Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 1225: Chapter 935: The Last Chance

Liz glanced at Huai Shi and suddenly asked in return, ”What, is that Sun Caster behind you willing to join the American Genealogy under the constraints of the Sky’s Command?”

”Or are you planning to change your allegiance? If that’s the case, I wouldn’t mind helping you write a report.”

”Is this where we start bargaining?”

Huai Shi spread his hands regretfully, ”Sorry, but you can forget about the Sun Caster. I’m quite comfortable in the Ivory Tower... For someone like me, an external assignment is probably the most my boss would accept.

If you know too much company secret and then plan to job-hop, the Anti-Treason Team will come after you.”

”So it seems you can’t entirely call the shots either, huh?”

Liz mocked and suddenly said, ”Sixty Forgers, we will provide Alchemy Apprentices for you, and you just have to train them into Forgers.”

”Doesn’t the Astronomical Society have the documentation for the Forgers’ techniques?” Huai Shi asked, ”Can’t you guys just look at those?”

”If reading books were useful, why would we need teachers?” Liz snorted coldly, ”Besides, don’t you think others can’t see that you’ve hidden some techniques?”

Huai Shi shook his head, ”Look at what you’re saying, I’ve already given the basic and data for free, there’s no reason I should give away even my exclusive practical techniques, right? And sixty is too much, what do you need so many for? Ten is enough for focused training.”

”This isn’t a fish market for bargaining, Huai Shi.”

Liz had no intention of backing down.

In recent days, the Ivy League hasn’t exactly been negligent in cultivating Forgers. Thanks to the excellent potential shown by Huai Shi, everyone has somewhat assigned people to research.

Anyway, with a big family business, some people have nothing to do, arranging some after-school activities can also enrich one’s life.

Then, everyone realized that what they were playing was likely not even the same version as Huai Shi’s.

Without Alchemy Fire, no expertise in Metallography, or other various blessings, even the first hurdle needed time to overcome—without mature Forgers to create Casting Furnaces for apprentices, they had to endure much slower pace and efficiency.

And the skills and high-end application methods not recorded in basic textbooks, who knows how long it would take to figure them out.

Fifty to seventy is the best range the Ivy League came up with after estimating time and manpower. Too much is useless, too little is not practical.

”In that case, it’s impossible to have a Casting Furnace for everyone, Liz.” Huai Shi said, ”And you’ll have to provide the materials, many of which even the Ivory Tower has little stock of.”

”And then you’ll write a number multiple times higher to ask me for reimbursement?”

”How could that be?”

Huai Shi sincerely patted his chest, ”You have to trust my character.”

”Heh.” Liz sneered.

”Honestly, I don’t mind that little amount of stuff, and I don’t plan to stash these techniques in a drawer as treasures, but you guys doing it this way just doesn’t seem cost-effective.” Huai Shi sighed, ”Cultivating your own personnel, it would take at least decades for them to grasp the King of Casting techniques and collaborate with your Scholars and Alchemists for reverse engineering. Whereas with me, I could handle it in no time, why bother?”

But under Liz’s insistence, Huai Shi could only reluctantly give in.

They don’t even understand that it’s better to rent than to buy or make.

This wasteful woman!

Never mind, at worst I’ll sell them a few watered-down versions, they won’t notice anyway...

”Well, let’s talk about something else then.”

After sealing the deal on this Ivy League and Ivory Tower collaborative project, Huai Shi casually reminded, ”Utopia’s assets shouldn’t be abused.”

Natural treasures, only those worthy should possess them.

Good things should still be in the hands of good people.

Liz gave him a deep look and emphasized, ”America will not sell its land.”

”Of course, strengthening ties, deep cooperation, and close coordination will inevitably be the main theme for both of us.”

Huai Shi understood and smilingly proposed, ”As outsiders, the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy has no intention to criticize America’s cities... As an investor, I prefer to just sit back and earn money without doing anything. But for a win-win situation, some urban issues must be addressed and rectified.”

Just want money, not land.

Anyone can have the independent city-states’ seats in the American federation if you get my nod first.

Liz immediately emphasized again, ”The property of American citizens is sacred and inviolable.”

”Indeed, the interests of investors should be guaranteed, I even think more external investment should be attracted here to create some new things, gambling dens alone are quite boring!

If you ask me, things should develop in an all-rounded manner of virtue, intellect, physique, aesthetics, and labor! To tell you the truth, I’ve already started planning desert greening...”

Huai Shi raised both hands in enthusiasm, ”We are willing to join hands with residents to build a more colorful Dreamland!”

The noble investments remain untouched, and can even be increased.

Fellows, don’t worry, our Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy just wants money, doesn’t kill.

Have money, everyone earns together.

How shameful it is to eat alone? The more people there are to share the soup, the less likely the pot will get overturned.

But when I do the project, you lot better not meddle too much, alright?

Liz again solemnly emphasized, ”Tradition and human rights must be protected.”

”Of course, every soul is born free and noble.”

Huai Shi replied without hesitation, ”We respect every skin color and every ethnicity, even the Beastified Characteristic Beings will receive fair treatment here.”

Whether you move the Indian People or the Aztecs, even Roman immigrants over here, is of no concern, but I’ve got Beastified Characteristic Beings here, aren’t you scared?

If you want to have a chat about this, Huai Shi isn’t sleepy. As King of Tanbo, he inherently stands on the moral high ground of political correctness, looking down, able to strike whoever he pleases.

