A man hurriedly walked into the room that had just been opened, furnished with brown sugar milk tea and a hot water pot for rest.
The gentleman inside quietly removed his coat, sat down on the sofa with aflump, and watched the man in his thirties, dressed in a brown long-sleeved coat, enter.
“Sir, Mr. Geon Justin. “
The man in the brown coat turned and approached the pristine black coffee table, holding an envelope in his hand. “There are some just-delivered reports for you, sir. “
“Where are they from? “
Rivia, with his thick eyebrows, looked at him with a deep, probing gaze, waiting for an answer.
“One is from General Ordlev, and the other is from Aida Wen in the southeast. “
The man continued, slightly uneasy:
“General Ordlev… the officer by his side didn’t respond to us, but instead… “
“Instead…? “
“They have dispatched a Double Lions Squad; according to intelligence, they took two planes suspected to belong to the Science Demon and headed toward Blackwen Zark. “
The atmosphere in the room instantly became thick and somber for a moment.
The man, who hadn’t yet smoothed his draped jacket, paused briefly before quickly spreading the folded garment and slipping his arm into it.
“The Old General cannot be relied on. “
In the eyes of the person in brown, the standing gentleman appeared solemn and stern, exuding a powerful, oppressive aura.
The reporter felt as if his entire body, from the inside out, had been instantly scoured by a formidable force. So this person quickly said to this “Justin “:
“Mr. Geon Justin, the team on Aida Wen’s side has already gathered the city’s citizens under the pretext of broadcasting the auction results. The target in Saran Metropolis has also arrived and is currently making contact with them. “
“Using this person as a starting point is a bit inadequate, but it’s workable. Wait for my signal. “
With that, the gentleman walked out the door among the items this person had just turned to hand him.
“Immediately destroy the letter from the Oldreff region. “
From outside the door came the gentleman’s suddenly ethereal voice.
“Tell Kong Qi, if he comes looking for me, to go to the noontime location. “
Not long after.
Kong Qi, wearing his hat, ran with a thud right up to the path before this wooden shack.
“Where’s the gentleman? “
“He has already left, but he said for you to go to the noontime location. “
“Noontime! ” Kong Qi’s expression shifted slightly.
If noon is still at that expected house somewhere, then things are not developing as anticipated.
He looked at the remaining envelope in the hand of the person waiting at the door.
“Give me this letter, please. “
“Oh, certainly, Mr. Kong Qi. “
Holding the letter, Kong Qi turned and left with it in hand.
Soon after, a civilian aircraft took off from a nearby area, facing a much weaker cold wind.
But aside from the pilot, the plane carried nothing but one envelope. Flying low, it flaunted its way beneath gloomy clouds toward a stretch of dilapidated city in the distance.
……
While nations watched the day’s developments with tense, close attention, the auction hosted by the World Ark was in full, lively swing.
“This kind of auction—it’s nothing but a plunder of wealth from the cities near us. “
On a sofa draped with colorful gauze, a few people wore gloomy expressions amid clouds of smoke.
“Just an outdated piece of airship equipment, and it’s actually fetching the West Beach Chamber of Commerce two iron ore factories, plus… five years of their future turnover. “
“And it didn’t even win, ” muttered someone nearby.
In that moment, they were deeply disgusted by such conduct.
For the world—especially areas with floating airships and their zones of influence—this was simply a form of wealth seizure.
But what they resented even more was that people would go along with the World Ark’s unrestrained, blatantly predatory methods of extracting wealth.
“See, isn’t this the World Ark that puts on such a grand show? I told you, people from the Mist World could never do anything genuinely good. “
“They are nothing but a bunch of speculators who conjure up events to gratify their own pleasure. “
The host of the room, dressed in a white shirt and thin-striped pants, stood before the large bookcase by the living room, arms folded, sideways glancing at these people.
“Ah, I say, gentlemen. “
His opening remark drew the attention of the six gentlemen and one lady gathered there.
“At this point, I suggest we all pool our family fortunes together and stake it all on one bet. If we combine our resources, we should be able to win the bid for the only Airship equipment here in Telanaxi. Don’t you realize what that means? “
First, a stern-looking man in his fifties spoke up to veto the idea:
“The owner of this airship is merely an air freight entrepreneur from the surrounding towns. Although he is wealthy, his family has never known any honor. I do not believe that a mere upstart, who made his fortune in land shipping, merits such enormous wealth. Those factories, estates, and mining claims that cannot be liquidated will inevitably fall partly into his hands. “
“I’ve already put up plenty of cash flow, ” another man said, crossing his arms and leaning back into the sofa.
