The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1366 831: Niu Ma: Tonight I'll Use You as My Bed_2
Previously on The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?...
Wang Manni confirmed, "Alright, come over now."
Liu Zheng stated directly, "Okay, I'll go to the finance department to get the money now."
"What are you staring at?"
After ending the call, he noticed Xia Kai observing him.
"Boss, do you frequently take on jobs for monetary gain?" Xia Kai inquired.
Liu Zheng questioned, "Yeah, is there an issue with that?"
"No, no, it's just quite unusual. Normally, players undertake jobs within instances to fulfill objectives or acquire items. It's rare to see someone like you pursuing it solely for cash," Xia Kai responded.
Liu Zheng elaborated, "The currency in Metropolis holds significant value. It can be used to hire formidable individuals to aid in task completion or to procure extraordinary items. If you're feeling adventurous, I can arrange some work for you to earn money."
"Huh? I would gladly assist you with work, but I fear my limited strength might become a burden," Xia Kai politely declined.
"The choice is yours. Regardless, if you desire work, just inform me," Liu Zheng did not press him.
"Yeah, thanks, boss," Xia Kai expressed his gratitude.
"By the way, Doctor Nile has a daughter named Sasha. She struggles a bit with her intellect but possesses a good heart. Do not show her disrespect, and absolutely do not harbor any improper thoughts about her. Otherwise, even if the doctor spares you, I will personally deal with you. Understood?" Liu Zheng remembered to issue a reminder.
Although Xia Kai projected an unlikely image for such transgressions, one could never be certain. Many individuals appear upright on the surface yet harbor hidden, devious natures.
Furthermore, people are not always in control of their actions; impulse can drive them to do anything.
"Rest assured, I promise not to cross any boundaries," Xia Kai quickly affirmed.
"Hmm. Here, sample some of Metropolis's cuisine." Liu Zheng offered him a few pieces of dried fish.
"Thank you, boss," Xia Kai said, popping one into his mouth and chewing casually.
"Crunch!"
A loud crunching sound was heard.
"Damn!"
Xia Kai opened his mouth, spitting out a chipped tooth.
He licked the gap in his smile, looking mournfully at Liu Zheng.
"My apologies, my fault entirely. I neglected to consider that your teeth aren't particularly robust," Liu Zheng said, sounding somewhat embarrassed.
He had intended a jest but forgot Xia Kai's constitution couldn't rival that of true Transcendents.
"Let the doctor mend your tooth later; I'll cover the expenses," Liu Zheng offered.
"It's alright, boss. The system will handle the repair once the instance concludes. But this dried fish of yours is unreasonably hard; it could serve as a weapon. Are all dishes in Metropolis this extreme?" Xia Kai gestured dismissively.
"There are plenty of conventional food items available, but the cuisine from the Bloody Restaurant is indeed quite intense," he replied.
"Is the Bloody Restaurant the establishment where you are employed?" Xia Kai recalled their initial meeting, where Liu Zheng had identified himself as a procurement officer for the Bloody Restaurant.
"Yes, once I secure the funds, I must return promptly to the restaurant, or I'll face penalties," Liu Zheng confirmed with a nod.
"Your abilities should be quite formidable within this world, correct? Does the Bloody Restaurant truly impose such pressure on you?" Xia Kai inquired with curiosity.
Despite his limited knowledge of Metropolis, he understood that Liu Zheng, capable of recruiting individuals from Bathhouse Street outside the city and generating revenue for his company, could not be an insignificant figure.
"The currents in Metropolis run deep; my strength is negligible. However, the Bloody Restaurant is no ordinary establishment; it stands as one of Metropolis's landmarks. A substantial reason for my influence beyond its walls stems from the restaurant's backing," Liu Zheng explained.
"What exactly are landmarks?"
"They are distinctive structures possessing unique and potent capabilities that other buildings lack. If Metropolis were a living entity, these landmarks would function as its vital organs," he mused.
Naturally, this was merely his personal interpretation.
Liu Zheng's current level of power was insufficient to fully comprehend Metropolis and its landmarks.
"That sounds quite impressive," Xia Kai commented, feeling a mix of confusion and fascination.
After a brief continuation of their conversation, Wang Manni finally arrived with the money.
