Chapter 142

"You should be familiar with the gangs in the Slums that run shady businesses, right?"

A fleeting look of surprise crossed Lin Gerei's eyes, but he quickly realized why Lin Gerui had asked that question.

:

"I understand, what's wrong?"

"If I wanted to eliminate them, wouldn't that cut off your source of income?"

Seeing Shi Lei's serious expression, Lin Gerei's kind smile faded. After a moment's thought, he gave a suitable answer:

"No, I'm doing all legal business. But you're not cutting off my livelihood, you're cutting off the livelihood of most ordinary people in the Slums. If you really do that, I won't take any action. But if the people down there can't afford to eat and are causing trouble everywhere, I can't just ignore it."

This answer was entirely within Shi Lei's expectations. He had already devised a solution; he had come today solely to obtain a personal promise from the Rat King.

"If I need to do this for some reason, what other problems do you think need to be solved besides addressing the livelihoods of the unemployed?"

Lin Gerei, leaning on his cane with one hand, pondered the matter very seriously. After a short while, he answered:

"Mr. Shi, since we've come this far, I might as well be frank with you. The gray industry is a double-edged sword for the Slums."

It allows some people to make quick money, but it also harms the interests of others. If they could do honest work, who would want to engage in gray-market activities? As long as their employment problems are solved, you don't even need to lift a finger; I will personally eradicate these gangs.

Finding them jobs isn't as simple as you might think. When there are enough people, ordinary jobs simply can't meet the demand. If I could do it, I would have wiped out those gangs long ago. It's precisely because I can't that the status quo has remained unchanged.

If you're going to take action, I won't stop you. But you need to think clearly: solving the livelihood problems of so many people is an impossible task.

Chen, standing to the side, chimed in:

"Yes, if we were to dismantle all the gray-market industries, tens of thousands of people would lose their jobs. This is too difficult. Perhaps we should reconsider?"

"No need, I have a way."

Shi Lei seemed confident, ready to tackle what they considered an impossible task. He had two solutions for solving the problem of widespread unemployment among the poorest Slums: a primary solution and a backup.

"With Old Mr. Lin's words, my trip today has not been in vain. However, I must excuse myself for a moment. I will come back for dinner at six o'clock tonight, is that alright?"

"Good."

Having received permission, Shi Lei turned his head to look at Chen:

"Officer Chen opened Lungmen Guard Department branch in the Slums today, so he probably has a lot to say to you. Texas and I will head out first and come back tonight."

He wasn't worried about a conflict between the two; Chen was Wei Yenwu's niece, after all. He'd heard the Governor was friends with Lin Gerei, so he figured he wouldn't make things difficult for her.

With just a glance, Texas followed Shi Lei out of the hall and flew away on the Rock platform.

Lin Gerei was secretly alarmed when he saw this scene from inside the house.

On the battlefield, a mere half-second's error can sometimes determine life or death. How many people in the world can execute a move as instantly as Shi Lei?

Only after the two had flown away did he withdraw his gaze. He then turned his attention back to Chen:

"Child, you may not know me, but I know you very well. In the past two years, you have used your salary from the Lungmen Guard Department to sponsor more than 20 children in Slums, and you also spend time with them in your spare time, teaching them principles and knowledge. Most of these children have been taught quite well by you."

The latter was a little embarrassed, feeling that what she had done was trivial and not worthy of praise.

"It's what I should do."

Lin Gerei smiled slightly, his eyes revealing appreciation:

"I'm saying all this because you're Wei Yenwu's niece, and because you're a superintendent in the Special Inspectorate. It's because you are Chen who pushed for the 'Infected Residency Act.' You're the Chen who opened the Lungmen Guard Department in the Slums, wanting to integrate the people here into Lungmen. Regardless of what Wei Yenwu thinks, I have to say this to you. Chen, you've done well, but..."

At this point, he suddenly changed the subject:

"Child, you don't understand the rules now, nor do you have the power to break them. In the past, you might have been a good minister, but not necessarily a wise ruler. You are still lacking something crucial."

Chen pondered these words carefully, but still couldn't understand their meaning. She felt that the Rat King, like her uncle Wei Yenwu, liked to say things she couldn't comprehend.

This was undoubtedly torture for Chen, who was extremely efficient. Shi Lei was also this kind of person, but he would use his fists to make the other party talk.

"I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what that passage meant. Perhaps I really am lacking something. If you know the answer, could you tell me?"

Lin Gerei, leaning on his cane with one hand, smiled kindly and said:

"Child, sometimes giving you the answer directly can actually harm you. You need to figure these things out for yourself. Only what you realize yourself is truly yours. If you really have no direction, you can look at Shi Lei. Perhaps you can find the answer in him."

Chen pressed down on Chi Xiao with her right hand, suddenly feeling an urge to draw her sword.

Meanwhile, in a desert in Syracuse.

A Sarkaz woman with red hair and purple eyes, her coat half-off, wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress and black stockings, was stopped in her tracks by the Wolf Lord, who was on high alert.

The two-handed greatsword in her hand, though not swung, gave off a very dangerous feeling. [Welcome to Night Raid]

";$'s": month: fee.'group;:]:..4:9.,3:""6!,*1:3";5."

"Gurgle~"

The Wolf Lord crouched down, letting out a low growl, and asked in a stern voice:

"Who are you? Why are you here?"

It's not summer yet, but the female Sarkaz has a blue popsicle in her mouth:

"What I hate most is guys who keep asking why. This time, I'll ask you."

206. With you, I'm all I need (Seeking monthly votes)

Shi Lei used the Rock platform to carry Texas to the Lungmen Guard Department's branch in the Slums.

