I hacked through the chaotic world with my blade
Chapter 473 - 139: It Looks Like You’re in Big Trouble

Chapter 473: Chapter 139: It Looks Like You’re in Big Trouble

On the solid wood coffee table, two cups of hot tea gave off a fragrant steam.

"Good tea," He Qing said.

Zhou Yang smiled, "The best thing about a bank, besides money, is the tea leaves. Sitting in the office, enjoying a cup of tea, life is really flavorful."

Their exchange was simple and relaxed. He knew He Qing’s purpose, but who would dive straight to the point from the beginning? A little schmoozing was expected, even though Zhou Yang considered his guest a once-famous businessman from Huang City with connections in both legitimate and illegitimate circles.

But things were different now. In this post-apocalyptic world, past glory had vanished like smoke, and everything was to start anew.

At this moment, He Qing set down his teacup, adopting a serious posture that clearly indicated it was time to talk business.

"Brother Zhou, I’m deeply grateful for your warning about the previous incident. Otherwise, my Lucky Number would have hardly remained lucky," He Qing said. Back then, the situation had surpassed his expectations. Who could have imagined the younger generation completely disregarding traditional ways of doing things? They almost capsized his boat in the gutter.

Zhou Yang laughed and said, "Mr. He, doing what I did was only right. Zhu Zhen acts like he’s above the law just because he is an Awakener, arrogant and presumptuous, possessed by madness. He never considers the consequences. You offered shelter to so many survivors, which is a noble deed. Besides, I’m on good terms with Sunshine District, and I’m well aware of Mr. Lin’s modus operandi. How could I not inform you?"

He had benefited significantly from this move. The resources of West Ridge Sanctuary had been transferred to him, and he was well aware of Lin Fan’s strength, clearly beyond his current ability to challenge.

One must have self-awareness in their actions and intentions.

Han Shuang and the others had reminded him of this before.

And he had seen it with his own eyes.

If he still didn’t get the picture, he’d be beyond help.

After thinking for a while, He Qing asked, "Brother Zhou, be frank, what’s your take on Mr. Lin?"

After going through various events, his thoughts had begun to shift. Initially, he planned to use Lucky Number as the foundation to build his power.

His arrangement for the survivors was to let them stay on Lucky Number.

But he didn’t provide any supplies. They had to fend for themselves, and in the end, he took a fifty percent cut. The ratio was high, but a safe place to rest was something any survivor would want.

Zhou Yang, seeing He Qing’s earnest expression, responded with a smile, "Mr. He, you already have an idea in mind, so why ask me? I’ve made the bank into a sanctuary and have always adhered to the principle that I am but one person—a person filled with positive energy, who believes in helping others."

He Qing looked at Zhou Yang and couldn’t help but laugh. In the past, not only was he a businessman, but he was also a member of official social organizations, often attending contemporary vital spirit meetings.

The most talked-about aspect was the need to be full of positive energy.

Zhou Yang also laughed.

Not too many words were exchanged, but the message was clear and straightforward.

"Indeed, one should be a person full of positive energy."

He Qing didn’t expect that even in the post-apocalyptic world, such an ideology could persist—a testament to the external pressures or, perhaps, the presence of an unbeatable entity that could change anyone’s original perspective.

Zhou Yang said, "I can only say that Huang City should be developed as humanity’s final city of hope. He is clearing up the city of zombies, and the effects are notable. In my eyes, he can definitely succeed."

He Qing asked in a grave tone, "Can Huang City’s zombies really be cleared out completely?"

"Mr. He, it’s not for us to say but his demonstrated strength that has proven such capability. Vying for supremacy was indeed my initial thought, but no longer," Zhou Yang candidly admitted. He was laying his cards on the table. There were only two paths: continue doing what he wanted, and risk total ruin if caught, or move forward following the other party’s intention, and possibly have something to look forward to.

After hearing these words, He Qing pondered. It was undeniable that Zhou Yang’s speech was reasonable.

Ambition lies within anyone.

When an opportunity presents itself, who would willingly give it up?

He Qing observed Zhou Yang, and seeing his serious expression, he knew Zhou Yang’s words were sincere. Whatever his true inner thoughts might be, they were no longer important.

What mattered to them now.

Was the distant, unreachable Lin Fan of Sunshine District.

He Qing stood up.

"Understood."

Zhou Yang watched He Qing, wondering what his next move would be.

Was it because of what he said?

Would it lead to close cooperation with Lin Fan?

Zhou Yang and He Qing both sighed.

Despite their lofty ambitions, how could they have predicted encountering someone like Lin Fan?

As He Qing thought about leaving, he turned around and asked, "Brother Zhou, are you an Awakener?"

Zhou Yang shook his head, "No, but Xiaohong is an Awakener. If she weren’t by my side when Zhu Zhen came to probe and I rejected his offer of partnership, he would definitely have made a move against me, given his temperament. Of course, whether or not you’re an Awakener doesn’t matter now. With Mr. Lin of Sunshine District around, nobody dares to act recklessly."

He Qing laughed, appearing to agree with Zhou Yang, yet feeling helpless inside. In his view, relying on others was never as sure as relying on oneself.

As for whether Zhou Yang spoke the truth.

It didn’t matter.

The situation he faced was the same as He Qing’s.

They both had to contend with Lin Fan of Sunshine District.

Watching He Qing’s departing figure, Zhou Yang went to the window, gazing out at the tranquil city, and rubbing his head.