The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1384 840: Liu Zheng: Watch Closely, Learn Carefully (Part 2)

The Tomb Guardian spoke.

"Alright. Brother Ma, care for some?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

Skinny Horse vigorously shook his head.

Unlike his master, he had no inclination for such thrills. Even within the confines of the cemetery, abundant enjoyment could be found without resorting to the pursuit of danger in this manner.

"Set aside an extra portion for him."

The Tomb Guardian commanded.

Clearly, this was the intended retribution for Skinny Horse.

"Yes."

Liu Zheng cast a look of helplessness towards Skinny Horse, who in turn responded with an expression of utter desolation.

Departing from the cemetery, their destination became the Clinic.

The Jiwei Group, having been forewarned, was suitably prepared.

"Here are the ingredients."

Following the laid-out sequence, Liu Zheng produced the Stinky Snake's bile, sewer sludge, effluent from the Garbage Processing Plant, decaying cadaver flesh from the cemetery, and soiled bandages from the hospital.

Barring the Stinky Snake's bile, the remaining ingredients were either in surplus or had surpassed acceptable limits. Disregarding the unappetizing nature, they could be classified as extraordinarily lavish.

"I shall decline to refer to them as ingredients."

Guo Koutangzi stated impassively.

The recipes of the Jiwei Group generally adhered to somewhat conventional methods. While certain preparations were indeed unconventional, the selection of components typically remained relatively standard. These items, however, were considered unorthodox even within the culinary circles of Metropolis.

"Then let us term them raw materials. Have you managed to contact that esteemed chef you mentioned?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"No."

Guo Koutangzi responded with a shake of her head.

"Unwilling? I am prepared to offer additional compensation."

He declared with an air of arrogance.

"No, he has unfortunately passed away."

Guo Koutangzi informed him.

"Indeed? Well, so be it. Alas, heaven too often envies those with great talent."

Liu Zheng remarked with palpable regret.

"I can assist you in preparing the Metropolitan Most Smelly Soup, but in return, you must help me repair the ancestral cooking pot."

Guo Koutangzi proposed.

"Pardon? The ancestral cooking pot is damaged? When did such an unfortunate event occur?"

He inquired, his voice laced with surprise.

"After I have completed the soup preparation for you."

Guo Koutangzi retorted, rolling her eyes at his naivete.

"Haha, certainly no issue. I have recently encountered two skilled blacksmiths, and either of them should be capable of undertaking the repair."

Liu Zheng affirmed.

The two blacksmiths he referred to were Ouyegan and Yan Xu; one a master swordsmith, the other a dwarven artisan. The task of mending a cooking pot should present no insurmountable challenge for them.

"Sigh!"

Gazing upon the remarkably pungent raw materials, Guo Koutangzi let out a profound sigh.

Were it not for the substantial debt of favors owed to Liu Zheng, even under dire duress, she would never consent to utilizing the ancestral cooking pot for the preparation of such concoctions.

"Elder Sister, perhaps I could undertake this task?"

Chili Head offered.

As the esteemed Young Leader of the Jiwei Group, he possessed considerable culinary expertise and could potentially assume responsibility for the ancestral cooking pot if required.

"I am not yet deceased, and such a burden is not yours to bear."

Having spoken, Guo Koutangzi decisively retrieved the ancestral cooking pot, subsequently bisecting it.

With a more ethereal manifestation of the vessel, she gestured, drawing all the raw materials into its depths.

Guo Koutangzi had resolved to transmute the cooking pot itself into the soup.

This method would serve to elevate the soup's quality while simultaneously preventing contamination of the primary ancestral cooking pot.

"I shall notify you once the soup is ready. Let us depart!"

"Yes!"

Guo Koutangzi turned, exiting the Clinic, with the quartet of culinary assistants following in close pursuit.

The hems of their black yukatas billowed in their wake, imbuing the scene with a heroic aura reminiscent of the biting winds sweeping across the banks of the Yi River.

"At times, being a companion to you proves to be rather unfortunate."

Doctor Nile, who had been a silent observer, commented.

Despite his own unconventional practices of utilizing excrement in medicinal preparations, he recognized the sheer audacity of a chef employing cherished cookware to 'cook' such unmentionable substances.

"Really? Doctor, in truth, I believe..."

"Cease your thoughts! Depart at once. I require Xiao Mei for an extensive cleaning operation."

Doctor Nile swiftly ushered Liu Zheng out of the Clinic before any further outlandish notions could take root.

Upon returning to the restaurant, San Huamao proceeded to the kitchen accompanied by the Deep Sea Snake Lumps King Fish, while Liu Zheng made his way back to the lounge.

"Do you have any inkling of how many deliveries I've handled for you during your escapades?"

As soon as he entered, Niu Ma commenced his lament.

"You should cherish it secretly, my friend. Had you been the one to receive the goods, you would still be engaged in a game of cat and mouse with the anti-smuggling task force."