I used to fly around everywhere because I was in a hurry to save lives. Now I have plenty of time and can just drive normally.

Listening to the whistling wind in his ears, Shi Lei asked:

"Actually, I've already thought of a solution. Do you want to know where I'm going next?"

There were only two people on the Rock platform at this moment, which made Texas very relaxed. She had spent more than half a year with Shi Lei and knew all his connections in Lungmen.

He knows everyone he knows. But he doesn't necessarily know everyone he knows.

Eradicating the gray market industries in the Slums would lead to the unemployment of tens of thousands. Looking across Lungmen, the only way to solve the employment problem for so many people is...

"It's the Schwayer Group, isn't it?"

Several months ago, the Schwayer Group partnered with the Longmen Governor to carry out a renovation project in the Upper City.

While creating numerous jobs, it also boosted local consumption levels and increased brand awareness.

With the Upper City renovation project as a reference, the renovation of Lower City is not so unacceptable.

The key is to see how he wants to negotiate.

Texas hadn't come up with a good solution yet, but she believed Shi Lei could definitely solve it.

This kind of trust doesn't follow any logic; it's simply based on the feeling that the other person can't stump you.

She lived in Columbia and Syracuse for so many years, but she never felt as at ease as when she was with Shi Lei.

Like the weight of a rock, it gives you peace of mind.

Seeing that Texas made no difference, he guessed correctly. A slight smile appeared on his lips, revealing a knowing understanding.

A few minutes later, the two returned to the Lungmen Guard Department's branch in the Slums.

As soon as Shi Lei landed, he saw Lisa surrounded by a large number of the Lungmen Guard Department officers. She was like a walking fountain of water, every smile and frown of hers could heal others.

Officer Hoshiguma didn't join in the fun. Seeing him and Texas, she walked over and asked:

Where's Old Chen?

"Officer Chen was puzzled, so I took her to see the Rat King. If Officer Chen wasn't planning to have dinner at someone else's house, she should be back before six o'clock."

Hoshiguma nodded and continued to ask:

"When you left, you said you had something to take care of. How's it going? Has it been resolved?"

Shi Lei entrusted Mudrock with the entire task of rescuing A Fa's mother, so there shouldn't be any problems.

"Yes, it's resolved. I've assigned someone to handle it. Thank you for taking care of Lisa."

"You're welcome, it's something I promised. The little girl is very cute, everyone likes her."

"Haha, I figured it out."

Shi Lei raised his voice and shouted into the distance:

"Lisa, it's time to go!"

Hearing the call, Lisa quickly got up. She straightened her little skirt and ran over happily. She tugged at his sleeve, her big eyes sparkling:

"Lisa is very well-behaved, she didn't run around."

"Haha, Lisa is such a good girl. Let's go back to the city to take care of some things first, and I'll take you out to eat later."

Okay~

The three of them arrived in the Upper City by car.

Texas had been to the Schwayer Group Building before, turning into the Underground Parking Lot.

Adams Suiya, the head and founder of the Schwayer Group, has been bedridden for many years. The third-in-command is the Beatrix family, with whom he has a close relationship. The fourth-in-command is the Charlie family, who were expelled from the family register for hiring a hitman.

For a large project like the redevelopment of the Lower City, Blake Suiya is the most suitable person to work with.

Upon hearing the vehicle's call, Shi Lei turned his head to look at the back seat:

"Lisa, stay in the car for a bit. I have something to take care of upstairs, I'll be right back."

He shielded Lisa with the Jade Shield, so there was no need to worry about her being in danger if he left her alone here.

"Okay, Lisa will definitely go."

Seeing her pitiful appearance, Shi Lei felt a pang of pity. After a moment's thought, he handed over his phone, hoping Lisa could browse the news online to pass the time.

Upon seeing this, Texas handed over her phone.

"Let her play with mine. What if someone calls you and you can't answer in time?"

Shi Lei thought it made sense, so he granted her wish. He patted Lisa's head, said goodbye, and left.

The two went to the lobby on the first floor and told the receptionist that they wanted to see Blake Suiya. The latter...

Once you know them, call them by landline immediately.

A short while later, she hung up the phone and politely replied:

"Gentlemen, the boss said he's waiting for you in the conference room on the fourteenth floor, the one on the left after you get off the elevator."

"OK, thanks."

Shi Lei and Texas arrived at the designated floor and room, where they met Blake as they had hoped.

He was quite surprised by Zhongli's sudden visit. He sat in the main seat, dressed in a sharp suit, rubbing his hands together, seemingly quite anticipating what was to come.

"Good afternoon, Mister Zhongli. What brings you here today?"

Texas, without needing to be reminded, wisely stood outside the meeting room and did not follow him in.

Shi Lei noticed this but said nothing. He pulled out a chair, sat down, and explained his purpose with a smile:

"Mr. Blake, I'm here today to introduce you to a big business deal."

"Oh?"

Given the size of the Schwayer Group, Blake didn't think Penguin Logistics could offer any big business.

However, he maintained due respect for Shi Lei and was willing to listen to him finish speaking.

Tell me about it.

"A few months ago, your company partnered with the Governor to renovate the Upper City, and the results have been significant. Why not consider renovating the Lower City as well?"

Upon hearing this audacious and insane plan, Blake's eyelids twitched. Everyone in Lungmen knew that the Lower City was a lawless area teeming with gangs and a chaotic mix of people.

This is why, even though housing prices and the cost of living are lower in the Lower City than in the Upper City, many businesses are unwilling to move in. They fear that their investment in building properties will be illegally seized by local gangs, causing all their investment to go down the drain.