Chapter 123: A Fine Blade for Scraping Bone

"Captain, I actually have another concern."

"What is it? Go ahead."

"Ma Xiaoling is the strongest Tier 4 professional in town, right?"

"Yes."

"If we team up with the other two professional squads, is there any chance we could defeat her?"

Lin Wang thought for a moment. "We could drive her off, but if she were determined to flee, I’m afraid we couldn't stop her. However, we have no need to cross her."

Ren Zhong sighed. "Citizens are indeed blessed and powerful. That said, once Ma Dafu discovers we’ve all been stabbing him in the back, he might not be able to do anything to Manager Yang. But Captain, what if... what if he sends Ma Xiaoling to harass us wastelanders, picking us off one by one to take revenge on Manager Yang? What should we do then?"

Lin Wang smiled slightly. "You haven't lived in the town long, so you’re unfamiliar with how things work. Joining the Town Guard does grant many conveniences and generous rewards, but it also comes with many constraints. Members of the Guard must adhere to far more rules than we do. Unless we commit a major crime and end up on the wanted list, Ma Xiaoling would never kill us over a personal vendetta."

Ren Zhong let out a long breath. "That’s a relief."

"You certainly should be relieved. Isn't that kid hitting on her anyway? She’s much easier to fool than that old fox Ma Dafu. If you actually succeed, why would you worry about this? The romantic views you citizens have really opened my eyes."

Ren Zhong laughed awkwardly. "It’s very difficult."

"But you haven't backed down, have you? Mad for love! I think Ma Xiaoling has that potential too. She just has high talent as a mech pilot; in reality, she’s quite dim-witted."

"Hahaha. Captain, your judgment is spot on!"

...

Around one o'clock in the afternoon, the group hitched a ride on Wang Zhaofu’s transport back to Spark Town.

The journey was uneventful and safe.

They did not encounter the convoy from Chongyi County.

Silently, in a gap of time unknown to anyone, Ren Zhong had quietly snatched himself and Ju Qingmeng away from the Grim Reaper’s scythe.

At Ren Zhong’s instruction, Wang Zhaofu did not act overly familiar with him, even charging Lin Wang 200 points for the ride.

A merchant should act like a merchant.

Fatty Wang dropped them off at the main gate of Spark Resources and drove away without looking back, appearing quite busy.

Although the square outside the gate was crowded, it was not particularly noisy.

Nearly three thousand scavengers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, neither shouting, smashing things, nor storming the gates.

The "making a scene" that Lin Wang had mentioned earlier had only amounted to this.

A silent, non-violent protest.

Everyone harbored resentment, but under the watchful eyes of Spark Resources’ bodyguards and Tier 4 professional scavengers like Tang Shuying, no one had the courage to draw their weapons.

The town’s rules protected them, but they were also a sword hanging over their heads.

As long as no one fired the first shot, the professional squads and the bodyguards could not slaughter them wantonly.

But once a shot was fired, the other side would have a legitimate excuse. Even if the Guard Captain, Ma Xiaoling, chose to look the other way, if those ten Tier 4 professionals attacked simultaneously, this place would surely turn into a bloodbath.

Under such constraints, they kept their heads lowered, afraid to look ahead.

They could only express their dissatisfaction with being forced into the role of cannon fodder through silence.

Ma Xiaoling, dressed in silver armor, stood on the wall with her arms crossed, her gaze cold as she watched the entrance of Spark Resources.

Although she had long known about the company's plan to relocate, it did not stop her from being furious.

If it weren't for the rules, she would have loved to jump down and join the scavengers in smashing everything to vent her frustration.

Ma Xiaoling’s eyes shifted.

She noticed the armed transport vehicle stopping and leaving behind the crowd.

After the vehicle left, the figures of Lin Wang, Bei Lihui, Sima Wan, and Ren Zhong appeared.

Ma Xiaoling narrowed her eyes slightly.

At this moment, Ren Zhong merely looked straight ahead, following behind Lin Wang with a cold, indifferent expression.

Nearby, other scavengers also noticed the new arrivals.

Lin Wang began to walk toward the gate.

He walked slowly, his face showing almost no expression.

The damage to his exoskeleton made him look less refined and suave than before.

