The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1372 834: Reaching an Agreement (Part 2)

Jiang Weisheng directs his gaze back to Ace, his expression unreadable.

"Don't concern yourself with me, Ace. Truly, this sum of money is negligible. However, should Brother Zheng require any assistance in the future, I will not hesitate to lend my support."

Ace dismisses the offer with a wave of his hand.

Although his father has not returned from his latest expedition, he had brought back numerous valuable items on previous occasions.

While many of these treasures were protected by magical seals, the majority of the unsealed ones were entrusted to the clan for safekeeping. The remaining possessions are more than sufficient to ensure Ace's comfortable living for his entire life.

Ace's predicament lies not in a lack of material possessions, but in his inability to retain them.

Once the news of his father's demise becomes public knowledge, his inherited wealth will transform into a deadly lure, marking him as a target.

The notion of forfeiting his assets in exchange for protection is, in his eyes, utterly preposterous.

"Why engage in negotiations when I can simply take what I desire by force?" he muses.

Furthermore, even if a single protector were to agree to his terms, their pledge would hold little weight if others chose to disregard it.

Ace understands that a lone tiger would not dare to confront a pack of wolves on his behalf.

There is, however, one exception.

His attention settles on Liu Zheng. Though outwardly composed, Ace's mind is a whirlwind of contemplation.

"Brother Zheng," he thinks, "this is the sole gamble I've taken in all these years. I implore you, do not let me face utter ruin."

"A token of my esteem," Jiang Weisheng says, presenting his offering. "It is but a small gesture, yet it signifies my respect."

Liu Zheng acknowledges the delivery, with Jiang Weiyang signing for the receipt. In turn, Jiang Weisheng directs his subordinates to bring forth three boxes.

"Surely, this isn't one of your signature products?" Liu Zheng probes with a hint of amusement.

"Haha, certainly not. These are merely a few specialties from the Deep Sea Empire," Jiang Weisheng replies with a chuckle.

"Very well, I shall accept them then," Liu Zheng declares, making no move to refuse the gift.

Doctor Nile also accepts his share, but Ace declines his, opting instead to transfer his portion to Liu Zheng.

Shortly after their departure from No. 7 Seastar Street, Liu Zheng's communicator chimes. It is He Bishu on the line.

"Your foresight is impressive, Old He. Could it be that Jiang Weisheng is actually working for you?" Liu Zheng asks, a lightness in his tone.

He deduces that if Jiang Weisheng knew of his visit to the New Grape Hotel, then He Bishu, with his connections, would certainly be aware of his presence on Seastar Street.

"Mr. Liu, you have demonstrably broken the trust I placed in you," He Bishu states, his voice devoid of its earlier levity.

"Refrain from jumping to conclusions. Allow me to explain," Liu Zheng urges calmly.

"Proceed," He Bishu concedes, his anger palpable but restrained.

"Firstly, it was Jiang Weisheng who orchestrated the takeout order through Jiang Weiyang to lure me there. I did not seek them out. If you are inclined to anger, direct it towards your own ranks for harboring a traitor," Liu Zheng clarifies.

"Secondly, I gave no undertaking to oppose you on their behalf. Instead, I pledged to assist them in transitioning to cross-border trade, a development that ultimately serves your interests."

The implication is clear: if the Sea Star Gang can successfully engage in cross-border trade, their reliance on ventures like the New Grape Hotel would diminish significantly. After all, cooperating in business is hardly as satisfying as being one's own master.

"Hmm..." He Bishu murmurs, his anger gradually subsiding as he listens to Liu Zheng's explanation.

Based on his observations of Liu Zheng's conduct during their recent interactions, he finds the man's words to be both logical and credible.

"My apologies, Mr. Liu. I was hasty in my judgment. I hope you can overlook my outburst," He Bishu says, his tone softening considerably.

"Think nothing of it. Such reactions are only human. Were I in your position, I would harbor similar anxieties and frustrations," Liu Zheng replies magnanimously.

"I shall conduct a thorough investigation into the source of this information leak and provide you with a satisfactory explanation, Mr. Liu," He Bishu vows.

"I have no interest in apprehending your people. How you manage your internal affairs is your prerogative. However, if you wish to offer an apology, a monetary compensation would suffice. After all, I incurred considerable expenses hiring personnel for that delivery, and travel costs must be accounted for," Liu Zheng states bluntly.

"...Very well, I shall arrange for the funds to be sent to your clinic at a later time," He Bishu replies, acknowledging the request despite being slightly taken aback by Liu Zheng's unreserved audacity.

"Are you truly confident in the Sea Star Gang's ability to transition to cross-border trade, Mr. Liu?" He Bishu inquires, shifting the conversation to the second matter with a note of concern.

