Chapter 456: Chapter 456
"Do you need a plan? Then what do you want to plan?" Jing Shu asked, squinting. The materials had been taken yesterday. The longer they were gone, the more likely they were to be used or even divided up. It would be difficult to retrieve them even if she killed the perpetrators. Therefore, retrieving them now was the best choice.
That batch of materials from the United States, reclaimed from the Underground Black Market, had primarily been purchased with several hundred thousand Black Market Coins Fat Chicken had won. It consisted of tons of grain, wheat, salt, oil, fabric, pig bristles (important strategic materials), and cattle and sheep hides. These crucial materials were very useful to Jing Shu, so she was determined to retrieve them.
Jing Shu had initially suspected an organized, premeditated theft. Perhaps it was Li Yuetian’s immediate superior, or high-ranking Government officials colluding, or even some influential figure interested in the materials transported from the United States. However, she was surprised to find it was the dying ruler of Wu City, unable to stay quiet even on his deathbed, who had caused this mess. His prodigal son was involved, and it had even affected her.
Some people were extorted by Gold Dominator, or even had many things taken from them outright. Were they willing to just swallow their anger and remain silent? Apparently so, because Gold Dominator was discerning, picking his targets carefully. For someone with an insignificant background like Li Yuetian, Gold Dominator could take everything without fear of protest. Li Yuetian was seen as an easy target. This was clear from how he had exhausted himself yesterday, trying and failing to resolve the issue. These goods had been transported from the Imperial Capital, yet Gold Dominator dared to seize them and even sent a message: "If someone from the Imperial Capital comes, I’ll give them my regards. Isn’t it just a matter of selling a favor?" His tone was remarkably arrogant.
Li Yuetian knew that if he involved the Imperial Capital, he would offend both sides. Retrieving the materials would mean angering Gold Dominator and owing the Imperial Capital a favor. As for reporting to the supervisory department... that was a childish notion. In the adult world, if you report someone, you must be prepared to uproot an entire tree, not just pluck a blade of grass. Simply put, when you had the upper hand, it was better to strike decisively than to whine and complain. Whether in the apocalypse or in times of peace, this was the helplessness felt by those without power. Read full story at 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
"Let’s go. We really don’t need a plan." Li Yuetian had considered all possible options and even called Yang Yang. Yang Yang had replied instantly, "Once it’s in that local emperor’s hands, why don’t you just assassinate him? Everyone in Wu City would support you."
Jing Shu had many methods to retrieve the materials. One was to expose him. If such an atrocious act, offending both heaven and earth, became public knowledge through the internet, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar. Not only would the materials be returned, but she would also gain a surge of fame. However, once the attention faded, she might disappear as well. Jing Shu couldn’t bear such consequences. Even if public opinion forced Gold Dominator’s execution, she would be next to die unless his entire family was eradicated. Even if Jing Shu were formidable enough to kill anyone who came after her, her family would then be in danger.
Another way was to use even greater power to suppress him. For example, she could join the S-level national elite, gaining unrestricted privileges, and leverage the Imperial Capital’s most mysterious and highest-ranking organization to pressure him. However, Jing Shu wasn’t considering this.
"When a naughty child does something wrong, it’s up to their father to step in. This matter isn’t that serious. Just make him return it the same way he took it." Jing Shu found herself consoling Li Yuetian. Besides, she felt she wouldn’t be doing justice to her own efforts if she didn’t vent this pent-up anger.
In Li Yuetian’s impression, Jing Shu had always been polite, humble, kind, gentle, and fond of helping others. But this time, after returning from the United States, she seemed to have inadvertently revealed her true nature, tearing away that mask of feigned kindness.
She’s boasting to high heaven. Let’s see what we’ll do after his father dies. As they sat together in the pickup heading to the Government family compound, Li Yuetian was already considering where he should transfer after Gold Dominator’s father died. It’s no use staying here. I must contact a few comrades today. Otherwise, I might as well return to my hometown in Sichuan. I heard there are plenty of henpecked husbands there to exchange experiences with.
Jing Shu’s thoughts also drifted. In fact, she had another reason for approaching the ruler of Wu City directly: she wanted to determine if her butterfly effect had caused his death. Although she couldn’t recall the exact time of this person’s death, she knew the Tyrant had taken power at least four years, almost five years, into the apocalypse. This meant the ruler of Wu City definitely hadn’t died in the third year. It was also possible that in her previous life, the ruler had been on the verge of death around this time, barely surviving into the fourth year. Furthermore, regardless of the circumstances, as long as this man didn’t die, Gold Dominator wouldn’t be able to cause significant trouble, making it easier for her to retrieve the materials. Jing Shu also wanted to assess the ruler’s injuries and see how long he could last. This was unimaginable in her past life, she sighed internally. Yet, in this life, I can actually have dealings with the highest authority in Wu City.
Soon, they reached their destination. To Jing Shu’s surprise, the Government family compound was in a remote suburb of Wu City, on East Mountain, opposite West Mountain. This area was still high up at the foot of the mountain, so it hadn’t been flooded. It also seemed that earthquakes hadn’t caused any collapses here.
"This was completed just four years ago. How does it look? Beautiful, isn’t it? Unfortunately, the apocalypse arrived only a year after we moved in."
Jing Shu nodded. This wasn’t just a family compound; it was clearly an area of three-story, retro-style villas. It must have been beautiful once, likely inhabited by the truly powerful people of Wu City. Aside from a few five-story office buildings, there were no other tall structures. There was no fear of earthquakes and no need to seek refuge elsewhere, making it a paradise in the apocalypse!
An old soldier stopped the pickup. Li Yuetian let out a slight sigh of relief. But then, Big Yellow Teeth appeared in front of the vehicle, waving excitedly. He shouted to the surrounding guards, "Make way, make way! Vice Chairman Jing from our Medicine Association is here to treat Old Jin!"
Instantly, all the soldiers snapped to a salute. They then warmly invited Jing Shu to step out of the vehicle. Since external vehicles weren’t allowed inside, a young man drove them further in a tourist patrol car.
Big Yellow Teeth was none other than Zhou Bapi, the Vice President of the Medicine Association, whom Jing Shu hadn’t seen in nearly half a year. Does he have a good relationship with the ruler? Jing Shu wondered. She also felt guilty towards Zhou Bapi. He had covered for her at the Medicine Association for the past few months, allowing her to disappear for so long under the pretext of ’going abroad for advanced studies.’
Jing Shu and Li Yuetian, as the concerned parties, were both stunned for a long moment. "Wait a damn minute!" Jing Shu suddenly realized. "I’m here to get our materials back!"
Zhou Bapi was as slovenly as ever and didn’t look very energetic. However, he was still happy to see Jing Shu, greeting her like a long-lost friend. His familiar presence greatly calmed the murderous intent radiating from Jing Shu and significantly lessened her hostility.