Yet, the people present sensed a thick scent of blood from his seemingly calm posture.

Those with sharp eyes keenly noticed that while Lin Wang’s team had six members when they left town, only four had returned.

The demolition expert Pan Fenglian and the colonial warrior Song Qianlian had not come back.

Seeing the four of them covered in injuries, the scavengers immediately imagined and embellished the details.

Lin Wang must have experienced a brutal, fierce battle on the way back; his team had suffered casualties!

He must be in an extremely foul mood right now.

He would be holding a grudge!

His team’s strength had been weakened, and he would seize the opportunity to kill someone to set an example!

Many low-level scavengers familiar with Lin Wang’s character and style felt a chill in their hearts.

The scavengers, who had been blocking the gate in layers, parted like a receding tide, clearing a path for the four men.

With every step the crowd took backward, the momentum of their protest weakened.

Ren Zhong observed everything.

He wore the same expression as Lin Wang and Bei Lihui, but in his heart, he thought that this society was truly a far cry from the 21st century; under the deterrence of absolute power, the spark of resistance was so fragile.

The "bit of a reputation" Lin Wang bragged about was likely an infamous one.

Finally, Lin Wang led the three others to the gate.

Then, he turned abruptly to face the crowd of nearly three thousand.

He activated his anti-gravity engine and slowly floated upward.

*Clang!*

He suddenly pulled the silver short spear from his back.

On the other side, Ma Xiaoling’s pupils shrank; she instinctively reached behind her, gripping the heavy spear strapped to her back.

A gleam of excitement flashed in her eyes.

Lin Wang noticed it but pretended not to. He swung his arm, and the silver spear drove straight into the ground from above.

Immediately, fine electric arcs danced across the ground with a crackling sound.

The low-level scavengers closest to the gate felt their feet go numb and instinctively scrambled backward.

Ten seconds later, a semi-circular empty space with a twenty-meter radius had been cleared in front of the gate.

No one had died.

Ma Xiaoling loosened her grip on her heavy spear in disappointment, glancing to the side with disdain, muttering, "Bah! Afraid of death, yet acting like a tough guy. Boring."

While Ma Xiaoling expressed disdain, Lin Wang’s display was highly effective in deterring the scavengers.

Lin Wang pointed to a spot in the crowd. "You, Li Gaocai, right? When are you going to pay back the three hundred points you owe me?"

His finger moved again, pointing out over a dozen people, all of whom had debts with him.

"Among the two or three thousand of you here, at least several hundred owe me money. Who gave you the courage to block Manager Yang’s gate?"

Ren Zhong didn't even need to deduce how these debts were incurred; it was nothing more than bad luck during hunts, failing to meet the "encounter tax," having gear that wasn't worth much, and being forced to sign IOUs.

Seeing Lin Wang’s gaze, whether they owed money or not, everyone bowed their heads.

Those who owed money were panicked; those who didn't were afraid of being remembered and targeted later.

Lin Wang continued, "The boss once told me that if we move, we move completely. I’ve considered it carefully. I don't have the time to collect debts one by one, so I originally planned to be merciful and write off your debts. But because of how you’re acting today..."

At these words, at least several hundred people retreated several steps, seemingly intending to leave.

"Wait, I haven't finished. Let me ask you: has Manager Yang ever treated you unfairly? He is the one supporting Spark Town. Whenever you brought back beast remains, no matter how low-grade, did he ever refuse them? You must realize that for some scattered Tier 1 remains, the labor costs alone to dismantle and extract the usable parts result in a loss. Manager Yang has always been subsidizing you at a loss, yet you are ungrateful."

Ren Zhong continued to mock him internally.

*What the hell!*

*The fully automated production line in the submarine facility has zero labor costs!*

*Even if there was only a cent of profit to be had, Yang Bingzhong would squeeze it dry!*

*Also, the 30% commission taken from freelance scavengers when they sell goods—is that not unfair treatment?*

*Spark Town is a town, after all. Under normal circumstances, even without Yang Bingzhong, someone else would eventually come here to run a resource recovery company.*

Lin Wang’s technique of shifting concepts, framing brutal exploitation as benevolent charity, was simply stunning.

The Captain was indeed a good dog; he had some tricks up his sleeve.

