Chapter 171 – The Gods Won’t Respond to You
Because of the Soul Flower matter, Jian Luo finally stopped worrying excessively about the cubs’ illusions. He began to immerse himself in work, diligently running to Phoenix Terrace for the recent chip development by the research institute. He frequently inquired after his mentor and earnestly made homemade cookies and pastries.
Zhan Wentai: “Spit it out.”
Jian Luo innocently: “Huh?”
“What do you need from me?” Zhan Wentai set down his book, looking at him with a hint of resignation. “Keeping it to yourself won’t make it any less exhausting.”
Jian Luo pretended for a moment longer: “Master, what do you take me for? I just wanted to check on your health and show filial piety.”
Zhan Wentai, expressionless: “I’m in my prime here at Phoenix.”
“…”
Jian Luo chuckled awkwardly: “I meant to check on you.”
Zhan Wentai stood up: “I have things to attend to.”
“Wait, wait!” Jian Luo quickly stopped him. “I… I have something to say!”
So he laid out his thoughts, about the chips and his own plans. Finally, he discussed his views on chip pricing; he wasn’t excessively greedy and was willing to buy in bulk if Phoenix Platform could provide them at a reasonable price.
After listening, Zhan Wentai said, “Do you know the cost of these chips and their bulk production price?”
Jian Luo: “How much?”
“A thousand stars per chip,” Zhan Wentai’s gaze fixed on Jian Luo. “That’s just the cost.”
Jian Luo’s heart sank. If he needed ten thousand chips, that amount wouldn’t be trivial, and that was just the cost.
Zhan Wentai continued, “How much are you prepared to discuss with me?”
…
Jian Luo fell silent.
After some thought, he said, “Could I start with a smaller purchase to save some?”
He was short on manpower now, and chips were necessary. However, their high price was daunting. He could start with a smaller quantity to enable communication among some, then gradually increase procurement as the economy improved.
Zhan Wentai, in his divine robe, appeared inviolable and sacred. Even seated, he maintained a stern and dignified demeanor, resembling a formidable opponent in negotiations. Just when Jian Luo was struggling, he said, “We’ll cooperate. The chips will be provided free of charge.”
Jian Luo looked up in surprise. “What?”
“After our herbal research yields results, disregarding manpower and resources, I’ll prioritize providing 500 units to the Phoenix clan,” Zhan Wentai’s voice was cold and indisputable. “As a gesture, we will provide chips for free.”
At that moment, Jian Luo suddenly felt like everything was a setup.
How coincidental that the chips from Phoenix Platform were ready just when he needed them. Zhan Wentai managed the Earth research institute, and there were researchers there. He must have known about Earth’s herbs long ago and made arrangements accordingly.
Jian Luo smiled faintly. “No problem.”
Zhan Wentai nodded. “We’ll sign a contract later, and I’ll have someone in charge coordinate with you.”
“Sure, I can handle this matter myself,” Jian Luo readily agreed, standing up to shake hands with Zhan Wentai. “Looking forward to a fruitful collaboration.”
Zhan Wentai stood and extended his hand, cool and elegant as jade. “Likewise.”
Only with strength could one negotiate with others. Dark Star was a world of survival of the fittest. Connections themselves weren’t wealth, but with enough power, one could be unstoppable in any endeavor.
…
Next day
“We’ve received approximately 36,000 applications for our recruitment.”
“The specific interviews will be scheduled for around 8 a.m. You might need to come over.”
“The final revised version of the employee contract is here for your review.”
“The Labor Bureau will be contacting us at 1 p.m. to discuss preparation funds.”
“At eight o’clock tonight, there’s a reception for new employees…”
Qing’er stood at the table, going through today’s schedule and Jian Luo’s daily routine report, then began reporting on the financial situation: “This month’s meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning. All department heads and above have already been scheduled to report. Compared to last month, the output and revenue of the lower factories have increased by 30%, indicating initial success with the merit-based system.”
In the past, everyone just did their fixed tasks in the village without any competition or desire to work more. Since the factory’s labor system reform, everything has changed. With more work comes more rewards; every month, exemplary workers receive substantial bonuses, outstanding employees have opportunities for promotion and pay raises, and there are even spots for immigration to Earth. As a result, the efficiency of every position has increased several times over.
Qing’er smiled and said, “Luo Luo, this strategy of yours is brilliant.”
Jian Luo modestly replied, “It’s not brilliance, just something I learned from others.”
As for who he learned it from, everyone tacitly understood.
Progress at the factory and on Earth was exceptionally promising. By the end of the month, Jian Luo had received numerous urgent and high-paying orders from extraterrestrial sources. With the new recruits settling in, the efficiency of the assembly line had improved, leading to significant profits.