“I think it’s quite foolish for us to lower ourselves to being beggars just to own a Visualizer. “
Another man, wearing a diagonal-stripe hat, squinted and said, “So, who supports Manager Cai Ounce’s proposal? “
A man of about twenty with yellowed teeth rose from the sofa:
“I think in the future, as long as we get past this crisis, a Visualizer broadcast station connected to a world-class signal can still make a decent amount of money. “
“Hmm, tsk~ ” A person on the opposite chair shook their head, while another fell into deep thought.
The only lady present said:
“I can put up the future three years of revenue from my restaurants, but you’ll have to advance the payment for me, and I’ll pay three percent interest. “
“In that case, my factory can do the same. Anyway, I can’t park all of my cash flow here. With so many people coming to our country right now, this is the perfect time to run at full capacity. “
Amid the discussions, “Manager Cai Ounce ” said helplessly to the group:
“Hey, I’m telling you, can’t our Xite Grand Merchants’ Union still manage to do something good together this time? “
“It’s not that we’re unwilling, Manager Ounce. Why do you always think that a Visualizer, which you can’t even see clearly in broad daylight, has much of a money-making potential? “
“Because the times have changed, folks. Besides, that was just a projection. “
Hearing this driveling tone of voice, the man holding a short staff in his hand spread both arms, somewhat exasperated, and said to this person in the room—the one who had come to the capital over a decade ago, making some wealth through speculation:
“If it’s about building a factory for the Visualizer, I can still provide some land support. But this whole broadcasting rights thing? Ha, this unlucky business—I’m not going to bet my entire fortune on it. “
“Alas, gentlemen, what about you then? ” Manager Cai Ounce, holding his arms, knocked his fingers on his arm with a hint of anxiety.
“We share the same opinion. Unless it can be resold, but it’s impossible for anyone to outbid us, at least not on the land of Telanaxi. “
The lady in her forties, sitting upright like a proper lady on the sofa, said with a stern face and a somewhat aggressive tone:
“Sir, if you guarantee to mortgage all the industrial properties and bank bonds you manage to me, then my friends and I can lend you a sum of money. “
“Ah, right, that’s a good approach. ” Someone on the sofa chuckled, “Manager Cai Ounce, do you really think it’s a good deal? Want to bet? After all, you’ve always enjoyed going all in. “
“Sigh~ “
A heavy sigh escaped the mouth of the sharp-eared man with a plain face, who was standing.
He turned his head and smiled at the onlookers, saying:
“There’s no need to push me so hard. I just… want to make some money together with everyone. “
“Haha. We’ve received your goodwill, sir. “
“I heard the bidding for the airship is intense, and the other party doesn’t want to make a big show of it either; they are already urging to conclude it. If you accept our suggestion, you can sign the papers right now. The interest will be halved from back when you first arrived… Five percent. What do you think? “
“Is that so? ” Manager Cai Ounce’s brows lifted slightly. “Ah, truly reluctantly… Well then, I’ll have to trouble everyone once again to back me up. “
He turned and walked towards a small lacquered floral side table placed horizontally against the wall, pulled open its delicate narrow drawer, and from it took out a stack of printed contracts usable on various occasions, along with a fountain pen.
……
The news that Chairman Yang Buchen was about to start bidding for the ownership rights of the entire third floor exploded in the ears of everyone inside and outside the hotel.
The control of an entire floor of hotel rooms was to be transferred in one shot.
This was an astonishing and enviable affair for those who had been frequenting the hotel, especially for those who, upon touching the key today, had come to witness the marvels of this establishment.
After all, this was no ordinary hotel.
A low murmur of conversation hummed from the several people already gathered on the third floor.
“A protracted match… I heard it’s a gentleman’s agreement drafted between Chairman Buchen and Vice President Wager over this matter.“
“What gentleman?” the young man beside him with short brown hair asked.
“Ah, never mind.” The dry-skinned man let out a small chuckle, “Speaking of which, if you intend to check in here, which room would you pick?“
The gentleman beside him swept his gaze over the wall textures and door numbers that were slightly deeper in shade than those on the second-floor corridor.