"My confidence hovers around fifty percent. Traversing the vast distances to the Deep Sea Empire presents significant challenges. While I possess certain connections, it remains uncertain whether I can successfully bridge these gaps. Should cross-border trade prove unfeasible, we shall explore alternative avenues. I may lack many things, but I do not lack friends, and there is bound to be a path suitable for them," Liu Zheng explains.

He elaborates by mentioning potential collaborations such as working with the Stone Spirit Clan to market flowers, partnering with Fishermen to sell sewer fish, engaging with the Bai Family for pharmaceutical distribution, or trading mountain specialties from the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.

With such a diverse array of possibilities, Liu Zheng is certain that a viable option exists for the Sea Star Gang.

Of course, a prerequisite for this is that the Sea Star Gang must procure a sufficient quantity of seafloor volcanic mud to meet his demands. Otherwise, they would be best advised to continue their rivalry with the New Grape Hotel.

"Then I'll entrust everything to you, Mr. Liu."

He Bishu stated.

"With great power comes great responsibility. But Old He, at your age, try not to let your temper flare too wildly. I understand you this time, but it might not be the same next time."

Liu Zheng altered his tone.

"Alright, let's share some tea together when the opportunity arises."

Unable to restrain himself any longer, He Bishu ended the call, worried he might start cursing.

He considered himself to have a rather good temperament; otherwise, why would a youngster like Liu Zheng be lecturing him?

"Brother Zheng, your knack for making money rivals even our department chief."

Ace offered Liu Zheng a thumbs-up.

"Want to learn? I can teach you."

Liu Zheng raised an eyebrow and inquired.

"Forget it, even if you possess the skills to teach, I lack the aptitude to learn."

Ace vigorously shook his head.

He had no shortage of funds; why would he seek to learn such a thing, only to hammer a few more nails into his own future coffin?

"Sigh, I'm truly envious of you rich second generations. Unlike us, who must risk our lives for every penny earned."

Liu Zheng jested as he drove the two back to the clinic.

Given the recent targeting by the restaurant, he didn't linger long; he engaged in a game with Ace, followed by a round of chess with Doctor Nile, before returning to the restaurant.

Niu Ma was absent, likely out on a delivery.

Liu Zheng chuckled, settled himself on a mound of grass, and then retrieved a suitcase and two boxes from the Qiankun Ring.

The suitcase was a gift from He Bishu, containing half a million in cash.

The two boxes, provided by Jiang Weisheng, held two fist-sized black pearls.

"Name: Deep Sea Black Pearl"

"Type: Miscellaneous"

"Quality: Excellent"

"Effect: None"

"Description: A precious gem originating from the Deep Sea Empire, suitable for medicinal purposes or as decoration, and highly favored by spellcasters as a material for their spells."

"Can be removed from instance: Yes"

"They are quite generous with their gifts."

Liu Zheng lifted an eyebrow.

He wondered if this generosity was due to his own standing or Ace's.

"Spellcasters, hm..."

The spellcasters he was familiar with seemed to be Panda and Yaksha. These Black Pearls didn't quite align with Panda's artistic style, but they would certainly suit Yaksha's magic wand.

And since Yaksha had provided assistance previously, even though a fight was averted, it would be appropriate to show some gratitude.

"Hmm, I'll present these to Yaksha."

With his decision made, Liu Zheng dialed Yaksha's number.

"Have you found the sacrifice yet?"

Yaksha inquired.

"No, but I've acquired two Deep Sea Black Pearls, said to be favored by spellcasters. Are you interested?"

"How large are they?"

Yaksha asked again.

"Approximately the size of a fist."

He responded.

"I'll take them. Name your price."

Yaksha stated immediately.

This particular size of Deep Sea Black Pearl was indeed a rare spellcasting component, exceptionally well-suited for enhancing The Dark Sect's magical abilities.

"If you desire them, take them freely. If not, I shall offer them to someone else. To haggle over two pearls would be quite undignified if the matter became known."

Liu Zheng expressed.

"Human, what task do you require of me this time?"

Yaksha was not inclined to accept favors without a reason.

"Nothing specific, but if you insist on offering assistance, I might be able to think of something."

He said deliberately.

"There's no need; you wouldn't conceive of anything worthwhile. How will you deliver them to me?"

Yaksha inquired.

"I shall leave them at the clinic. You can retrieve them at your convenience?"

Liu Zheng suggested.

"Very well."

Yaksha ended the call.

"This woman is truly challenging."

He shook his head.

If he hadn't witnessed her significant contribution in confronting the Dead God, he wouldn't have bothered with such a cold reception.

Liu Zheng was about to challenge Dried Fish once more when his phone rang.

"Not a moment's peace, is it?"

He sighed, answering the call.

"Boss, it's me, Bai Tianshi."

Bai Tianshi's voice emanated from the other end of the line.

"What is it?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Didn't you ask me to provide free consultations for the Pink Kingdom? During their physical check-ups, I discovered some irregularities and feel obligated to report them to you."

Bai Tianshi stated.