Chapter 105

“It’s done.”

“Three fruits.”

…

Liu Wensheng and the other researchers stared in stunned silence at the Hope Tree’s fruit.

Ever since the seventy-two crew members returned safely, the farm had shifted its primary focus to seed research. Just two hours ago, everyone had been in the lab, deep in analysis during their latest meeting when a message came in from the Hope Greenhouse: the Hope Tree was growing at an abnormal, explosive rate.

The Hope Tree had been planted for two years and had previously borne only two types of fruit: [Algae Tree] and [Lake Upgrade]. The moment they heard it was undergoing a growth spurt, everyone rushed to the greenhouse.

In just two hours, the Hope Tree had grown from three meters to twelve, its lush green leaves spreading like a giant version of an almond eucalyptus.

After circling the tree, Liu Wensheng turned to Qin Yun, his voice tense. “What kind of fruit is it?”

Without hesitation, Qin Yun tapped to activate it.

As he clicked, the Hope Tree interface refreshed.

[Building Upgrade Card]: Randomly upgrades an existing building, with a chance to generate a new random building. (Young Fruit)

[Virtual Simulation Laboratory]: A holographic simulation lab, honorably constructed on Planet DH36. (Growth Fruit)

[Hope Tree’s Gift]: As long as there are roots, life will grow. (Mature Fruit)

…

Two silver cards appeared in Qin Yun’s hand. After a quick glance, everyone’s attention locked onto [Hope Tree’s Gift].

“Where’s the gift?”

“No changes…”

…

They searched around but saw no sign of a card or anything similar.

Puzzled, Song Yueshan reached up and plucked a nearby Hope Leaf. Since the project began two years ago, the agricultural team had tried many times to collect and analyze the Hope Tree’s leaves. Yet, as if governed by some mysterious natural law, the leaves would wither and vanish the moment they were detached from the tree.

Not just the leaves—bark and other parts couldn’t be removed either. All they could do was observe the tree through basic equipment. Actual research on the Hope Tree had made no progress.

Now, as Song Yueshan reached for a leaf, everyone held their breath.

In the tense silence, the Hope Leaf gently landed in her hand. It was about the size of a eucalyptus leaf, a vibrant green with clearly visible veins. Held beneath the nose, it gave off a faint, fresh scent of grass and wood.

“It worked?”

“It worked!”

…

The Hope Tree had always been the farm’s most mysterious plant. Now that its leaves could finally be picked, it opened up an entirely new frontier for research.

“Good!” Liu Wensheng could only utter a single, fervent word: “Good.”

Though [Hope Tree’s Gift] wasn’t a tangible reward, as a mature fruit, it raised high hopes for what mature fruits could offer in the future.

Liu Wensheng studied the Hope Tree again, then turned to his assistant. “Have we found the cause?”

The tree’s sudden growth had been so unexpected that he’d immediately reported it to the team and instructed his assistant to monitor feedback.

“We found it.” The assistant handed over a report.

According to the Longxia Team’s analysis, the Hope Tree’s growth was linked to the recent [Shuilan Statement].

The Hope Tree draws its nourishment from [Hope in Desperation]. At the time of its growth, nations around the world had just issued the [Shuilan Statement]—not just a declaration, but a beacon of hope for three billion disaster survivors striving to live on.

“Heh.” Liu Wensheng was instantly reminded of the Ship Hijacking Incident from a week ago. That incident had been infuriating, but the united voice of 223 nations… it had been an unexpected and deeply moving show of support.

Just as Liu Wensheng was about to examine the other two rewards, his assistant’s phone rang. After answering, the assistant turned to the group. “The Five Powers just issued a statement of strict punishment…”

The statement was brief: The Five Powers would fully cooperate with the Shuilan Alliance to conduct a thorough investigation into the Ship Hijacking Incident. Those found to be involved would face zero tolerance.

…

“We await the results of the investigation.”

“This is a global inquiry involving six billion people.”

“Let’s hope the outcome is fair and just.”

…

The moment the Five Powers released their statement, the entire world turned its eyes to the unfolding situation. Their declaration wasn’t just an answer to Longxia—it was a commitment to global peace and security.