Previously on The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?...
Liu Zheng takes on a delivery order for a Steamed Ant Egg. He inquires with Doctor Nile about whether the spirit of Red Pig, whose resentment is tied to his wife, will dissipate if they are at peace. Doctor Nile explains that resentful spirits fade when their grudge is gone, but suggests a Soul Purification Ceremony to bind Red Pig to God Ra, ensuring his continued existence. Liu Zheng agrees to ask Red Pig and then heads to his delivery, where he is met by Wang Manni and instructs her to give cigarettes to the security guard.
The necessity for Wang Manni to stress the cigarettes were internal was to prevent security from misjudging their worth, thereby avoiding an alliance transforming into animosity.
When addressing individuals of lower standing, directness is paramount; engaging in subtle games with implied meanings invariably leads to detrimental outcomes.
"Understood."
Without further inquiries, Wang Manni proceeded with the cigarette pack towards the security personnel.
"These are from Mr. Liu for you, a staff-exclusive cigarette from the Environmental Department."
She deliberately emphasized the phrase "staff-exclusive."
"Thank you, Mr. Liu. Thank you, Manager Wang."
The security guard accepted the cigarette pack, his face beaming with a smile.
His intention wasn't to smoke them immediately but to save them for bragging during drinking gatherings, which he deemed the most fitting use.
Wang Manni offered an elegant nod before returning to Liu Zheng's side.
Together, they boarded the elevator, ascending to the sixth floor, where Wang Manni guided Liu Zheng to the entrance of room 666.
"Mr. Deliveryman, I shall await you outside."
Wang Manni announced.
"Mm."
Liu Zheng responded with a nod and proceeded to open the door.
To his astonishment, the interior was devoid of any gore or instruments of torture; it presented itself as a standard office space.
Lin Pinru was composedly seated on a solitary sofa in a corner, while a substantial, corpulent alien insect occupied the executive chair before her.
"We appreciate you coming in person, Mr. Liu. I am William, the chairman of Green Shade Culture."
The rotund alien insect rose from its seat and extended an insectile limb towards Liu Zheng.
"As a shareholder of this company, it is only right that I contribute to its affairs."
Liu Zheng clasped its insectile limb with genuine sincerity.
"It is quite uncommon to witness someone of Mr. Wei's stature personally handle deliveries; it is truly commendable."
This acknowledgement was indeed heartfelt.
"Actually, my surname is Fiedeneler... but never mind, knowing Mr. Liu is pressed for time, let us proceed directly to the matter at hand."
William stated.
"By all means."
Liu Zheng readily agreed.
He cast a cursory glance around the room before casually settling onto the lengthy sofa, arranging himself in a comfortable position.
"Let us commence then."
Liu Zheng uttered softly.
Notwithstanding his relaxed posture, an palpable pressure began to emanate throughout the small office the moment his words were spoken.
"Such a reputation is indeed well-deserved."
William expressed inwardly, a hint of surprise flickering.
This inherent pressure, manifested without any overt display of supernatural abilities, must surely be the product of countless trials and tribulations, considering the individual's rapid ascent, a truly formidable trajectory.
Still, without this formidable presence, the company could not have endured the immense setbacks inflicted by the opposition, necessitating the swallowing of pride to recruit such talent, and subsequently fostering numerous collaborative ventures.
"Miss Lin, you have now met Mr. Liu; may we now proceed with our substantive discussion?"
William turned his attention towards Lin Pinru.
"Will you not inform Mr. Liu of the details we discussed earlier?"
Lin Pinru inquired, glancing towards Liu Zheng.
"I have no interest in knowing."
Liu Zheng declared.
"Should you harbor intentions of manipulating me as a pawn, understand that you are mistaken. I gave my word to your father to ensure your protection, but you chose to forsake that obligation. Henceforth, I will, at most, guarantee your survival, but the state in which you exist is of no concern to me."
"If you prove to be an annoyance, I shall cast you into the sewers. The agent presiding over the sewers is an elder of mine, and he shall undoubtedly provide you with ample 'entertainment'."
His tone was frigid.
"Mr. Liu, I bear you no animosity."
Lin Pinru offered a faint smile.
She had tidied herself and changed into fresh attire, exuding a certain delicate charm, albeit tinged with an unhealthy pallor.
Regrettably, Liu Zheng possessed no capacity for tenderness towards beauty.
"However, I do harbor animosity towards you."
He stated plainly.
Had it not been for his promises to the Antlered Insect and Green Shade Culture, he would have dealt with such detestable characters ages ago.
"Mr. Wei, demonstrate your capabilities; I am eager to broaden my understanding."
Liu Zheng instructed William.
"Since Mr. Liu insists, so be it."
William raised a forelimb and tapped the table thrice.
