Chapter 149

"You only give her food, but don't give me any, right?"

Exusiai smiled and Croissant food to the croissant, finally managing to smooth things over.

Texas knew she would do unexpected things from time to time, so she didn't take it to heart.

When everyone was almost finished eating, Exusiai raised her left hand and suggested:

"It's been so long since I've had hot pot. How about we go to Shi Lei's house tonight for a hot pot and mahjong party? Let's skip eating out today and just buy some groceries and cook ourselves."

Shi Lei and Croissant knew that the party was part of the plan, so they nodded in agreement.

Texas saw that everyone voted in favor, so she remained silent, taking it as a tacit agreement.

Seeing that Exusiai looked like she wanted to say something Croissant hesitated, Croissant, fearing she might cause trouble, gently kicked her twice under the table. This was to prevent the big mouth from overreacting and prematurely revealing the secret.

Fortunately Exusiai knew the importance of celebrating a birthday and didn't blurt out anything inappropriate.

After lunch, everyone went back to the company for a nap.

Shi Lei was full of energy and didn't have the habit of taking a nap. So as not to disturb his colleagues, he took a medical book to the balcony to read. The book he was holding mainly explained the organs and structure of the human body.

Shi Lei's current strength is at the Archon Realm, and his control over Rock Element and Originium has reached its peak.

Originium on the limbs is the easiest to remove; simply place Jade Shield on them and detonate it. However, Originium on internal organs or infected parts cannot be removed in this way.

According to Shi Lei's plan, it is currently possible to create extremely thin Rock Constructs that can be attached to the inner and outer walls of infected organs. This creates an inner and outer layer, like a sandwich, providing ample protection for the organ. This allows for the removal of Originium from the body without damaging blood vessels. In case of severe bleeding, additional extremely thin Rock Constructs will need to be created to bandage the wound.

To achieve this, a thorough understanding of human organs and the cardiovascular system is required. Only with sufficient understanding can the risks be minimized.

Shi Lei reads these books every day because he knows he'll inevitably need to help people remove Oripathy in the future. The more he reads now, the more confident he'll be in performing the procedure without causing harm.

Shi Lei has only minimally developed the abilities of the Rex Lapis. Firstly, because his current skills are sufficient and he doesn't need to add too many fancy features. Secondly, he has a laid-back attitude and isn't in a hurry at all.

There were no orders in the afternoon, so the Messenger stayed in the office area, each doing their own thing, highlighting a simple, unpretentious, and boring atmosphere.

Croissant, who usually skips work to set up a stall and earn extra money at this time, stayed behind today for the first time ever.

Texas noticed this, but didn't think much of it. Whether or not someone sets up a stall is their own business.

Croissant was worried that Exusiai let something slip, so she volunteered after work to go to the supermarket with Texas to buy meat and vegetables for hot pot.

Shi Lei understood immediately. After saying goodbye to Lisa and Exusiai, he returned to the warehouse to make final arrangements.

Half an hour later, Croissant, having finished buying the groceries, drove back to the warehouse with Texas. As soon as she parked the car, she spotted the birthday cake on the table.

"Hey, whose birthday is it today?"

Croissant just smiled and didn't say anything. After getting off the car, she and Texas went to the table together.

Meanwhile, the Emperor and Miss Sora, who had been waiting for a long time, appeared from the warehouse. The crowd surrounded a bewildered Texas, circling her and offering their blessings:

Happy birthday! Happy birthday! Happy birthday!

There was no "Happy Birthday" song in Lungmen, so Shi Lei taught him roughly according to the standard he used before he transmigrated. Anyway, there was only one line of lyrics, so singing along with him wouldn't make him sing off-key.

Texas looked surprised, only then realizing that it was her birthday.

Her parents died early, and she rarely celebrated her birthday. Later, during the purge of the Texas Family, she fled Columbia and had long forgotten this day each year.

"Thank you, thank you everyone..."

Texas was initially surprised, but her mind was gradually overwhelmed with emotion.

Since joining Penguin Logistics, she has met so many lovely and interesting friends. This has given her a long-lost sense of warmth and belonging, like being at home, even in a foreign land.

