In those days of Plants vs. Zombies

Chapter 626 The Weight of Reassurance

After chatting for a while, looking at the forthright and generous leader of the Chongfeng Regiment, Mo Chen felt even more favorably disposed towards him.

Although he has a rough appearance, he acts with discretion. More importantly, he is not the kind of cold-blooded mercenary who only cares about money and not people.

"I am very satisfied with how well Chongfeng handled this escort mission."

Upon hearing Mo Chen's words, Glaus became even more delighted. He picked up his glass and lightly clinked it against the beer can in Mo Chen's hand.

"You flatter me, sir."

He tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass. When he put the glass down, a serious look appeared in his eyes.

“We at Chongfeng also worked our way up from the bottom, and we know how difficult it is for those homeless people struggling to survive in the ruins. We also have principles when taking on cases. First, it’s for the reward and reputation, and second... it’s also to make ourselves feel at ease.”

Mo Chen nodded slightly. He appreciated Glaus's honesty. On this dog-eat-dog world, there were few who could uphold their moral principles.

Glancing at the still bustling tavern hall, Mo Chen suddenly asked, "Commander Glaius, how long does Chongfeng plan to stay in courtyard 5905?"

Glaus paused for a moment, seemingly not expecting Mo Chen to ask this question.

He hesitated for a moment, then replied, "We originally planned to rest for a few days before leaving, probably heading back to the Modern International branch in Metropolis to take on our next case, but..."

Glaius glanced at the relaxed heavy infantry around him and continued, "It's been a long time since the brothers have relaxed like this. The atmosphere in this War Courtyard is great. Being here... makes one feel very safe."

For mercenaries who spend years on the edge of a knife, the word "peace of mind" carries immense weight.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Mo Chen immediately lowered his voice and asked Glaius, "If I were to say that Courtyard 5905 wants to hire Chongfeng long-term, what would Commander Glaius think?"

Glaus's pupils contracted slightly, clearly shocked by Mo Chen's suggestion.

He did not answer immediately, but fell into deep thought.

Mo Chen didn't urge him, but simply waited quietly for the other party to give an answer.

After a moment, Glaus raised his head and stared intently at Mo Chen: "Master, are you... serious?"

"of course."

Mo Chen's tone was calm yet firm: "Courtyard No. 5905 is still under development and needs more manpower and resources. I have been considering recruiting a mercenary group to serve the courtyard."

At this moment, Glaus's heart was not at peace. He was excited, expectant, and even a little incredulous.

Being hired by the courtyard was undoubtedly a rare opportunity for the mercenaries.

The Courtyard is almost indistinguishable from the border towns of the Federation, and it will likely become even more prosperous as the Courtyard continues to develop.

Becoming a long-term subordinate of the courtyard means receiving a stable income and a safe haven.

This would be a huge temptation for any mercenary group, even those of low rank.

However, at the same time, they will lose some of their freedom and will need to shoulder more and greater responsibilities.

"Master of the house."

Glaus was silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "The conditions you have offered are very tempting, but Chongfeng is not a place where I can make decisions on my own. I need to discuss this matter with the brothers, after all, it concerns the future of Chongfeng."

Mo Chen expressed his understanding: "That's only right. You can take your time to consider it. I'm not in a hurry. However... I hope to get your reply as soon as possible."

"it is good."

Glaius swallowed hard and solemnly agreed.

The two chatted about some trivial topics, and the atmosphere became relaxed again.

The tavern remained noisy, but Mo Chen felt a new sense of anticipation.

······

At noon, Mo Chen got up to say goodbye, and Glaus courted him to the tavern door, watching the owner leave.

He took a deep breath to calm himself down, then tapped on the nearest square table and shouted, "Quiet down, everyone! Gather all the members of Chongfeng, I have something to say!"

The entire tavern fell silent instantly, and the Heavy Edge mercenaries sitting in the hall all stood up and came to Glaus's side.

Those Chongfeng mercenaries who were not present were immediately contacted to ensure that the message about the rendezvous reached the ears of every Chongfeng member.

Seeing this, Nata also led the bartenders away temporarily, leaving the venue to the group of Heavy Edge mercenaries.

When Feng Ye, the five captains, and all the members arrived, Glaus, who was surrounded by them, took a deep breath and conveyed to every Chongfeng mercenary the contents of his previous conversation with Mo Chen, as well as the proposal that was enough to change Chongfeng's fate, word for word.

"They will station us here long-term, give us official positions, provide us with a fixed salary, supply us, and even... resettlement and security for the disabled."

Glaus's voice echoed in the hall, trembling slightly: "This means that we are no longer rootless duckweed, no longer have to run around for commissions, and no longer have to worry about the future of not being mercenaries."

Feng Ye sat quietly in the corner, arms crossed, listening intently and pondering every word Glaus said.

Nono fiddled with her tactical knife, carefully observing the reactions of her companions.

Iron Fist and Wall Plaster remained silent, while Spear Tip and Bullet Shell exchanged glances. A commotion began to rise in the crowd, an barely suppressed astonishment and longing.

A stable "home" is more tempting than any other place in the world.

A hush fell over the hall as each of the Heavy Edge mercenaries lowered their heads, pondering and weighing the pros and cons.

This is not just a simple change of job; it is a choice of their future.

Soon, a heavily bearded mercenary suddenly stepped forward. He was the nice guy in the group and always liked to tell inappropriate jokes.

At this moment, the mercenary Chongfeng's eyes reddened: "Captain, I...I want to stay. For so many years, I haven't even had a place where I can sleep peacefully. Here...here we can get a position and a salary, and there's also disability compensation. I...I support Chongfeng accepting the Court's long-term employment!"

His words were like a fuse, and the previously silent crowd instantly erupted into a frenzy.

"I'd love to! Isn't having a courtyard to back me up a good thing?"

"Count me in! These days, having a stable place to live is better than anything else!"

"I've had enough of this nomadic life. Staying here is fine!"

However, another group of heavy-duty mercenaries also put forward a completely different opinion at this time.

"I object!"

An older heavy-armored mercenary pushed through the crowd and walked up to Glaus, the scar on his face that ran from his brow bone to the corner of his mouth twitching slightly with his expression.

"Since the day Chongfeng was founded, we have been free. We can take on whatever commissions we want and go wherever we want."

He looked around, his tone filled with resentment and wariness: "Now you want us to become the gatekeepers of this courtyard, taking orders from others? I'll be the first to disagree!"

"Yes."

Another heavy-hitting mercenary chimed in, "If we sign a contract, won't we be at the mercy of others from now on?"

"But isn't this better than before?"

A young heavy-duty mercenary retorted, "At least we don't have to worry about not having a place to treat serious injuries, or about our next meal?"

"It's certainly comfortable to have food served to you, but have you ever thought about this—"

The first to voice his opposition, a heavy-hitting mercenary, shouted, "If the contract is signed, are our lives still our own?"

The crowd fell silent again, and Feng Ye and the other captains' gazes shifted between the two factions.

They knew that wolves were used to foraging alone in the wilderness, and being domesticated might mean comfort, but it also meant that their sharpness would be gradually worn down.

Seeing this scene, Glaus felt a mix of emotions.

He understands the concerns of his opponents and the difficulties faced by his supporters.

As the leader of the Heavy Vanguard, Glaius must be responsible for the entire team, and this decision will directly determine the future of the Heavy Vanguard.

"Stop arguing."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority: "This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided hastily. Everyone, think it over carefully tonight, and we will vote on it at this time tomorrow."

After a moment's hesitation, Glaus added, "No matter the outcome, Chongfeng will always be our home, but remember, we only get one chance, and the consequences must be borne by all of us!"