Chapter 199
"Yes, sir!"
Once everyone had arrived, he began to explain:
"Mr. Blake just told me that he's inviting you to dine inside. There's more good food there, and plenty of room to relax. Come on, let's go in together. Let's all have a good time during the New Year, and eat as much as you like."
V and the others were deeply moved upon hearing this.
Sarkaz, who are often vilified as Demon Race by the world, would be content to be allowed to stay in the outer area. Even if Surtr and FrostNova were to go in, it would be understandable. Unexpectedly, the Lord didn't show favoritism and actually ordered everyone in.
"Okay, thank you, sir!"
The annual meeting at the Victoria Royal Hotel was in full swing.
The boss of Penguin Logistics, the Great Emperor, boarded the Rhodes Island ship with Exusiai and Croissant.
263 Zhongli goes to the island (3K)
Even though the next thing was a business meeting, the Emperor wasn't dressed formally. He was still wearing sunglasses and a big gold chain, sporting a hip-hop style of attire.
Exusiai and Croissant are like bodyguards, following closely behind it and never leaving its side.
If it weren't for last year
Having previously collaborated with Rhodes Island, she knew it was a pharmaceutical company. Exusiai certainly didn't want to go out on a mission without Shi Lei present.
Amiya stood on the deck of the This Ship to greet them, followed by more than ten people including Operator Blaze, Medical Operator Medic, heavy armor Operator ACE, and Guard.
It's been a year since I last saw her, and I feel that the Little Rabbit has become more and more mature, completely unlike other children her age.
"Emperor Majesty, this way please. Doctor Kal'tsit is still in the lab and will be out soon."
The Emperor nodded slightly, saying nothing more. He followed the group into the interior of the ship.
Along the way, it encountered many Operator and wounded infected who were receiving treatment. Everyone was very curious about this handsome man who had reverted to his ancestral form, and they all turned around to look at him.
The Emperor didn't have to wait long; he met Doctor Kal'tsit just two minutes after arriving at the conference room.
This white-haired, green-eyed woman, Feline, was dressed in an outfit similar to the one in the Screaming Green Bottle costume. Her semi-transparent boots were also quite eye-catching.
Despite her title being just a Doctor, she is actually one of the top administrators of Rhodes Island.
Doctor Kal'tsit is not only the head of the Medical Department, leading various medical projects, but also Amiya's direct guardian, and will step in as a strategic commander when Rhodes Island encounters major crises.
There was no hint of unfamiliarity in her eyes; it was as if she had known the Emperor across the table for a long time.
"Your face reminds me of many old stories, though I'm sure you still have some questions. Rhodes Island is facing enough trouble right now, and there are many more serious ones. I don't have enough time, nor can I answer them all. I'll tell you the answers when we find a suitable opportunity later. For now, let's briefly discuss the matter of cooperation."
Kal'tsit's profound speaking style left Exusiai completely bewildered.
Huh?
What is she saying?
The Emperor remained calm, showing no surprise whatsoever. He picked up the white document that had been slid across the conference table and flipped through it through the gaps behind his sunglasses.
Seeing this, Amiya took the initiative to introduce herself:
"Mr. Emperor, this is a long-term agency contract signed between Rhodes Island and your company. During the contract period, we will employ your company's Messenger as Penguin Logistics' liaison personnel in Rhodes Island. This includes, but is not limited to, providing assistance for various operations of Rhodes Island."
The Emperor did not respond, but simply flipped through the pages silently.
In fact, long-term agency contracts are similar in content to regular large agency contracts. The difference lies in the fact that large agency contracts are usually short-term, such as protection and transportation. Long-term agency contracts, as the name suggests, cover a specific period.
If Rhodes Island assigns multiple missions during the contract period, the Messenger must cooperate in accordance with the contract.
"Whoosh~"
The Emperor quickly flipped through the beginning of the contract, skipping many parts. When he reached a section he was interested in, he stopped and said seriously:
"Regarding this long-term agency agreement, I request that a supplementary condition be added here."
Before Kal'tsit could speak, Amiya interrupted. Despite being only a teenager, she was mature beyond her years, speaking very politely and courteously:
"It's alright, Mr. Emperor. You can make any requests you have. If we can reach an agreement, I will print out the new contract as soon as possible."
"Zhongli, this Messenger, does not accept any form of medical examination or testing from Rhodes Island. If he cannot do this, I will consider removing him from the contract list."
Upon Exusiai hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.
No, boss!
If you remove Zhongli, I won't go.
The Emperor hasn't informed Shi Lei about the cooperation with Rhodes Island yet. The two sides haven't reached an agreement; it's not too late to contact him once it's finalized.
Following Rhodes Island would definitely involve traveling to other countries. If Shi Lei is unwilling to travel, the Emperor will respect his choice and remove his name from the contract list. If he has no objections, the contract can be formally signed.
Kal'tsit's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this.
She had heard Operator Blaze and Amiya praise the Messenger codenamed 'Zhongli'.
It is said that last time, he effortlessly intimidated the bandits in the wilderness with just his reputation, causing them to let him pass. He even followed him in his car the entire way, providing protection all the way to Lungmen.
Given the bandits' fear of him and his extremely high reputation in the area, he must be quite capable.
However, every Operator who cooperates with Rhodes Island undergoes a physical examination before officially entering the island. The Emperor's deliberate emphasis at this point, to use an old saying from Yan, feels like a blatant attempt to conceal something obvious.
"You should know that this land is filled with too many dangers and uncertainties. The pressure to survive is like a pair of scissors that can cut people's hearts to shreds."
I'm familiar with that secret in your eyes. In this world, there will always be people who possess secrets unknown to others. I won't comment on that. After all, your current actions are indeed somewhat incomprehensible to me. If it were the old you, you would probably have quickly grasped the meaning behind your actions..."
