The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1402 849: Niu Ma's Wedding (Part 2)
Previously on The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?...
Said Niu Ma.
"Seriously, are you still planning on having guests show up merely to fill seats at the wedding?"
Liu Zheng grasped the hidden meaning behind the words.
"Naturally, why wouldn't I?"
His circle of acquaintances was rather small; some had already passed away, while others had simply faded away. It was certain that Xiongfang's side wouldn't muster enough attendees to fill a single table.
"Certainly, certainly, certainly, of course, it will work. Has your wife ever mentioned what kind of wedding ceremony she envisions? You wouldn't want the wedding format to displease her, leading to an embarrassing mistake."
Liu Zheng responded.
"Your wife isn't excessively difficult to please; as long as you avoid introducing any peculiar elements. If anything, she seems rather fond of customs originating from Zhen Dan."
Niu Ma stated.
"Oh? That's excellent news. I happen to know a senior from Zhen Dan who is a true connoisseur of traditional wedding ceremonies. I shall consult him at my earliest convenience."
Liu Zheng quickly declared.
He was referring to Feng Jizi, a seasoned individual akin to living history, capable of perfectly recreating the ambiance of the Shang and Zhou eras.
"Very well, I entrust this task to you. Should you falter, I shall procure a grave plot adjacent to Red Pig for you and ensure a magnificent funeral."
Niu Ma issued a threat.
"Of course, of course, of course. Just hand it over."
Liu Zheng extended his hand.
"Hand over what?"
Niu Ma feigned ignorance.
"The budget! How am I supposed to orchestrate the wedding arrangements without a designated budget? I need to secure a deposit for the venue."
He explained.
"You cover it initially; we'll settle the finances later."
Niu Ma tried to sidestep the issue.
"Fine, then I shall proceed to inquire with your wife about the funds."
Liu Zheng announced, making a move to exit.
"Alright, alright, take this portion of my personal funds. You truly are persistent, aren't you? Is this how a younger brother ought to behave?"
Niu Ma grumbled as he delivered a packet of cash.
Liu Zheng carefully unfolded the oil-paper package containing the money, revealing approximately seventy to eighty thousand.
Considering the prevailing prices in Metropolis, seventy to eighty thousand was more than sufficient to cover the expenses of a wedding.
"That's more like it."
He expressed, visibly content.
"You appear pleased, but now I am financially depleted."
Niu Ma complained.
"Wait a moment, you don't even possess a receipt. How do you intend to go out and lodge a complaint with my wife?"
He suddenly realized.
"I do not have one at present, but I will soon. It's perfectly fine; you've provided it, so cease your fretting. Rest assured, not a single cent will be squandered."
Liu Zheng assured him.
Naturally, he had no intention of appropriating any funds for himself; he was committed to personally contributing to ensure Niu Ma's event was even more grand.
"There's no need for extravagance. Individuals with renown are often targets of gossip, and Niu Ma is no exception."
Niu Ma gave his instruction.
Regardless of an individual's strength, unless they ascend to the level of Peacock, their influence ultimately amounts to mere personal heroism.
Even Peacock's considerable arrogance stems significantly from the vast wealth and networks under her command.
Unless she harbors intentions of betraying Metropolis, she is, in essence, an integral component of this immense operational framework.
However, Niu Ma and his wife possess neither power nor influence. Furthermore, Niu Ma has a history of engaging in numerous illicit dealings. Attracting undue attention would be highly detrimental.
"That's easily resolved. If holding the event within the city proves too ostentatious, then let us host it amidst the mountains."
Liu Zheng promptly proposed a solution.
"Mountains? Which mountains specifically, the Ten Thousand Great Mountains?"
"Precisely. I have an acquaintance within the Stone Spirit Clan. They can assist us in locating a secluded mountain peak and subsequently erect some form of concealment array, ensuring absolute privacy even if we orchestrate a grand and magnificent celebration within."
He elaborated.
"Hmm... that sounds quite promising."
Niu Ma appeared receptive to the idea.
"Of course, this is merely a preliminary concept. We can solidify the finer details as our preparations progress."
Liu Zheng stated.
"You are, in fact, remarkably dependable when you apply yourself seriously."
Niu Ma regarded him with newfound appreciation.
"I have always been reliable, thank you very much!"
"A little praise causes you to swell with pride. Now, depart and amuse yourself with your gaming console; you're obstructing my light."
Niu Ma resumed his reclining position on the haystack, retrieving an adult magazine.
"When assistance is required, you eagerly step forward, but at other times, you're merely human."
Liu Zheng rolled his eyes and returned to his stool.
