Chapter 146
"You've considered the adults, but you haven't taken the children into account. People work in factories during the day, and their children at home may be left unattended. We could build a few childcare centers as appropriate, and hire some teachers to impart knowledge. This would allow people to solve their worries for very little money. The more children they take care of, the more profitable it would be."
Blake quickly grasped the underlying principle: this was a high-volume, low-margin business, and chimed in:
"Good suggestion! We can discuss this further after the second phase of the project makes progress. Mister Zhongli, do you have any other suggestions?"
Shi Lei shook his head, indicating that there was nothing more.
"Alright, that concludes today's meeting. It's lunchtime now, would you like to grab a quick bite together? If we have time, we could also go for a foot massage to relax."
After Blake finished his announcement, a system notification suddenly sounded in Shi Lei's mind.
[Individual influence in Lungmen increases ↑]
[Gained Roleplay Value: 10.]
[Note: Once an individual's influence decreases and then increases again, Roleplay Value points will no longer be gained repeatedly.]
Shi Lei glanced at the content on the 3D screen, but his emotions remained unchanged.
He can now gain a maximum of 2 Roleplay Value per day by being penniless and reading. With the 1 point provided by his subordinate Mudrock, he has a fixed 3 Roleplay Value per day.
Although it didn't increase by 5 points as quickly as it did in the Immortal Realm,
It takes about a year to reach the advancement standard of the Seven Archons Realm.
Shi Lei has always taken a very relaxed approach to playing the role of Rex Lapis. He'll dress up when he feels like it, and when he doesn't, he'll just follow his own true feelings.
In any case, our current strength is more than enough.
He spent his days leisurely, reading, playing mahjong, and having parties, living a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
Moreover, Shi Lei reads books not entirely for the sake of that tiny bit of Roleplay Value, but more out of interest.
Once he reaches the Roleplay Value for advancing to the Seven Archons Realm, he will stop advancing and maintain the status quo.
Being stuck at this stage is about having an extra layer of insurance. So that if we encounter a more powerful enemy later, we won't be unable to protect those we want to protect due to insufficient ability.
Despite Terra, many areas are not actually marked on the map.
For example, the ice fields of Northern Ursus, the depths of the Sargon desert, and beyond the Iberia Sea. Information about these places is scarce in books.
The Terra have currently explored a very limited area, but the possibility of other continents cannot be ruled out.
As an Earthling, what grand scenes hasn't Shi Lei seen in movies and games? Even if a space visitor suddenly appeared one day, he wouldn't be surprised.
After all, the idea of time travel is magical enough.
Upon hearing Blake's invitation to dinner and a foot massage, Wei Yenwu was the first to respond:
"I told my wife I was going home for dinner tonight, so I won't be going. We can talk about it another time."
The main reason is that bathhouses are not suitable for married men like him; if Wenyue finds out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Lin Gerei grinned, gave his old friend a meaningful look, and then politely declined:
"Me too. I told my family before I left home, Tai He to cancel right away. I'm really sorry."
After being rejected repeatedly, Blake looked somewhat embarrassed and placed his last hope on Shi Lei:
"That Mister Zhongli..."
Shi Lei was preoccupied with his Texas birthday present. Actually, he could skip the meal; he figured he'd just go home a little later to give Lisa more time.
"Eating is fine, but a foot bath is out of the question. Someone has left their child with me; could I pack a few desserts to take with them?"
"Haha, of course you can."
Blake let out a hearty laugh; of the three, Shi Lei was the only one who was unpretentious.
"Your Excellency, Mr. Lin, we'll be taking our leave now. We'll contact you later if anything comes up."
Although he reached a cooperation agreement with Lin Gerei, he did not ask for the other party's mobile phone number.
The main reason is that Shi Lei was the middleman.
Without his mediation, today's project wouldn't have been possible at all. If they had bypassed Shi Lei and talked directly with Lin Gerei, it would have been tantamount to kicking the middleman out of the game.
This is neither polite nor Morality.
Having been in business for many years, Blake was well-versed in human relationships and social dynamics.
He'd rather forgo the cooperation and the money than offend Shi Lei. His overprotective fourth brother, Charlie, is the best example of what not to do. Going against Penguin Logistics' Messenger will only lead to trouble.
The people who participated in the meeting and discussion today were all middle-aged men over forty years old. Compared to the imposing Wei Yenwu and the kind-looking Mr. Lin, Blake felt that he had more in common with Shi Lei.
He not only saved my life, but we also collaborated several times, and there was no sense of superior-subordinate distance between us.
"Mr. Wei, Mr. Lin, goodbye."
Shi Lei waved goodbye and followed Blake out of the conference room. The two walked out of the Schwayer Group Building and arrived at a high-end restaurant owned by the company across the street.
Blake, a shareholder of the restaurant, received a warm welcome. He sat down in the VIP room and gestured to the waitress to hand the menu to Shi Lei.
"Mister Zhongli, please order whatever you like. From now on, all your expenses at this restaurant will be on my tab."
Shi Lei laughed and joked:
"Forget it, if you let me order whatever I want, I'll eat you out of house and home. I'll eat whatever you order, as long as it's not seafood."
Blake smiled and reached out to take the menu:
"Okay, I'll make the arrangements. This restaurant has a few signature dishes that you absolutely must try today."
"We can order dessert after we finish eating, so we can take it to go. Is that alright with you?"