Standing behind the Emperor, Croissant's attention was entirely focused on the ship's environment and the Operator. She was considering whether to set up a small stall on Rhodes Island and do some bartering with the infected there.
And view
Exusiai lines were not erratic, listened to Kal'tsit's words with an increasingly strange expression.
She felt that the woman had said everything, yet also said nothing at all. When Exusiai to recall the conversation carefully, she couldn't understand its content or meaning.
This feeling is really strange.
In any case, she had already mentally crossed out Doctor Kal'tsit and would try to minimize contact with her in the future.
Hey, Shi Lei is attending the Schwayer Group's annual meeting with Texas today, there must be lots of delicious food there.
It's such a shame I didn't get to freeload today; I'll have to throw a party tonight to make up for it.
Amiya, worried that the other person might not understand, explained:
"Mr. Emperor, the medical examinations we conduct for our cooperating Messenger are to collect blood samples so that we can find a treatment plan in time in case of danger."
"Actually, there's no need for that."
The Emperor's sunglasses slipped down, revealing a composed smile:
"I am making this additional request based on the current situation. I believe you have already seen the quotes for hiring Messenger. Zhongli's hiring fee is much higher than the other three combined. There is a reason for the higher price. I can guarantee that there will be no casualties in any missions involving him."
Any?
That word sounds incredibly arrogant.
Even a pharmaceutical company like Rhodes Island, with its numerous elite Operator, cannot guarantee that no casualties will occur in every rescue operation.
Wild beasts in the wild, or even Originium Crawler that appear out of nowhere, can take a person's life.
Zero casualties every time?
Thinking of this, Kal'tsit's lips curled up slightly.
Ha, you and your suggestion make me laugh.
Amiya for a moment, then responded directly:
"No problem, Emperor Majesty. Rhodes Island's relationship with your company's Messenger is a temporary Cooperative Relationship, not a long-term employment relationship."
If you are certain that he will not accept treatment from Rhodes Island in the future, you do not need to arrange a physical examination for Mister Zhongli. You only need to ensure that the tasks we assign him are completed successfully.
The Emperor knew about Rhodes Island's predecessor organization and how they had been treating infected people since its founding. That's why he sent his employees to help.
"Okay, you can add this in."
Amiya nodded, picked up the white document on the table, and said politely.
"Mr. Emperor, I'll go print out a brand new contract right away. Please wait here for a moment."
"Okay, I'm going out to make a phone call."
After the Emperor finished speaking, he ignored Kal'tsit and climbed the stairs from the corridor outside the meeting room to the deck.
Exusiai and Croissant are highly skilled and consciously spread out to the left and right sides to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
"Sorry, the number you dialed is currently unavailable..."
When the Emperor couldn't get through to Shi Lei, he called Texas, his partner, and asked her to relay the message.
Two minutes later, Shi Lei took the microphone:
"Boss, what can I do for you?"
Do you know Rhodes Island?
There was a pause on the other end of the phone before the reply came:
"Yes, I know. We collaborated once last year, helping them escort the inhibitors back to Lungmen safely."
What are your impressions of Rhodes Island?
Shi Lei found it strange that his boss was asking him about his impression of a pharmaceutical company.
"I'm alright, what's wrong?"
"I am currently This Ship, preparing to sign a three-month long-term contract with them. It will run from the end of February to the end of May this year."
During this period, you five Messenger will need to accompany Rhodes Island on various missions in the surrounding areas. These include, but are not limited to, guarding, escorting, or treating the wounded. I believe these will not be difficult for you. However, if you are unwilling to travel extensively, I will negotiate with Rhodes Island to remove your name from the list."
Shi Lei pondered for a moment and then raised a question:
"It is possible, but Mr. Blake Suiya just told me that he may be going to Victoria in March to discuss business. He will need to hire me as his bodyguard throughout the trip, which conflicts with the schedule."
"Victoria is currently at war with the Sarkaz Army led by Theresis, and the situation there is very complicated. If you are forced to get involved in the war, the situation will be quite dire. In comparison, I would recommend that you accept the Rhodes Island quest. They are out there rescuing people and won't encounter too much danger."
Getting involved in a war would indeed be very troublesome.
"Boss, besides the few of us, can we bring any other people along? The related compensation can be deducted from my salary."
"Can."
"Okay, then I have no other questions."
After confirming Shi Lei's intentions, the Emperor hung up the phone. He turned and returned to the conference room to sign a three-month agency contract with Rhodes Island.
Ark Pictures
264 People in the Painting (4K)
January 15, 1096, 6:59 pm
Two beautiful dragon clan women dressed in Qipao appeared on the streets of Lungmen City.
The Qipao she was wearing that year was the same one from last year, as if it hadn't been washed for a whole year. The soft silk material clung to her skin, revealing her graceful figure.
The Qipao features delicate embroidery on the left breast. Her bold, sweeping gait, paired with the large red floral sleeve, gives her the look of a cool, bossy older sister.
To the right of the figure is a shy-looking man with dark green Dragon Horn.
The stunningly beautiful woman with black hair—Xi.
It's the same Qipao, but she wears it with a completely different feel. The ink-wash landscape design in the Gouwu style seems to have been infused with a soul. It appears incredibly lively as Xi walks, with its undulating movements.
It was winter, and spring had not yet arrived.
The two women wore only long Qipao, without any leggings to cover their lower bodies. This beautiful yet freezing scene naturally attracted the attention of countless gentlemen on the street.
Xi's gaze wandered, her body hunched inward, as if she were somewhat restrained. She reluctantly let Nian put his arm around her shoulder and lead her forward, like a socially awkward teenage girl who had been cooped up at home for a long time and was being forcibly dragged out of the house by her parents.
How much longer until we arrive?