Chapter 102: The Retribution of the Cooing

At a quarter past nine in the morning, Ren Zhong, half asleep yet calm, chose to place a pending order and smoothly cleared out his shares in Liancheng Reed Grain stock.

This was his second time experiencing a catastrophe in the brewing industry.

Now, he was a seasoned veteran, no longer cold as still water in heart, but his mental resilience had greatly improved.

Moreover, he knew that in the coming month, an even worse market crash awaited the investors.

Ren Zhong didn’t bother to delve into the comment section of Liancheng Reed Grain’s stock anymore; instead, he opened the page of another company.

Voyage Heavy Industries, a first-tier subsidiary of the Origin Star Military Group, specialized in the research and production of super-large space vessel engines.

The company’s profile explicitly stated that Voyage Heavy Industries produced giant adsorption-type space engines that were stable, reliable, and powerful.

In space, these engines operated like enormous turbines. After exhausting the ship’s own propulsion medium, they could absorb cosmic dust from the ship’s sides, accelerate it using an ultra-high-power electromagnetic field, and then eject the cosmic dust as plasma from the engine’s rear, thereby providing continuous thrust.

In theory, as long as the ship’s anti-gravity shields met standards and its materials and design minimized resistance from cosmic dust collisions, the Voyage engine could propel billion-ton class cosmic vessels through space at thirty thousand kilometers per second—one-tenth the speed of light.

Of course, these conditions remained theoretical; the company was telling a story.

Currently, Origin Star humans did not possess billion-ton vessels.

The largest cosmic ship equipped with a Voyage Heavy Industries engine weighed just over five hundred thousand tons—the Yearwheel-class vessels used by the Yalshun Group for interstellar trade, with a maximum speed of one-twentieth the speed of light.

Ren Zhong was uncertain whether Voyage Heavy Industries or its partners had made any technological breakthroughs; he only knew that in the next eight days, the stock price would rise consecutively at an average daily rate of 24.01%, then enter a smooth oscillation at a high level, continuing until after the 45th day.

Looking at daily performance alone, Voyage Heavy Industries wasn’t the strongest, but over eight consecutive days, it was unrivaled.

Combining his knowledge of 21st-century stock markets with the current Origin Star market, Ren Zhong judged that his capital had already multiplied significantly. However, his social standing was insufficient to support overly conspicuous stock maneuvers.

He was no longer suited for ultra-high-frequency, high-risk operations on small-cap stocks. Though they might yield more profit, the risks were boundless.

Therefore, stable and reliable large-cap stocks like Voyage Heavy Industries became his first choice.

After some thought, Ren Zhong decided to buy five lots of stock at a unit price of 137.65, with a total purchase cost of 68,842.21.

He didn’t try to time the low point of 137.11 two hours later.

Though no one reminded him, Ren Zhong respected the wisdom of his ancestors.

He understood well the principle that “a tall tree attracts the wind’s destruction.”

Previously, his total capital was only a few thousand points—just a drop in the ocean.

Now things were different.

Even though his purchase price wasn’t the absolute lowest, after eight days he would still earn a total increase of over 450%.

The 68,000-plus points he invested now would swell to more than 384,000 points.

In this ruthless stock market, it was indeed his cash machine.

If he truly had an organization behind him, capable of providing a good place for the town’s outcasts, he could even throw money around to convince all the town’s outcasts to leave.

After buying Voyage Heavy Industries stock, Ren Zhong thought for a moment and decided to drop the memory screening, randomly buying two ultra-small-cap stocks, one lot each, spending a total of 1,750 points—purely for the experience of losing money.

After finishing, Ren Zhong opened his eyes, left Chen Hanyu’s lap, sat upright, and craned his neck to look at the simple map ahead.

Sensing the warmth behind him, Zheng Tian glanced back. “Mr. Ren, you’re awake. Not going back to sleep?”

Ren Zhong nodded, “No, I’m done sleeping.”

Zheng Tian tentatively asked, “So shall we go trouble the level-three beasts now?”

Ren Zhong shook his head firmly. “No, let’s target level two. Although the tricks I used before can easily handle level-three beasts, as professionals, we should have the bravery and diligence of strong warriors and not always indulge in external aids. You’ve just upgraded your gear; it’s time to experience more intense, meaningful battles.”

“Huh? Come on, Brother Ren, isn’t it nicer to level up by fighting easy monsters?”

Ou Youning was the first to complain.

Ren Zhong wanted to kick someone.

How could he explain that he had just been resurrected and wanted to restore his strength through more real combat experience?

“Shut up. I’m in charge here.”

“Oh, okay.”

The day’s hunting was indeed as Ren Zhong said—full of substance, lively and colorful.

Encountering a level-two beast, Ren Zhong waved his hand, “Wen Lei, watch closely. I’ll demonstrate the special features of modified equipment.”

Two level-two beasts.

“Wen Lei, watch closely. Zheng Tian, cover me. I’ll show you how to handle two level-two beasts at once and counterattack opportunistically.”

Three level-two beasts.