Able to fight, able to deceive—no wonder Yang Bingzhong relied on him while simultaneously fearing him.

"The output in the abandoned mines is getting worse by the day, and a Demon Infant has appeared in the Valley of Bones. We don't want to go in and die for no reason. What else can we do but move? What? Do you expect us to stay in Spark Town and starve to death with you? Business isn't charity."

"The company’s relocation is in line with normal development needs; it is justified and legitimate. Otherwise, would the Chamber of Commerce have approved it? Besides, what are you nervous about? Once we move, perhaps a new boss will come, and you might live even better, right?"

*Ren Zhong: Another fresh lie. Since the closure is a foregone conclusion, it is naturally impossible for anyone else to come here to start a new company. What is even more pathetic is that both Ren Zhong and Ma Xiaoling, who know the truth and sympathize with them, cannot expose him.*

*Spark Resources' relocation would cause chaos, but the deep despair brought by the inevitable shutdown would plunge the town into an apocalypse.*

*Which of these two pieces of news is more severe goes without saying.*

"Finally, I have some good news. Before we move, my team needs to recruit two new members: a demolitionist and a colonial warrior. As long as any of you pass the Tier 3 assessment in next month’s qualification exam, you have a chance to become my new team member."

As Lin Wang said this, he turned suddenly and pointed at Ren Zhong. "Ren Zhong is my new member. The Tier 3 exoskeleton he wears was once my gear. He currently only has Tier 2 parameters, but I’ve given him Tier 3 equipment for free. I even took him to the new mining area for excavation work. Let me tell you a secret: Ren Zhong found a mineral core stone in the new mining area. Do you know how much bonus he got?"

In an instant, countless eyes fell on Ren Zhong, and some people’s breathing grew ragged.

Ren Zhong had to cooperate by looking embarrassed and scratching his head.

"Five hundred thousand points!" Lin Wang’s voice rose an octave as he shouted.

"All five hundred thousand belonged to Ren Zhong alone; I didn't take a single cent! You can see for yourselves how I treat my team members. As long as you seize the time left, hunt more desperately, and work harder to hone your skills, you could be the next Ren Zhong! The company’s relocation might be a disaster for the weak, but for those with true ability, it is a chance to soar!"

Once Lin Wang said this, it was the final word.

The fear and complaints in the square were gone, replaced by fervor, excitement, and agitation.

The crowd cheered excitedly as they dispersed.

Lin Wang’s combination of carrot and stick not only easily resolved the minor crisis for Spark Resources but also ensured that the remaining time would be utilized with maximum efficiency.

There was no doubt that before the official relocation, the hunting output of Spark Town would hit a peak.

And proportional to that, these low-level wastelanders would inevitably suffer heavy casualties.

But who cared?

As long as the exploitation was carried out to the end.

Lin Wang was indeed a good blade in Yang Bingzhong’s hand, stripping the last layer of sinew from the bones of the low-level scavengers in Spark Town.

This bright, sharp blade didn't need to be bloodied often, but it could kill thousands.

On the side, Ma Xiaoling was so angry her lips trembled.

She opened her mouth to say something, but in the end, she didn't speak.

Lin Wang pretended not to see her state and just patted Ren Zhong on the shoulder. "Learn well. I’ve never relied solely on my fists to earn Manager Yang’s trust. Alright, go arrange your affairs; I have to report to the Manager."

"Yes, Captain." Ren Zhong nodded like a blockhead. "I really learned a lot today."

...

Lin Wang hadn't taken more than a few steps inside when Ma Xiaoling’s angry shout came from outside: "Ren Zhong! You have to give me an explanation!"

Lin Wang didn't look back; instead, his pace quickened.

Watching Ma Xiaoling fly down from the wall and land in front of him, Ren Zhong shivered, not knowing what to say.

He felt quite speechless.

*Why are you so angry?*

*Didn't you already know about Spark Resources' relocation?*

*What is this all about?*

On the other side, other professional team members, including Tang Shuying, slipped away quickly.

Sima Wan quietly disappeared; she was probably going to "Miaoshou Huichun" to drum up business for Sun Miao.

Bei Lihui, however, chuckled. He didn't leave but shrank into a corner, giving Ren Zhong a wink and a gesture of encouragement.

