The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1367 1: Update Delayed Due to Illness

"Come over here."

Si Xue's voice, casual yet commanding, echoed throughout the cave. The sound made the treasures scattered on the floor chime and clatter. She carried an air of authority today, more so than usual.

"Okay."

Disregarding Asura's apparent annoyance, Liu Zheng skillfully curled into a ball and rolled right up to Si Xue's side.

"I've been a leader for so many years, and you're the first subordinate who's actively sought a personal meeting with me. Even my department heads just report over the phone. Sometimes I have to wonder if you were born from a drunken stupor of mine. How else could you possess such audacity?"

Si Xue gazed at him as she spoke.

"Because they are loyal to their jobs, but I am loyal to you, the boss."

Liu Zheng met her stare, his tone even.

"You've stated that many times before. While you've performed well so far, it's still not enough to make me truly believe you."

Si Xue remained unfazed.

"But some people genuinely believe it, otherwise, they wouldn't be targeting me like this."

Liu Zheng remarked.

"Oh? Tell me about it."

Si Xue was more concerned with Liu Zheng's well-being than with every minor detail. For an Immortal Species, focusing on the major issues and disregarding the trivial ones is a matter of survival; otherwise, the immense span of their lives would drive them insane.

"It's like this..."

Liu Zheng recounted some details he had uncovered.

"Hmm..."

Si Xue mused after hearing his explanation.

"Perhaps you're mistaken this time. The targeting is due to something else, not because of me."

She finally spoke after a moment of thoughtful silence.

"Huh? Then what is it?"

Liu Zheng inquired, surprised.

Besides Si Xue, he hadn't done anything to offend the restaurant. Although he often utilized delivery time for his personal endeavors, the food was always delivered punctually, and those proactive orders even contributed to the restaurant's performance metrics. He admitted he had attracted a considerable amount of animosity towards the restaurant, but surely the Bloody Restaurant wouldn't be concerned about a little 'resentment value,' would they?

"Have you forgotten about the failed delivery last time and the resulting punishment?"

Si Xue asked.

"Huh? The punishment isn't even over yet?"

Liu Zheng's expression turned pained.

"No, the reason they're targeting you is precisely because the punishment has concluded."

Si Xue shook her head, explaining.

"Boss, forgive my denseness, but I truly don't understand."

He confessed frankly.

"Everyone appreciates a useful subordinate; occasionally knocking over their food bowl won't lead to their demise, perhaps just a warning scare with a knife. But then a neighbor arrives with a gun, declaring, 'I like this dog; it licks me every day. If you dare to kill it, I'll kill you.' If you were the dog's owner in that situation, what would be your thoughts?"

Si Xue posed the question.

"While the words are crude, the logic holds. However, your analogy is exceptionally coarse."

Liu Zheng let out a wry chuckle.

"You called yourself dense, so I had to resort to crude language. So, do you understand now?"

"Understood."

He nodded. In essence, the restaurant intended to leverage his failed delivery incident to assert dominance and gain favorable standing. However, this plan was thwarted by the Tomb Guardian. Any leader in such a circumstance would naturally be displeased. Now, the pertinent question was whether the Tomb Guardian understood this dynamic.

"Then, Boss, what should I do?"

Liu Zheng withdrew his thoughts and asked.

"You don't need to do anything. The restaurant's intentions are in disarray. With me present, they won't take your life. As for the targeting, as an employee, you'll have to endure it. To be frank, considering you've only been employed for ten days, your actions have been quite audacious."

Si Xue stated plainly. Using delivery time for personal matters repeatedly, lingering outside for extended periods after drop-offs, serving other landmark agents, and establishing connections with employees from different restaurant departments... Any single one of these infractions would have spelled the end for Liu Zheng under previous management. However, her resolve was immense.

Liu Zheng lowered his head, remaining silent. He didn't perceive his actions as audacious; it was simply a matter of differing perspectives. Bosses generally desired subordinates who adhered strictly to rules without independent thought, whereas employees hoped for a degree of personal autonomy from their superiors.

"Is there anything else?"

Si Xue didn't wish to prolong the discussion. Liu Zheng was intelligent; there was no need for exhaustive explanations with perceptive individuals, as it would only waste time and potentially strain their relationship.

"Nothing else."

Liu Zheng shook his head and replied.

"Then you may leave."

Si Xue gestured dismissively, her attention returning to the Black Gemstone she was idly manipulating.

"Alright."

He cast a glance at the Black Gemstone, a new idea beginning to form in his mind.

He chose not to vocalize his thoughts, instead curling into a ball and re-entering the elevator.

Upon returning to the break room, Niu Ma had already departed.

"There really is a hierarchy here. Well, I suppose I'll be beaten up again later."

Liu Zheng's lips twitched slightly.

To dodge a physical altercation, he would normally need to pay. However, his current financial situation was precarious, making a beating the more economically sensible option.

After indulging in some casual gaming, Ghost Hand slunk in.

It extended a hand towards Liu Zheng, appearing expectant.

"Here you are."

Liu Zheng produced a fist-sized, square portion of sustenance. This was the same "Universal Carnivore Grub" that Xia Kai had previously utilized to feed the Lizard Man.

During prior discussions, Xia Kai had revealed certain commodities available in the System Mall. Liu Zheng, spotting a few valuable items, had exchanged currency with Xia Kai for them.

Given that Xia Kai would remain in Metropolis for another three days and had opportunities to venture out, the acquired funds would prove beneficial at that time.

Ghost Hand eagerly consumed the block of food, carefully masticating it a few times. A grin then bloomed on its face, signifying its approval of the flavor.

Liu Zheng offered a subtle smile as he retrieved the takeout order from the floor. The details were clear: "Dish: Sea Urchin Beef Sashimi" and "Address: 7 Seastar Street."