If he wants, he could spit on the hill saying it’s too high, and tens of thousands of Beastified Characteristic Beings would help flatten it for him immediately.

Accompanied by their back-and-forth question and answer, Douglas’s heart gradually sank to the bottom.

It was as if witnessing an interrogation scene between the son-in-law meeting the father-in-law.

It looked serious and tense on the surface, but in reality, with each question from the father-in-law and each answer from the son-in-law, everyone moved closer to a predetermined outcome.

How much is your income? Do you have a house? Do you have a car? How promising is your job?

Every answer was above standard, even beyond expectations.

Next, all that remains is to check birth dates and review fortunes, then everyone can join in harmonious visions of a bright future together.

Except for the daughter who has to marry into the Douglas family, there’s practically no issue!

Regarding this point, it seems neither side really cares...

When Liz stood before the negotiating table, all outcomes were no longer under her control.

Finally, when the conversation at the table came to an end, Liz looked deeply at Huai Shi, reminding him: ”On this piece of land, every transaction will be witnessed by God, Huai Shi, I hope you can keep your promise—”

”The Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy will not let down a single friend.”

Huai Shi smiled and extended his hand: ”Pleasure to cooperate!”

Liz’s fingers were slender and strong, firm as iron, they briskly touched Huai Shi’s before she withdrew, giving him one last look: ”I hope so.”

From this moment on, the American Genealogy first ended its observation.

Decided to make a bet.

Joined this grand gamble initiated by Luo Su.

In ten minutes, this news would spread across the entire world, placed before every observer. The crucial stride for the reconstruction of the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy was in Huai Shi’s hands, within his grasp.

Now, the war hadn’t arrived, and this city birthed from mistakes seventy years ago was about to welcome its new master!

For many, it’s undoubtedly ominous clouds gathering overhead, a storm is approaching. Yet others seem to see a chance for prominence, taking action in their ecstatic joy.

However, regarding the innumerable luxuries and indulgence, Huai Shi didn’t care.

Is it fun?

No fun compares to manipulating students.

He even spends five minutes pondering on buying a monthly pass.

Financial number games have never meant anything to Huai Shi, just like this illusory city before him.

It belongs to you.

Then open the box and take a glance, put it on the shelf. Its purpose is to be displayed with other things.

Solve these troubles, leave it to Luo Su.

Anyway, he had no intention of getting involved further.

Only, before leaving the vault, he suddenly remembered there was one final task to complete.

Thus, Huai Shi paused his steps, turned around, looking at the frail old man on the wheelchair.

Beside the wheelchair, the young man with an iron-blue face glared at him, but soon, having lost courage, diverted his gaze.

In the silence, beneath the oxygen mask, there was only the weary and labored breath of the elderly.

”This is your last chance, sir.”

Huai Shi calmly reminded, ”If you want mutual destruction, this is all you have left.”

On the wheelchair, Douglas hopelessly shut his eyes.

Only the final choice remained.

Then, Douglas hesitated no more.

When those clouded eyes lifted again, he had already bowed before Huai Shi’s feet, devoutly praising: ”Mr. Huai Shi, Las Vegas pledges loyalty to you!”

”Very good.”

Huai Shi approvingly nodded, reaching out, resting his hand on Douglas’ emaciated shoulder, softly declaring: ”Then remember, Mr. Douglas—now you stand upon the land of Utopia.

Perhaps, you will be dissatisfied or resentful about everything that happens in the future, but you must ultimately understand one thing.”

Huai Shi lowered his head, mercifully reminded in his ear:

”—You live because of this.”

In the long silence, Huai Shi turned around, footsteps gradually fading away.

On the floor, Douglas dragged his cumbersome oxygen equipment, sweat like rain, deeply bowed his head, never daring to raise it again.

.

.

When Huai Shi carried his suit coat, took small leisurely steps out of the base, he saw Luo Su leaning against the car, whistling in the vast desert. An Arctic polar bear smoked a cigar, happily humming old jazz tunes.

Huai Shi gave him a side glance, asking with disdain: ”Did you ever think, what if I failed?”

”Then wait and seize the opportunity for a comeback.”

Luo Su casually waved his hand, ”You’re still young, certainly you’ll have a chance in the future.”

”What if I fail too?” Huai Shi retorted.

”Ha, you still have students, right? But forget about the Lin family’s brat, I favor Yuan Yuan, you should intensify her training.”

”Is it just because she’s a girl?” Huai Shi squinted.

Luo Su bewilderingly looked over: ”Why can’t a girl become King of Genealogy? Huai Shi, this is your bias! From our Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy, two generations’ reign were actually queens, change your deeply rooted macho mindset, or you’ll suffer in the future!”

Arguing with this Old Turtle always leads to a stroke from anger.

Huai Shi didn’t want to bother him.

And Luo Su, had already opened the driver’s seat door, beckoning to him: ”Come, Huai Shi, I heard there’s good wine here. I’ll buy you a drink!

What do you want to drink? Tequila? Whiskey?”

”Whatever, as long as you don’t swipe my card at the end... ”

Huai Shi leaned back in the passenger seat, closed his eyes, feeling the weighty fatigue engulfing him.

He slept heavily.

The car started again, heading into the mirage city in the distant desert, gradually vanished in the sounds of ancient blues tunes.