Negotiations (II) (continued)
But they really didn't dare to lay a hand on Tao Qiu. The three representatives' expressions changed repeatedly, but in the end they compromised.
The Zheng Family representative said, "We've come all this way through hardship, and you expect us to make way for you at the Central Base? We can't just come without paying any price, can we?"
Tao Qiu raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you want?"
The three men's expressions brightened, and greed resurfaced on their faces.
The Bai Family representative raised his chin and began to negotiate. "Since you can transform into human form and have the ability to grow special crops, we require that you cooperate with the three families in various experiments and provide us with special crops on time and in the required quantities."
Upon hearing this, Tao Qiu's eyes flashed with a deep green, his gaze turned cold, and the traces of the feathers on his cheeks were faintly visible. He exuded a bloodthirsty aura, as if he had truly been angered by them.
Have I been too nice to you?
"I forgot to tell you earlier, many high-level mutated monsters really like and need the crops I grow. Believe me, if I offer them the crops in exchange, they should be happy to come with me to the Central Base. If you won't let me into the Central Base, then I'll fight my way in. Only a few decades have passed, you shouldn't have forgotten the scene of being besieged by mutated monsters back then, right?"
"Should we negotiate our terms properly, or do you want me to lead the mutated monsters into the base? Which do you want?"
The three representatives were all born after the tide of mutated monsters receded, but that doesn't mean they were unaware of how terrifying those high-level mutated monsters were.
Putting aside the fact that there are video recordings and various data records that have been passed down, these high-ranking officials have seen it more than once. In the early years, they also went to the wild, and the terrifying strength of those high-level mutated monsters that were as tall as mountains was obvious.
Their cursing of the mutated monsters as lowly is, in itself, an expression of fear and dread.
Seeing the strange change in Tao Qiu's face triggered terrifying memories in the three of them, and their hearts involuntarily raced.
They didn't doubt Tao Qiu's words; they, as humans, all knew those special crops were valuable, and the mutated monsters certainly wanted them too.
Humans might fight and scramble for special crops, so it's understandable that mutated monsters would agree to make a deal with Tao Qiu, exchanging attacks on human bases for crops.
Moreover, the mutated monsters crave human flesh and blood. By following Tao Qiu's instructions, they can obtain special crops and eat humans at the same time, which is a win-win situation.
The Shen Family representative looked at Lou Qing, who remained calm and collected, and said urgently, "Lou, and all of you, didn't you hear what he said? He's going to lead mutated monsters to attack the Central Base! He's on your side, aren't you going to do anything about it?"
Lou Quan smiled and said, "Are you confused? The decision of whether Tao Qiu will attack the Central Base is on your side. If you choose correctly, he naturally won't do it. If you choose incorrectly, the responsibility lies with you. We will tell everyone at the Central Base the truth."
The Shen Family representative angrily retorted, "Are you threatening us?"
Lou Quan's smile widened, "Yes, that's right."
Seeing that this approach was not working, the three representatives turned their attention back to Tao Qiu.
The Bai Family representative looked at Tao Qiu and said, "Aren't you afraid that the mutated monster will get angry and kill your daughter when you attack the Central Base?"
"Why should it be angry that I'm attacking the Central Base? It should be happy, after all, it can easily eat a lot of humans then. You don't think other mutated monsters are like me, not eating people and being friendly to humans, do you?"
"And another thing, haven't you all realized it yet? That mutated monster is very intelligent? It can not only recognize and write human language, but it can also brainwash humans, and it even knows the contact information of the heads of your families. If it's wild, what do you think it's trying to do by hiding in the Central Base? If it's being raised by humans, then what are the humans who are raising it trying to do?"
Tao Qiu's words caused a change in not only the three representatives but also Lou Qing's expression.
Lou Qing has already learned what the mutated monster did at the Yong'an Base. The only thing he's certain of is that it has no goodwill towards humans; otherwise, it wouldn't have brainwashed and manipulated them.
Such mutated monsters, whether free-roaming or domesticated, pose a significant threat to the Central Base.
Lou Qing spoke again, "To ensure the safety of all the people in the Central Base, my Lou Family will resolutely escort Tao Qiu to the Central Base to find that mutated monster. You three families disagree? Could it be that you have something to hide and are afraid others will discover that you raised that mutated monster?"
The Zheng Family representative shouted, "Lou Qing, stop making baseless accusations!"
Lou Qing glanced over with a cold gaze. "So you've agreed to Tao Qiu going to the Central Base."
"We haven't agreed yet!"
Lou Yu said, "Disagree? Do you want to take the entire base with you and die?"
The Shen Family representative became agitated. "How can you be so aggressive? We said we haven't agreed yet, not that we disagree. You have to give us a chance to change the terms!"
Tao Qiu said, "I'll give you a chance. Tell me, what do you want to change your terms to? Think it over before you speak. I don't have the patience to haggle with you!"