Ma Xiaoling made no attempt to hide it from others, grabbing Ren Zhong by the collar. "Why didn't you say anything just now? You’re a scavenger too; you should know what will happen to the town once the recycling company is gone! And even though you got rich, can others replicate your success? How could you let Lin Wang use you as an example to lure others into a trap? Those people are going to their deaths!"

Ren Zhong: "Uh..."

*Are you out of your mind? My words are useless here.*

*Do I even have a say?*

*In a different setting, Ren Zhong had a thousand ways to make her stop and maybe borrow some money from her.*

*But right now, Ren Zhong was having a headache.*

*He had entered the inner circle of Lin Wang’s team and was rapidly approaching Yang Bingzhong; he didn't want to appear too close to Ma Xiaoling in public.*

*If this single-minded girl blurted out more things she shouldn't in her urgency, Ren Zhong’s plans could fall apart.*

*He couldn't use a temporary tactic to appease her, like saying, "Go back, let's talk when we're alone."*

*That would still reveal his hand.*

*Mayor Ma Dafu really did raise a good daughter.*

*An incompetent partner with low emotional intelligence is truly worrying.*

Ren Zhong turned his face away, remaining silent.

Seeing his reaction, Ma Xiaoling looked both regretful and furious.

In her anxiety, she spoke again: "Ren Zhong, didn't you say you..."

Ren Zhong panicked, knowing she was about to mention his plan to "take away the wastelanders."

At this moment, Ren Zhong finally understood why old Ma hid everything from his silly daughter.

*If I had known, why did I sell you that information!*

*Wouldn't it have been better to just lure you in with stock tips?*

"Yes, I said I liked you, so what? You can't make me a citizen; what right do I have to live an idealist life like you? What right do you have to demand what kind of person I should be?"

He spoke instantly, cutting off Ma Xiaoling.

Ma Xiaoling froze. She let go of him and said, word for word: "Ren Zhong, I’m so disappointed in you. I used to think you were a real man."

Ren Zhong breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed this blockhead finally reacted and braked in time.

*Being a double agent is truly nerve-wracking.*

Ren Zhong put on a dejected expression. "I can only say I'm sorry. My apologies."

"I look down on you!"

Ren Zhong turned his face away. "I'm just a wastelander; I didn't expect you to think highly of me anyway."

"By the end of today, you must pay me back, and then, we are finished!"

After saying this, Ma Xiaoling turned and walked away.

Ren Zhong understood her meaning: it was nothing more than "I won't learn stock trading from you anymore, and don't expect me to guide you again. We're through."

Ren Zhong looked gloomy.

*So sad. I was planning to make up another excuse to keep stalling on the repayment.*

*Sigh.*

After Ma Xiaoling sullenly walked away, Bei Lihui popped out from the side and patted Ren Zhong on the shoulder. "Hey, my condolences. But it’s no big deal; out with the old, in with the new. Captain Ma may be beautiful and strong, but she’s definitely not romantic. Don't be sad..."

Ren Zhong’s mouth twitched, and he only said: "I failed the Captain’s expectations; I couldn't hook her."

Bei Lihui: "No matter, it’s good to stay away from her. Otherwise, Manager Yang wouldn't dare to trust you even more. Manager Yang will know about what happened today."

"Mhm, thank you, Brother Hui."

"Thank what? We're all on the same side. Where are you going now? Let me tell you, in our line of work, you have to treat yourself well after every narrow escape, or you never know when you won't have the chance to enjoy it again. Let me tell you secretly: I’ve actually been sponsoring a semi-professional scavenger squad made up entirely of pretty girls. Want me to take you to hang out? Every single one of them has a great body, and the techniques I trained them in are top-notch."

Ren Zhong: "No, no. I’m going to find Zheng Tian and Chen Hanyu."

"Damn, mentioning them makes me unhappy again."

"Brother Hui..."

"Hahahaha, just kidding. They’re your girls, and your temperament is different from mine; I really don't have any ideas now!"

"Really?"

"Hahahaha, just teasing you! I’ll have ideas again after you die!"

Ren Zhong: "Damn!"