I missed it last year, Exusiai said she would make it up to herself. I didn't expect her to actually keep her promise this year.

"Thank you so much..."

Seeing her repeatedly express her gratitude, Shi Lei reminded her:

"Birthday girl, hurry up and blow out the candles and make a wish. There's another birthday present for you later."

The cake was topped with a large circle of cream, and the words "Happy Birthday Texas" were written in Syracuse. A few fresh strawberries were sprinkled in the upper right corner. Below the cake was a base reshaped from melted chocolate bars.

There are seven people here, so they definitely can't finish it. We can save the rest of the cake for tomorrow, given the weather.

Texas gave him a grateful look, then blew out the candles with a whoosh. She immediately closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and made a wish in her heart.

"Slap, slap, slap!"

After she made her wish, everyone set off a few manual fireworks, and Shi Lei presented the key to Warehouse No. 3:

"I prepared this gift especially to celebrate your birthday, but I don't know if you'll like it."

Upon seeing it, Texas immediately recognized it as the key to open the roller shutter door. Having spent so much time together, she was very familiar with the key.

Texas looked at the smiling man with a complicated expression, feeling a little dizzy for a moment.

You rascal, now you not only want me to manage your money and salary, but you also want to live with me?

The thought had barely crossed her mind when Shi Lei announced the result:

"Texas, we've pooled our money to buy this warehouse next door as a birthday present for you. When are you free, let's go and complete the transfer together. Here, this is the key to the roller shutter door; we'll be neighbors from now on."

Oh, so you're my neighbor...

A fleeting, complex look crossed Texas's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

Today is her birthday, and Texas is very grateful to everyone for going to such lengths to prepare for it.

"Thank you Shi Lei, thank Exusiai, thank you Croissant, thank you boss, and thank you Miss. Kong."

With each word of thanks, Texas felt her eyes grow warmer. A long-forgotten emotion began to surge and spread wildly within her.

Shi Lei tilted his head and pointed to Warehouse No. 3:

"Texas, I don't know what kind of architectural style and room layout you prefer, so I'll just use the layout from my house for now. If you want to make any changes, just let me know and I'll make the changes as soon as possible."

The furniture Exusiai and Croissant prepared for you should arrive tomorrow. If you find unpacking troublesome, I can have it air-freighted over for you.

Texas was starting to lose her composure, covering her eyes with one hand. This excited demeanor was a stark contrast to her usual icy beauty.

Texas hadn't mentioned the warehouse job to any of her colleagues. It was obvious Lisa had tipped her off. But she wouldn't have bothered with such things for no reason. Therefore, it could be inferred that Lisa had been instructed by Shi Lei to do so.

"Thank you so much, thank you so much."

Texas squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold back her tears. She opened her arms and hugged each of the Penguin Logistics family members in turn.

With each hug, Texas's mind would flash back to her...

Various scenes of the two getting along.

Like a gentle stream, it flows into my heart.

After hugging Exusiai, Croissant, Emperor, and Miss Sora in turn, it was finally Shi Lei's turn.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Shi Lei noticed something was off about her voice, so he gently patted her back as if he were soothing a baby to sleep.

Texas's personality is more reserved compared to Exusiai's, and her surprised, delighted, and almost tearful reaction has exceeded everyone's expectations.

"Alright, alright, birthday girl, let's cut the cake. The hot pot broth is all ready. Have a piece of cake to fill your stomach first, and then we'll add the ingredients once the pot is hot."

Exusiai eagerly opened the bottles and handed them to the adults who could drink. Lisa couldn't drink, so she was given a bottle of fruit juice instead.

"Come on, let's toast to Texas's birthday!"

"Cheers!"

What follows is a birthday party that Texas will never forget.

At the same time, in the Slums.

"Run! Run as fast as you can!"

A large group of gang members in blue uniforms arrived at the main gate, only to be blocked by Mudrock, who was wielding an iron hammer.

"****, it's Mudrock, retreat immediately!"

They recognized the rising star and turned to try and escape through other exits. Unfortunately, without exception, they were all blocked by the enormous White Stone Golem.

"Bang!"

The weight of the rock is heart-wrenching.