During this interlude, he received a telephone call from Ace. He addressed several inquiries pertaining to writing materials.
However, Ace harbored no intention of fully embracing Liu Zheng's counsel. This was not due to a perceived inadequacy in Liu Zheng's guidance, but rather a concern that excelling in this task might burden him with sole responsibility.
In response, Liu Zheng concurred that Ace's apprehension was entirely valid.
Approximately thirty minutes later, Niu Daji placed a call.
"Boss, the dispatched goods have arrived."
Niu Daji reported.
"Did you obtain a receipt for the delivery?"
Liu Zheng inquired.
"Huh? No, I didn't."
Niu Daji scratched his head in confusion.
"Locate the appropriate contact and secure a receipt. If they are reluctant, arrange a storage fee, splitting it equally between Hundred Ghosts and their personal gain," Liu Zheng advised.
"Understood, I will see to it immediately," Niu Daji affirmed.
"Excellent. While you are there, do not depart hastily. Accompany Xia Kai on a tour of Bathhouse Street and extend my greetings to Mr. Batiao, Minister Thirteen, Sister Yangzi, and President Yuan," he further instructed.
Introducing Xia Kai to the wider world was also intended to broaden his perspective of the Metropolis, dispelling any naive notions he might hold.
Excessive boldness often leads to a swift demise, while excessive timidity results in meager accomplishments.
"Will do," Niu Daji replied, ending the call.
He was quite influential on Bathhouse Street, and with the backing of Liu Zheng, the 'Overseas Dragon,' handling this minor task was well within his capabilities.
Shortly thereafter, Black Skull made contact.
"The investigation has concluded. No high-ranking officials are involved; it was Wild Pig who provided something to our captain," he reported.
"Provided what?" Liu Zheng inquired.
"That remains unknown," Black Skull stated, shaking his head.
"Is it genuinely unknown, or are the individuals you questioned unwilling to disclose the details?" Liu Zheng pressed.
"They are likely unwilling. I acquired the information from a logistics member within the team, someone who maintains a certain closeness with the captain," Black Skull elaborated.
"Then offer compensation until they agree to talk."
"Well... try not to mock me, but your brother Nigga has a family to support, and I'm short on funds due to preparations for the painting skin rituals," Black Skull admitted sheepishly.
"I was the one who orchestrated those Fly Men evolutions; I wouldn't allow you to bear such an expense. Provide me with the address, and I will transfer the funds immediately," Liu Zheng responded.
"Absolutely not! You've already assisted me immensely; I cannot possibly let you cover this," Black Skull instinctively declined.
"If we are brothers, then cease such talk. I will have further requests for Nigga down the line. Are you attempting to obstruct future assistance by making me feel indebted?" Liu Zheng playfully challenged.
"That's out of the question! Your words strike directly at your Black brother's heart!" Black Skull retorted vehemently.
"Then it is settled. Send me the address. By the way, Nigga, how can a skeleton possess a heart?" Before disconnecting, Liu Zheng delivered a dry jest.
A few moments later, the address arrived from Black Skull.
Black Skull's situation was somewhat pressing; altering notification records after they were issued would incur significant costs.
However, Liu Zheng was uncertain when the next delivery order might arrive, necessitating the dispatch of someone with the funds.
"Whom should I assign for this task?" Liu Zheng mused.
Niu Daji and his team were occupied on Bathhouse Street, and recalling them would consume valuable time.
Bai Tianshi and Luo Ping had just concluded a major assignment; tasking them with another immediate job would be unreasonable.
This particular errand was too minor for Doctor Nile...
"I've got it. She will handle it," Liu Zheng decided, dialing Wang Manni's number.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Deliveryman," Wang Manni greeted with evident enthusiasm.
While Mr. Deliveryman's recent frequent contact was primarily for business-related matters, she still felt a sense of delight.
"Good afternoon. Are you currently available? I require your assistance with a matter," Liu Zheng stated plainly.
"Certainly, I am free. Please proceed," Wang Manni replied without hesitation.
"Proceed to this address and deliver two hundred thousand to my associate. I will compensate you with a twenty percent interest," Liu Zheng instructed, simultaneously forwarding Black Skull's contact information to her.
"Understood. Could you describe my friend's characteristics?" Wang Manni inquired, not fully registering the latter part of his statement.
"He works in sanitation, and he is a black skeleton," Liu Zheng informed her.
"Got it. Is there anything else I need to prepare?" Wang Manni asked further.
"No, that will be all," Liu Zheng confirmed.
"Very well, I will depart immediately," Wang Manni declared, abruptly ending the call.
"Your associate might be qualified as a wedding planner," Niu Ma remarked, having overheard the conversation.