Chapter 66

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Does the author have any side jobs?

It existed before.

I created a V-group back then and wrote more than ten episodes.

The group was later reported and shut down. Since the group files weren't backed up, everything was lost. Joining the VIP group now is pointless; if you want to chat, join the regular group.

1039858692 [Answer: Yes]

Additionally, the author has a completed Detective Conan fanfic with a single female protagonist, totaling 1 million words, and incorporating elements of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Cthulhu. If you're looking for something to read, grab it; you can read the free chapters first.

The link is as follows:

106 The dust has settled.

Spring Festival, Year 1095.

The first day of the new year is usually very lazy.

Without work or academic worries, I just want to stay at home and not go anywhere.

Shi Lei had intended to sleep in, but was woken up early by Exusiai knocking on the door. After eating breakfast of milk and toast, her true intentions became clear:

"Zhongli, let's play mahjong together!"

Texas was rinsing the cups in the kitchen when she spoke up to offer a different opinion:

"There's no need to rush into playing mahjong on the first day of the new year. How about we go see the lantern festival at Temple Street instead?"

I went there last night, so I'm abstaining from the competition.

"I'm fine with either."

She and Exusiai one-to-one, giving Shi Lei the crucial vote to make the final decision. He glanced at Texas and chimed in:

"Playing mahjong on the first day of the new year is indeed a bit of a waste of time, so let's go for a stroll in Temple Street first."

Temple Street, 9:30 am

The four of them stood on the pedestrian overpass and hesitated when they saw the crowds of people in the distance.

Looking around, the walls on both sides of the archway are supported.

There were various shapes and sizes of lantern wheels, lantern trees, and lantern mountain supports. There were enormous fish-dragon lanterns, longevity lanterns, and seven-treasure lanterns. However, it was daytime, and the lanterns were not yet lit.

Most tourists come here to buy local specialties from Yan.

"See? I told you so."

Exusiai raised her chin, quite pleased with herself, and said:

"During the Lunar New Year, people either stay at home or gather at tourist attractions like this, which are always packed with people. It's sunny today, so I might as well just go home and play mahjong."

There weren't any local specialties I wanted to buy in Texas, and I didn't want to just wander around aimlessly without buying anything. This forced me to put my plan to visit all the tourist attractions on New Year's Day on hold.

On the way back, we happened to pass by the residential area. Exusiai volunteered to leave the group, saying she needed to go back, and told everyone to go ahead.

After returning to the warehouse, the three of them had nothing to do, so they moved chairs outside to sunbathe. These days had been too leisurely; it was easy to become complacent and spoiled.

After a long while, Exusiai arrived on her motorcycle, bringing with her a complete set of bedding, including blankets and pillows.

Hey, hey, hey, is this some kind of exaggerated statement?

With his hands behind his head, he lay comfortably on the iron beach chair and joked:

"Why don't you just move in here? I'll pay you some rent each month and we'll split the utilities."

"No, I have too much stuff, I can't fit it all in."

At this point, Exusiai suddenly revealed a mischievous grin:

"If I'm going to move, I'll have to wait until Texas moves first."

Texas was also sunbathing nearby, showed no emotional fluctuation upon hearing this.

"I'm not moving."

Exusiai suppressed a laugh, wanting to dig a pit for mischief:

"You said it yourself."

Seeing Texas frown slightly, she immediately chuckled and changed the subject:

"Come on, let's continue playing mahjong."

Shi Lei has been doing nothing but eating and playing lately, and he really seems to be living a retired life.

At noon, the four of them went to eat across the street at the alley entrance. Some restaurants were open as usual during the Spring Festival, but they would charge extra fees, which was perfectly acceptable.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill and left, Texas stood at the restaurant entrance and pointed to the other side:

"Come on, Exusiai, come with me to buy groceries."

Shi Lei was very puzzled and asked:

"There's no natural gas connected to the warehouse. How about we order some dishes from this restaurant tonight?"

As if she had anticipated this, she offered a solution:

"You can bring it to my house this afternoon and cook it there, then reheat it in the microwave later."

Shi Lei nodded, agreeing that this method was feasible:

"Let's go then, I'll help you move your things."

"No need, the two of us are enough." Texas coldly refused, "Go back."

Shi Lei actually wanted to help, but since Texas had said so, he would do as she said.

He then returned to the warehouse with Nian, where he read while basking in the sun. Lately, he's been playing mahjong every day and has become somewhat lax.

Warehouse, 6:45 pm

Mudrock and his team arrived at the banquet ahead of time, following the address left by Shi Lei.

There are 26 people tonight, including four children. If the children squeeze in a little, we can fill three tables.

Shi Lei raised his glass and toasted everyone:

"I know everyone has come a long way today, let's eat first, and we can talk about other things after we've eaten."

