Chapter 38
The next day, Jiang Chen checked out from the Paradise Island Hotel. He then said goodbye to Zhao Chenwu before beginning his journey back home.
The underground sewage system’s restructuring plan had already started. A few military personnel from the Zhao Corporation had already occupied the entrance. The busy construction vehicle, along with the workers with polyethylene boards, demonstrated the emphasis Zhao Chenwu placed on this trade route.
Soldiers with full combat gear saw Jiang Chen approach and signaled him to stop. After verification of gene ID to identify that Jiang Chen was a person of importance to the boss, the soldiers saluted and stepped aside to allow Jiang Chen to pass.
Although they worked under a corporate structure, the private forces already possessed military discipline and capability that made Jiang Chen gain a better understanding of the Sixth Street’s ability. On the surface, the civil-military was protecting the safety of the Sixth Street, but the real forces were the private forces of the capitalists. The civil-military acted more like the police.
If these soldiers faced the Roshan, it would be an easy fight, unlike last time.
The actual construction of the underground sewage system has yet to begin. Jiang Chen jumped on top of the mold covered concrete floor. His surroundings were pitch black. He opened his tactical flashlight as well as the three-dimensional map on the full sensory computer. After finalizing the direction, Jiang Chen headed home.
The atmosphere felt repressive.
After the civil soldiers had taken them to the quarantine room, a bad feeling sprouted from everyone’s head. The examination that they all acquired X1 virus has rectified their suspension. Then a few people in white coats that looked like doctors ordered soldiers with genetic medication to pin them on the bed. After they had regained their consciousness, everyone’s neck felt oddly sore.
“All of you have been injected with the slavery microchip. I don’t think I have to explain further. You’ll be taken to your new owner in a bit, you pigs.” Cheng Weiguo still clearly remembered the cold and condescending gaze. To the Sixth Street, the unemployed were pigs that wasted food.
It was a conspiracy.
But no one resisted.
They were no longer new to the survivor camps. After they have accepted the aid, freedom is only a mere wish. If they didn’t work, they would receive one nutrient supply a day. This would only prevent them from starving to death, but a few had died anyways.
All of them huddled in a circle as six soldiers in black combat gear stood by the side. Some have guessed that the Zhao Corporation purchased them, but with the supplies stacked beside them, it only made them feel like they were part of the items sold.
“Honey, did they do anything to you.” Cheng Weiguo worriedly held his wife’s hand.
“No, I lost my consciousness after they injected tranquilizer. I feel the same way as you guys, only a bit sore in the neck,” Zhou Jiexi wanted her husband to remain calm as she gently held his hand and answered softly.
“The couple should spend some intimate time together. Maybe we will be sold as slave labor somewhere. The man will work, and the woman…hehe,” A middle-aged man opened his mouth, and he said grinning.
“What the fu*k did you just say?” Cheng Weiguo felt the tremble from his wife’s hand as rage filled his chest. He furiously glared at the man.
“What, do you want to fight?” The middle-aged man drowsily yawned as he pointed at the back of his neck. “Come, I won’t fight back. Let’s see if you die or I die first.”
Slaves are the private property of the owner. If a fight broke out between slaves, the usual consequence was that both parties would be executed in public. The private forces have already noticed the disturbance, and they pointed their guns to deter the fight. These people were properties of the boss’ valued friend. If anything happened, they would receive punishment.
Cheng Weiguo clinched his fist but had to let it go. The other slaves saw that nothing happened and all lost their interest without paying more attention.
Suddenly, the private forces all moved. The six of them lined up and saluted to a young man. They got on the small moving vehicle and then left.
What does it feel like to be stared down by thirty pairs of eyes?
It didn’t feel like anything special, especially when he knew he controlled their life. The apathetic feeling to life felt particularly real.
Jiang Chen let out a breath as he got rid of the uneasy feeling from his mind. He didn’t want to become a cold-blooded politician. He wanted to be a wealthy man who lived a lavish life.
Unambitious is not a terrible way to experience life.
However, to accumulate wealth on this chaotic piece of land, he must have the necessary forces. If he weren’t a rich man, he would just be a prey. If he met Huizhong Mercenaries again, he would fall victim again.
Force and deterrence were necessary, and he must get used to them.