The three representatives were furious with frustration, but dared not retort with their own sharp retorts.
After a brief discussion, the three of them said to Tao Qiu, "We need to consult with the family head about what conditions to offer in exchange. The negotiation meeting is suspended."
"Okay." Tao Qiu crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'll give you half a day, by 7 PM tonight at the latest. You must give me an answer, otherwise there's no point in discussing it further."
The three representatives had no choice but to agree, and left hurriedly with dark faces, a stark contrast to their arrogant demeanor when they first arrived.
Only after the other side had all left did Tao Qiu and his group finally relax.
The two kids happily praised, "Daddy's amazing! Lou Yu's dad's amazing! Uncle's amazing too! You're all so great! You chased all the bad guys away!"
The adults, who had been looking solemn, couldn't help but smile after hearing the child's innocent words.
Tao Qiu patted their heads, "You've always protected Daddy, you're both Daddy's good babies."
The two boys shared Tao Qiu's hatred and anger. When Tao Qiu was mean to them, they were mean to him; when Tao Qiu was angry with them, they were angry with him. Although it didn't have much effect, it was still a sign of their good intentions.
The two kids didn't forget Lou Qing either. They could tell from the whole meeting that the three big bad guys on the other side were very wary of him, otherwise their father wouldn't have been able to negotiate so smoothly.
They jumped off their chairs, ran to Lou Qing, grabbed his legs, and smiled sweeter than honey.
Eldest Cub: "Grandpa is so mighty! Even those three big bad guys are afraid of you!"
Second Cub: "With Grandpa around, no bad guys dare to bully us. Grandpa, you're so good to me. I love you so much."
Lou Qing looked at the two soft, adorable little babies in front of him, and his frozen expression finally showed signs of thawing.
Lou Qing didn't mind that his grandchildren had half-mutant monster genes. Before, it was because he didn't care about his son Lou Yu, so he didn't care whether Lou Yu was with mutant monsters or stone plants.
As for whether it will affect the Lou Family's reputation, the benefits Tao Qiu brings to the Lou Family are enough to offset those rumors.
As for why he doesn't dislike the two children now, firstly, because they both have faces that resemble Bai Yan's, Lou Qing finds it hard to feel any ill will towards them. Secondly, the two children are always trying to please him, and while Lou Qing's feelings are somewhat indifferent, he still understands and adheres to the principle of not hitting a smiling face.
Lou Qing knew perfectly well why the two of them were so enthusiastic towards him, their grandfather whom they had just met. All that talk about blood ties and natural closeness was nonsense; it was just a matter of each getting what they wanted.
However, Lou Qing didn't object to their approach. They knew what they wanted and were able to find the right way to get it, which was already commendable.
Lou Qing raised his hand and somewhat awkwardly stroked the two children's hair, saying softly, "Don't worry, I will take you to the Central Base to find your sister, and you will definitely be able to rescue her safely."
Mentioning the Third Cub, the Eldest Cub Second Cub's eyes immediately reddened, and tears welled up in their eyes.
Eldest Cub: "If my sister hadn't pushed us away, we would have been captured by the monster too. We would have risked our lives to save her!"
Second Cub wiped away his tears. "My sister is definitely waiting for us to rescue her. We need to get to the Central Base as soon as possible."
Hearing the two children's words, Tao Qiu almost lost control of his emotions again. Lou Yu reached out and hugged him, gently comforting him.
"Yuanyuan will be alright, we'll be able to rescue him soon."
Tao Qiu buried his face in Lou Yu's arms, not wanting anyone to see his vulnerable state.
Lou Qing looked at his family and was momentarily dazed.
Back then, he forced Bai Yan to Lou Yu, hoping they would become a harmonious and loving family of three. Unfortunately, the beginning was wrong, so the process and the result couldn't be right.
At noon, they ate together in the army canteen. The chef specially prepared a table of dishes using only the highest quality special crops. The Second Cub Eldest Cub even went home and brought back a backpack full of black pears, which they gave to Lou Qing and a few of Lou Qing subordinates who had relayed the message to them.
The Eldest Cub said with a smile, "These pears were picked from the valley where we live. We don't get any at the base. Grandpa and uncles, you should all try them. They're super juicy and incredibly sweet!"
Second Cub deliberately lowered his voice and said, "There's not much left at home, so we brought it all. It's just for Grandpa and the uncles; those bad guys won't even get a whiff of it."
The two boys' expressions were so vivid, so serious, that they amused Lou Qing and his subordinates Lou Qing could still maintain his composure, but his subordinates were already laughing so hard their eyes were practically slits.
Lou Quan, who witnessed the whole thing, blinked at Tao Qiu and Lou Yu. When it comes to interpersonal relationships and worldly wisdom, the children are more adept than their two fathers.
After the meal, Lou Qing asked his subordinates to take the two children to rest, while he held a short meeting with Tao Qiu and the Lou brothers, Lou Yu and Lou Quan.