Jiang Weisheng looked at Ace again.

"Don’t worry about me, I really don’t lack this bit of money. But if any issues arise and Brother Zheng needs help, I will definitely pitch in."

Ace waved his hand and said.

Even though his dad never came back this time, on previous journeys he did bring back quite a few things.

Although many things were locked with magic, most of those that weren’t locked were handed over to the clan for safekeeping, the rest is enough for Ace to live in wealth for a lifetime.

Ace’s problem was never about lacking things, but about not being able to keep them.

Once news of his dad’s death spreads, this wealth would only become his death warrant.

As for giving away the goods to save his life, that’s just absurd.

I can just rob you directly, why bother negotiating terms?

Moreover, even if one person agrees to protect his life, it wouldn’t matter if others don’t agree.

Ace wouldn’t believe a fierce tiger would fight a pack of wolves for him.

Except for one person.

Ace looked at Liu Zheng, outwardly still nonchalant, but inside he was deeply contemplating.

Brother Zheng, this is the only bet I’ve made in all these years, please don’t let me lose completely.

"A small gift, it’s not much but shows my respect."

Liu Zheng got Jiang Weiyang to sign for the delivery, and Jiang Weisheng asked someone to bring out three boxes.

"It’s not your signature product, is it?"

Liu Zheng teased.

"Haha, of course not, just some Deep Sea Empire specialties."

Jiang Weisheng said.

"Alright, then I’ll accept them."

He didn’t refuse.

Doctor Nile also accepted them, but Ace didn’t accept his and gave his share to Liu Zheng.

As soon as they left No. 7 Seastar Street, Liu Zheng received a call from He Bishu.

"You’re pretty quick to react, Old He. Could it be that Jiang Weisheng is actually your man?"

He laughed.

If Jiang Weisheng could know he went to the New Grape Hotel, then He Bishu could naturally know he came to Seastar Street.

"Mr. Liu, you’ve betrayed my trust in you."

He Bishu wasn’t in the mood to joke with him.

"Don’t rush to judgment, listen to me first."

Liu Zheng said calmly.

"Go on."

He Bishu said, suppressing his anger.

"First, it was Jiang Weisheng who had Jiang Weiyang order takeout to lure me there, I didn’t seek them out. If you’re going to be angry, first get angry at your own people for having a traitor."

"Secondly, I did not agree to oppose you on their behalf, but promised to help them transition to cross-border trade, which is actually beneficial to you."

If the Sea Star Gang can engage in cross-border trade, they naturally wouldn’t need to invest in the New Grape Hotel.

After all, collaborating in business is nowhere near as comfortable as being your own boss.

"Hmm..."

Listening to Liu Zheng, He Bishu’s anger gradually subsided.

Given his understanding of Liu Zheng over this period, the latter didn’t come across as someone who would lie, and what he said was very logical and convincing.

"I was rash just now, I hope Mr. Liu doesn’t mind."

He Bishu said, lowering his tone.

"It’s nothing, it’s human nature. I’d be anxious and irritated too if I were you."

Liu Zheng said generously.

"I will investigate the information leak thoroughly and give Mr. Liu an explanation."

He Bishu promised.

"I don’t want your people; how you handle it is your family matter. If you want to apologize, just compensate me with some money; after all, I hired quite a few people for that delivery, and travel expenses should be covered."

He said, unreservedly.

"...Okay, I’ll have someone send it to the clinic later."

Though somewhat speechless about Liu Zheng’s shamelessness, He Bishu still agreed.

"Are you confident about the Sea Star Gang’s shift to cross-border trade, Mr. Liu?"

He Bishu showed concern about the second issue.

"About fifty percent confidence. After all, dealing with the Deep Sea Empire involves quite some distance, even though I have some connections, it’s unsure if I’d be able to tie it together. If cross-border trade doesn’t work out, we’ll find something else to do. I might lack many things, but not friends. There’s bound to be a path that suits them."

Liu Zheng said.

For instance, collaborating with the Stone Spirit Clan to sell flowers, working with Fisherman to sell sewer fish, partnering with the Bai Family to sell medicine, or dealing in mountain specialties in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains...

