Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 715 - 702: An Unexpected Appearance

"Hahaha!" Spring Xiu laughed heartily, "Regarding the goods, I think there’s no need to investigate. I believe President Liu’s commitments will certainly be fulfilled."

"If that’s the case, I think I should be able to leave now." Liu Fugui gazed ahead, his intentions quite clear.

But Spring Xiu’s expression turned somber, as if he had an unspeakable concern. He sighed lightly and said, "I suppose President Liu, as the head of a corporation, understands the difficulties involved, especially in this dreadful situation at hand. Survival is tough, and calling someone ’Big Brother’ isn’t done lightly; we must live up to the trust of those beneath us. Wouldn’t you agree, President Liu, that for the sake of your son I have lost several comrades, whose families depend on me to support them? This is truly a heavy burden!"

Liu Fugui, being a shrewd individual, knew exactly what Spring Xiu meant: he was planning to demand more money, and at this moment, the sum was sure to be no small amount.

Liu Fugui particularly despised people breaking promises and lacking integrity.

Typically, those who attempted such methods with him now lie buried underground.

But today’s circumstances forced Liu Fugui to suppress his nature. He nodded strategically and said, "Well, I understand Spring Xiu’s concerns. However, everyone is struggling now. I can’t offer much, so how about this? Once I return, I’ll send Spring Xiu half a truckload of goods."

Taking preemptive action, Liu Fugui revealed his offer before Spring Xiu could name a price, a common negotiation tactic in business which normally requires a condition: that there is no extreme disparity of interests between parties. However, now it was clear that Liu Fugui was at a disadvantage; he was aware of this fact, but it was the most appropriate and prudent method he could think of at the moment.

He could only hope the other party would accept, or not set an exorbitant price on this basis.

For him, leaving the place safely was the priority.

"Hehe!" Spring Xiu sneered twice, not in a hurry to respond. He slowly pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, while a subordinate promptly took out a lighter to offer him a light. After two puffs, Spring Xiu squinted at Liu Fugui and mocked, "President Liu, you’re joking with us, aren’t you? My men died saving your precious son, what do you take them for? And what do you take me, Spring Xiu, for—a beggar? Just half a truckload? Are you mocking us as idiots?"

"Dad, they didn’t..."

"Yunpeng!" Liu Fugui pulled his son into his arms. He knew exactly what his son wanted to say.

But those words were not suitable to be uttered here and now because exposing the other party’s lies would only drag them into an even more dangerous situation.

It was for this reason that Liu Fugui interrupted his son from speaking the truth, "Let Dad handle this, you mustn’t interrupt."

After comforting Liu Yunpeng and ensuring he wouldn’t speak again, Liu Fugui turned back to Spring Xiu and spoke sincerely, "Big problems are big, small problems are small; I absolutely understand Spring Xiu’s difficulties, and I had absolutely no intention of what Spring Xiu inferred in his words. Regarding Spring Xiu’s belief that my compensation is insufficient, I can also understand. However, please understand that the goods I offered have already reached my limit; if there’s more, my brothers at home won’t be able to continue in the coming days."

"President Liu, saying that is pointless. I don’t think there’s anyone in the entire DZ county who doesn’t know you’re the king of food. With such a large business, offering half a truckload and crying poor with me—isn’t that a bit unjust to the brothers who risked their lives for your son? Humph!" Spring Xiu had a look of bullying beyond measure.

Liu Fugui didn’t react much to this; everything was within his expectations, so he asked calmly, "Then according to Spring Xiu’s meaning, what offer do I need to provide to compensate for your brothers regarding my son?"

"Hehe, it’s simple. In this apocalypse, everything else is secondary; having a safe place and sufficient supplies is more important than anything. And President Liu, your current Factory happens to meet both those conditions. So..."

"I see, I understand. Spring Xiu, rest assured, as long as you’re willing, you can lead your brothers to live at my place. On this point, I, Liu, can make a pledge to you. Covering food and lodging won’t mistreat any brother!" Liu Fugui quickly calculated in his mind.

Presently, there were just 7 of them on the other side in total, while his Factory had around 30 people. From a numerical perspective, as long as they came to his territory, it would be under his control.

However, since the meeting began, Spring Xiu had intentionally and inadvertently exposed the grip at his waist, uncertainly indicating whether it was true or false; if it was a real gun, just one wouldn’t be intimidating, but if there were two or more, that would be problematic.

Human flesh ultimately can’t withstand bullets, no matter how tough someone is. But now wasn’t the time for such concerns, for as long as he could mislead them to his territory, his safety and odds of success would increase substantially; based on probability theory, this plan seemed reliable and feasible.

However, Spring Xiu waved his hand repeatedly, laughing, "President Liu, I think you misunderstood. My brothers and I plan to settle at your place, but not as guests, but as the host."

Spring Xiu deliberately stressed the word "host" near Liu Fugui’s ear, which sounded particularly grating to him.

Host? Liu Fugui chuckled, "Spring Xiu’s demand seems a bit excessive. All conditions were stated by you beforehand, and I didn’t haggle at all, doing everything as you said. Now you’re asking for more; I’ve happily accepted. But for me to surrender the Factory, hmph, that’s unreasonable!"

"Reasonable?" A woman’s voice inappropriately came from outside the room: "Liu Fugui, it’s truly disgusting to hear you talk. Just who are you to speak of reason—what a joke!"

"Huiru!" Liu Yunpeng could hardly believe his eyes. Entering the room from outside was none other than the mysteriously disappeared Li Huiru!

Li Huiru’s appearance greatly shocked Liu Fugui as well; this sudden change disrupted his original plans and arrangements. The situation now developed into something more complicated and troublesome than he anticipated, making it unlikely to leave with his son safe today.

Terror-stricken, Liu Fugui hastily calmed himself down. The more critical the moment, the more one shouldn’t panic. He knowingly asked, "Huiru, how are you here?"

Li Huiru frowned her brows with disdainful arrogance and responded, "President Liu’s acting is indeed remarkable. You’re asking why I’m here? Hehe, shouldn’t this be clearest in your mind? Aren’t you surprised I’m alive?"

"Huiru, what are you talking about! Dad would never ask you to die!!" All along, Liu Yunpeng subjectively believed Li Huiru’s disappearance was orchestrated by Huang Yong, so he certainly couldn’t understand what Li Huiru implied.

Li Huiru glanced sideways at Liu Yunpeng, saying disdainfully, "What can an idiot like you understand? If you want to know the details, ask your father yourself!"

Li Huiru’s coldness left Liu Yunpeng bewildered, prompting him to seek his father’s help, "Dad, what’s going on, why did Huiru say she’s surprised you wanted her dead? Could it be you kicked her out of the Factory?" (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, visit Qidian.com and cast your recommended votes or monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)