The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1370 833: Meeting with the Sea Star Gang (Part 2)

"You are Liu Zheng?"

The individual at the far end of the long table inquired.

"Yes, and you are Jiang Weisheng?"

Liu Zheng returned the question.

"How did you ascertain I am not Jiang Weiyang?"

The person at the table's conclusion asked back.

"Bosses like you always relish comfort and dispatch your subordinates to face peril, so how could you possibly deign to order takeout yourself? However, the fact that you permitted your brother to procure takeout already places you above many other leaders."

He remarked with a sneer.

In early cinematic depictions of the underworld, subordinates were invariably depicted as steadfastly loyal, while the top figures exuded nobility and integrity, inspiring countless youths to emulate them, forming various factions and syndicates.

The stark reality, however, is that if they possessed such inherent virtues, they would have undoubtedly achieved success in entirely different, more legitimate fields much earlier.

"What did you just say!"

"Sucking up to you!"

"Watch your tone!"

Witnessing their leader being openly ridiculed, the underlings present, regardless of their internal sentiments, erupted in a chorus of disapproval, fixing furious glares upon Liu Zheng.

"Does the boss require your commentary when he is engaged in conversation?"

Liu Zheng immediately entered his Four-armed Asura state, the immense Dharma Wheel rotating above his head, projecting an overwhelming aura that pressed down upon everyone present.

"Jiang Weisheng, is this the Sea Star Gang or a Sea Star Supermarket lacking any semblance of order?"

He posed the question directly.

"The Sea Star Gang's order is not for an outsider like yourself to dictate. Very well, everyone, let there be quiet."

Jiang Weisheng retorted, yet he managed to quell the unrest among his men.

"Hmm, it appears Jiang Weisheng does wield some influence within the Sea Star Gang."

Liu Zheng mused internally, observing the reactions of the assembled group.

"Let us discuss matters of substance. What terms did He Bishu offer you to take us on?"

Jiang Weisheng cut to the chase.

He had indeed placed an informant within the New Grape Hotel, though their position was not particularly elevated, thus only confirming that Liu Zheng had struck a deal with He Bishu, without obtaining any specific details.

"I merely pledged to assist him in securing victory in a ring match, nothing more. The identity of my opponent holds no consequence for me."

Liu Zheng intentionally offered a deliberately vague response.

Negotiation, at times, mirrors the courtship of a maiden; it requires a delicate balance of advance and retreat, avoiding excessive boldness or undue passivity.

Having displayed considerable arrogance earlier, a strategic retraction was now necessary.

Indeed, upon hearing Liu Zheng's words, Jiang Weisheng's demeanor visibly brightened.

"We harbor no animosity towards the New Grape Hotel. Investment is not about reaping without sowing; it necessitates the commitment of tangible capital. Furthermore, we can facilitate introductions for clients from the Deep Sea Empire to the New Grape Hotel, thereby contributing to their business expansion."

Jiang Weisheng elaborated.

"I possess little understanding of commercial affairs; please discuss matters I can comprehend."

Liu Zheng indicated by shaking his head.

"...Weiyang and Hai Ma, remain; all others, attend to your duties."

Jiang Weisheng directed his subordinates.

"Understood, boss."

Everyone rose to leave, with the exception of those seated immediately to Jiang Weisheng's left and right.

"Doctor, Brother Pai, please be seated as well."

Liu Zheng invited.

Both Doctor Nile and Ace gave a nod, then quietly took their seats.

"This is my brother, Jiang Weiyang, and this is my godson, Jiang Hai Ma."

Jiang Weisheng made the introductions to Liu Zheng.

"He doesn't bear much resemblance to a seahorse."

Liu Zheng commented after a brief observation of the young man named Jiang Hai Ma.

"The name is merely for appellation; Hai Ma possesses a quarter of electric eel lineage."

Jiang Weisheng responded.

With a flick of his finger, Jiang Hai Ma discharged a brilliant electrical spark, puncturing a hole clean through the thick wooden table.

"Impressive. So, you are exempt from paying the electricity bill?"

Liu Zheng remarked, his tone laced with envy.

"...We are still obligated to pay; the voltage of this particular discharge is erratic, rendering it unsuitable for everyday application."

Jiang Weisheng explained patiently, though with a hint of exasperation.

"What a shame."

He expressed with a tone of regret.

"And who might these individuals be?"

Jiang Weisheng swiftly shifted the topic, evidently disinclined to prolong the discussion regarding utility costs.

"Ah, this is Doctor Nile, an elder under my tutelage. And this is Ace, a close companion of mine."

Liu Zheng provided the introductions.

