The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1374 835: Zhuge Ling: I Have Three Plans, Superior, Intermediate, and Inferior (Part 2)

Even though Ace hadn't provided the necessary reference documents yet, official paperwork typically follows a strict format and established wording. He figured he could draft the template now, ready to simply insert the data once Ace forwarded it.

While engrossed in his work on the document, a knock sounded on the break room door.

"Who's there?" Liu Zheng called out.

"Napoleon," a voice responded.

It was White Feather Chicken.

He opened the door, finding White Feather Chicken standing right there.

"Where's Niu Ma?" White Feather Chicken inquired before Liu Zheng could even speak.

"Likely out delivering food. Chef boss, do you need something from him?" Liu Zheng asked.

"Yes, but you'll suffice. A new shipment just arrived; go and receive it," White Feather Chicken stated.

"Understood. But isn't the boss absent? Don't we still need to follow the proper procedures?" He remained quite cautious.

"We can manage," White Feather Chicken replied, nodding, and then made a call to Si Xue.

"Boss, Niu Ma isn't here. The new guy needs your authorization." White Feather Chicken's tone was respectful, possessing a degree of fortitude unlike Niu Ma's fawning demeanor.

"Alright. The boss wants you to take the call." White Feather Chicken handed the phone over to Liu Zheng.

"Follow Napoleon's instructions," Si Xue said, delivering just that single command before hanging up.

"Roger that, boss," Liu Zheng responded, even though Si Xue had already ended the call.

"Here. This will guide you to the meeting point." White Feather Chicken put his phone away and presented Liu Zheng with a chainless copper pocket watch.

The watch possessed only one hand, making it impossible to determine if it indicated hours or minutes.

"Not at the front entrance this time?" Liu Zheng remarked, surprised.

"All because of that mess you caused." White Feather Chicken shot him a sharp, blade-like glare.

"What did I do now?" he asked, bewildered.

"If that fish hadn't gotten away, why would City Hall have initiated a major crackdown on smuggling? And how would restocking have become such a production?" White Feather Chicken explained.

"Wow, City Hall is truly villainous. I strongly condemn their actions," Liu Zheng feigned ignorance.

"Hmph. If there's any screw-up this time, no one will be able to rescue you. And I'll have Salmon personally handle the execution," White Feather Chicken's voice was exceptionally stern.

"Rest assured, Chef boss, not a single scale from this shipment will escape," he vowed.

"It better be. Salmon will be waiting for you at the designated spot. You have four hours; exceed that time by even a minute, and I'll slice a jin of meat from each of you." With that, White Feather Chicken turned and departed.

"Four hours..." Liu Zheng gazed at the pocket watch, lost in thought.

Previously, when he went to Du Kang Wine Workshop to procure alcohol, he was allotted only three hours. An extra hour this time suggested the rendezvous point would be rather distant.

On the upside, if he could conclude the transaction swiftly, he'd have ample free time afterward.

Once the spirit car was fully fueled, its speed was substantial. Provided the deal proceeded without any unforeseen complications, he anticipated having a good amount of time to spare.

And there were only three categories of complications he could anticipate.

Firstly, the smugglers attempting a betrayal.

Secondly, the smuggled contraband attempting to escape.

Thirdly, being apprehended for smuggling.

Both the first and second scenarios could be resolved through combat.

The third scenario was the troublesome one. Smuggling was not sanctioned as part of Bloody Restaurant's legitimate operations; City Hall would be entirely justified in enforcing the law.

Should Liu Zheng resort to violent resistance against arrest, his favorable standing with City Hall would be irrevocably damaged, and Silver Wolf, Ace, and the others would be implicated alongside him.

Anticipating potential failure before achieving success, Liu Zheng resolved to devise a contingency plan to avoid being caught unprepared.

"Brother Pai, which department is responsible for handling smuggling cases?" He initiated a call to Ace.

"That's difficult to pinpoint. The Security Department, Border Control Bureau, and City Supervision Department can all intervene; whichever agency apprehends you determines jurisdiction," Ace responded.