Shi Lei nodded slightly in response:
"No problem, I'll follow your instructions."
Soon, the table was filled with dishes, and the aroma of goose filled the air.
Blake hadn't been eating for long when he suddenly sighed.
"Why."
Seeing his hesitant expression, Shi Lei knew he was about to say something, so he waited silently for him to continue.
"Mister Zhongli, there is something I would like to ask you, but I feel Tai He."
"Tell me about it first."
"The person who planted the bomb under my car a few months ago has still not been found. I know it must have been someone from the Schwayer family who ordered it. But we still have no clue who it is. I know you probably won't take this case, but I have no other choice but to contact you."
"Mr. Blake, I'm sorry. Investigating cases is not my area of expertise, and I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."
Shi Lei remembered this incident, put down his chopsticks, took out his phone, and showed it to Lee, displaying his phone number:
"But I know a Koi-Style Detective Agency, which might be able to help you solve this problem."
After a satisfying meal, it was already 6:20. In spring, darkness doesn't fall quickly, and the sun hadn't yet set.
Shi Lei packed up several desserts, said goodbye, and left.
Seeing that he was about to walk home, Blake caught up with him and offered to let his driver give him a ride.
Shi Lei didn't refuse the kindness and got out of the car at the alley entrance. He hadn't locked the door before leaving home today, and perhaps he would see Texas and Lisa when he got back.
As expected, things turned out exactly as predicted.
Texas had absolutely no experience with children and sat in a chair playing on her phone. Lisa sat obediently beside her, staring at her phone screen.
Seeing Shi Lei return, Texas stood up and asked:
Have you eaten?
"Yes, I've already eaten."
Having said that, he showed off the exquisitely packaged box in his hand:
"I brought you some desserts. Please feel free to share if you don't mind."
Texas had originally planned to wait for Shi Lei to come back so they could have dinner together, but since he had already eaten, there was nothing she could do.
She had to go to work on Monday, so after eating, she didn't stay in the warehouse for long and took her leave.
As soon as Texas left, Lisa immediately reported:
"Brother Shi, I've found out what you asked me to do last night."
Shi Lei's eyes lit up. Sure enough, having a child ask the question was a good trick; it made people lower their guard.
What kind of gift does she like?
Lisa turned her head and pointed to the warehouse next door:
"Texas sister likes this."
Shi Lei asked uncertainly, somewhat puzzled:
"Oh? She likes this?"
"Yes, Texas spent more time on her phone this afternoon searching for information about these warehouses than she did on other news articles, so she must like them."
I see, I understand now!
Shi Lei's pupils widened, and he instantly understood.
He knows he rents in Texas and doesn't own a house. He's been looking at warehouses; is he thinking of buying them?
Since she wants a home, then let's give her one.
211. Do you understand Zhongli better, or Zhongli I? (4K)
After listening to Lisa's description, Shi Lei seemed to be deep in thought.
In early to mid-April, to address the unequal treaties imposed on Texas, he set off with Penguin Logistics' Messenger to Syracuse, A Thousand Miles Away.
During this time, Shi Lei learned bits and pieces about the Texas Family's downfall from Lappland and Tribe Members. He also learned why Chelinina was unwilling to discuss the past.
As the Eldest Daughter of a mob boss, Texas has lost all connection to the concept of 'family'. After escaping Columbia, she arrives in Lungmen. Together with the Emperor, she establishes Penguin Logistics, embarking on a brand new life.
Texas has severed ties and won't be returning to Syracuse for a long time. As the only remaining member of her family, she's adrift in a foreign land. Her desire to buy a house and settle down is completely understandable.
As for why Texas bought the warehouse, it might be influenced by him and Croissant. Two of Penguin Logistics' four Messenger live in the warehouse.
Compared to ordinary residential houses where shared area and wall area need to be calculated, the biggest advantage of warehouses is their enormous space. Shi Lei can use rocks to help with the renovations, which should save him a significant amount of money.
The more he thought about it, the more feasible the idea of buying a warehouse as a birthday gift seemed, and he continued to ask:
"Since you saw her searching for information online, do you remember exactly which warehouse she was looking for?"
Lisa shook her head, indicating that she did not know:
"I don't know, but my sister Texas searched the warehouse here, but she didn't see any information about it for sale."
Oh, so you wanted to be my neighbor.
Shi Lei nodded to himself, thinking she had good taste. If they were neighbors, he wouldn't have to drive around so much. It would be much more convenient to meet up for meals, parties, and mahjong.
Moreover, the warehouse is spacious enough for one person. Perhaps Exusiai can move in too; then we can create a windowless room for her to avoid the overhead light illuminating the surroundings at night.
The fact that no listings were found in Texas indicates that the owner has no intention of selling the warehouse.
Shi Lei immediately thought of Isu, the company's intelligence chief. Asking him for help should allow them to quickly find the warehouse owner's contact information.
However, it's already past 10 p. m., so Tai He to Isu Is now. It's best to ask during the day.
"You did a great job on this. Is there a reward you'd like? I'll do everything I can to help you with anything you want."
Lisa opened her big eyes, tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said:
"Brother Shi, when you have time, could you take me to that place from yesterday? The place with the Stone Statues? I want to play with them again."
The location she was referring to was the Mudrock stronghold.
"No problem."
Shi Lei agreed without hesitation:
"From now on, if you're free on weekends, I'll take you to visit them every Saturday and Sunday, okay?"