“I’ll hold off two; you two gang up on the other.”

“Run!”

Four level-two beasts.

“I’ll hold off three; you two gang up on the other.”

“Run!”

The battles were lively, but by the day’s end, the team had only hunted four level-two beasts, plus the five level-one beasts Ren Zhong had dealt with before waking that morning.

Nothing else.

Total team income was 147 points—not bad, but a bit less than yesterday.

Everyone thought that with new gear, today might be a breakout day.

They all felt like they were just sparring partners but dared neither to complain nor speak out.

Only Chen Hanyu knew Ren Zhong’s painstaking intentions.

When distributing the shares, Ren Zhong, feeling guilty, took only 40% of the net profit of 130 points—52 points—and gave the rest to the others.

…

At six in the evening, just before heading out, Ren Zhong greeted everyone and then followed Bei Lihui on his motorcycle, heading straight for Delicious Fresh.

Everything seemed the same as last time.

Lin Wang still sat on the inner left side; Bei Lihui was on the right.

Ren Zhong was still squeezed between Pan Fenglian and Sima Wan, miserable as ever.

He had to suppress murderous intent while exchanging words with Pan Fenglian.

His acting skills reached their peak.

Yet Ren Zhong was calm inside, because according to the timeline, Brother Sun would come to the rescue before 6:20.

At 6:21, Sun Miao did not arrive.

Ren Zhong suddenly realized and sighed in frustration.

This was bad.

Brother Sun was probably back to his diligent working life, busy receiving patients at the clinic.

Perhaps this was payback for standing him up last time—one who stands others up will be stood up in return.

But Ren Zhong remained unflustered; he had a backup plan.

He gently pushed Pan Fenglian aside and apologized, “Sorry, I just remembered something important. I need to make a phone call.”

Lin Wang raised his eyelids, “Alright, suit yourself.”

He thought Ren Zhong wanted to avoid him.

Ren Zhong smiled, shaking his head, “No, nothing to hide.”

He dialed Sun Miao’s number.

“Brother Sun, how’s it going? Will the money be ready tonight?”

Sun Miao: “No problem. Just come find me on time.”

“Alright, it’s settled then.”

“Hey, don’t crowd... stand back! Don’t push forward! Damn, I’m busy here, gotta hang up first!”

After hanging up, Ren Zhong awkwardly confessed, “I need to go to Miracle Hands to borrow some money from Doctor Sun Miao at 7:30.”

Lin Wang looked surprised, “Borrow money?”

Ren Zhong sighed, “Yes, I just arrived here. It’s not easy to settle down in this town; expenses are high. Brother Sun and I get along well—almost like seeing an old friend... long story short, the relationship is good. I’m borrowing five thousand points for now.”

Lin Wang composed himself and smiled, “Manager Ju is a level-two citizen; pleasing her definitely costs.”

“Yeah, I’m lazy by nature. Luckily, thanks to Zheng Tian, I joined your team, Captain Lin. I believe I can repay Brother Sun’s loan.”

Ren Zhong chuckled.

Lin Wang nodded, “Starfire Town is indeed a good place, suitable for scavengers like us. By the way, what do you think of Mayor Madafu?”

Ren Zhong scoffed loudly, “A woman’s kindness—just a man with a beautiful and capable daughter. Otherwise, who would pay attention to him?”

Lin Wang: “Shh, keep your voice down.”

Ren Zhong changed his tone.

After some conversation, Lin Wang thought for a moment and said, “You’re now part of my affiliated team, half one of us. Since you're having financial difficulties, I won’t ignore it. I’ll lend you five thousand points personally. Use it first; pay me back when you can. After all, you already have level-two strength but are still wearing level-one modified gear. That’s unsuitable.”

Ren Zhong’s face lit up with joy, tears of gratitude welling, “Thank you so much, Captain Lin! I don’t know how to repay you!”

Lin Wang: “Don’t mention it. Just stick with me. One day, you’ll make it to the city.”

Ren Zhong’s hands trembled with excitement, “Thank you, thank you so much!”

“No problem. Ren Zhong, you’re smart and talented. What I said yesterday about believing in you wasn’t empty words. I already consider you a reserve team member. Once you reach level three, you can join my squad early.”

“Got it!”

At 6:50, Ren Zhong took the tea leaves Pan Fenglian gave him and left on time.

Once he was gone, under the admiring gazes of Bei Lihui and the others, Lin Wang resumed his usual practice of detailed analysis.

In the end, Lin Wang concluded that Ren Zhong was useful and very capable.

Ren Zhong first rode back to his own shack, called Yu Jin out, and handed him the tea leaves.

“This tea is good stuff from the supply and marketing cooperative. Tear off the packaging, dump the tea leaves into any plastic bag, then sell them at the flea market to traveling merchants. Someone who knows tea will pay at least 25 points.”

Yu Jin was obedient.

He no longer rejected Ren Zhong’s goodwill, nor could he.

“How much savings do you have now, including this morning’s harvest?”

“Seventeen points, sir.”

