The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human?
Chapter 412 - 354

Chapter 412: Chapter 354

"Not at all, not at all. Why should there even be fighting and killing?"

Lao Si broke into a cold sweat.

The murderous aura emanating from the man was almost palpable, born of the grievances of many aggrieved souls.

Such a person wouldn’t just blow up one bathhouse, they would destroy more than just one pool.

"Of course, I wouldn’t resort to violence. Anyone who knows me is aware that I actually dislike solving problems with force,"

Liu Zheng said earnestly.

"Heh."

The mummy, while wrapping its bandages, rolled its eyes.

If it weren’t for the information received from Niu Ma, he might have believed the boy’s lies.

"Since you’re being so forthright, brother, I won’t hide anything either. Our boss did indeed go out on business and might not return today. I can arrange the meeting, but I don’t guarantee that we will finalize anything today,"

Lao Si decided to lay his cards on the table as well.

"Are you sure you’re not avoiding us?"

"Absolutely not. Hey, I’ll just tell you, my boss is currently dealing with her husband—they’re getting a divorce and disputing over the assets. It’s driving them both nearly insane,"

"She had to rush back to the city because her husband called her all of a sudden."

Lao Si simply spilled the beans.

After all, it was the boss’s personal matter that caused the work delay, and he couldn’t be blamed.

"She left in such a hurry, did she take any bodyguards with her?"

Liu Zheng suddenly asked.

"Ah? Yes, our security chief Yong Jian and the driver Ji are with her,"

Lao Si said, caught off guard.

"Just the two of them? Is that safe? My journey here wasn’t exactly secure,"

"Oh, our bathhouse street has a special route, which is quite safe. Ji has driven the boss back and forth hundreds of times, should be fine, right?"

Lao Si replied.

"But what if someone were to set an ambush?"

"You mean her husband? That couldn’t be. If he fails, he wouldn’t get a single penny,"

Metropolis has its marriage laws too, and although the protection might not be as extensive as in the real world, attempting to murder the other party would definitely make it hard to claim any assets.

"Take a gamble, turn a bicycle into a motorcycle. Don’t underestimate human greed. Plus, if her husband has debts outside, that extra half becomes imperative,"

Liu Zheng said.

"You make some good points... but I’ve already asked Secretary Li to contact the boss. Let me check with her later about the outcome,"

Lao Si nodded.

"Alright, then Manager Si, shall we get started?"

"Sure, since you guys are done bathing, let’s go to the sauna,"

Lao Si said.

"Sounds good."

Liu Zheng nodded.

"Boss, can I skip this one?"

Niu Daji asked cautiously.

Although he didn’t know what Liu Zheng was here for, his instincts warned him of danger.

"Alright, then go have fun on my tab. After you’re done, wait for us in the lobby, and don’t wander off,"

Liu Zheng said, glancing at him.

"Thank you, boss, thank you so much."

Niu Daji thanked him profusely as he followed the attendant away.

"Now that we’re into the process, couldn’t you just let him go?"

Doctor Nile seemed puzzled.

"Has Niu Daji’s family been around the bathhouse street for a while?"

Liu Zheng didn’t answer him but instead inquired from Lao Si.

"Oh, they’ve certainly been around a long time. Heard it’s been from their great-great-grandfather’s generation, at least three to four hundred years,"

Lao Si said.

"Three to four hundred years of local influence, even if they’ve always been at the bottom, they must have certain advantages that newcomers do not,"

He then turned to answer Doctor Nile’s question.

"Hmm, you have a point. It’s surprising a perennial like me lacks the experience of an ephemeral like you—quite the formidable youth."

Doctor Nile remarked.

"Sometimes, experience isn’t about time, but specialization,"

Liu Zheng shook his head as he spoke.

His background was in journalism, specifically social news, where his contacts were primarily with the local underclass.

During his interactions, Liu Zheng could often gather information neither available through official channels nor on the internet.

The two followed Lao Si through a staff passage to the second floor, moving through a noisy crowd.

There were those munching on snacks while strolling, groups huddled playing cards or board games, and individuals wearing eye-masks, lounging on couches doing nothing.

Despite the majority not appearing in human form, the scene was vibrant with the bustle of human life.

As Lao Si led a human visitor through, many patrons turned to look.

Upon recognizing his uniform, some patrons’ faces fell, others quickly averted their gaze, while some, oblivious to any threat, continued staring at Liu Zheng, even licking their lips.

"I’m curious, do none of your guests ever go into the city?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Not really, many from the city come here because of its fame. But, yeah, the main clientele is mostly the native outsiders,"

"After all, there are too many restrictions in the city. Those who are used to freedom outside find it hard to adjust once inside. They either die in the city or make a fortune and return,"

Lao Si replied.

"I see,"

He nodded.

It reminded him of the rural migrants in reality, who even after finding work in the city, struggle to settle, usually returning home after earning some money.