With work matters settled, Jian Luo started worrying more about family affairs.
He would visit the children’s soul flowers every few days. The little ones were generally fine; he had expected the three young princes to be timid and easily scared by beasts and dangers after losing their safe haven. However, reality surpassed his expectations. Once they truly lost their sanctuary, the children began to grow visibly faster. From being scared away by wild chickens to hunting with ease, from trembling in fear when surrounded to cautiously confronting greater numbers, their progress was remarkable.
Lu Shifeng remarked, “They’re not as weak as you thought.”
Jian Luo watched the scene in amazement and amusement, “It’s really surprising.”
“My dear, they won’t be lacking,” Lu Shifeng said gently, patting Jian Luo’s head. “You’ve taught them well.”
Jian Luo asked curiously, “But I didn’t teach them how to hunt.”
Lu Shifeng shook his head slowly. “The dragon clan has a martial nature. If their temperament leans toward aggression, they can easily lose control in their first trial, whether on the battlefield or elsewhere. It’s not advisable. Without proper guidance, they could easily go astray.”
Jian Luo suddenly remembered Lu Shifeng’s own first trial.
Lu Shifeng looked at Jian Luo and said, “You’ve given them plenty of love, so they won’t stray. That’s more important than anything.”
Looking at the tall man beside him, Jian Luo felt a lump in his throat. He hugged Lu Shifeng. “Have I given you enough love? Please don’t stray either.”
Lu Shifeng smiled at his slight pouting. He lifted his hand to caress the head in his arms, his voice deep and magnetic. “Don’t always look so downcast. I’m not planning my funeral just yet.”
Jian Luo laughed through his tears.
Though Lu Shifeng comforted him repeatedly, Jian Luo still couldn’t shake off his worries. Privately, he researched a lot about the realm of the Dragon King. The more he read, the colder his heart grew. Almost uniformly, every Dragon King emerged stronger after their first transformation from the realm, but equally uniformly, their passing, aside from battlefield deaths, almost always occurred during their transformation.
…
Jian Luo told himself not to worry, but he couldn’t control his thoughts.
He began praying to the Bodhisattva, imploring God, and constantly reciting prayers. If conditions allowed, he would even bring back a statue for worship, though such behavior seemed eccentric to others.
Even Su Liang said, “Luo Luo, don’t stress yourself too much.”
Jian Luo didn’t know how to explain that he wasn’t going crazy, so he could only say, “Mom, I’m really not crazy. I just read about a way to pray in ancient books.”
Su Liang still replied with pity, “It’s okay, Luo Luo. Try to be more open-minded and trust the Marshal.”
“…”
No one believed him anyway.
Jian Luo decided not to explain further. He would let things take their course. He had thought that Lu Shifeng wouldn’t find out about his behavior, but after some time passed, just before Lu Shifeng was about to enter his transformation period, Jian Luo was pulled by the Marshal one evening to a secret chamber.
Jian Luo was nervous. “Why are we here?”
Lu Shifeng gestured for him to sit down. The Marshal pressed something on the wall, and before Jian Luo’s eyes, the wall split open with creaking sounds in the dark night. Gradually, a dark box emerged from the wall. The entire box was black with intricate golden patterns, exuding a mysterious aura.
Jian Luo was curious. “What is this?”
Lu Shifeng opened the box and placed something in front of Jian Luo. He said, “It’s for you.”
Inside was a black stone, within which red flames burned vigorously. The tiny flames looked cute yet stubborn. The black stone felt cool to the touch, yet it housed intense heat within.
“This is a part of my soul fire,” Lu Shifeng said.
？
Jian Luo was shocked.
“Don’t worry, it won’t harm my body. It’s made from my scales,” Lu Shifeng placed the stone into Jian Luo’s hand. “When I enter the illusion realm, if there’s any life-threatening danger, the soul fire will extinguish. If not, it means I’m safe.”
Jian Luo was speechless. Had Lu Shifeng noticed his worries and anxieties all along, to reassure him like this?
This man had always carefully guarded his heart, extraordinarily gentle.
Seeing Jian Luo looking at him with reddened eyes, Lu Shifeng gently cupped Jian Luo’s face with his rough palm. In his eyes, he could clearly see the figure of the young man before him. Leaning down, he placed a light kiss on Jian Luo’s smooth forehead, whispering in a somewhat reverent tone near Jian Luo’s ear, “The gods may not answer you, but I will. Trust me, not them.”
T/N: Ahhh, the end is near! Finally… after so many months!
Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/
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If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield
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What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love
How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep
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