The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1368 1368: Delayed Update: Today's Chapter Will Be Posted by 8 AM Tomorrow Due to Illness

"Order placed by: Jiang Weiyang."

"Time limit: One hour."

"Seastar Street, Jiang Weiyang, why does that name ring a bell?"

He pondered.

He recalled, wasn't the leader of the Sea Star Gang, who wanted to invest in the New Grape Hotel, named Jiang Weisheng?

Seastar Street and the Sea Star Gang, Jiang Weiyang and Jiang Weisheng; there had to be a connection.

A mere coincidence seemed unlikely. Liu Zheng suspected the other party intended to meet him.

"Are they planning a preemptive strike, or do they want me to switch allegiances?"

He fell into deep thought.

Regardless of their intentions, he needed to prepare for a potential conflict.

Going into battle meant gathering allies. Liu Zheng mentally ran through a list of names.

Niu Daji could be brought along; he hadn't sustained any injuries from the last mission.

Bai Tianshi was unavailable; he was currently volunteering his services in the Pink Kingdom.

Luo Ping couldn't be summoned either; his strength was insufficient, and he ought to return to his studies.

Panda was out of the question; its Lifebound Magical Treasure had been severely damaged previously, leaving it in a pitiable state. Sending it into another battle would be excessively cruel.

...

After careful consideration, he finalized his roster.

"Brother Pai, are you available to help me with a food delivery?"

Liu Zheng's initial call was to Ace.

"What's up? Need a driver?"

Ace inquired, confused. He wondered why Liu Zheng would ask him to deliver food; he wasn't a fighter.

"Remember when you accompanied me to the New Grape Hotel last time? The hotel's competitor, the Sea Star Gang, has placed a takeout order, likely with the intention of negotiating."

Liu Zheng provided an explanation.

"Oh~ Alright, where should we meet?"

Ace readily agreed. If the opposing party was a gang, then it posed no significant threat. The Security Department and the gangs maintained a tacit understanding; ordinary gangs would not dare to target official department employees. This was especially true for a gang like the Sea Star Gang, which was actively seeking to legitimize itself. Offending the Security Department at this juncture would be inviting doom.

"Still in front of the clinic."

Liu Zheng stated.

"Understood, see you shortly, Brother Zheng."

Ace ended the call.

"Doctor, do you have some time to accompany me out for a bit?"

Liu Zheng's second call was directed at Doctor Nile.

"What is it?"

Doctor Nile asked.

"Well, it's like this..."

He proceeded to explain the situation to Doctor Nile.

"As you can see, some are unwell, and others are injured. I can only request your esteemed presence out of retirement, sir."

Liu Zheng said.

"Suddenly you're being so pleasant. Where did all that shouting from earlier go? Bring it back."

Doctor Nile scoffed.

"Hehe, that was just my youthful foolishness earlier. You're a magnanimous person, so please don't hold it against me."

He replied shamelessly.

"Hmph, I wonder who taught you to be so thick-skinned."

Doctor Nile chided him before hanging up.

-----------------

"You've made such claims numerous times before. While you've performed admirably thus far, it's insufficient for me to truly place my trust in you."

Si Xue stated, unmoved.

"However, some genuinely do believe, otherwise, why would they make me such a target?"

Liu Zheng countered.

"Oh? Elaborate."

Si Xue paid attention to Liu Zheng's words, though not to every minute detail. For an Immortal Species, prioritizing the broader perspective was a fundamental survival instinct; otherwise, they risked descending into madness over the long years.

"Here's what transpired..."

Liu Zheng recounted his findings.

"Hmm..."

Si Xue listened and contemplated.

"You might be mistaken this time; this targeting is not because of me."

She finally spoke after a brief pause.

"Ah? Then why?"

Liu Zheng asked, surprised. Apart from Si Xue, he hadn't done anything to offend the restaurant.

Although he always conducted his deliveries diligently, ensuring punctuality, which in turn boosted the restaurant's performance, he acknowledged attracting some resentment. However, surely the prestigious Bloody Restaurant wouldn't be bothered by a little animosity?

"Have you forgotten you were punished for failing a delivery previously?"

Si Xue inquired.

"Huh? The punishment hasn't ended yet?"

Liu Zheng groaned.

"No, it's precisely because the punishment concluded that you've become a target."

Si Xue shook her head.

"Boss, please forgive my ignorance, but I truly don't understand this time."