He recollected his thought as he scanned through the jittery figures and slowly let out a long breath.
“Okay, look at me. I will be your future master,” Jiang Chen clapped his hand as he shouted.
His voice echoing through the dark sewage system had a strange feel to it.
“I know you guys all have a lot of questions in your mind, such as if you would be used as a lure or carry a weapon to go fight in the front line. Fortunately, I can guarantee that it won’t happen.”
Jiang Chen sensed that everyone let out a sigh of relief. The thirty heart beat related indicators have all decreased on the EP.
A pleased smile appeared on his face before he took another deep breath and spoke out.
“You guys are lucky because I am your master and I believe you will experience that shortly. You work for me, and you won’t starve. I can even let you guys live a wealthy life as you have never imagined before. However…”
At this point, Jiang Chen gradually slowed his voice down and purposely lowered his voice as he added a sullen chillness to his tone.
“I am a kind and sympathetic person, but the only thing I cannot forgive is betrayal. You all know the microchip installed at the back of your neck. For me, you have no privacy at all. For traitors, there is no punishment other than death. That’s all.”
His words of certainty transmitted through the pitch silent underground sewage system. The frightened, fearful, and worried pupils dilated as they didn’t dare to make a sound.
Afraid? That’s right! That’s what he wanted to instill in their heart.
Carrot after stick, he knew that these people would be obedient. He was aware that the moment they smelt the first bowl of congee after so many years, these frightened and uncertain people would immediately praise him as the second god.
“What are you all waiting for! Grab everything and let’s go home!” Jiang Chen waved his hand as the slaves stood up quivering and lifted all the supplies.
He climbed out of the exit. After he had ensured the safety of the surrounding, he lowered the hook and cables down. People below hooked the supplies up and lifted the stocks one by one. The production equipment were all disassembled and stored in boxes; assembling can be done in the mansion.
He led the slaves with packs of supplies as they carefully traversed through the deserted streets full of lifeless zombies. Jiang Chen finally saw his mansion, or “dirt fortress”.
He pressed the doorbell. Quickly, a graceful figure jumped into his firm embrace as she hugged his neck.
“Did you pick up girls?” The cat-like eyes gazed at Jiang Chen as Sun Jiao examined him top down.
“Shouldn’t the first sentence be I miss you?” Jiang Chen patted Sun Jiao’s back with a bitter smile. This girl was even naughtier. An audacious girl transforming into a caring woman?
“You haven’t answered my question yet.” Sun Jiao smirked as she drew a circle on his back with her finger.
“I swear to God, no!” Jiang Chen raised his hand and swore. At the same time, he added a sentence in his mind.
[If the robot doesn’t count.]
Although her sixth sense made Sun Jiao a little suspicious, Jiang Chen didn’t smell odd so she quickly let it go.
After she had kissed Jiang Chen again, she began to order the slaves on the side to move things into the mansion. Then started to plan on how to settle these slaves.
The grass field in front of the mansion was circled out and used to build temporary tents for them. The small traveler-sized tents were purchased with Zhao Chenwu and could barely fit two people. Due to the limitation of space, they would have to squeeze a bit, but it would still be better than sleeping outside.
Of course, there were still rooms in the mansion, but Jiang Chen wasn’t kind enough to let these strangers live in his home. Even if they have no ability to fight back and kept a clean record in the ghetto, he still had trust issues. Without the proper loyalty and allegiance, Jiang Chen could only treat them as strangers.
Yao Yao understandingly followed Jiang Chen’s instructions and brought a giant pot. She dumped half a bag of rice along with an ample amount of water. Then she added some cabbage leaves and some ground pork into the pot with two spoons of salt and a small spoon of gourmet powder.
She opened the natural gas and started to cook in the giant pot.
After a giant wooden spoon had mixed all the ingredients, Yao Yao tiptoed to cover the pot.
She sniffed and adjusted the fire before waiting quietly for the congee to cook. Although she didn’t understand why Jiang Chen would make such a delicious meal for the slaves, she would support his decision regardless of the motive.
[Brother’s sympathetic look was handsome.]
Perhaps it was the fire, but Yao Yao’s face blushed in redness.
Slowly, she was getting to the age where she had her own fantasy..