Rotting Land: Survive-Chapter 498 - 491: Old Fox (Part 4)

"By the way, someone just mentioned the bicycle shed at the factory district. I’m curious, who brought that up?"

The moment these words were spoken, all the Survivors at the meeting were startled. Xu Renjie, in particular, looked around warily, his right hand instinctively reached for his thigh.

Undoubtedly, the bicycle shed affair was not something that should be exposed to light.

And no one knew what purpose Liu Fugui had for bringing it up, so if he intended to make trouble, Xu Renjie would have no choice but to fight to the death.

"It was me!" Answering was Tang Xiaoquan, who tried his best to appear calm, though inside he was already a tangled mess of nerves.

"You?" Liu Fugui raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Clearly, he was somewhat skeptical of the young man’s words.

To him, the ones capable of such statements were either Xu Renjie, with his military background, or the robust Hu Xiaodong. Yet, the one giving a definitive answer was this unremarkable young lad barely in his twenties. It truly was beyond Liu Fugui’s expectations.

However, Liu Fugui quickly regained his composure, then burst into a hearty laugh:

"Hahaha, this young man is not simple! To have such observational skills at such a young age, impressive! Impressive! If my Yunpeng had even half of your abilities, I would be relieved!"

What kind of person is the most frightening?

The one with the toughest fists? No!

The one with the smartest brain? Also no!

Truly fearsome are those who hide a dagger behind their smile, appear calm on the surface, but are ready to take your life at any moment.

And at this moment, the Survivors were undoubtedly facing such a person in Liu Fugui.

"Young man, what should I call you?"

"Oh... my surname is Tang, Tang Xiaoquan!"

"Tang Xiaoquan," Liu Fugui murmured to himself, then straightened up and said, "Ah, Xiao Tang, I understand you have some opinions about my handling of the people downstairs. Haha, that’s not surprising, but I want to tell you, I’m a businessman, and businessmen seek profit. I know many people vilify me behind my back as a vampire, a capitalist! But remember, young man, wolves walk the world eating meat, while dogs walk the world eating excrement. People fear the wolf because it understands the harshness of survival and maintains a constant state of vigilance. Dogs, on the other hand, content with relying on humans, are reduced to barking without accomplishment for their entire lives..."

I have to admit, Liu Fugui did not speak without reason. In reality, there are indeed many who like to criticize the wealthy and businessmen.

But little do they realize, to the other party, those voices are no different than farts.

The history of this world has always been written by the victors, from ancient times to the present.

The complaints of those who achieve nothing serve only to console the emptiness and loneliness within themselves.

But Xu Renjie clearly had no patience for Liu Fugui’s lecture, so he feigned a sore throat and coughed twice. Once Liu Fugui paused, he immediately interrupted:

"Mr. Liu, since you have surveillance set up here, I imagine you’re already aware of our previous discussions. So I’ll be direct: do you agree to supply us with resources?" Bluntly, Xu Renjie steered the conversation back on track. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

He saw very clearly that Liu Fugui was a sly old fox, and his subordinates were hardly benevolent. In this post-apocalyptic world, no morals or laws are left to constrain people’s actions. So if the other party had no intention of ’donating resources,’ Xu Renjie planned to leave immediately to avoid any potential complications.

Oddly enough, Liu Fugui didn’t display any displeasure at being interrupted. On the contrary, he laughed along and replied:

"Haha, Xu Company, as expected of a soldier, always valuing practicality! Alright, let’s talk about resources."

"First, I am a businessman, and integrity is always prioritized. So rest assured, I’ve promised accommodation, whether at the Factory or villa, and you are free to choose."

"Secondly, I’m a principled person. As I said before, a businessman pursues profit. I have plenty of stock on hand but also have many mouths to feed. However, if you all decide to stay, I can guarantee three meals a day for everyone!"

Indeed, how scheming! Hearing these words from Liu Fugui, Tang Xiaoquan realized that though the words sounded straightforward, they harbored hidden motives.

Although Liu Fugui didn’t mention the ’donation’ in so many words, he implicitly denied the whole affair.

He presented himself as an honest entrepreneur who kept promises.

But in reality? What did he mean by ’if you choose to stay, we’ll provide three meals a day’?

Others might not see it, but Xu Renjie understood perfectly.

If they agreed, it meant that the other party gained extra manpower at minimal cost.

And if they didn’t agree, he could conveniently use this as an excuse to withdraw material support.

There’s no doubt Liu Fugui’s machinations reached their peak, as all outcomes benefitted him.

To this, Xu Renjie was blunt, responding directly: "Mr. Liu, we appreciate the generous offer, but we don’t plan to linger here. We only hope Mr. Liu can allow us to take some winter supplies with us, is that possible?"

"Certainly!" Liu Fugui affirmed with an unexpected nod, catching Xu Renjie off guard.

But just as quickly, Liu Fugui shifted his tone:

"If you want to take resources away, it’s not a major issue. But as I said, I’m a businessman, and business is about mutual benefit. So since you intend to take food from here, shouldn’t you provide something of equivalent value in return?"

Humph! Playing the moralist while indulging in vice, Xu Renjie couldn’t help but admire the old fox’s conversational finesse. What initially seemed like a straightforward refusal was now craftily dressed up, making him appear generous.

"Mr. Liu, don’t joke with us. What do people like us have to trade with you?" Old Xu rummaged through his pockets, showing his ’innocence.’

Witnessing Xu Renjie’s actions, Liu Fugui smiled calmly and continued: "Haha, Company Xu, having nothing isn’t an issue. I, Liu Fugui, have never focused on short-term gains. How about this: let’s make a trade."

"Trade?"

"Indeed!"

"What kind of trade?"

"Simple, while I have plenty of food supplies here, other resources are relatively scarce, especially fuel. I think considering how you all survived until now, you must have exceptional survival skills. Therefore, if possible, we could mutually benefit by exchanging necessities. Of course, I will provide a generous gift before you depart. What do you think?"

"Deal!" Without much thought, Xu Renjie responded decisively.

This was the goal they set before coming, and hearing it spoken by Liu Fugui actually made things easier.

"This... perhaps..."

"Deal!" Tang Xiaoquan cut off Old Zhang’s words: "Old Xu, Mr. Liu is a person of significance, willing to sit and sincerely trade with us. We can’t refuse and risk embarrassing him."

At this, Liu Fugui burst into hearty laughter, right as a light knocking came from the door. (To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)