through all these detours?"
Liu Hao!
Seeing the name, Chen Yu narrowed his eyes.
"Note it down."
Chen Yu took out his 'Death Diary' and recorded Liu Hao's name. However, Chen Yu was actually grateful for this message.
With this message, he could thoroughly elevate his persona.
"This friend named Liu Hao, it seems you might have some prejudice against me. I, Chen Yu, only wish for everyone to survive."
"I will absolutely not do anything to oppress or exploit my compatriots."
"I cannot continue to provide food stably to the outside because my own food supplies have become scarce. To ensure that the food distributed can still guarantee that the cave compatriots have sustenance."
"I have decided—"
"To conduct talent recruitment!"