Chapter 461: Chapter 461

Huaxia’s wealth gap was still gradually widening.

"Miss Jing, I heard that this time you went to the United States and brought back a special medicine called ZS-880? And now, you are the only one who has it; they haven’t figured it out over there," Big Yellow Teeth Zhou Bapi leaned in. Old Jin’s survival now depended entirely on Miss Jing!

Jing Shu raised her eyebrows, not expecting the old man to be so well-informed. Seeing the hopeful look on Jin Tianci’s face, she understood. His preferential treatment wasn’t just because of Zhou Bapi; it was definitely also connected to the medicine she’d brought back from the United States, a drug capable of increasing cell division.

Jing Shu couldn’t help but ponder. In her previous life, the tyrant took office in either the fourth or fifth year, and Jin Tianci had died around that time. If it weren’t for her butterfly effect, perhaps Yang Yang, in her previous life, would have also gone to the United States and brought back this medicine. She might have given it to Jin Tianci, thus prolonging his life. However, ZS-880 had limited effects. Given Jin Tianci’s later physical condition, further absorption would have been futile, so ultimately, he only lived about a year longer before dying. That would explain why Jin Tianci died after the fourth year in that timeline.

If I extend Jin Tianci’s life in this timeline, will the tyrant still come to power in Wu City? She continuously weighed the pros and cons. If the tyrant doesn’t come, can Wu City survive the immense difficulties it’s facing? What would the consequences be? And even if I do extend Jin Tianci’s life, will the tyrant ascend to power anyway?

"Miss Jing?" Zhou Bapi quietly interrupted Jing Shu’s pondering.

"Oh, the medicine you mentioned... I do have a few doses. When I was in the Imperial Capital, I lent one to ’Seeking Donations for Research’ for their studies. They have the formula, but it might take some time for them to produce it. I’m just not sure about any side effects or adverse reactions. Plus, it has to be used with that cauldron, but the cauldron... it’s in the Imperial Capital," Jing Shu said.

Just then, Big Yellow Teeth Zhou Bapi shiftily pulled out an old handkerchief, the kind from the eighties. Inside the handkerchief, wrapped in wax paper, was a fine layer of rust powder beneath the smooth surface.

"This is powder scraped from the cauldron," he said. "Mix it with the medicine, and it can be injected. This stuff is extremely precious; they say scraping it a few hundred times could wear the cauldron out completely."

Jing Shu was rather taken aback, not expecting this ’medicine’ to be so crudely prepared. "Injecting this rusty iron... is that really safe?"

"Hah, compared to living a little longer, a few side effects are nothing!" Zhou Bapi said. "So, how about it? You can make any demands to Old Jin. Didn’t you just take out a loan for a big plot of land? Maybe have Old Jin reimburse you for it."

Jin Tianci interrupted Zhou Bapi. "That plot of land can’t compare to the value of this medicine. President Jing, please feel free to make any other requests. As long as I, Jin, can fulfill them, I will."

Even Mrs. Jin nodded excitedly. "Whatever you want, we’ll try our best to arrange it."

Jing Shu still had nine doses of the medicine. Its miraculous life-restoring effects, akin to bringing the dead back to life and fleshing out bones, definitely weren’t on par with the Spiritual Spring. However, possessing this item also provided a legitimate reason for her to save lives in the future. Therefore, the best use for this substance was to trade it at a high price, maximizing its value. Besides, Jin Tianci had to be saved. If he died prematurely and someone other than the tyrant came, or if his death drew the tyrant out ahead of schedule, it would be disastrous.

Now it was a matter of setting the price. It had to be reasonable; after all, Jin Tianci had previously done her a personal favor. What should she ask for?

"The medicine is at home," Jing Shu said. "I’ll bring it over, and then we can discuss terms."

"Good! You are indeed straightforward," Jin Tianci said, a trace of pleasure in his eyes. Indeed, who would want to die if they could live? Mrs. Jin turned away, tears streaming down her face; the news had come too suddenly for her to fully believe it yet.

"Let’s go, Miss Jing, I’ll go with you," Zhou Bapi offered.

Throughout the journey, Zhou Bapi kept advising Jing Shu. As a middleman, he didn’t want to see her get the short end of the stick. However, food wasn’t what Jing Shu needed right now; she was pursuing ’fine products.’ High-quality livestock or rare Domestic Poultry would be somewhat valuable to her. As for weapons, once this matter was settled, she could always go with Jun Jia—who had suffered a loss he couldn’t complain about—to pick from the armory.

Jing Shu’s current weaknesses were ’influence’ and ’authority.’ Soon, she began devising a plan.

After retrieving the medicine and returning to Jin Tianci’s villa, Jing Shu said, "I hear Minister Niu is due for a promotion soon. His position is being contested by Director Liu from the old district and Director Zhang from the Lingshan District, both recommended by higher-ups. However, I believe my mother, Minister Su from the new district, is more capable."

Somewhat drowsy, Jin Tianci pondered then nodded. "I also believe Minister Su is more capable of handling the ministerial post. After some more training, she can then follow Minister Niu to help manage Wu City’s agricultural affairs. You don’t need to worry about this; capable people, even if briefly overshadowed, will eventually shine. Your mother is a prime example."

"By the way, Jun Jia just sent over a document. The livestock farm has been performing well, showing exceptional efficiency, and has recently expanded. Therefore, they are promoting someone to deputy farm manager and have recommended the top performer, Jing An, to be the new farm manager. I only just realized Jing An is your father. What a coincidence!"

"What a coincidence indeed," she said. "But I’m well aware of my father’s professional abilities; he’s been ranked number one in evaluations every year."

The liquid in the glass bottle, initially a faint, starry color, turned a beautiful gilded hue after being mixed with the rust powder. The viscous fluid made the syringe barrel seem much wider; the thought of injecting this unknown substance into the body was daunting.

Once the last drop of liquid was injected, Jin Tianci fell into a deep sleep. The injection site began to swell and turn purplish. It was evident the medication was far from perfect. Zhou Bapi and the medical staff immediately got busy, and Jing Shu took her leave.

Another day was drawing to a close. Before heading home, Jing Shu found Jun Jia, Wu City’s third-in-command. Despite his disdainful and dissatisfied expression, he fulfilled his duty, escorting Jing Shu to Wu City’s legendary armory.

Jing Shu was filled with joy. Weapons were a dwindling resource these days; hoarding as much as she could was undoubtedly the right move.

"Here we are. Go in and choose, choose whatever you want," Jun Jia said, rolling his eyes.

The armory was indeed impressive, clearly built to withstand even bomb blasts. Its thick walls exuded a sense of security; if any disasters struck later, taking refuge here would surely be safe.

The massive, heavy iron door creaked open. Under the dim light, Jing Shu’s initial joy lasted less than two seconds before she stared in shock. The vast armory was almost completely empty!