Chapter 482: Chapter 482

Jing Shu remained silent. If it wasn’t his own, then whose was it? Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩

"The wealth one earns is granted by the state during peaceful times," Qian Duoduo began. "If you don’t do something beneficial to avert disasters, the state will reclaim it when a national catastrophe strikes. It’s a case of ’when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.’ When the poor at the bottom are truly on the brink of death, do you think I, Qian Duoduo, the richest man, can continue to live my secluded, paradise-like life here in Stone Garden?

"Only after I learned that the coming disasters would become increasingly severe did I decide to continue developing vigorously, to fatten myself up like a sheep. The fatter, the better. That way, when those in power decide it’s time for the slaughter, I can survive even after my wool is shorn off, without freezing to death.

"Think about it. If Stone Garden develops to the point where it can truly withstand the next disaster, tell me, won’t I still be the richest man? Won’t I still be Mr. Shi Yuan? If I want to continue enjoying life comfortably in this position, then I can’t let everyone at the bottom die.

"So, I have to develop with all my might. This is my way of saving myself."

So, Qian Duoduo was trying to save himself after learning about the potential situation? This idea seemed to align with her own reasons for starting the red earthworm breeding farm.

It was just that Qian Duoduo’s outcome had been tragic; he was apparently slaughtered halfway through his efforts because Wu City couldn’t hold on.

But... in her past life, wasn’t it said that Qian Duoduo and the tyrant failed to reach an agreement? The tyrant had made an exorbitant demand for all of Qian Duoduo’s resources, and tragedy supposedly struck after Qian Duoduo refused.

However, after meeting him today, it was clear that Qian Duoduo wasn’t arrogantly overconfident; he understood his situation all too well.

"Then... if in three months we face the kind of disaster you mentioned, and they decide to slaughter Stone Garden, what will you do?" Jing Shu asked.

Qian Duoduo pondered. "Naturally, I will fully cooperate with the higher-ups and open up Stone Garden."

"And what if it’s not just Stone Garden they want? What about all of your resources?" Jing Shu probed. Stone Garden was only a part of Qian Duoduo’s assets; he still had plenty of other resources. What if the tyrant in her past life had wanted more than just Stone Garden? What if Qian Duoduo’s resources could have saved even more people?

Qian Duoduo narrowed his eyes, his expression firming. "That would be difficult. I’ve worked my whole life for my wife and children, and they’ve lived in luxury for half their lives... there’s no going back for them. I don’t want to end up like Aixinjueluo Fuyi, who possessed everything only to lose it all. What’s the meaning of living such a compromised life then?

"I have a sense of greater duty, but I also have personal obligations. I am selfless precisely because I am selfish."

Aixinjueluo Fuyi, the last Emperor of the Daqing Dynasty, once owned the world and then lost it. He spent a significant part of his life in prison, and when he finally returned to his former home, the Forbidden City, he even had to buy an entrance ticket...

Jing Shu fell silent again. In her past life, she had possessed little and had grown accustomed to ten years of hardship during the apocalypse. Now, however, with the Magic Cube Space, she had tasted the world’s most precious foods. Under such circumstances, if she were to lose all her resources and the Magic Cube Space, returning to the days of eating red earthworms and maggots, would she be willing? If it meant saving others, would she be willing to sacrifice all her resources? Perhaps this was the crux of the conflict between Qian Duoduo and the tyrant in her past life? Not being an insider, she didn’t know the detailed circumstances of the Qian Duoduo incident from her previous life. There might have been other reasons. Regardless, Jing Shu felt that things had to change in this life. Was she afraid of being caught in the crossfire? Would they come to slaughter her too?

"We’ve all heard about what happened with Old Jin. You saved his life and only asked for a nominal official position in return. That was a good move on your part." Qian Duoduo sighed. "Not only does Old Jin owe you a great favor, but everyone in our circle does as well. Old Jin can’t die. If he dies, things will become unmanageable."

Jing Shu raised her eyebrows. At the time, she hadn’t thought that far ahead, merely seeing it as securing another protective amulet for herself. With this favor in hand, as long as she didn’t use it, no one would dare to touch her before the tyrant took office. She truly hadn’t expected to gain so many favors from this.

"I also heard that you bought land and are starting a factory." Qian Duoduo said, rubbing a walnut in his palm. "But I was still surprised when I found out you were opening a red earthworm breeding farm. Jing Shu, you’re a smart woman. At this critical juncture, since you dare to openly start such a factory, you must be fully prepared and have taken adequate precautions. The formula is paramount."

Jing Shu gave a wry smile. "To be honest with you, I don’t intend to keep the red earthworm breeding technique to myself. I even considered making it public so that Huaxia wouldn’t face food shortages and everyone would be safe. Unfortunately, it’s not replicable. I sought you out this time hoping to discuss a potential collaboration."

Qian Duoduo’s interest was piqued. "Oh? Do tell."

Occasional clinks of cup lids against teacups echoed in the conference room, punctuated by Qian Duoduo’s exclamations of approval. Jing Shu did most of the talking while Qian Duoduo listened, only interjecting with a few questions when something was unclear, before falling back into deep thought.

"There’s no problem with the type of stone you mentioned," Qian Duoduo eventually said. "Here in West Mountain, we lack many things, but not that kind of stone; we have plenty. I’ll have it sent to the Banana District for you at cost price, but you’ll need to find your own people for the construction. As for the land for the red earthworm farm, I’ll also arrange for some stones to be transported there as you requested. However, the very large, single pieces of stone you’re after... those are a bit tricky. But don’t worry, I’ll have Housekeeper Cai look into it for you. You should have an answer in a couple of days."

Jing Shu’s heart soared. Her preparations for the mudslides in the fourth year were finally coming together! Now, she just had to wait for the stones to arrive before construction could begin. She needed to hurry; time was running out.

Only then did Qian Duoduo finally take out a cigar and begin to smoke it slowly. Wreathed in smoke, he spoke after a while. "Regarding the collaboration with the red earthworm breeding farm you mentioned, I believe it’s quite necessary. Your ideas are excellent, though some other aspects still require further discussion.

"However, your thinking is correct: Stone Garden and the breeding farm should not appear too closely associated. From now on, Housekeeper Cai will handle the collaboration with the farm covertly. Publicly, Stone Garden will simply act as a purchaser from the red earthworm farm."

That was the only way.

Qian Duoduo’s frown visibly relaxed. "With the Red Worm Feed you’re providing, Stone Garden can finally expand its Domestic Poultry breeding operations. This will significantly reduce my costs and losses. I’ll be able to store as much food and as many resources as possible, and we’ll be better prepared to face even harsher environments. Jing Shu, you’ve truly done me a great service! Rest assured, I’ll add an extra 1% to your monthly dividends."

An offer of a 1% share, just like that, without any negotiation? A true tycoon indeed, so magnanimous. But Jing Shu certainly liked it.

"As for the trade cooperation between us," Qian Duoduo continued, "we’ll proceed as you’ve proposed. You will provide me with Red Worm Feed, and I will provide you with energy materials. We will both focus on rapid development and must establish a firm foothold in Wu City as quickly as possible."