That's a Lot of Money

"I have a dream!"

"I dream of a world where everyone has food to eat and clothes to wear, a dream of using technology to benefit society..."

The dim underground parking garage seemed to have transformed into a stage under the spotlight. Li Si's words were emotional and compassionate, shifting between impassioned and somber. His evocative speech left everyone present stunned.

"I don't know when it happened, but I gradually lost my original intent, sinking into the desire for money, becoming the very person I once despised the most..."

"But, I must say but, just a moment ago, I saw the bright and clear eyes of each of you. I saw the longing and envy flickering within them, and I finally understood. I regret it..."

Li Si looked heartbroken, beating his chest and stamping his feet.

"I must apologize!"

He bowed deeply: "I am very sorry. My capabilities are limited, and only thirty combat suits remain. I do not have the ability to ensure everyone gets a suit of their own."

"However, if you all trust me, please wait for my return. I guarantee that everyone will have the opportunity to obtain an affordable and unique combat suit of their own!"

Having said this, Li Si bowed deeply once more with a sincere expression, then silently packed up his stall, grabbed his backpack, and hurried out of the underground parking garage.

"???"

"What's going on?"

"Didn't he say he was lowering the price? Why did he run off?"

Some players were bewildered, still not grasping the situation.

But other players wore expressions of deep sorrow and regret.

"So I misunderstood him. This NPC has such a noble dream... What a thought-provoking speech!"

"I must repent. Just now, I secretly called him a profiteer in my heart because of his prices."

"Me too, I must repent as well."

"If only we had such a great scientist in reality, our country would surely flourish!"

"..."

Well, this was actually just a case of being overly emotional or suffering from a bout of literary sentimentality.

However, Li Si's speech really did infect quite a few players. At the same time, under the influence of herd mentality, most players actually chose to stay and wait for Li Si, waiting for a full two hours.

"Hey, look, it's that NPC! He really came back!"

It was late at night; the dark veil had covered the sky, and the moon hung high, casting its serene radiance upon the world.

Two hours later, Li Si returned, followed by two security guards from the Osir Tower property management.

"Didn't he say he was going back to transport goods? Why does he look empty-handed, and even his previous backpack is gone?"

Everyone looked at Li Si in confusion.

"Thank you all for your trust and patience!"

Having fully assumed his persona, Li Si acted like a true English gentleman. He placed a hand over his chest, bowed, and said sincerely: "Please follow me; I will fulfill my promise."

"Wow, I just realized this NPC is so handsome. So elegant. Does this game support that? I want to pursue him!"

Some female players were captivated by Li Si's demeanor, stars appearing in their eyes.

However, more were filled with joy, hurrying to follow in Li Si's footsteps.

Players are players, after all. The reason they waited here so long, aside from the effect of Li Si's speech, was actually more focused on their own interests. After all, weren't they waiting all this time just to buy some gear at a discount?

"Alright, we're here!"

Soon, Li Si led the group of players to their destination.

It wasn't very far—just the second floor of the Osir Tower. The Osir Tower was a vacant office building with plenty of empty floors, and this one had been temporarily rented by Li Si.

"What is this?"

"This... so many... could these all be combat suits?"

When the players entered the second floor and saw the scene inside, they were instantly dumbfounded.

Cardboard boxes. Densely packed cardboard boxes.

The floor, which had previously been cleared out and empty, was now filled with nothing but cardboard boxes. The space between each box was no wider than a palm. Even a rough count suggested there were hundreds, if not thousands, of boxes occupying the entire floor.

Moreover, sharp-eyed players noticed a red line drawn about a meter away from the elevator exit. The two security guards who had been following the merchant NPC stood on either side of the red line as soon as they arrived, standing there like two door gods.

"Boss, what are you doing..."

Someone looked at Li Si hesitantly, unable to stop themselves from asking.

"I promised you all that everyone would have the opportunity to obtain a combat suit of their own!"

Li Si looked up at the ceiling at a forty-five-degree angle, wiping away two non-existent tears:

"But my combat suits are all handmade, and my production capacity is truly limited. To fulfill my promise to you all, I racked my brains and finally came up with a way to give everyone a chance to obtain a suit. That is..."

"That is what?"

"Opening boxes!"

Li Si gave a mental thumbs-up to the player who had asked such a sensible question, then grinned, finally revealing the fangs he had kept hidden for so long:

"After much thought, I've concluded that only a lucky draw can provide everyone with an equal opportunity to obtain the items they desire at the most affordable price."

"Each draw costs only five thousand US dollars. For a mere five thousand dollars, you can obtain a two-piece combat suit set worth twenty-six thousand dollars. Sigh... I'm truly taking a massive loss here. I suppose I'm just too kind for my own good!"

Li Si, who had been gazing up at the ceiling, lowered his head and let out a sigh.

"You profiteering scoundrel..."

The surrounding players exchanged glances, and those four words emerged from their mouths in unison.

"I take back my previous confession..."

One player who had previously voiced his repentance lowered his head silently and said gloomily.

"As expected... a profiteer repenting is just... completely unrealistic."

"The city is full of traps; I want to go back to the countryside."

A tall, sturdy player shed tears of regret.

"Sigh, child, the roads in the countryside are slippery too, and the traps are even more complex. You'll get used to it eventually."

Li Si patted him on the shoulder.

"I was so stupid. Astral Gaming Company promised no microtransactions, and I actually believed them."

One player smiled miserably, looking as if life had lost all meaning.

"I... I... I have never seen such a shameless person!"

A somewhat introverted man in glasses saw everyone else sharing their thoughts and felt that if he didn't say something, he might seem like an outcast. However, he couldn't think of anything to say, and after holding it in for a long time, his face turned red as he blurted out this line, causing everyone to collapse in disbelief.

"Eh? Young man, may I ask what your relationship is with Prime Minister Zhuge?"

Li Si was startled, jumping back a step and hugging his chest with both arms.

"..."