As long as it didn’t endanger her, Stella Sterling never minded willingly doing a good deed now and then.

The power and resources she now commanded were more than enough for her to act benevolently from time to time.

After all...

She couldn’t help but think of herself from her past life.

’In the very beginning, life was truly difficult. I was cheated and taken advantage of. I did many degrading things just to survive.’

Before she had grown strong, her past self had a truly hard time.

’But even then, I occasionally received help from my fellow humans.’

’And the major bases—they were always quietly doing things for everyone.’

She hadn’t been lucky enough to escape every single natural disaster.

She had been rescued by others before.

’Although, in the end, I was backstabbed by Caleb Xavier—the very man who saved me—and left to be devoured by a swarm of insects.’

But if it hadn’t been for those people’s help back then, she would have died long ago.

So, when she was willing, lending a hand to those in need was no big deal.

It could even help many people who were just like she had been in her past life.

She had no interest in saving the world, but she felt it was perfectly fine to help out where she could see the need around her.

Therefore, when the representative from Meridia Base made their proposal, Stella Sterling was among the first to voice her support.

In response, the leader of Meridia Base even glanced in Stella Sterling’s direction.

As he looked over, Stella clearly sensed a peculiar flicker in his eyes.

She was sure she hadn’t seen it wrong, but before she could ponder the meaning behind that look, his gaze had already shifted to one of admiration.

Of course, besides rescuing survivors, this summit was also about the future development of humanity.

One point of discussion was the secret technologies held by the major bases. The representative proposed that they could discuss them together, which would be beneficial for the future development and mutual progress of all bases.

To show their sincerity, Meridia Base would be the first to present some of their latest research for discussion.

No one had any objections to this, but Stella Sterling knew very well that even if they shared, it would only be superficial matters. None of the core technologies would ever be brought to the table.

Everyone was tacitly aware of this, but even so, it would still be beneficial for all.

In addition, Meridia Base also proposed that the bases could sign agreements to trade with one another.

Many bases were happy to see this happen and had no objections, as most of them were short on many kinds of supplies.

Such trade could really save them a lot of trouble.

Aside from the first point proposed by Meridia Base, which made some people a little uncomfortable, the other two points received unanimous approval and support.

Stella Sterling had her own reasons for agreeing. While she personally no longer needed these things, her Caeluna Base did.

But as she looked at these people, she felt a little wistful.

’Don’t be fooled by this appearance of unity and mutual development.’

’Later on, it’ll be hard to say how many of these bases will even be left.’

By the seventh year of the apocalypse, very few of these bases still existed. Only a handful of powerful ones remained.

Many bases were destroyed, either by all sorts of natural disasters or due to various conflicts.

Other bases simply lacked the strength to carry on, eventually becoming nothing more than empty plots of land.

Stella Sterling pulled herself back from her thoughts and signed her name on the agreement they were all endorsing.

This time, Meridia Base had achieved all three of its objectives, and the leader of Meridia Base was extremely pleased.

The main issues had been addressed, but the finer details still needed to be hammered out.

However, the summit was scheduled to last for several days. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

There would be time later to talk in detail and exchange academic and technical knowledge.

But aside from the three points they had discussed, they also wanted to strengthen the relationships between the bases.

So what followed was a networking session for the base leaders.

"Miss Sterling, you’re incredible! You’ve made a name for yourself across the world in such a short time."

Mr. Cheney approached, holding a bottle of beer.

That’s right, he had also been invited to The Apocalypse Summit. After all, his trading post was doing quite well.

Plus, he had a good amount of merchandise, a wide network of contacts, fast access to information, and plenty of good stuff.

Some things that even the major bases couldn’t get their hands on could be found through Mr. Cheney.

Stella Sterling had spotted him earlier, but it hadn’t been a good time to say hello.

"You’re not doing too bad yourself, cooperating with Meridia Base."

Stella Sterling greeted him with a smile.

Mr. Cheney came to Stella Sterling’s side and said, "What did you think of that soil I got for you last time?"

"I liked it a lot, but there was a little too little of it."

Stella Sterling raised an eyebrow. The soil Mr. Cheney had delivered last time had caused a massive change in her personal space.

"Haha, I have no idea why you have such a hobby. Who likes collecting that kind of stuff?"

Mr. Cheney shook his head and then added, "But if you like it, I’ll keep an eye out for more for you."

He didn’t understand her hobby, but helping Stella Sterling collect these things came with significant benefits. He had traded for quite a lot of good items from her.

"Deal. If you can find out where to get more of this stuff, I’ll make it worth your while," Stella Sterling said.

She had figured it out by now. The items she threw into her space’s "exchange zone" were actually being absorbed by the space itself. Every time it absorbed something, the space grew stronger.

And the stronger it became, the more benefits she received.

Not to mention all the useful items with various functions, even her own personal strength was increasing.

Besides, as she studied the Space Manipulation Technique, her understanding of her space deepened, and her connection to it grew stronger.

She could now control the space at will, so the stronger it became, the more she benefited.

Stella Sterling was very interested in these materials.

She was willing to trade anything for them, especially since she had a massive stockpile of the goods used for exchange and was by no means lacking.

Just as the two of them were talking, a group of people walked over to Stella Sterling.

There were seven or eight of them, both men and women.

Among them was the handsome man in black whom Stella Sterling had seen before.

They all looked at Stella Sterling, completely ignoring Mr. Cheney who stood beside her.

"Miss Sterling, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how do you keep your skin looking so good? Could you teach me?"