Chapter 147 - 137: Roping In
[Ordinary Human (Zhang Meng): ☆☆]
[Ordinary Human (Chen Pi): ☆]
...
After breakfast, the team members gathered at Qin Ziwen’s home.
Qin Ziwen called an internal meeting.
Everyone gathered in a circle and sat down one by one.
Qin Ziwen began, "I plan to leak the news that the next map is the Gobi Desert. We still have two days left, which is definitely enough time to gather water. But as for how to publicize it, what are your thoughts?"
Wang Yun mused, "That depends on whether you want a reputation, Captain. If you do, it’s best the news comes from us. At the very least, when we do a good deed, we should make sure people know it was us. We can’t let someone else steal the credit."
Deng Guang hesitated. "Won’t that be too high-profile? Wouldn’t it expose that the Captain’s authority is higher than everyone else’s?"
Zhao Pu took over, drawing everyone’s attention. "I believe there are pros and cons to us releasing the information directly."
All eyes turned to him.
Zhao Pu said, "There are two advantages. First, it will build a reputation for the Captain and our team. Everyone who receives the news will owe the Captain a favor."
Qin Ziwu muttered, "But not everyone knows how to be grateful. There are plenty of ungrateful bastards out there."
Zhao Pu nodded. "I can’t deny such people exist, but as long as a portion of them are grateful, it’s worth it. Besides, even a bad person would want to be surrounded by good people. Does a villain really want to live in a foul, destitute, and wicked place? The pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty is ingrained in human nature.
"Second, as long as no one else gains a higher level of authority, the Captain will remain indispensable. They’ve learned about the second crossover map, so they’ll definitely want to know about the environment for the third. Knowing the next map in advance allows everyone to make better preparations.
"Even though we’re all modern people, without the spread of information via online media, our lifestyles have in some ways come to resemble those of ancient people. If you want to accomplish great things, a good reputation is still very important."
Yuan Ming asked, "You’ve covered the advantages. What about the disadvantages?"
Zhao Pu said, "The disadvantage is that a tall tree attracts the wind. As his reputation spreads, the Captain’s every move will draw more attention, and he’ll be easily targeted by those with malicious intent. Furthermore, our growing fame might threaten the position of the Alliance Association and attract the attention of their upper echelons.
"Of course, from what I know of some Alliance Association members, most of them are just ordinary people. They wouldn’t die for the Alliance just because they joined. Their only reason for joining was to have a better chance at survival.
"If we were to clash with the Alliance Association, the most likely outcome is a conflict with some of the vested interests in their upper ranks, while everyone else chooses to watch from the sidelines.
"In the end, they’ll side with whoever wins."
Wang Yun clapped his hands in praise. "Dr. Zhao, your name really suits you."
Zhao Pu looked a little embarrassed at the comment.
Back in college, his roommates had often teased him about his name, asking if he’d only read half of the Analects.
Li Yue said, "I don’t think a conflict is inevitable. They aren’t some brainless villains from a short skit. The ones who weren’t smart have pretty much been weeded out over the past month. Those who are left are, if not geniuses, at least rational people.
"We’re all adults. Unless there’s a fundamental conflict of interest, they have no reason to deliberately target us. As long as we maintain a certain level of deterrent strength, I think cooperation is still possible."
Qin Ziwen nodded.
He could sense it too.
When the Gated Community first started crossing over, there was a group of "man-children" and entitled people who couldn’t adjust their attitudes in time.
But recently, the atmosphere in the Gated Community had clearly improved. Everyone was busy with their own affairs, all striving to survive.
"If I were to spread the news, what method do you think would be most appropriate?"
Li Yue said excitedly, "How about this, Boss? You borrow a megaphone, set up a stage in the center of the Gated Community, and loudly announce that the next map is the Gobi Desert!"
Qin Ziwen’s expression darkened. "I think that’s an excellent suggestion."
Li Yue laughed. "The Boss is wise!"
Qin Ziwen said, "In that case, I’ll leave the job of borrowing the megaphone and publicizing it on a stage to you. And remember to shout my name when you’re doing it."
Li Yue’s smile froze. The mere thought of that scene made his socially anxious self cringe. He coughed dryly twice. "Boss, on second thought, how about we hand out flyers instead?"
"Are you going to write them? Besides, it’s a waste of paper."
Clean white paper was a rare resource. It would probably be a long time before they could make such clean, pristine paper again.
