How Am I Still Alive?-Chapter 1305 - 1291: An Offer You Can’t Refuse

For the bits and pieces Lu Ping’an revealed, he wasn’t particularly concerned, and had actually expected it all along.

Initially, with so many people in their group, during the course of ten years, personal life stories that weren’t required to be kept secret could be casually mentioned in a bar and end up revealing a great deal about one’s past.

These things were hard to keep secret and there was no need to keep them secret. However, when the audience included high-level figures of a world, it could source information about the outside for locals, and become a bargaining chip for others in negotiations with oneself; then, the current self had to confront it seriously...

"Come in. I’m not angry," he said.

Looking at the slightly embarrassed Captain, Lu Ping’an sighed helplessly.

He really didn’t care, and after the information spread, it could even enhance his "reputation." But it seemed that Xia Qin, still that overly serious girl, felt somewhat embarrassed about it.

"I really don’t mind at all..."

She walked in a bit sheepishly and sat on the chair next to him, giving Lu Ping’an a chance to carefully observe this familiar person.

She still had the familiar bob haircut, only now there were strands of silver as if highlighted at her forehead, and under the familiar mole on her cheek, there were two pronounced dark scars.

As a Sword Saint who had cultivated to immortality, the years had not left significant marks on her face, but the aura of a woman was like steel forged a thousand times over.

Only those black, elongated phoenix eyes seemed as resolute as ever, but in them, Lu Ping’an saw a Sharp Blade... this wasn’t just a mere adjective, this woman could literally kill with her "gaze" now.

The passage of time brought changes and also strength. At their level of professionalism, they no longer needed to adhere to so-called "common sense"; consciousness was power, the self was the source.

"Don’t move."

Looking at the woman’s determined eyes, showing hints of unrest and hesitation, Lu suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

Unknowingly, his hands touched her cheeks, gently caressing them while also erasing the weathering and scars.

"Snap."

Feeling the skin become soft again, Lu Ping’an had already sat back down.

However, the sole Observer to the side looked on with an odd expression at the two... with Lu Ping’an casually crossing his legs, and the fearless female Sword Saint covering her face subconsciously, clueless about how to respond.

"Ahem, Lulu, let’s talk about serious matters..."

Lu commented fairly casually, yet his heart felt unusually stirred for a rare instance.

But since Lu had spoken thus, the visiting Marshal had no choice but to follow along.

"You aren’t our only option, but you are personally my best choice. You know some matters are unstoppable, but if possible, I hope our collaboration could encompass a bit more trust..."

Lu Ping’an didn’t ask Xia Qin about her future plans, just one familiar glance was enough for him to know she was still the person from the past... She had stayed on this planet for the future of her own world. To inquire her intentions now would be a denial of her wishes, slightly humiliating.

Putting aside personal visions, Lu Ping’an rationally contemplated the current situation.

He didn’t care about doing something, as long as the other party was willing to offer a price equivalent.

He had always been the leader of the Rebirth Club, a mere ordinary person struggling in times of Chaos. His responsibilities lay with the people close to him.

If his old companions chose to leave, he would accept that. But if they decided to follow him, he had to strive for substantial gains for everyone’s benefit...

"When prosperous, aid the world; when struggling, ensure personal well-being. This is what you once said, and under the current circumstances, you should be able to do something, right?"

The familiar and sonorous words of the Eastern Country, coming from the mouth of someone from the Exotic Races, gave even Lu Ping’an a moment of reflection.

This was indeed his past speech, and also his consistent practice... Do as much as one’s ability allows, handle the immediate matters well, and if capable enough, why not aim for greater deeds? And now, it seemed he truly could make this world a better place...

"Heh, this is your world, not mine..."

But Lu Ping’an, not one to be easily swayed, sipped his coffee with a detached air.

Having a hand in making the world a better place was not something he would refuse, but this time, it really was about getting involved, and it was hard to tell whether it would be a minor skirmish or spiral out of control.

First, let’s make one thing clear, I am but a guest, a passerby, merely a merchant here to make money. Your world is not my world; you want my help? Fine, pay more.

"We don’t have money."

But Lulu said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world, with great emotion, and with utter conviction... Given the current state of the Salvation Army, any slight resources and funds were already dispatched to the front lines to serve as military pay and supplies; how could there possibly be funds and territory left?

They did have some territories, some supporter-held lands, but considering the status of their native Salvation Army, selling lands and people was practically impossible.

They truly didn’t have money, but they were not completely destitute....

"I hope you like this gift."

Lulu presented a small box, which upon opening, revealed an ancient Mirror Piece.

Lu Ping’an noticed it, and at that moment, Xia Qin seemed somewhat surprised, apparently having no prior knowledge of it.

"Sister Xia told me that ’space’ should be your ability’s weak point, and this ’Mirror’ fragment should help compensate for that weakness."

"This....."

The gift instantly moved Lu Ping’an, body and soul... His spiritual intuition and instincts were telling him that this fragment was precisely what he needed.

"This is just a gift, no strings attached. But if you are willing to help us, we’ll find you another fragment afterward."

For the Salvation Army, digging up several fragments was not difficult, but this gift still held considerable value.

"...What moves me isn’t just these things."

"Of course, a long-term trade agreement, and your Chamber of Commerce’s right to free trade in the future nation, capable of engaging in any type of trade and continuously enjoying the lowest tax rate, valid for one hundred years. If you and your people wish to ascend in this world, we will support you wholeheartedly, up to three people."

"You really are generous....."

This contract, if it fell into certain people’s hands, could be called a historic stain, far wilder than anything like the Opium Wars.

But if the one being persuaded was Lu Ping’an, it still wasn’t enough...

"Interesting, give me a head of the commercial department as well?" Without political stability, commercial contracts are merely paper that can be torn up anytime; Lu Ping’an must have a government proxy to provide greater trust.

"Only a deputy position available...and it can’t be guaranteed to be permanent, but you can replace the person."

Lu Ping’an, forever the team leader, must seek benefits for all.

The price of this "treasonous" contract ultimately depends on how far this nation could develop, representing a form of interest binding and also the most honest exchange of interests.

As long as this world truly succeeds in nation-building, Lu Ping’an’s Chamber of Commerce could practically claim a lifetime meal ticket.

After some contemplation, Lu Ping’an could provide the Ancient City Development Zone’s infinite products with a nearly stable dumping ground, and merely the "lowest tax rate" would ensure that Lu Ping’an couldn’t lose to other competitors in a fair competition.

"I need to discuss this., I need the opinions of other core members...."

"Isn’t your team controlled by you alone? Alright, alright, I won’t say anymore."

Lu Ping’an glared at Xia Qin once more; this guy really spilled everything.

Even if it was really just a formality, one shouldn’t discuss it with outsiders.

But from another perspective, perhaps it is the mutual understanding between both parties that made the Salvation Army consider Lu as the most worthy trading, trusting partner, bringing out chips Lu Ping’an simply couldn’t refuse in a single breath.

"...Let’s sign the contract, a confidentiality contract. I offer your Salvation Army...a return gift for your world, a grand gift you cannot possibly refuse."

Since the trade was confirmed by both sides, Lu Ping’an naturally had to demonstrate his "role," his "historic role" that was irreplaceable.