The transparent glass walkway was still five to six meters above the ground. Looking down, one could see vast fields of farmland below, all planted with natural crops. They were large in size and incredibly abundant!
Stretches upon stretches of vegetable crops were a feast for the eyes.
Looking further into the distance, one could see an artificial lake. Within it, various fish marine products were being cultivated, with all kinds of fish species present. Occasionally, fish could be seen leaping out of the water.
On the other side of the artificial lake was a fruit grove, providing a variety of fruits.
Even further away lay a ranch and a livestock breeding area.
Primarily consisting of pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, and ducks.
"This... this... building such a large ecosphere inside a starship—just maintaining it must consume an enormous amount of resources!" Annie immediately thought of this issue.
The Rabbit-eared Girl smiled and explained at this moment, "Apart from the construction resources consumed during the initial building of the T2 Bronze Eden-class Starship and the funds spent on purchasing the first batch of seeds, seedlings, and so on...
After that, maintaining the operation of this ecological breeding garden does not require any additional resources. All necessary nutrients are collected from the cosmic environment by the cosmic element collectors installed on the ship hull.
Of course, energy blocks required for operations like starship engine navigation still need to be replenished regularly."
"This... this... how is this possible..." Annie's expression was one of shock. This completely overturned her previous understanding.
"Moreover, on this starship, the breeding cycles of these crops and livestock are greatly shortened, with yields increased severalfold, and the quality is of premium grade.
Essentially, there is a certain output quota every month.
A single T2 Bronze Eden-class Starship like this can meet the minimum living requirements for one million people," the Rabbit-eared Girl said.
"One million people..." Annie swallowed hard.
Annie now understood why the commander's starship could maintain such a luxurious food allowance standard every day.
No matter how extravagantly the starship crew might waste, a single T2 Bronze Eden-class Starship like this could easily meet the living needs of tens of thousands of crew members.
Although Lilith had long known that such a starship was under construction, witnessing it firsthand was still deeply awe-inspiring.
"Very impressive," Zhao Chen remarked, feeling quite satisfied with everything before him.
Although he had seen the relevant information on blueprints earlier, seeing such a starship presented before his own eyes still carried a sense of awe.
He looked up at the holographic projection of the sky and the sun.
If he hadn't been told they were currently inside a starship in space, Zhao Chen might have thought he was simply on a farm somewhere on a planet.
"The monthly product value output of a single T2 Bronze Eden-class Starship like this can reach 1 million Star Coins.
If I could build ten, twenty of these...
Wouldn't that mean I could earn money effortlessly every month?" Zhao Chen fantasized about this wonderful scenario.
Due to the widespread food shortages in the cosmic environment,
grain trade has become the second most profitable industry, just behind starship arms trade.
Those rare agricultural stars capable of producing high-quality natural crops are money trees for the imperial nobility and large consortia!
"Commander, these are our freshest fruits. Please have a taste." At that moment, the Rabbit-eared Girl led Zhao Chen and the others down the transparent glass walkway, arriving at the lush fruit grove.
She skillfully picked some fruit, washed it, and handed it to Commander Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen took it, took a bite, and was met with a mouthful of juice. The sweet flavor flowed from his mouth down his throat.
"Very good. You can pick some for yourselves too." Zhao Chen looked at Lilith and Annie, who were staring at him, and pointed to the already ripe fruit grove.
With Zhao Chen's permission, Lilith didn't hold back. She picked a fruit and started eating, a happy smile spreading across her face.
Annie stared at a particularly large apple. She swallowed her saliva and reached out to pick it... pick it...
Even on her tiptoes, Annie's hand still couldn't reach the fruit.
Determined, she gave a little jump.
The big apple remained hanging there, seemingly mocking her.
"Little one, let big sister help you pick it." The Rabbit-eared Girl walked over at that moment and kindly picked the big apple for Annie.
"I'm not a little kid!" Annie protested indignantly, but as she took her first bite of the big apple, a blissful smile appeared on her face.
So sweet!
Fruits were also available in the Starship Dining Hall, but they were much more expensive than ordinary meals.
After all, for the same planting unit area, growing fruits was far less productive and practical than growing staple crops.
Additionally, fruits couldn't fill you up, so their existence was essentially a product labeled as a 'luxury'.
The crew of the Fierce Dragon Fleet could only eat one or two fruits per month.
"This way, our Fierce Dragon Fleet's future food needs won't require external purchases anymore; we can be completely self-sufficient." Zhao Chen said with satisfaction.
According to the Food Allowance Standard Zhao Chen had established, supporting one or two hundred people previously might not have been an issue.
But now, with the Fierce Dragon Fleet's soldier count rapidly increasing, the monthly expenses under this food standard were significant.
And now, this problem was completely solved!
After touring the T2 Bronze Eden-class Starship, Zhao Chen and the others returned.
Annie and Lilith each carried a large basket of fruit, which Zhao Chen had allowed them to take back to share with friends.
Annie's noticeably protruding little belly was already quite full.
"Burp..." Sitting in the shuttle, Annie let out a comfortable belch.
This was the first time she had ever experienced the feeling of eating fruit until she was full. It truly felt incredibly luxurious.
"Annie, how do you feel now about the suggestion to stay in my Fierce Dragon Fleet?" Zhao Chen looked at Annie and brought up the topic again.
Annie didn't answer directly, but she was clearly not as hesitant as she had been the first time.
"If you're unwilling, I won't force you. But you know, in our Fierce Dragon Fleet, the principle is that you get what you work for.
It's the same for the crew members. They work for me, so they receive the corresponding Food Allowance Standard and crew treatment.
Your past month in the Fierce Dragon Fleet was a special privilege I provided for you. But that can't continue indefinitely; it wouldn't be fair to the other crew members.
If you truly don't wish to work for me, I can arrange for your departure." Zhao Chen said these words.
Lilith beside him couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Who would be foolish enough to leave such a blissful place!
Yet, why did this scene feel so familiar to Lilith?
"And if you think the living conditions here are good, in the future, you can bring all your family and clan members to join us.
As long as they are willing to work for me, I can provide them with the same living standards and guarantee their safety.
Here, no one will ever be able to harm you again!" Zhao Chen said.
Annie gently bit her red lips, her gaze falling on the fruit basket filled with fresh produce beside her. In the end, she made her decision.
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