Upon receiving the cash, Liu Zheng made his way back to the restaurant.
"Tsk, you certainly know how to make an entrance, don't you?" Niu Ma quipped as soon as Liu Zheng entered the break room.
"Listen to yourself; the takeout department is my domain. How could I not know how to return to my own territory?" Liu Zheng responded with cheerfulness.
"Hmph, had you been even a minute later, I would have expelled you from this place. Other newcomers are typically intimidated and avoid lingering outside after deliveries. You, however, are something else; you let others place orders to inflate your performance metrics and then dawdle outside post-delivery. If you have no intention of returning promptly, then don't; this isn't a hotel offering hourly rates for your leisure," Niu Ma stated sternly.
"Which hotel offers hourly rooms without a bed..." he muttered under his breath.
"What did you say?"
Niu Ma's eyes bulged wide with disbelief.
"Nothing, boss. You are absolutely correct. I will manage my delivery times more efficiently from now on, I promise."
Liu Zheng responded with utmost sincerity.
"Very well, since you acknowledge your error, I will let this slide this one time. However, you must pen a 3,000-word reflection and it must be submitted before dinner. If it does not meet my standards, you will serve as my bed tonight."
Niu Ma dictated sternly.
"Yes, sir!"
He replied with a booming voice.
Just moments prior, he had been the one acting like the boss outside. Now, he faced a peculiar punishment of writing a reflection – a truly unexpected turn of events.
Yet, Liu Zheng bore no resentment, only a gnawing curiosity as to why Niu Ma had suddenly initiated this course of action.
It was not unusual for Niu Ma to physically subdue him, whether for amusement or to extort something from him, but demanding a formal written reflection was highly out of character.
Could it be...
"Boss?"
Liu Zheng called out to Niu Ma, taking a small, cautious step forward.
"Hmm."
Niu Ma gave a slight nod.
"So, it was the restaurant's doing after all."
He finally understood.
It was certainly not Si Xue's doing; if Si Xue intended to deal with him, he would likely find himself as mere bait within the office itself.
"It seems the restaurant has been causing trouble more frequently lately."
Liu Zheng mused aloud.
First, they were scrutinizing the drivers' accounts, and now Niu Ma was tasked with 'disciplining' him. Who knew what their next move would be?
The perplexing part was that, aside from demonstrating his loyalty to Si Xue, he hadn't committed any offense against the restaurant. Had their conflict truly escalated to this extent?
"No, this situation requires clarification."
Liu Zheng resolved.
He still needed to remain in Metropolis for some time, and if the restaurant continued to target him, his stay would become incredibly difficult.
"Boss, could you please contact the owner for me? I wish to report some urgent work."
Liu Zheng requested of Niu Ma.
"What kind of work could you possibly report at this hour? If an order comes in, I'll have to handle the delivery myself."
Niu Ma grumbled in response.
"In that case, go for a drive. Rent the most luxurious vehicle you can find and take your wife out for a spin. The costs will be on me."
He generously offered.
"Forget it. After such a drive, my entire body will ache terribly."
Niu Ma rolled his eyes, but nevertheless reached for his phone.
"Apologies for the interruption, boss. Liu Zheng wishes to report some work."
As soon as the call connected, Niu Ma's demeanor instantly shifted to that of a subservient subordinate.
"Yes, yes, understood. I will have him head over immediately. Rest assured, the principle of 'rest is for better work' applies. You can be confident that the takeout department will remain in order with me here."
Niu Ma declared with a facade of righteousness.
"Hehe."
Liu Zheng let out a wicked chuckle.
Only moments ago, Niu Ma had been reprimanding him, and now he was enduring a scolding from Si Xue on the phone. What a fitting turn of events.
"What’s so amusing? If an order comes in and you’re still not back, you will truly regret it."
Niu Ma raised a threatening hoof.
"I give you my word, I will be swift."
Liu Zheng assured him before exiting the break room and making haste towards Si Xue's office.
The theme chosen for the office today was that of a treasure vault, overflowing with countless gold and silver coins, alongside numerous gems that sent dazzling rays of brilliance dancing before the eyes.
Si Xue was reclining upon the largest mound of gold coins, draped in a silken nightgown. She propped her head with one hand, idly toying with a black gemstone the size of an ostrich egg.