With so many avenues, there has to be one that fits the Sea Star Gang.

Of course, the premise is that the Sea Star Gang gets their hands on enough seafloor volcanic mud to satisfy him, otherwise, they should honestly stick to contesting with the New Grape Hotel.

"Then I’ll leave everything to you, Mr. Liu."

He Bishu said.

"With great power comes great responsibility. But Old He, your age, don’t let your temper run too wild. I understand you this time, but it might not be the same next time."

Liu Zheng shifted his tone.

"Alright, let’s have tea together when there’s time."

Unable to hold back, He Bishu hung up the phone, fearing he couldn’t resist cursing.

He was already quite good-tempered; otherwise, how could it be Liu Zheng, a youngster, lecturing him?

"Brother Zheng, your money-making skills rival even our department chief."

Ace gave Liu Zheng a thumbs up.

"Want to learn? I can teach you."

Liu Zheng raised an eyebrow and said.

"Forget it, even if you have the skills to teach, I don’t have the skills to learn."

Ace shook his head vehemently.

He doesn’t lack money; why learn that, just to nail a few more nails in his future coffin?

"Sigh, really envious of you rich second generations, unlike us who have to risk our lives to earn every penny."

Liu Zheng teased, driving the two back to the clinic.

Considering the restaurant targeting him lately, he didn’t linger much; played a game with Ace, then played a round of chess with Doctor Nile and returned to the restaurant.

Niu Ma wasn’t there, probably out delivering takeout.

Liu Zheng chuckled, sat down on a pile of grass, then took out a suitcase and two boxes from the Qiankun Ring.

The suitcase was sent by He Bishu, containing half a million in cash.

The two boxes were from Jiang Weisheng, holding two fist-sized black pearls.

"Name: Deep Sea Black Pearl"

"Type: Miscellaneous"

"Quality: Excellent"

"Effect: None"

"Remarks: A precious jewel from the Deep Sea Empire, can be used as a medicinal or decorative item, and is a favorite spellcasting material for spellcasters."

"Can be taken out of instance: Yes"

"Quite generous with their gifts."

Liu Zheng raised an eyebrow.

Not sure if it’s because of his face or Ace’s face.

"Spellcasters, huh..."

The spellcasters he knows well seem to be only Panda and Yaksha. Black Pearls don’t quite match Panda’s art style, but do quite fit Yaksha’s magic wand.

And since Yaksha helped last time, even though it didn’t come to a fight, it would still be appropriate to show some gratitude.

"Hmm, I’ll give them to Yaksha."

Once decided, Liu Zheng dialed Yaksha.

"Found the sacrifice?"

Yaksha asked.

"No, but I got two Deep Sea Black Pearls, said to be loved by spellcasters, interested?"

"How big?"

Yaksha asked again.

"About the size of a fist."

He replied.

"I want them, name your price."

Yaksha said immediately.

This size of Deep Sea Black Pearl is indeed a rare spellcasting material, and very suitable for enhancing The Dark Sect’s magic.

"If you want them, just take them; if not, I’ll give them to someone else. Talking money over two pearls is disgraceful if word gets out."

Liu Zheng said.

"Human, what do you want me to do this time?"

Yaksha wasn’t keen on accepting favors.

"Nothing, but if you insist on helping, I can come up with something."

He said intentionally.

"No need, you can’t think of anything good. How do you deliver them to me?"

Yaksha asked.

"I’ll leave them at the clinic, pick them up when you have the time?"

Liu Zheng said.

"Alright."

Yaksha hung up the phone.

"This woman is really difficult."

He shook his head.

If he hadn’t seen her contribute greatly in taking out the Dead God, he wouldn’t bother warming up cold treatment.

Liu Zheng was about to challenge Dried Fish again when the phone rang.

"Not a single moment’s peace, huh?"

He sighed, answering the call.

"Boss, it’s me, Bai Tianshi."

Bai Tianshi’s voice came from the other end of the line. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"What’s up?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"Didn’t you ask me to offer free consultations for the Pink Kingdom? During their physical examinations, I found some issues and think I need to report to you."

Bai Tianshi said.