Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 1289: Chapter 984: Sleep-Talk (Part 2)

Under the dim light of the setting sun, an elderly man draped in a Yingzhou robe sat across from Huai Shi, his smile gentle.

”Mr. Huai Shi, how have you been?”

Huai Shi’s pen paused, interrupting his design thoughts for Sky Que. He raised his eyes and looked over, decisively putting the pen aside and straightforwardly asking:

”Why have you come, Mr. Nanbu?”

He had no habit of playing games with the old foxes from Deer’s Sing Hall. Directness was best, especially when dealing with old turtles raised in dirty waters; playing tricks was the dumbest.

Besides, he did not intend to make any promises or guarantees without consulting his advisors.

”I figured you should know.”

Nanbu smiled calmly: ”You seem dissatisfied with our method of cooperation, but please don’t misunderstand. We simply wish to establish joint interests with Tanbo.”

Thus, he admitted without concern that the morning discussions were indeed his doing.

But aside from Deer’s Sing Hall, gathering court officials, who else wielded such influence to unite the giant corporations scattered across Yingzhou?

Indeed, Huai Shi had already anticipated this.

”Honestly, we’ve had numerous internal disagreements on how to approach Tanbo. But regardless of our views, we don’t want to let conflicts flare-up and cause unhappiness for both parties.”

Nanbu admitted frankly: ”In contrast, mutual benefit is the best scenario. We wish to deepen our ties with Tanbo, and also hope for greater overlap in interests with you.

You needn’t think poorly of us. Additionally, given the burgeoning size of the Heavenly Kingdom Genealogy, we wouldn’t seek enmity with it lightly.

Why couldn’t we be friends, Mr. Huai Shi?”

He said: ”I can assure you, this will be a win-win.”

Both sides express sincerity, Tanbo earns orders, while manufacturers secure supplies. Cooperating and maintaining a tighter relationship, setting the stage for further collaboration in the future.

If things could develop as Nanbu said, it indeed would be a win-win.

Yet, Huai Shi’s expression remained indifferent, only retorting: ”Aside from a win-win, I have no other choice, right?”

”We came with cooperative intentions.”

Nanbu reiterated: ”If you accept our goodwill, time will prove everything.”

”Actually, there’s no need for anything to prove anything.” Huai Shi shook his head, ”Since it’s a cooperation, there should be a basis for working together, and the luxury of not working together.”

”Waving the banner of goodwill, disregarding others’ consent, forcibly inserting yourself into someone else’s territory, all to gain so-called friendship and trust... Mr. Nanbu, that’s not how cooperation should work.”

Huai Shi eyed the elderly man before him, puzzled, ”Did you mistake Tanbo for Yoshiwara? We don’t have Kabuki here.”

He wasn’t opposed to cooperation.

In fact, as long as it pertained to Tanbo’s livelihood and future, he didn’t mind making more compromises on trivial matters. But now Deer’s Sing Hall sought cooperation with such an attitude?

Even coming in with hands outstretched, trying to meddle in Tanbo’s lifeblood.

Hoping to gobble up large chunks of the pie.

On what basis?

Did you think you’ve already got me wrapped around your finger?

”It seems you still have some misunderstandings about us, but that’s alright.” Nanbu regretfully rose, not angry, still smiling as he replied: ”Deer’s Sing Hall’s goodwill will be reserved for you. Whenever you need cooperation, we will respond.

We look forward to you changing your mind at next week’s all-parties meeting.”

”I’ll consider it.”

Huai Shi nodded, pressing the phone, asking Secretary Yuan Yuan to see the guest out.

Will he consider it?

It’s absurd to think he will!

Not only that, Huai Shi even suspected that Tanbo’s anomalies these days might be Deer’s Sing Hall’s doing. Anyway, someone needs to be blamed, so why not choose someone you disdain?

Moreover, if they truly harbored some plot, they would surely take further action.

No shortage of evidence to catch.

.

After Nanbu left, Huai Shi didn’t do much work but instead took out his phone and started gaming. Then, at seven, he clocked off punctually.

Overtime? Impossible. How enjoyable it is to slack off.

However, as he walked into the first-floor lobby, he heard faint commotion outside.

Beyond the main doors, a dozen or so people held signs high, shouting towards the inside.

”Freedom! We want freedom!”

”Reject exploitation!”

”Reject sweatshops!”

”Everyone’s Tanbo, built by everyone!”

The slogans were exaggerated, almost making Huai Shi think he’d done something outrageous. Not far away, security guards blocked a few people from coming in.

Seeing Huai Shi walk out, they called his name, raising their materials trying to come over.

”What’s going on?”

Huai Shi turned back, puzzled, asking Yuan Yuan, ”Are they here to chase up TV bills? We don’t seem to have cable, right?”

”No, they’re from the Wanderers’ Freedom Alliance.”

Yuan Yuan answered: ”They’ve come here several times these days, claiming they want to see you, all irrelevant matters.”

Huai Shi frowned.

He had some impression of that so-called alliance.

It seemed to be a group of Beastified Characteristic Beings roaming between borders, claiming its aim was to liberate all hybrids seeking a free future, yet ultimately just loud-mouthed, achieving little. If they had any accomplishments, they wouldn’t be relying on Huai Shi to build Tanbo.

Underneath, their actions weren’t exactly pure.

No courage to fight for external power, instead reputations for exploiting their peers internally...

Since Tanbo was established, this type of organization basically lost its market. Yet Huai Shi hadn’t expected them to now flood into Tanbo.

”What are they doing?” Huai Shi asked.

Unusually, the girl known for her poise and demeanor showed disdain.

”They claim to represent the masses, vying for their deserved rights, demanding Tanbo form a citizen’s council... Want a say in Potion production, participate in Tanbo’s operations.”

After hearing this, Huai Shi was stunned for a long time, sincerely admiring.

”...Sounds really good, almost like living in a dream.”

If they spent a bit less time soaking in the bathhouse, maybe they wouldn’t have filled their heads with so much nonsense.

Just outside the door, Old William saw Huai Shi approaching, immediately showing a warm smile, proactively stepping up, extending his hand: ”Mr. Huaizhi, I...”

The hand gripped empty air.

Right before him, Huai Shi, alongside Yuan Yuan, brushed past without any pause.

As if he didn’t see him at all.

They laughed and chatted with each other, walking forward.

Not once did Huai Shi cast a glance.

William stood in place, his smile gradually stiffening.

For a while, unable to hide the growing grim expression.

He swished his sleeve and left.