After some discussion with the group, it was clear that publicity wasn’t their strong suit.
They came up with several ideas, but all of them were lackluster.
Suddenly, Qin Ziwen thought of someone: Guo Xiaochun.
The man who was planning to open a brokerage business throughout the Gated Community.
"It’s getting late. You all should head up the mountain first. I’ll have the Beaked Eagle go with you. Grab the Card from the altar on the mountainside, and remember to be careful of the Short-faced Bear."
Qin Ziwen sent out Du Yu and Zhang Meng, who, along with Yang Cunshen, Wang Yun, Li Yue, Zhao Pu, Deng Guang, and Yuan Ming, formed an eight-person team.
They also took powerful Beast Traps, Compound Bows, Long Spears, and Incendiary Bottles.
With the Beaked Eagle on watch from the sky to guard against a sneak attack from the Short-faced Bear, the team’s safety on their ascent was greatly increased.
After the group left, Qin Ziwen took his younger brother to Building 6, Unit 2, Apartment 201.
A vertical plaque hung by the door.
"Xiaoguo’s Information Agency"
’Heh, it actually looks pretty legitimate,’ Qin Ziwen thought.
The door was ajar and swung open with a gentle push.
Inside, Guo Xiaochun was wearing glasses and sitting at a desk, writing something seriously.
Hearing the door open, he called out subconsciously without looking up, "Come in."
When it remained quiet, Guo Xiaochun looked up. His eyes lit up when he saw it was Qin Ziwen, and he scrambled to his feet. "Bro, have a seat, have a seat."
He hurriedly got up, brought a chair for Qin Ziwen, and even poured him a cup of dandelion tea.
"You’ve even got tea service. Looks like you’re doing pretty well for yourself."
Guo Xiaochun gave a wry smile. "Bro, don’t tease me. I’m just running a small business."
At this, Guo Xiaochun asked tentatively, "Are you here to buy information? What kind are you looking for? Information on Zhang Bo? Or Zou Jianghe?"
Qin Ziwen gave him a second look. "Your sources are pretty good. But I don’t want information on either of them. I’m here to give you some information, for free."
"Give me information... for free..." Guo Xiaochun muttered to himself. ’They say the most expensive things in life are free.’ Hearing those two words put him on edge.
Qin Ziwen then explained his purpose for coming.
After hearing him out, Guo Xiaochun realized he had misunderstood Boss Qin. His eyes shone, and he trembled with excitement.
’Holy shit! This is explosive news! If a bombshell like this gets out through me, my agency will definitely become famous overnight!’
Guo Xiaochun looked at Qin Ziwen with admiration and gave him a thumbs-up. "Bro, when it comes to benevolence, you’re the real deal! Anyone else would either hide this kind of information or sell it at a sky-high price. You’re giving it away for free. This news alone could save hundreds of lives!"
"How long will it take you to spread the news throughout the Gated Community?"
Guo Xiaochun promised, "One day! Before tonight is over, I guarantee that everyone in the Gated Community—top to bottom, young and old, every single household—will know this news!"
Qin Ziwen nodded. "Mm, but I have a condition. There’s a saying about doing good deeds anonymously, but I believe one should adapt to the circumstances."
"Say no more, that’s a must! When a good deed is done, people have to know who did it!" Guo Xiaochun said before heading back to his bedroom. "Bro, wait a moment."
A moment later, he came out with a box. "Bro, this is an old ginseng root I acquired. Please, take it."
Qin Ziwen refused. "Just get the job done right. That’ll be enough."
Guo Xiaochun turned and tried to shove it into Qin Ziwu’s hands. "I have another one. Just take it. This old ginseng is at least fifty years old. It’s the real deal—it could save a life."
Qin Ziwu looked at his older brother.
Qin Ziwen shook his head slightly.
So Qin Ziwu gave it back to Guo Xiaochun. Guo Xiaochun tried to refuse, but he was no match for Qin Ziwu’s strength and was easily pushed back down into his seat like a little chick.
After they left, Guo Xiaochun sighed and put the old ginseng back in his cabinet.
From his few interactions with him, he had discovered that Qin Ziwen was a man who valued substance.
He didn’t like empty talk.
’If I want to build a relationship with him, the best way is to get this job done, and get it done beautifully!’
So he began to think seriously about how to get the news out as quickly as possible. Soon, he had an idea!
...
...