The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1339 818: Liu Zheng: Honorable Mr. Delago, Please Spare Me

"Yeah, it's smarter to just roll with the tide. Check this out, I've got biceps now, same as the crowd."

Liu Zheng flexed his impressive biceps.

"Haha, you're still as funny as always~"

Wang Manni's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"No choice, humor's my guiding principle. Okay, down to serious stuff. Where's that item from your company?"

He inquired.

"Right here."

Wang Manni unlatched her briefcase, revealing foam padding around a...

"Wait, is this a two-stage firecracker?"

Liu Zheng eyed the tube-like thing, about two fingers wide, featuring red "double happiness" prints on cardboard wrapping, and questioned.

Up north, they call them two-stage firecrackers; down south, sky-reaching cannons. The former boom with thunder, the latter soar skyward.

"Correct. But this isn't your regular two-stage firecracker—have a closer look."

Wang Manni gently extracted the two-stage firecracker and stripped away the full wrapper.

Underneath lay a green-painted metal cylinder, the "double happiness" swapped for a creepy yellow crescent moon sporting a wicked grin and jagged fangs.

Liu Zheng grasped the two-stage firecracker, triggering the item info display right away.

"Name: Technician Kid Two-stage Firecracker (Disposable)"

"Type: Tool"

"Quality: Excellent"

"Effect 1: Detonates upon impact after a kick, blast strength scaling with the kicking force."

"Effect 2: Painting it red boosts flight speed by three times."

"Note: Never dismiss two-stage firecrackers as simple fireworks."

"Can be taken out of the instance: Yes"

Examining the details, he noted its connection to the Fart Spirit Bomb and Shark Skill Overlord Missile series.

"Does your firm have a reliable source for these?"

Liu Zheng questioned.

These quirky explosives from the series pack devastating punch, outclassing fellow excellent-grade gear, ideal for his indestructible hybrid Black Mountain Goat Cub.

"Um..."

Wang Manni paused uncertainly.

"No worries if it's sensitive—I was only curious."

Liu Zheng brushed it off casually.

"Word is, Vice President Kata got tasked by the company to acquire them."

Wang Manni nibbled her lip yet disclosed it anyway.

"Does he recognize you?"

Liu Zheng probed.

"I report to Vice Director Li, under Vice President Chen, who clashes with Vice President Kata."

Wang Manni grasped his true intent.

"Got it, let's shelve that topic."

Liu Zheng acknowledged with a nod.

Armed with the "Check-in Anti-evil God Grenade" and "Technician Kid Two-stage Firecracker", his explosive needs were covered for now.

"Mm-hmm."

Wang Manni gazed at him warmly, moved.

The delivery guy proved gentle, thoughtful, and powerfully built.

She stole a quick peek at Liu Zheng's muscles, cheeks flushing faintly.

Liu Zheng shot her a puzzled glance, then dialed Luo Ping.

"Here's my contact for your company's tasks. Pass any extra info his way."

He passed the phone to Wang Manni.

"Got it."

Wang Manni took the call and chatted with Luo Ping.

Liu Zheng listened in nearby without full focus.

With growing subordinates, he delegated tasks; else, his packed schedule would burn him out.

Even Chancellor Zhuge, juggling army, government, and folk matters, collapsed from overwork—he refused a similar fate in the Metropolis.

Besides, errands built loyalty and ties.

The "Delivery Gang" would crumble post-Liu Zheng's exit from the Metropolis, but he aimed to delay that.

Not solely for acquaintances, but his own sake too.

What if Hell's Game dragged him back abruptly?

Given Hell's Game's ruthlessness, it seemed plausible.

"Delivery guy, I've shared the key details with your subordinate."

Wang Manni handed back the phone.

"Good. Oh yeah, do you work out?"

He asked.

"Yep, I squeeze in gym time daily after hours."

Wang Manni displayed her toned figure proudly.

As a top career woman, she excelled in skills and looks alike.

"Ah, forget it then."

"What's wrong?"

Wang Manni pressed eagerly.

She hated passing up a chance to connect with Liu Zheng.

"A buddy's hosting a fitness contest, but it's rookies only—no workouts for a month plus. Figured I'd recruit some to fill spots."

Liu Zheng clarified.

"I'll act like I haven't trained."

Wang Manni volunteered swiftly.

"No way. My pal's a pro; he'd detect your routine instantly."

He rolled his eyes.

"Fine, I'll cheer from the sidelines. Fitness events fascinate me anyway."

Wang Manni insisted.

Truthfully, any event with Liu Zheng drew her interest.

"Fine, I'll update you on time and place."

Liu Zheng agreed reluctantly.

"Mm-hmm, thanks delivery guy!"

Wang Manni beamed happily.

Once Wang Manni departed, the birds on the French Plane Tree scattered gradually.

"What's with the bird swarm today?"

Liu Zheng approached and asked.

"Leak got out that I'm evolving into a Phoenix—news buzzed across the Metropolis bird world. They're all spying."

The French Plane Tree grumbled irritably.

"Good news or bad?"

"Bad, obviously."

The French Plane Tree snorted.

A Phoenix rules all birds as king, but who welcomes a rival sovereign?}