The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1371 834: Reaching Consensus

"And who might you be?"

Jiang Weisheng inquired, a guarded surprise coloring his tone.

"Bill Homme, from the Security Department's Logistics Division," Ace replied indifferently.

"Bill Homme..."

Jiang Weisheng's mind raced, swiftly connecting the name to the person before him.

"So, you are Master Homme's son? My apologies, I didn't recognize you. What brings you here today?"

His demeanor shifted, becoming markedly more deferential.

"I'm merely Brother Zheng's loyal follower. I go wherever Brother Zheng goes. Brother Zheng's word is my command, Brother Zheng's reputation is my own. Anyone who opposes Brother Zheng is defying me, and if you defy me, then..."

Ace let his words trail off deliberately, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

"Then you're challenging our old man, Master Homme," Liu Zheng smoothly finished the sentence.

"Precisely. That's my Brother Zheng for you—our understanding is seamless," Ace beamed, giving Liu Zheng a thumbs-up.

"Very well, let's return to the matter at hand," Liu Zheng guided the conversation back on track.

"Ah? Oh, yes, of course."

Jiang Weisheng composed himself and stated, "Essentially, you wish to reform the gang. Whether that involves acquiring the New Grape Hotel or pursuing other ventures, it's all secondary to the main goal, correct?"

He inquired.

"Not entirely. Our investment in the New Grape Hotel was a decision made after careful consideration of numerous factors."

Jiang Weisheng disagreed slightly. Genuine transformation, especially for an outfit like the Sea Star Gang involved in illicit substances, presented significant challenges and few suitable avenues.

"Allow me to assist with your considerations then," Liu Zheng offered.

"Please, do."

Jiang Weisheng adjusted his posture expectantly.

"Why was your raw material supply chain disrupted?"

"Due to the City Hall's intensified anti-drug operations," Jiang Weisheng explained, casting a sidelong glance at Ace.

In truth, ever since he assumed leadership of the Sea Star Gang, Jiang Weisheng had harbored a desire for reform, but opportunities had been scarce. The current stringent crackdown by City Hall, which crippled their traditional operations, provided the perfect impetus to quell internal dissent. Had they merely endured, the pressure might eventually have subsided.

"City Hall's crackdown was a direct result of the mermaid princess trafficking incident. I was the one who rescued the mermaid princess, and I also dismantled the Round God Sect responsible for the trafficking," Liu Zheng revealed.

Upon hearing this cascade of revelations, a storm of disbelief and awe surged through Jiang Weisheng's heart.

However, he remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Liu Zheng's face, searching for any flicker of deception. He found none, for Liu Zheng spoke the unvarnished truth.

"Mr. Liu, you are far more formidable than the rumors suggest," Jiang Weisheng finally managed to say, his voice thick with emotion.

"Just unfortunate circumstances. I seem to keep stumbling into all sorts of troublesome affairs," Liu Zheng replied, displaying a rare moment of modesty.

"Mr. Liu is far too humble. This is clearly a case of the capable being burdened with greater responsibility. Are you implying you can persuade City Hall to halt the crackdown?" Jiang Weisheng paid Liu Zheng a compliment before cautiously probing further.

"Old Jiang, you're already contemplating transformation, yet your thinking remains so rigid," Liu Zheng remarked, his tone conveying a sense of disappointment, as if regretting Jiang Weisheng's lack of foresight.

"Then what is your suggestion?"

"If smuggling is no longer viable, pivot to legitimate cross-border trade. You are Deep Sea Clan, after all, and you have ties to the mermaid princess. You could thrive by trading anything and reap immense profits," Liu Zheng advised.

"Cross-border trade is not without its own difficulties, you know," Jiang Weisheng sighed, noting that if such trade were simple, they would not have resorted to illicit activities in the first place. Nevertheless, Liu Zheng's proposal presented a tangible path forward, certainly worth exploring.

"Begin with smaller ventures and assess the outcome. Since when does transformation occur without risk?" Liu Zheng countered.

"That's true. So, what exactly do you require from us?" Jiang Weisheng asked directly.

"Two things primarily. Firstly, you need to facilitate the delivery of a shipment. Secondly, assist me in acquiring a sufficient quantity of deep-sea volcanic mud. Thirdly, help me locate a species of spider known as an Artisan Weaver Spider," Liu Zheng stated.

"Deep-sea volcanic mud? An Artisan Weaver Spider?" Jiang Weisheng paused, momentarily taken aback.

The first request was within his expectations, but the latter two were quite unexpected.

"What? Is it difficult?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"With the current stringent lockdown, it certainly won't be easy. However, since Mr. Liu has made the request, we will find a way. I am primarily curious about your intended use for these items," Jiang Weisheng responded.

"A friend of mine intends to use the deep-sea volcanic mud for cultivating flowers. As for the Artisan Weaver Spider, I am quite friendly with its younger sibling, a Box Weaving Spider. It asked me to help reunite it with its elder brother," Liu Zheng explained.

"You can cultivate flowers with that substance? Very well, I shall make inquiries regarding both matters," Jiang Weisheng agreed.

Jiang Weisheng stated his case.

The abyssal ocean lacks widespread volcanoes, and the Deep Sea Empire spans an immense area. Locating a single Weaving Spider would be akin to finding a needle in a vast haystack, thus he could offer no absolute assurances.

"Then, regarding the division of profits..."

Noticing Liu Zheng hadn't broached the subject, Jiang Weisheng inquired of his own accord.

"I require no share."

Liu Zheng conveyed his decision with a shake of his head.

"What? Mr. Liu, could it be that you dismiss such a modest sum?"

Jiang Weisheng voiced his suspicion.

"Not precisely. Firstly, establishing a connection with the mermaid princess is a task you must undertake yourselves. I can communicate with her via telephone, but I have absolutely no intention of journeying to the Deep Sea Empire. Secondly, at the very least, until you procure sufficient deep-sea volcanic mud for me, I shall refrain from speaking on your behalf."

He shook his head once more.

He had witnessed far too many instances of kindness being repaid with treachery. Furthermore, the mermaid princess appeared to harbor her own clandestine affairs upon arriving in the Metropolis. Under such circumstances, he harbored zero desire to set foot upon her domain.

"Very well, we shall discuss this further when the opportune moment arises."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Jiang Weisheng's features, yet he ultimately nodded in agreement.

There is always a reason behind any deviation from the norm. Liu Zheng had already declined a portion of the potential earnings; were he not to impose stricter stipulations elsewhere, Jiang Weisheng would indeed begin to suspect a potential scam was afoot.

"Then, on your end..."