Doctor Nile raised his scepter, from which a golden light imbued with flames erupted, carving a sizeable aperture into the table.

As a matter of courtesy, reciprocation was expected, and as an elder, he felt compelled to offer his support to Liu Zheng.

"Such pristine Sun God Power, the famed La Clan indeed lives up to its legend."

Jiang Weisheng had already surmised Doctor Nile's heritage; after all, the bandages were an unmistakable indicator.

"All is a divine bestowal from God Ra."

Doctor Nile stated with an impassive expression.

"Doctor Nile serves as a priest to the great Sun God Ra."

Liu Zheng offered a clarification on his behalf.

"I comprehend."

Jiang Weisheng gave a nod of understanding.

Liu Zheng started to hold Doctor Nile in higher regard, though it was merely that—regard.

A priest's might directly correlates to their worshipped deity, and whispers of the Nile River Pantheon's downfall in the divine war were common knowledge throughout Metropolis.

Furthermore, since God La was a True God, an Evil God, when faced with equal strength, posed a far greater terror than a True God.

This is because a True God tends to deliberate on the consequences; even if all their devotees perish, they might not seek retribution as long as their divine status remains, for new followers will inevitably emerge.

Evil Gods, however, operate differently. Even within Metropolis, they would descend relentlessly if provided with sufficient sacrifices or the correct rituals.

"Alright, our time is pressing, so just state your intentions," Liu Zheng said, glancing at his phone.

Jiang Weisheng replied, "Mr. Liu, you're a man of directness, so I’ll be blunt. I wish to request that you cease your involvement in the conflict between us and the New Grape Hotel."

"That’s out of the question. I gave He Bishu my word that I'd help him win the fight in the ring, so I must compete and emerge victorious," Liu Zheng declared with firm resolve.

His unwavering statement instantly re-tensioned the atmosphere, which had only just begun to ease.

"Mr. Liu, your confidence is admirable, but our Sea Star Gang is no mere trifle. When two tigers clash, one is bound to suffer injuries; why would you weaken yourself for the benefit of another, Mr. Liu?" Jiang Weisheng inquired, his brow furrowed, yet he maintained a patient tone in his persuasion.

Liu Zheng shrugged, explaining, "I can’t help it; my code of honor in the underworld is built on trust. Had you approached me first, I would have told He Bishu the same thing."

Jiang Weisheng’s eyes darkened ominously. "So, there is no room for negotiation?"

With a sigh, Liu Zheng remarked sympathetically, "Alas, the intelligence of marine life simply isn't on par with that of terrestrial beings."

"Say that one more time, and I'll rip you to shreds right here!" Jiang Weiyang bellowed, unable to contain his fury any longer. Slamming his hand on the table, he bared a set of teeth that resembled serrated steel.

Liu Zheng gestured, urging him to calm down. "I understand your impatience, but don't rush; wait until I've finished speaking before tearing me apart."

Jiang Weiyang, naturally, paid no heed and continued to fix his angry gaze upon Liu Zheng.

"Younger brother, please sit down. Let's hear what he has to say," Jiang Weisheng interjected, addressing Jiang Weiyang.

"Hmph!" Grudgingly, Jiang Weiyang complied with his elder brother's request and sat back down.

However, he silently swore to himself that if the negotiations failed, he would meticulously tear Liu Zheng's flesh from his bones, marinate it in sea salt, and let it sit for three days and three nights.

Liu Zheng then inquired, "Why do you desire my withdrawal from your dispute with the New Grape Hotel?"

Jiang Weiyang explained, "Because it has no bearing on you, and your involvement would only serve to benefit that old fox, He Bishu."

Liu Zheng dismissed this with a shake of his head. "That's my concern. Tell me something relevant to you."

Jiang Weisheng hesitated for a moment before confessing the truth, "I am aware of your capabilities and do not wish for the gang to incur needless losses."

"No, that's merely the surface reason. I'm asking about the core issue," Liu Zheng countered, still shaking his head.

Jiang Weisheng’s patience wore thin. "Mr. Liu, why must you be so indirect?"

Liu Zheng stated, "Your gang's motive for acquiring the New Grape Hotel stems from a disrupted drug supply line, and you intend to pivot your operations, correct?"

Jiang Weisheng calmly responded to this revelation, "It appears Mr. Liu possesses considerable knowledge of our affairs." He reasoned that since the Sea Star Gang had been less active in shipping lately, it wasn't difficult for anyone observant to deduce.

Ace, who had remained silent until this point, suddenly interjected, "Hmm?! Your gang is officially registered, making it hard *not* to know about you."

Jiang Weisheng was taken aback, his gaze sharpening as he fixated on Ace.