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墨書 Inktalez
In a battlefield devoid of gunpowder, the cruelty often surpasses that of a bloody confrontation. In a direct clash, the struggle of flesh and blood can at least reflect some semblance of humanity. However, in the marketplace, where profit reigns supreme, humanity is often cast aside.
The price-cutting sales strategies of Equivor and Incor regarding Huankezhao products have caused Zongheng Express's sales to stagnate. Distributors across the country are demanding to terminate contracts with Zongheng Express, opting instead to align themselves with the towering giants Equivor and Incor. Driven by profit, few care about the bonds of cooperation that once existed.
Simple unsold inventory and returns do not pose a significant loss for Express Delivery, but damage to reputation is a burden that Cao Yangrong cannot afford. The stock market in Huaguo has been fluctuating due to this pricing turmoil, making the losses in Express Delivery's hidden assets difficult to estimate.
Thus, feeling helpless, Cao Yangrong resorted to exposing the underhanded tactics of these two companies through government and media channels while also having to implement pricing strategies to alleviate the crisis facing Express Delivery. One strategy allows for installment payments on products graded Second-Grade or higher, while another reduces franchise fees for distributors. With the support of Jinhai Industries and Lu Group, some momentum was regained on the surface, yet the situation remains grim.
Consumers only care about quality and price, naturally opting for more affordable options. The government has imposed burdens on these two companies; however, after raising prices, they chose to bundle gifts and offer discounts for free memberships—one aimed at new customers and the other at returning ones—making it hardly different from lowering prices.
Moreover, with several companies under the Unification Alliance intervening in logistics, catering, finance, and other sectors, Express Delivery faces varying degrees of attack, leading to declining performance. Now, Cao Yangrong is overwhelmed with stress and has gone several days without sleep.
Hua Gang also has industrial support; unfortunately, due to the upheaval in Underworld, many industries have changed hands, and the current few are far from their former glory. When Flower Snow Moon called to inquire if help was needed, Jufeng declined without hesitation; it was already a murky situation—there was no need to drag Hua Gang into this whirlpool.
The afternoon sun seemed lazily warm; however, under its rays, Jufeng showed no signs of fatigue. Cao Yangrong had just left Azure Waterside. Although he had managed to control the situation publicly in recent days, undercurrents still surged beneath the surface. Zongheng Express found itself at a disadvantage and could only react passively; yet where would the next move from their opponent land? For now, Cao Yangrong could not discern it.
After pondering for a while in his study, Jufeng was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Brother Jufeng, it's A-Zheng."
With Zhu Yao present at Azure Waterside, outsiders were naturally barred from entry. Jufeng walked from his study to open the door and stepped out with Lezheng.
"You wouldn't come looking for me without reason; what happened? How is the progress on the expansion project?"
Lezheng bowed his head as he followed Jufeng into the living room and poured him a glass of water. "The expansion is being expedited; it should be completed by the end of this month. The old hands in Washing City are quite sensible; led by Huang Taisui, everyone has made good money."
Hurricane is now thriving like never before; as long as one isn't foolish enough to refuse money meant to avert disaster, there’s no shortage of those willing to cooperate. Jufeng took a sip of water to soothe his throat—it had been dry lately—and wondered if it was due to all the pressures weighing on him.
"Please, take a seat. Let's get down to business."
"Ah!" Lezheng sat down across from Jufeng, but only halfway, as was his usual style.
"Brother Jufeng, someone delivered an invitation to Canglang One Floating Life today. When I asked who sent it, he just said you'd know. I initially planned to keep him here, but one of my subordinates knows some martial arts, so I didn't dare to act recklessly. The person we sent to follow him lost track of him as well. I feel like the visitor means trouble, so you need to be cautious, Brother Jufeng."
As Lezheng spoke, he lifted himself slightly and handed over the invitation. It was a beautifully crafted envelope, elegant and simple, with a snowy landscape depicted on the front, currently falling with snow.
Jufeng opened the envelope, revealing its contents were equally simple—a business card. The texture felt like thin slices of some rare wood that had been dyed and dried.
The card was only the size of half a palm and bore no words; instead, it featured a vividly lifelike portrait.
The figure was slender with large upright ears and round paws. It was covered in short fur that shimmered silver-blue, and with its elongated form and graceful gait, it resembled a European noble.
Blue Cat! It seemed she had arrived.
A smile played at the corners of Jufeng's mouth as he asked, "Did she mention a time and place?"
"Huh?" Lezheng was taken aback; he hadn't expected such a unique way of inviting someone. "No, she didn't say anything extra. I thought the time and place would be included in the invitation. Damn it, this person is really audacious! In Washing City, our stronghold, she dares to toy with us! Brother Jufeng, should I call the Brothers? As long as they're in Washing City, I'll dig them out even if I have to search every inch of the ground."
Jufeng shook his head, signaling Lezheng not to panic while feeling a surge of interest. It seemed this European Blue Cat wanted to give herself a challenge. He had heard she was a rare beauty in Europe—not only stunning but also exceptionally intelligent. The Blaze Axe Gang had been a top-tier gang in Russia; since she took over, it had grown even stronger. No Russian could halt her progress; her clever strategies had led to numerous victories, securing her multiple positions in the entire European underworld.
"A-Zheng, do you know where there are any famous cats in Washing City? Whether it's markets or individuals will do."
"Let me send someone to investigate right away."