Mudrock knew that today's massacre of the major gangs involved in the gray industry would be her last major mission under Lin Gerei's command, and she absolutely could not afford to fail.

Once these destabilizing factors are eliminated, the Slums will enjoy a period of peace.

At that time, she won't be needed to maintain order.

"Bang!"

The Stone Statues crashed through the threshold and the house, causing the ground to tremble continuously. It was like a drumbeat, striking the heart of every gang member.

With a single, massive slap, severed limbs and broken arms flew through the air.

"I can't beat them, I simply can't beat them, sob sob..."

"Gather together! Let's rush out the front gate! She's all alone; she can't stop so many of us!"

Like lambs to the slaughter, the gang members were unwilling to sit and wait for their doom. They tried to break out through the spacious front door of their stronghold, hoping to find a glimmer of hope for survival.

Mudrock's gaze was firm, and the miniature clay statue of Shi Lei at her waist gave her the confidence to defeat everyone.

A colossal Redstone Golem rose from the ground behind him.

For Lord Shi Lei!

214 The Liberation of Mudrock (3K)

The birthday party lasted a long time, with the Emperor and Miss being the first to leave after finishing their hot pot meal. The remaining four played mahjong, an unprecedented occurrence, until the early hours of the morning.

Lisa has always had a good sleep schedule, and she gets sleepy around ten o'clock. Shi Lei told her not to wait for everyone and to wash up and go back to her room to rest early.

This was not only Texas's birthday party, but also her housewarming party. The two parties overlapped in time, so they decided to hold them together.

As night fell, the group prepared to go home. Since it wasn't on their way, they couldn't deliver Croissant. Shi Lei constructed Rock platform, which carried Texas and Exusiai back to their neighborhood.

He doesn't fly during the day because he'll be seen. Flying at night isn't a problem as long as he doesn't get caught on camera.

Shi Lei's control over the Rock Element is now beyond what even Immortal Realm cultivator could achieve. With Texas's consent, he created countless Rock Constructs as thin as cicada wings.

These creations, like rock sprites, automatically envelop various items inside the house. Avoiding the existing furniture, they methodically float all of Texas's belongings out and place them on the Rock platform. It's a new type of moving service that is automated, requires no human intervention, and is completely noiseless.

Exusiai was envious and insisted on moving too. If she has to move by herself in the future, it'll probably be a huge hassle.

For Shi Lei, this was simply a matter of moving his fingers. He only needed to widen the area of Rock platform to accommodate his two colleagues and their personal belongings.

Texas and Exusiai a good relationship, so Texas didn't refuse her request to move to Warehouse 3. Anyway, sleeping in different rooms would prevent her from being affected by the Sarkaz aura.

And so, Shi Lei carried them and their personal belongings back to the warehouse. After converting the ten rooms inside Warehouse No. 3 into four, he unloaded the items.

By the time they finished their round trip, it was already quite late. Texas and Exusiai decided to make their beds and rest first, and then come back to tidy up properly after work the next day.

June 2nd, 11:01 AM

Shi Lei didn't get enough sleep last night, but he got up as soon as his alarm rang. After having breakfast with Lisa, he arrived at the company early and took a nap at his workstation.

For Messenger, a leisurely job is the norm. Orders don't come in often.

Texas and Exusiai clocked in at nine o'clock sharp, and like him, they slept at their desks. Lisa, having had enough sleep, was playing with Shi Lei's phone next to her.

At 11 a. m., Isu arrived at the office area with his laptop in hand. He not only came by himself, but also brought along the boss, Emperor, who usually didn't get involved much.

"Wake up, wake up."

Isu knocked on the partition of his workstation to wake everyone up before speaking:

Yesterday afternoon, numerous gangs in the Slums were attacked by a mysterious force.

A massacre. Dozens of gang leaders, key members, and other personnel were killed overnight. Informants lurking in the area reported this to the Lungmen Guard Department and other factions. I've compiled many such reports, so I'm specifically informing everyone. Something terrible has happened in the Slums!

Shi Lei knew that this was an operation Lin Gerei had meticulously planned for a week, aimed at eradicating all gangs involved in the gray market.