“Good. After you sell the tea, go to the arms market and buy a level-one heavy sniper rifle and a biochemical combat suit. Practice with them. Once you have new gear, don’t idle during the day—try going out hunting alone more often. I’ll lend you my motorcycle during the day. I believe you can do it.”

“Uh, sir, the sniper rifle costs 80 points, and the combat suit 40 points. I don’t have enough.”

“No problem. Tell Manager Ju you’re my friend and can buy on credit. I’ll cover the difference later. You can pick and choose the ammo.”

“Ah…”

“Don’t be polite with me. This is all I can help you with; the rest you have to manage yourself. Go.”

“Okay, thank you, sir.”

After bidding farewell to Yu Jin, Ren Zhong went home, casually browsed some materials online, did a little trading, and offloaded two lousy stocks that were sent to him, successfully making two green trades.

Among a sea of red, two green marks looked particularly refreshing.

He stayed up until 9:30, then went out to meet Sun Miao again.

Twelve thousand points in hand.

Sun Miao had truly worked hard this time, exceeding the financing target.

When parting, Sun Miao gripped Ren Zhong’s hand firmly, abandoning his usual gentle demeanor.

“Ren Zhong, I’m counting on you this time. All my capital is here. If it fails, the 20,000 outcasts in Starfire Town won’t even be able to see a doctor.”

Ren Zhong nodded sincerely, “Don’t worry, Brother Sun. I’ll handle it. We’re brothers for life. If I lose, I’ll even sell blood to cover you.”

“Hmm!”

…

At 9:55, the Thunderbolt vehicle drove out of Starfire Town’s high walls.

Ren Zhong began intense night hunting again.

Not for money, but for combat strength.

Because his brain’s reaction index was severely overloaded, his weak point had become physical endurance again. Virtual reality training was now less effective and inefficient.

He trained comfortably during the day and could continue at night.

Additionally, starting from the seventeenth night after his last resurrection, he stopped intense night hunting.

Not because he couldn’t endure, but because the beasts around Starfire Town had been ravaged by him.

His intelligence database was depleted.

Alone at night, he dared not venture too far into unknown areas.

Though strong now, encountering an unprepared level-three or level-four beast would still mean defeat.

This time things were different.

He had even been to the abandoned mine and amassed plenty of supplies.

Though the mine’s interior was off-limits, he was intimately familiar with level-one and level-two beasts around the edges and could greet them one by one.

…

Seventeenth day, evening.

The team’s courtyard.

Others were satisfied with the day’s gains. Ou Youning went to see an old flame; Bai Feng supervised Ou Youning.

Wen Lei went to the training ground.

Zheng Tian went to the arms market.

Only Ren Zhong and Chen Hanyu remained in the courtyard.

After accidentally breaking a level-three beast chip again last night, Ren Zhong resumed his humble quest for knowledge.

But tonight, his real purpose was to learn Chen Hanyu’s background.

In the previous timeline, he had guesses but hadn’t spoken openly.

This time, confident he could last at least 45 days, he needed to plan the next step.

So the matter of Chen Hanyu had to be addressed to avoid affecting future judgments.

Ren Zhong asked Chen Hanyu to put down her tablet, his expression solemn.

“Chen Hanyu, I want to talk to you.”

“Ah, Mr. Ren, please go ahead.”

Her sudden seriousness made her nervous.

“A few days ago, you told me a lot. I roughly understand your story. You also know what kind of person I am. Now I give you a clear promise: whoever your enemy is, if they truly did wrong, I will help you make them pay.”

Chen Hanyu lowered her head but didn’t immediately respond, only saying in a low voice, “Thank you, Mr. Ren, for your kindness, but this is too difficult. Really. It’s impossible. I’ll find a way myself, so please don’t trouble yourself. You’ve already helped me a lot.”

Since this time Ren Zhong hadn’t led the team to kill a level-four beast nor become a professional captain yet, Chen Hanyu’s perception was not fully up to standard.

Ren Zhong was prepared for this.

But the next moment, he cut straight to the chase.

“It’s Yang Bingzhong, isn’t it?”

“What! How do you know?” Chen Hanyu was shocked.

Ren Zhong smiled, “There’s nothing I want to know that I can’t. There’s no one I want to kill who I can’t. There’s no promise I make that I don’t keep.”

Chen Hanyu stared blankly at him.

His strange confidence made her dizzy.

After a long moment, she turned her face slightly away. “Thank you.”

Ren Zhong smiled indifferently.

She still didn’t believe it was possible.

But that didn’t matter; he just wanted an answer.

“Alright. No more talking. Keep teaching me about the dismantler’s knowledge. The long road... well, things must be done step by step. I don’t rule out the possibility that someday I might sign a professional contract with Yang Bingzhong, but I want you to understand that would be a temporary measure.”

“Hmm.”

Yang Bingzhong, in the end, was someone who had to be dealt with.

Otherwise, even if Starfire’s resources were moved away and he saved the town, Yang Bingzhong’s counterattack would remain a threat.

Yang was already on Ren Zhong’s hunting list; now he had an even more solid and explicit reason.

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