Metropolis lacked a General Administration of Customs, thus no specialized anti-smuggling bureau existed.

"Then, which department is the most aggressive in pursuing these cases?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"City Supervision tends to handle more cases within the urban districts. The Security Department focuses its efforts along the borders. We have contacts within all of them," Ace explained.

"Do you know who specifically handles anti-smuggling operations within your department?"

"Brother Zheng, are you planning to get into smuggling?" Ace asked directly.

"Tch, I just picked up a job: receiving some goods."

He replied truthfully.

"That sounds like it'll be complicated. You know there's a big crackdown happening right now."

Ace rubbed the back of his neck.

"If it's that tricky, then forget it. I'll figure out something else. I'm hanging up now, okay?"

Liu Zheng didn't make things complicated for him.

"Brother Zheng, don't try to force your way through this. It's a sensitive time right now—if you cause trouble, even Bloody Restaurant won't be able to protect you."

Ace warned him.

"Don't worry, I'm not that foolish."

Liu Zheng reassured him.

"Don't rush, don't hang up. Let me think."

Ace still couldn't put his mind at ease.

Whether out of loyalty or for personal gain, he didn't want to see Liu Zheng transform from a helpful citizen into a doomed rebel.

"Alright."

Liu Zheng lifted his phone, waiting patiently.

However, ten minutes elapsed, and Ace still hadn't devised a viable solution.

"What a dense blockhead, utterly useless when it matters. Brother Zheng, hold on, I'll go ask Zhuge Ling. She'll definitely come up with something."

Ace, fearing Liu Zheng might act impulsively, quickly spoke up.

"You know Zhuge Ling too?"

Liu Zheng asked, surprised.

"Of course, she's a part-time consultant for our Security Department, she's helped us crack numerous cases. Do you know her as well, Brother Zheng?"

Ace inquired.

"I've crossed paths with her a few times. In that case, you don't need to go; I'll head over directly. Relax, I promise I won't act without checking back with you first."

He gave his word.

"I trust you, Brother Zheng."

Ace stated earnestly.

"Hoo~"

Liu Zheng ended the call and released a prolonged exhale.

Trust served as both motivation and a burden.

Given Ace's plea, he felt compelled to concoct a concrete strategy.

"In that case, I'll go find Zhuge Ling first."

Liu Zheng exited the delivery passage; San Huamao was lazily grooming itself.

"Liu Zheng!"

Upon spotting him, it immediately leaped towards him.

"Good kitty."

Liu Zheng gently stroked its head.

He glanced at his pocket watch; the needle indicated the northeast direction.

It wasn't directly on his path to Zhuge Ling's residence, but it wasn't a major issue—he'd simply save some travel time.

He scooped up San Huamao, got into his spirit car, and accelerated towards Empress Dowager Avenue.

Fortune favored him; this time, he encountered no troublesome individuals in green vests along the route.

After alighting from the car, Liu Zheng approached the door and knocked.

"Come in."

Zhuge Ling's voice emanated from within.

He pushed the door open and entered; Zhuge Ling was perched on a chair, engrossed in writing.

"Doesn't that peculiar posture strain your back while you write?"

Liu Zheng commented, somewhat exasperated.

"What do you know? This is how I ignite my creative spark. Don't bother me. Whatever it is, wait until I'm finished writing."

Zhuge Ling replied with mild irritation.

"Oh."

He curled his lips, cradled San Huamao, and powered up the console.

He ended up waiting for half an hour before Zhuge Ling finally completed her writing.

"Phew, done."

She rose from the chair and stretched languidly.

"If you happen to fall, I won't be lending you a hand."

Those were his words, yet Liu Zheng's nerves remained on edge the entire time.

"This house is built for me. How could it possibly harm me? You're worrying needlessly."

Zhuge Ling cast a dismissive glance his way.

"Yes, yes, yes, all you second-generation wealthy folks are so amazing, I get it."

He was already weary of uttering the word "jealous.""I choose the middle option!"His words were immediate.