After taking his seat, he tasted a bite and thought it was alright. Texas never expected that this powerful Texas mob Eldest Daughter would actually cook for herself.

Exusiai sat at the same table, seemingly hesitant to speak. However, after Texas glanced at her, she became very well-behaved, burying her head in her rice and vegetables.

After recovering from his Originium-related illness attack, Victor, codenamed V, stood up a few minutes later to offer a toast:

"Thank you, Lord Shi Lei, for giving us this opportunity to gather here. Let's all raise a toast to him first."

Seeing everyone stand up to toast him, Shi Lei couldn't refuse. He obediently stood up and drank a full glass.

Then someone offered him a toast, but he refused, saying he had important business to discuss later.

After they had almost finished eating, Shi Lei stood up and said:

"Please come out here, all you Sarkaz mercenaries. I have something to say to you."

Seeing this, Mudrock also wanted to follow, but he politely declined.

"I'm talking to them, you don't need to come over. Sit down and continue eating, I'll call you when I need you."

"Yes, Lord Shi Lei!"

The Mudrock's Squad of 21 people, which can be divided into three parts. Mudrock is the first part, Shi Lei has already decided to recruit him as a subordinate; this is beyond dispute.

The second part consists of four pairs of mothers and daughters, and mothers and sons. They are not combatants. They come to Lungmen only want a stable life, and whether they are accepted into the military makes little difference to them.

The third part concerns the 12 Sarkaz mercenaries who followed Mudrock. Some were infected, some weren't. They will be the focus of our discussion today.

Shi Lei stood behind the warehouse with his hands behind his back, letting the breeze rustle his Penguin Logistics uniform.

The twelve Sarkaz mercenaries bowed their heads in silence, as if awaiting trial. The conversation that followed would determine the fate of all of them.

What are your plans for the future?

Shi Lei's question left the mercenaries bewildered. They faced each other...

They looked at each other, unsure how to respond.

"Okay, let me ask you a different question. What kind of work are you planning to do next?"

This hit their sore spot directly.

I've been staying at the outpost lately because I can't find a job. I want to make money, but I can't seem to find any.

Seeing that they remained silent, Shi Lei's eyes showed a hint of disappointment. There was no need to ask the next question:

"You should know that only Mudrock is truly loyal to me. If my orders differ from hers, whose will you obey?"

I called you here separately to make things clear. I don't need opportunists, nor do I need anyone's protection. As long as you don't engage in fraud, deception, murder, or robbery, I promise to do my best to help you find jobs and suitable means of livelihood.

"No, sir!"

V touched his left shoulder with his right hand, knelt on one knee, and said:

"Sister Mudrock will absolutely obey your orders and there will be no deviation. I swear in the name of the Sarkaz that I wholeheartedly serve you as my only master. I am the sword in your hand and your steadfast guardian. I dedicate my life and soul to you, tonight and every night."

The other mercenaries followed suit and knelt down, their attitude devout.

I now offer my life to my Lord.

It begins with night, and death has no end.

107 The Bond with the Master

Shi Lei's attitude towards these Sarkaz mercenaries was quite clear. He took these underlings in without expecting them to be entrusted with any important tasks.

"Let's get this straight: since you've sworn to follow us, let's agree on three rules first."

First, don't be a fence-sitter; betrayal is unacceptable anywhere.

Second, you are not allowed to use my name to cause trouble.

Third, don't try to do anything for me on your own initiative. Doing so could easily backfire, and I'll end up having to handle the aftermath.

I will try my best to find suitable jobs for you, so that you can at least make a living in Lungmen.

If you agree to these three points, you can go back to the table. I'll protect you from now on. If you don't agree, you still have the chance to leave.

The Sarkaz mercenaries rose one after another, indicating their acceptance of the proposals, and then bowed respectfully before leaving.

Lord Shi Lei talked about three rules, but in reality, there was only one key point: don't cause him any trouble. Such a simple request, what more could one ask for?

There's no need to even mention the implication of being a fence-sitter; people in their line of work show no mercy to traitors.

The Sarkaz mercenaries present all knew that they were able to get on Shi Lei's good side today entirely thanks to Mudrock. They alone couldn't have established such a connection. None of them wanted to return to those days of constant wandering and uncertainty.

Seeing that V was still kneeling in place and had not gotten up, Shi Lei asked:

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

"Lord Shi Lei, I sincerely serve you as my king. If you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to give the order. I will go through fire and water for you."

"Okay, I understand."

Shi Lei didn't think he needed their help, and nodded vaguely in response:

"Let's go back, and call Mudrock over while we're at it."

"Yes, sir!"

A short while later, the beautiful Sarkaz girl, having received V's notification, quickly arrived at the back of the warehouse.

She wasn't wearing protective gear or carrying a large sledgehammer today. Her simple black T-shirt looked like it was about to burst. Her fitted black capri pants accentuated her graceful figure.