Five minutes later, Lezheng rushed back into the villa with excitement. "I found it! There's a Pet Exhibition Hall in South City that has a purebred Siamese Cat. It should be the most valuable cat in Washing City right now."
“Siamese Cat?” Jufeng murmured these three words, letting out a sigh in his heart, regretting that it wasn't a native breed of Huaguo.
“Alright, I understand. This matter ends here; you don't need to be distracted anymore. Manage these three provinces well; the Unification Alliance is not peaceful lately.”
Lezheng wanted to say something to reassure Jufeng, but was cut off by him.
“Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. She dares to come to Washing City alone for sightseeing; how could I lack composure? Bring Tong Bailong here; I'll treat him to a meal as Brother Jufeng.”
Lezheng accepted the order and left, while Jufeng held the business card depicting the Blue Cat, lost in thought.
...
As spring night deepened, Jufeng left Azure Waterside with Tong Bailong and Zhu Yao, heading towards... an unknown destination.
“Brother Jufeng, weren't you going to treat me to a meal? I've been eating nutritional meals at the training base with them for the past few days, and my appetite has decreased quite a bit. You have to make it up to me today. Hehe…”
Jufeng patted the big guy's shoulder. Indeed, Tong Bailong had suffered quite a bit; every day he was busy training with Hurricane's brothers and still had to help out at Azure Wind Antelope. Most importantly, making Tong Bailong, who loved food, eat those tasteless compressed meals was truly a cruel punishment.
“Don’t worry; you can eat your fill later. From now on, when you go to the training base, come back to Azure Waterside for meals whenever you have time. Even if I'm not around, it's fine; Sister Jia likes you.”
Upon hearing this, Tong Bailong chuckled happily. He also liked this beautiful and gentle sister-in-law very much. He could tell that Lu Qijia treated him particularly well, so he often enjoyed going to Azure Waterside to help Lu Qijia with some physical tasks.
In South City, Jufeng wandered around the Pet Exhibition Hall where Lezheng was located several times until Tong Bailong's stomach growled in protest. Only then did Jufeng apologetically settle on a place.
Qingmei Village, true to its name, was quaint and charming, exuding an ancient elegance reminiscent of classical Huaguo. It felt like a single green plum blooming in solitude in the cold northern country, akin to the water towns of Jiangnan.
Indeed, it was this sense of solitude that ultimately led Jufeng to choose this place.
After taking their seats, Jufeng naturally handed the menu over to Tong Bailong. They were no longer in the same situation as their first meal together, when they had been completely clueless about what to order. Now, Tong Bailong confidently began to place orders, and soon a table full of delicious dishes was presented. He was like a tiger descending from the mountain, yet he still managed to be polite to Zhu Yao, which made her feel a bit embarrassed.
"Um... you eat, you eat. I don't eat much, so you don't have to worry about me."
The food was devoured with great enthusiasm, creating a scene reminiscent of a stormy sea crashing against the shore. While others might focus on elegance during meals, Tong Bailong prioritized sheer momentum. The dishes from Qingmei Village were as delicate as their name suggested, leading Tong Bailong to order more to compensate after his initial feast.
Five minutes into the meal, Zhu Yao set down her chopsticks; a moment later, Jufeng followed suit; and half an hour later, Tong Bailong finally finished his onslaught.
"Could you please clear this table for me? Also, change the tablecloth and prepare a standard dinner set for two. I will let you know when we need it," Jufeng requested of the restaurant manager. The manager was a well-rounded woman who seemed taken aback by Jufeng's request but quickly masked her surprise with a smile.
"Of course, sir. I assume you are waiting for someone? We have excellent Plum Wine available for complimentary tasting."
Jufeng smiled lightly and thanked the manager. Soon enough, she returned with a jug of Plum Wine that was sweet, crisp, and delightful.
Tong Bailong had been quite thirsty after his meal and drank several large cups of wine to quench it. He noticed that Jufeng was savoring his drink with an air of calmness, seemingly without any intention of leaving.
"Brother Jufeng, are you waiting for someone?"
"Maybe yes, maybe no. Mainly just trying my luck; I believe she will come."
Zhu Yao never pried into Jufeng's affairs; she didn't even know who he was waiting for now. Yet this feeling felt familiar—yes, it reminded her of waiting for Five Man Slayer in Troop City. Thinking of this made Zhu Yao's heart race; it seemed tonight would not be an ordinary encounter.
As they drank after the meal, they lost track of how many jugs they had consumed until the night grew deep, yet the person they were waiting for still hadn’t arrived.
As an assassin, Zhu Yao was remarkably patient; she maintained her posture without even touching her glass of wine and showed no signs of fatigue. Tong Bailong seemed like someone who lacked patience but knew when it mattered. With Jufeng present tonight, as long as Brother Jufeng remained silent, he would calmly wait without worry.
It was just the right time for a hotel; if one got hungry late at night, it would be perfect for a midnight snack.
The moon hung low in the sky, and even in a bustling place, most shops were closing down. For some unknown reason, many of the staff had already left, and aside from Jufeng and his two companions, there were no other customers in the establishment. However, the light manager showed no signs of wanting to usher them out.
Jufeng looked up at the window; the streets were sparsely populated at night, yet the colorful lights and neon signs shone brightly, competing with each other in a dazzling display.
"It seems the exhibition hall must have closed by now. Since it's so late and no one has come, it looks like my luck isn't as good as usual this time..."
Jufeng murmured to himself just as the door of Qingmei Village was gently pushed open.
(To be continued)
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