The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1373 835: Zhuge Ling: I Have Three Plans—High, Medium, and Low

"Speak."

Liu Zheng harbored no surprise that Bai Tianshi had detected an anomaly. In a world like Metropolis, riddled with code malfunctions, it would be the truly startling event if no issues were found.

"I've discovered that the constitution of the Technique Girls here is weaker than their average racial baseline," Bai Tianshi reported.

"Oh? You even know their racial average constitution?" Liu Zheng inquired, a spark of curiosity in his voice.

"Yes, I conducted some related research with my mentor during my master's program. Of course, I was merely assisting," Bai Tianshi replied with modesty.

"Impressive, truly impressive. Small wonder you're considered the most educated in our Delivery Gang," Liu Zheng offered praise.

"Uh... Thank you for the compliment, Boss," Bai Tianshi hesitated, then paused. He couldn't help but think that with the Delivery Gang's average education level barely scratching elementary school dropouts, it was hardly a challenge to be the most educated.

"It's quite normal for the people of the Pink Kingdom to have a weaker average constitution, wouldn't you agree?" Liu Zheng steered the conversation back. While Technique Girls might not suffer from starvation or freezing, a balanced diet was certainly a distant dream, a luxury even many real-world white-collar workers couldn't attain. Furthermore, their constant need to entertain various bothersome clients meant injuries or infections were commonplace, naturally impacting their physical condition negatively.

"If that were all, it wouldn't be a significant concern. However, after conducting a statistical sampling survey, I found their average constitution is about 18% to 25% weaker compared to their racial average," Bai Tianshi elaborated.

"Hmm..." Liu Zheng mused. He recalled an anime where the protagonist, a Superpower User, desired to be ordinary, deliberately keeping his abilities at what he perceived as a normal level. Yet, in reality, maintaining such consistent ordinariness was itself extraordinary.

"You suspect someone is manipulating this precisely?" Liu Zheng voiced his thought.

"Yes," Bai Tianshi confirmed. Having engaged in both theoretical work and clinical practice, and with a background in mathematics, he possessed a keen sensitivity to such aberrant data.

"Did you inform the Queen about this?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"No, I don't trust her," Bai Tianshi stated frankly. Besides his family, Liu Zheng was the only one he truly trusted.

"Good job." Liu Zheng approved of Bai Tianshi's decision. It wasn't a matter of distrusting the Queen; rather, her temperamental nature meant that informing her rashly could inadvertently alert others.

"Can you investigate the reason for their low constitution?" Liu Zheng asked further.

"I require professional equipment, and I cannot manage this alone," Bai Tianshi responded.

"Could Doctor Nile handle it?" Liu Zheng probed.

"Doctor Nile's medical system is rather unique and not suited for situations demanding professional equipment," Bai Tianshi replied tactfully.

"What about the Bai Family?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"Our family's medical practices are largely traditional, offering little assistance. However, I have a close friend who operates a private hospital; he should possess the necessary staff and equipment," Bai Tianshi mentioned.

"Then contact him. You cover the initial costs, and if more is needed, let me know. I'll have Niu Daji bring you funds," Liu Zheng instructed.

"Understood. But there's still one issue: to conduct the examination, their cooperation is essential, involving at least ten individuals. I need a valid reason to persuade the Queen," Bai Tianshi pointed out.

"Hmm... Simply state that you've found their condition to be quite serious, requiring hospitalization. Mention that you've already received my approval to cover their medical expenses. As for the ailment, just use some professional terminology to vaguely explain it; with the Queen's level of education, she'll likely be bewildered," Liu Zheng suggested after a moment's thought.

"Will they believe it?" Bai Tianshi expressed doubt. Based on his interactions thus far, these Technique Girls exhibited a considerable degree of vigilance.

"If they remain unconvinced, have them contact me directly; they should still place some trust in my word," Liu Zheng asserted.

"Alright, Boss, I'll give it my best shot," Bai Tianshi replied before ending the call.

Would the Queen be convinced? Liu Zheng himself wasn't entirely certain. After all, the Queen's trust in males was practically non-existent, only slightly above zero even for him. Announcing a serious illness to lower-level individuals, offering free treatment, and then luring them into a secluded hospital or research facility for undisclosed purposes was a common tactic, both in reality and within Metropolis. If the Queen remained skeptical, Liu Zheng would have no choice but to reveal everything. How she chose to proceed thereafter would be entirely her decision. He considered himself a decent person by Metropolis standards, but certainly not a saint. For those who refused trust or cooperation, he would set aside any urge to assist and respect their chosen path.

Shortly after, a call came in from the Queen. "Doctor Bai mentioned you're willing to cover Nana and the others' medical expenses?" The Queen held a degree of respect for medical professionals.

"Yes."

Liu Zheng offered his reply.

"There's no need; I can cover the expenses."

The Queen stated.

"Do you even have an inkling of the cost before declaring you can afford it? Furthermore, even if you could pay for one, could you manage to pay for hundreds? When others fall ill later and you lack the funds, how will you maintain your position as Queen? I will not concern myself with it; should I run short of funds, then so be it. If they grow to resent me, that's their prerogative; I am prepared to walk away at any moment anyway."

He remarked dismissively.

"...Thank you."

The Queen hastily responded, her voice barely audible.

"What was that?"

Liu Zheng genuinely hadn't caught her words.

"Never mind if you didn't hear!"

The Queen ended the call.

"Unable to articulate clearly, yet so fiery; you must be Yaksha's twin."

He jested, rolling his eyes.

With no other pressing matters, Liu Zheng began assisting Ace with the compilation of the midyear report.