Liu Zheng countered with a roll of his eyes.

Even with tenfold courage, Niu Ma would not dare to dispatch individuals associated with City Hall. He would neither wish to offer bribes, nor would such attempts necessarily be accepted, leaving evasion as the sole viable recourse.

"Hmph, who can say who would apprehend whom."

Niu Ma retorted with stubborn defiance.

"You visited the Garbage Processing Plant?"

Abruptly, he stretched his neck, took a sniff, and then posed the question.

"No, I frequented Garbage Street and procured a substantial quantity of refuse."

Liu Zheng replied.

"Why did you go to Garbage Street?" Niu Ma inquired cautiously.

"To purchase scrap. Last time, Napoleon presented me with a vile of Stinky Snake; I resolved to collect them all to concoct the Metropolitan Most Smelly Soup," he responded casually.

"Have you gathered all the necessary components?"

"They’ve already been handed over for cooking, and it’s an enhanced recipe with extra ingredients included," Liu Zheng declared with pride.

"...Remarkable." Niu Ma expressed after a brief silence.

It had never anticipated witnessing someone assemble the ingredients for the Metropolitan Most Smelly Soup in its lifetime, let alone one of its own subordinates undertaking such a task. The crucial point was that this soup offered no appeal as sustenance and posed minimal threat as a weapon, providing scant reason for its collection.

"Boss, doesn't that particular phrase sound a bit strange?" Liu Zheng inquired, a peculiar expression gracing his features.

"What is awkward about it? Our upper halves are indeed bovine," Niu Ma stated indifferently.

"Understood."

"What did you acquire from Garbage Street? Ensure you haven't been duped, lest you drag me down with you," it added.

"Nothing significant, merely some low-grade items. The sole valuable piece has been entrusted to the Fisherman, and the Fire Mage has inspected the remainder; no dangers were detected," Liu Zheng reported.

"Oh." Niu Ma felt a sense of relief wash over it.

The reputation of the Fire Mage was well-known; he was practically the uncrowned king of the Garbage Processing Plant, more akin to an inspector than an agent, and his assessments were highly dependable.

"Incidentally, Boss, did you happen to take on a female delivery person previously?" Liu Zheng suddenly recalled and asked.

"Why do you ask?" Niu Ma did not immediately reply.

"The delivery channel provided me with this." He produced the 'female delivery woman's hairpin'.

"Did she perish within the delivery channel?" Niu Ma inquired after a prolonged contemplation of the hairpin.

"Yes, these are her remains. Infinite Heavenly Venerate." Liu Zheng retrieved the female delivery woman's remains from his Qiankun Ring.

"Her name was Luo Xingyi," Niu Ma stated, its gaze fixed on the remains for a moment before speaking.

Then, it used its hoof to etch the characters 'Luo Xingyi' onto the ground.

"A fine name," Liu Zheng complimented.

"She was the third subordinate I recruited after becoming minister, and also, the most exceptional one," Niu Ma shared.

"Hmm?" He did not take kindly to that statement.

"You, my boy, are not outstanding, but peculiar," Niu Ma retorted, glaring at him and teasingly remarking.

"Tsk." Liu Zheng rolled his eyes.

If you intend to offer praise, just do so directly. There's no need to frame it as an insult; these non-human beings are all rather eccentric.

"She was quite competent and diligent in her duties. She consistently completed all deliveries and returned ahead of schedule, unlike you, who might wander outside for the entire day," Niu Ma elaborated.

"Boss, despite our closeness, I will still sue you for defamation," Liu Zheng declared, his eyes narrowed.

"Find a suitable location to inter her."

"Understood." Niu Ma abruptly concluded the conversation, lying back down on the heap of grass and turning towards the wall.

"Infinite Heavenly Venerate."

Just as Liu Zheng was carefully placing the remains away, Wang Manni's call connected.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Mr. Delivery person, Lin Pinru has requested a meeting with you," Wang Manni conveyed.

"No meeting," Liu Zheng responded without a second thought.

"She stated that if she cannot meet you, she will not cooperate with the company on any matters," Wang Manni relayed.

"Does she presume I have become her patron now? Inform her that besides imposing disciplinary action, Green Shade Culture is free to act as it pleases," he declared with a cold sneer.

Benevolent individuals are often exploited; regrettably, he is, first and foremost, a delivery man for the Bloody Restaurant.

"Understood. Please hold on." The connection went silent.

After a pause, Wang Manni's voice returned to the line.

"She remains insistent on meeting you. The company is prepared to waive your five hundred thousand debt and offer an additional five hundred thousand for travel expenses to facilitate your arrival. The company assures this is their final request," she stated.

"Forget it; such assurances are akin to a gambler promising they'll never gamble again. Very well, instruct the company to place a food delivery order," Liu Zheng said, rolling his eyes.

"Understood." Wang Manni disconnected the call.

Shortly thereafter, Ghost Hand crawled in from the exterior.