He confessed frankly.

"Everyone values a loyal servant. If it occasionally spills its food bowl, no one will kill it; they merely threaten it with a knife. But if a neighbor intrudes, pointing a firearm at the owner and declaring their fondness for the dog's affections, the owner's perspective shifts dramatically. What would you do in the owner's position?"

Si Xue posed the question.

"Well, that's a valid point, but that analogy is rather crude."

Liu Zheng responded with a wry smile.

"You called yourself foolish, so I must be more direct. Did you get what I meant?"

"Yes, I understand."

He acknowledged with a nod.

Essentially, the restaurant intended to make an example of him and show leniency through his delivery failure, but the Tomb Guardian's intervention thwarted their plan, which would certainly displease any leader.

The critical question was whether the Tomb Guardian comprehended this nuance.

"So, Boss, what should I do?"

Liu Zheng, pulling his thoughts back, inquired.

"You don't need to do anything. The restaurant's intentions are erratic, and with me present, your life won't be forfeit. As for being targeted, as an employee, you'll have to endure it. Moreover, as a newcomer of just over ten days, your actions have been excessively rash."

Si Xue stated frankly.

Always conducting personal matters during delivery hours, lingering outside after completing orders, serving other landmark agents, and forming connections with employees from different departments...

These repeated infringements were only tolerated because of her magnanimity; under any previous supervisor, Liu Zheng would have met a dire fate.

Liu Zheng lowered his head, remaining silent.

He didn't perceive his actions as reckless; rather, they stood on different principles.

Superiors invariably desire employees to adhere strictly to rules without independent thought, while subordinates hope for the freedom to exercise their own judgment.

"Is there anything else?"

Si Xue did not prolong the discussion.

Liu Zheng was intelligent, and with intelligent individuals, extensive explanations were unnecessary, as it would be a waste of time and could strain their rapport.

"No, that's all."

Liu Zheng shook his head.

"Then get out."

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

"Understood."

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

However, he kept his thoughts to himself and re-entered the elevator.

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

"There's definitely an order waiting. Damn it, I'm going to get beaten later."

Liu Zheng managed a wry smile.

To avoid a physical altercation, he would typically resort to payment, but with his current financial constraints, enduring a beating seemed the more economical choice.

After a period of gaming, Ghost Hand ambled in.

It raised a limb towards Liu Zheng, as if anticipating something.

"Here you go."

Liu Zheng extended a cube of feed, approximately the size of his fist.

This was the very same "Universal Carnivore Chow" that Xia Kai had once used to nourish the Lizard Man.

Earlier, Xia Kai had showcased some items from the System Mall during a conversation, and Liu Zheng had purchased a few useful ones with his own funds.

With Xia Kai scheduled to remain in Metropolis for an additional three days, facilitating opportunities for outings, this expenditure was proving quite practical.

Ghost Hand consumed the cube of feed, meticulously chewing before revealing a pleased expression, signaling its satisfaction with the flavor.

Liu Zheng offered a faint smile, picking up the food delivery order lying on the floor.

"Dish: Sea Urchin Sashimi Beef, one portion"

"Address: 7 Seastar Street"

"Ordered by: Jiang Weiyang"

"Time Limit: One hour"

"Seastar Street, Jiang Weiyang... that name sounds incredibly familiar."

He mused aloud.

He recalled that the leader of the Sea Star Gang, who had expressed interest in investing in the New Grape Hotel, was named Jiang Weisheng.

Seastar Street and the Sea Star Gang, Jiang Weiyang and Jiang Weisheng – a connection between them seemed highly probable.

A mere coincidence felt unlikely; Liu Zheng leaned towards the belief that the other party intended to meet him.

"Are they planning a preemptive strike, or do they wish for me to switch allegiance?"

Contemplation settled upon him.

However, regardless of their motive, he needed to prepare for potential conflict.

Engaging in battle necessitated assembling allies, and Liu Zheng began mentally reviewing potential candidates.

Niu Daji could certainly accompany him; the creature had sustained no injuries during their last assignment.

Bai Tianshi, unfortunately, could not be brought along; he was currently engaged in volunteer work within the Pink Kingdom.

Luo Ping was also an unavailable option; his current strength was insufficient, and he ought to return to his studies.

Panda was out of the question as well; its Lifebound Magical Treasure had suffered severe damage previously, leaving it in a precarious state. Forcing it into another battle would be excessively cruel.