A concealed door within the wall slid open, and a creature resembling an octopus emerged.
"Mr. Liu?"
The Heart Stealer paused momentarily upon noticing Liu Zheng.
"Heratut?"
Liu Zheng, too, displayed a look of surprise.
"Indeed, I am Heratut. At times, the metropolis feels even more confined than a goblin's burrow."
The Heart Stealer's amusement echoed in his mind.
"You two are acquainted?"
William appeared slightly taken aback.
"I have had the pleasure of serving Mr. Liu on two occasions; he is an exceptionally generous patron."
The Heart Stealer elaborated.
"What a curious coincidence. However, perhaps reminiscing can wait; we must first engage in a frank discussion with Miss Lin."
William remarked.
"Very well."
The Heart Stealer acknowledged them with a nod before positioning itself behind Lin Pinru.
It lowered its head, and the tentacles near its mouth began to writhe, resembling elongated worms.
Though appearing at liberty, Lin Pinru found herself utterly immobile, compelled to witness the tentacle's approach towards her ear canal.
A chilling, damp sensation washed over her, intensifying her rapidly growing fear.
"Mr. Liu, I can assist you in breaking the Universal Key's bloodline curse!"
Overwhelmed by terror, Lin Pinru felt compelled to reveal her ultimate bargaining chip.
"The bloodline curse can be lifted?"
Liu Zheng exhibited surprise.
"Indeed, and I can even help bind it to your lineage."
Lin Pinru added hastily.
"You should have disclosed that information earlier. I already sold that item a while back."
Regret washed over him.
"What?"
Lin Pinru stared in disbelief.
She couldn't comprehend how anyone could discard the "Universal Key," an artifact whose practical worth vastly outweighed its benefits, capable of transforming an impoverished individual into a magnate effortlessly.
Furthermore, the latent potential of the "Universal Key" amplified with the user's cultivation.
"Do not be disheartened; plans do not always align with outcomes. Heratut, proceed."
Liu Zheng conveyed with a subtle nod.
"I am willing to cooperate."
Lin Pinru promptly declared.
Her final tactic had proven ineffective, making voluntary cooperation preferable to enduring further torment.
"Excellent, those who recognize opportunity are indeed wise. Mr. Wei, kindly finalize the delivery confirmation then."
Liu Zheng remarked.
"Actually, Mr. Liu, you are most welcome to audit the proceedings as well."
William chimed in.
"Never mind; this scale of business transaction is beyond my comprehension. I shall stick to my delivery duties."
He waved off the suggestion.
"Mr. Liu, you jest. If all delivery personnel possessed your caliber, City Hall would establish a dedicated delivery division."
William responded with a smile.
"Well spoken. I shall submit an anonymous recommendation to City Hall at a later juncture."
Liu Zheng countered with his own jest.
"Mr. Deliveryman, the updated debt contract is prepared; would you care to affix your signature now?"
Upon exiting the office, Wang Manni inquired.
"Let us proceed with signing it immediately, then."
He gave a slight nod.
Avoiding a subsequent visit was the primary consideration.
"Very well, please follow me."
Wang Manni guided Liu Zheng towards her private office.
"Here is the new contract. Kindly sign it, please."
She knelt, presenting the document with both hands before Liu Zheng.
Perhaps owing to her recent promotion to manager, Wang Manni's physical form largely retained its human attributes.
As she knelt, the contours of her figure became strikingly apparent, revealing a tempting cleavage.
"Excessive compression is detrimental to blood flow; consider choosing a different style next time."
Liu Zheng commented as he signed.
"Oh! You observed that?"
Wang Manni exhibited a touch of bashfulness.
"It would be difficult not to."
His office environment encouraged open discussions among the young female staff, with conversations crossing all boundaries.
"Besides, your endowments are quite generous; such a supportive garment is likely unnecessary."
Liu Zheng continued.
"Mmm."
Wang Manni softly replied.
Had it been anyone else, she might have engaged in more suggestive banter.
However, in Liu Zheng's presence, she inexplicably felt a sense of shyness.
"Here is fifty thousand in cash; please verify."
After Liu Zheng concluded his signing, Wang Manni retrieved a briefcase from the safe.
"There is no need; I trust your count."
Liu Zheng opened the briefcase and promptly stored the cash within his System Space.
"Mmm."
Wang Manni responded sweetly before retrieving a pack of cigarettes from the safe.
The packaging depicted a devilish figure, wielding a trident with a sinister grin, standing atop a fiery inferno where innumerable souls writhed in agony.
"These cigarettes were a gift; their potency is reputedly quite high, so avoid deep inhales if you choose to smoke one."
Wang Manni advised.
"Understood, Infinite Heavenly Venerable."
Liu Zheng accepted them without hesitation, placing them into his Qiankun Ring.