Ren Zhong left Spark Resources and was walking toward Zheng Tian’s team’s courtyard when his wristband vibrated slightly.

A text message.

He clicked to play the bone-conduction audio.

"Stock God Ren, Stock God Ren, how was my acting just now? Did it have that TV drama feel? My dad taught me that; I think I did pretty well."

It was Ma Xiaoling’s excited voice.

Ren Zhong: *Damn.*

*So it was all Mayor Ma’s arrangement.*

"It was alright. Actually, I realized you were acting from the start. You knew the situation at Spark Resources from the beginning; I knew you were faking it."

"Ah? Is that so? Sigh. I guess I don't have the talent to be an actress."

"That... about the money."

"My guild was wiped out; I’m a lone wolf now. No fighting for the time being, so no rush. Your business is more important. Remember to go to Sun Miao’s later and spend 30,000 on an anti-aging serum; I’ll come get it from you tonight. Consider this payment for my dad’s investment, and it’ll save you over 3,000 in taxes."

Ren Zhong: "Thank you."

*Sigh. This father-daughter duo, while dim-witted, are actually quite decent people. It’s only because they are citizens that they can live so comfortably.*

*If they were wastelanders, their ashes would have been scattered long ago.*

Ren Zhong sent a message back: "About the guild... my condolences."

"It’s fine; money can buy anything. This is just a small setback on my path to becoming the strongest President. I can handle it. We’re not finished yet! Tonight, let’s continue—I’ll teach you how to fight, and you teach me how to trade stocks!"

Stock God Ren felt a tightness in his chest.

*How should I tell you that your stock trading mentor has actually fallen to earth?*

...

In Zheng Tian’s courtyard.

Eighteen days later, Ren Zhong saw his original team again.

Very good. Everyone was there, and no one was missing limbs.

Moreover, the growth of each person made Ren Zhong extremely satisfied.

Wen Lei had replaced his gear, and his muscles had become even more defined.

Zheng Tian’s skin was slightly tanned, her figure even more athletic under her tight tank top, and she had replaced her weapon with a heavily modified kinetic rapid-fire machine gun that was infinitely close to Tier 3 performance.

Ou Youning’s demolitionist work suit had several more pockets.

The white lines on Bai Feng’s arms had become clearer, and he had several more black stripe tattoos on his face. His five-fingered hands now showed features of raptor claws. He must have fused new genes; he really is a stubborn little lab rat.

In the previous timeline, Ren Zhong had led the team through half a month of grueling training in the abandoned mines.

This time, although Ren Zhong wasn't there, he had pointed out the direction for each person’s improvement and invested without sparing costs.

He had also shielded them from Lin Wang’s threats with his own back.

He had already created the best conditions for them.

He only feared one thing: that they would lose their edge because of the overly generous treatment.

Ren Zhong’s small worry did not become reality.

They had resisted the temptation of the "sugar-coated bullets" in their lives.

In fact, they didn't have any lofty ideals.

Their thoughts were very simple.

Although they couldn't imagine who Mr. Ren’s enemies were, they wanted to follow his footsteps and hoped to keep their qualifications to fight alongside him.

Everyone worked very hard; even Ou Youning hadn't been to "Night’s Slumber" for ten consecutive days.

Their current parameters, combat experience, willpower, and coordination had already surpassed the 45th day of the previous timeline.

It wasn't just him who was growing rapidly in different timelines.

This was what Ren Zhong found most gratifying.

"Mr. Ren, we secretly entered the abandoned mines a few days ago and hunted a Tier 4 Steel-Shell Sand Worm. Hanyu and I used the method you taught us to prepare enough corrosive acid for it."

Zheng Tian approached, speaking as if presenting a treasure.

"Very good, truly excellent!"

Ren Zhong nodded and smiled.

Since following Lin Wang’s team to the Morning Glow mining area fifteen days ago, this was the first time he had shown a genuine smile.

*Sure enough, I’m not a real actor.*

*I don't want to act.*

Tier 4 Dismantler Chen Hanyu didn't have any significant changes.

Well, maybe her chest looked a bit fuller; it could be secondary development from the high intensity of exercise, or perhaps it was just an illusion.

Lin Wang’s side was full of schemes and intrigue; it was better here, where the scenery was unique.