His eyes scanned over Room 303, which had its door open; Room 304, diagonally opposite; Room 305, aligned alongside 304; and Room 308, separated from 305 by a long stretch of wall and a wall lamp.
The short brown-haired young man, having narrowed his eyes beneath deep brows to measure his observations several times, chuckled softly and turned his head back to speak:
“Starting a new family—of course I’m looking forward to that. It’s just that no young woman is willing to consider with me where we should register. I figure I’ll find a farm and have the farmer witness the vows—that’s more straightforward. After all, it’s not like I can find a pastor here to perform the ceremony. “
“Hooow… ” The person beside him with parched skin glanced toward Room 305 he’d mentioned and said, “Looks like everyone’s been thinking about how to bid on this room. “
“Oh, you’re right. ” The man beside him snapped his fingers heavily with a flick of his hand.
“That’s something I hadn’t considered—it’s too simple for someone who’s been married. Especially for someone who’s swapped out quite a few wives. “
With that, he continued gazing beside him, his steps wobbling slightly, his eyes sweeping back and forth between Room 306 and Room 307.
“Yeah, dealing with the family gatherings on both sides—are you any good at that? “
“I hadn’t thought about it, but 306 gave me an idea. ” Another chimed in, “Maybe that’s the innkeeper’s personal insight? “
“Well, I completely understand the boss. I don’t want to meet my father-in-law a second time. “
“Me neither. Not that I’ve had one yet—so far anyway. Hmm, if I had to pick one… ” He pointed to Room 309 at the far end, saying “That room might be more my style. “
“What are you all discussing? ” A slightly potbellied young man in a thin jacket with broad shoulders came walking down the stairs.
“Oh, Ao Qi! We were just checking which room works best for bidding—oh no, I mean, if we end up staying here, which would be better for defense. You know, I’m a fantastic catcher. “
This person glanced at Room 309 they were discussing. Although he had only passed by downstairs a few times, any experienced “mist sea traveler” knew to pay attention to things like the room number on the wall and the text beside it.
“Oh, on the theme of significant loss in life,” Ao Qi sneered. “What do you mean, your parents aren’t here anymore?“
“Go to hell, what are you talking about? I mean I’ve lost our chance to get back home, don’t you know that?“
“Ah, so it is!” This person suddenly clapped his hands, and smiled, “Excellent. Now I know exactly how to multiply my determination to guard that room.“
“Damn it!” The short-haired man walked over and, in one punch, struck the slightly overweight younger man’s navel.
In the midst of the commotion, a burst of dense footsteps gathered from upstairs and downstairs. Seeing the dozen or so people closing in, and the silent approach of Sword Thirteen amidst the crowd, everyone in the hallway fell silent, for the real challenge was about to begin.
The crowd parted, and they saw Chairman Yang Buchen approaching alongside a man whose entire face was burnt fiercely.
“Chairman Buchen,” these people greeted him.
“Hello everyone. Hah, quite a crowd.” Yang Zicang, just up from the second floor, smiled at the people who yielded a small path for him, making his way toward the door.
“To be able to witness Chairman Buchen acquire an entire floor of rooms, I’d wager that’s something worth celebrating, wouldn’t you say, everyone?“
“That’s right.“
“I’m quite eager to see if President Wager will be so bold as to honestly hand over all the rooms he holds.“
“Ha ha ha ha. ” Hearing this, the people around all burst into laughter.
Yang Zicang shifted his shoulders at the entrance of Room 302.
The person beside him stretched out a strong arm, clapped his hands twice above his head, “Alright, ” he turned around and said loudly to those behind and around him:
“The way you’re laughing at the Vice President, Commander Wager will be very hurt. “
“Haha, fine, shut up. So, Mr. President, let’s begin. Let us welcome the arrival of the hotel’s new order! “
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Yang Zicang glanced at the silent yellow brass loudspeaker high on the wall at the end of the corridor, then took a deep breath.
He reached out and gently knocked on the door.
Knock, knock-knock.
Soon after the wooden door resounded with the knock, a light click of a lock turning came from within.
Under the gaze of all onlookers, the deep, solid door slowly opened inward.
The air in the passageway collectively sank.
A figure clad in a deep overcoat, with golden-tasseled epaulets on both shoulders and a thick beard, stood in the room, meeting their gazes with profound eyes.
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