Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Wanting to Be the Boss of Meridia Base

"See? I’m a loyal friend. I didn’t forget about you even when I got something good to eat."

Louis Grant said with a grin, placing a bowl in front of Stella Sterling. Inside were prepared instant noodles, giving off an alluring aroma.

He watched Stella’s expression. ’Instant noodles... a whole pack. Who dares to be so extravagant these days?’

This stuff, once called junk food, could now be considered a delicacy!

Stella Sterling was surprised.

’It seems this Louis Grant’s status is really something special. He wouldn’t get this kind of treatment just for being good friends with Ethan Young.’

"Hurry up and eat. Don’t get too emotional. After all, we’ve shared fish before. How could I hog it all for myself?"

After handing the chopsticks to Stella, Louis Grant began to slurp down his own noodles with big mouthfuls, a look of satisfaction on his face.

Stella Sterling’s expression was a little strange. Under his repeated urging, she picked up her chopsticks and started to eat.

’She couldn’t remember the last time she’d eaten this. Having it once in a while like this... it actually tastes pretty good.’

Louis Grant was like a starving man who hadn’t eaten in days, downing the whole pack of instant noodles in just a few bites. He gulped, his eyes fixed on Stella Sterling, before forcing himself to look away.

After a long moment, he turned his head back. "I already told you, stick with me on the ship, and I’ll guarantee you a good life. Why can’t you get it through your head? Why are you so determined to get off the boat? Let me tell you, I know Meridia Base like the back of my hand. Even without a gun, no one would dare to hurt you."

Stella Sterling just smiled without retorting, but inwardly, she dismissed his words.

’Wherever there are people, there are struggles and strife!’

That pearl of wisdom held true no matter where you went, especially in an era like this, where people would fight to the death for a mouthful of food.

She believed Meridia Base might be strictly governed, but with so many people living at the bottom, those in charge couldn’t possibly manage every little thing.

The base only provided you with the most basic security. If you wanted to live well, you still had to rely on the strength of your own two fists.

With Louis Grant’s status, he might be completely safe in Meridia Base, but for the ordinary people at the bottom, life was definitely full of competition.

"Do you want to change your mind? Or, if you’re really unwilling to hand over your gun, I can go negotiate with Ethan Young again."

Seeing that Stella Sterling was unmoved, Louis Grant continued to persuade her.

’It’s not every day I meet someone with a personality I click with, who’s also this good-looking. I don’t want to just let her go.’

"No need, but thank you anyway."

Stella Sterling shook her head, rejecting his kind offer while drinking the last mouthful of broth.

"I haven’t had this in so long. It really brings back memories."

Louis Grant clearly misunderstood her meaning. He smiled. "See? This is the benefit of joining the base. Outside, even if you’re capable, you might not be able to find a bite to eat. If we couldn’t still catch fish from the water, even more people would have starved to death by now."

"But it’s different if you join the base. You can complete missions or use other methods to trade for what you want."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, with me looking out for you, even if you do nothing, I can make sure you get to eat instant noodles from time to time."

"Thanks, but that’s really not necessary."

Stella Sterling quickly refused. ’Instant noodles are fine once in a while, but I’d get sick of them if I had to eat them often. I’ve stockpiled so much food; I have no desire to eat instant noodles all the time.’

Louis Grant got a little anxious. "I say, you’re so pretty, why are you being so stubborn? Isn’t it good to be in the base? You’ll have me—a man of status and good looks—protecting you. That’s got to be better than drifting around out here all by yourself, right?"

"Besides, I can tell you’re strong. When you join Meridia Base, you might even be given an important position. Your good days are just getting started!"

A single pack of instant noodles was, of course, not enough to fill Stella Sterling up, given her appetite. For lunch, she’d only had a single grilled fish to tide her over. Having eaten so little all day, her stomach was growling with hunger.

She didn’t answer, instead eating a steamed bun in two bites.

Louis Grant watched, dumbfounded!

An idea struck him, and he continued to persuade her. "Look, with an appetite like yours, how could you possibly feed yourself out here on your own?"

’Even if I join Meridia Base, it won’t be able to feed me.’

Stella Sterling retorted in her mind, desperately wanting to send him away so she could hurry into her space and get something to eat.

But he had, after all, brought her food. She couldn’t be that direct, but her patience was wearing thin.

So when Louis Grant once again proposed that she go to Meridia Base with him...

Stella Sterling suddenly looked at him and said seriously, "I’m used to my freedom. I don’t like being controlled by others."

Hearing this, Louis Grant felt a flicker of hope. He smiled confidently. "That’s no problem. You can just stick with me. You won’t have to listen to them."

"Can you make me the leader of Meridia Base?"

"What?"

Louis Grant didn’t quite catch that.

Stella Sterling kindly repeated herself. "I don’t like being controlled, and I don’t like being under anyone. So, can you make me the leader of Meridia Base? If you can, I’ll go to Meridia Base with you."

This time, Louis Grant heard her clearly. He felt his usually excellent composure take a severe blow.

’The leader of Meridia Base?’

’What is she thinking?’

’Even I wouldn’t dare to think that, and I certainly don’t have the ability. But this woman... she actually had the gall to say it!’

"Looks like you can’t. Since you can’t, then forget it. I’m better off free and on my own."

Stella Sterling waved her hand dismissively.

At this point, he didn’t know what to say. After a moment, he found his voice again. "You’re something else. I really don’t have that kind of power."

He finally understood now. She was just messing with him; her real intention was to not go to Meridia Base with him. With that realization, he didn’t know what else to say.

He stood up and collected the two bowls. "I think your brain is a little scrambled right now. Why don’t you get some rest? I’ll come find you again tomorrow. Hopefully, you’ll have changed your mind by then."

"Even if you don’t stick with me, I still hope you’ll join Meridia Base. Compared to other places, it’s at least a decent place to be!"

After saying this, Louis Grant left with his things.

He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, she would say something even more outrageous.

’I’ve even dressed down like this, and I can still attract a suitor. As expected of me, always charming, no matter the situation. It’s so annoying.’

Watching him leave, Stella Sterling’s expression was calm. A moment later, she appeared inside her space and grabbed some snacks to eat.

Looking at her space, which had changed completely compared to two years ago, she smiled with satisfaction.