The next day, an enhanced ship entered Yalong Bay.

From the ship disembarked an Armored Warrior, with a small monkey perched on his shoulder.

The visitor introduced himself as the manager of the Spring Autumn Group, named Shang Fulin.

Red Kestrel led him all the way into Jade City.

"It's an honor to meet you for the first time, Mr. Zhou. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to come to this magical place and to cooperate with your esteemed company."

Shang Fulin spoke in a gentle and elegant manner, very appropriately.

He was entirely clad in dark brown, hard armor, stood about two meters tall, and walked with heavy steps, carrying two metal boxes on his back.

Through Zhou Yi's Alert view, he could see a faint white glow beneath the armor.

"Are you an enhancer or from the Guangna Species?"

"I am a Bone Man."

Shang Fulin explained, "I suffered severe injuries in the past, with all my bones shattered. I was lucky to survive the surgery. The doctors specially tailored this cybernetic exoskeleton for me, fixing my bones inside so that I can move around."

Zhou Yi was surprised: "This doctor is truly remarkable."

"Indeed, I am very grateful."

Shang Fulin then pointed to the small monkey on his shoulder: "This is my partner and assistant, called Ye Zi. As you can see, it's a Red Monster."

"Although this species is naturally aggressive and belligerent, they are actually not foolish. Ye Zi was adopted by me when it was young, and usually helps me with some manual tasks. It can also intimidate the thieves from the Pillage Group."

The monkey-shaped Red Monster stared blankly at Zhou Yi.

"Ye Zi, greet the guest."

Shang Fulin gave the cue.

Then the monkey jumped down from his shoulder and performed a wild dance on the spot.

"Nice to meet you, I am Assistant Ye Zi."

The speech came through a signal transceiver it wore, evidently utilizing a translator.

Responding to this little creature that started dancing upon introduction, Zhou Yi also smiled, "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"It seems this assistant is quite enthusiastic."

"Not really."

Shang Fulin said, "This guy is very shrewd and with high standards. If it doesn't like someone, it will play dumb and remain silent. But it told me from afar that you are a very formidable figure, giving it a strong sense of pressure."

"It dances as a way to express its respect."

The Red Monster had already climbed back onto Shang Fulin's shoulder, sneakily watching Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi blinked.

This monkey really knew how to treat different people.

"Mr. Zhou, let me first introduce our group's situation."

Shang Fulin spoke, "The Spring Autumn Group is not large, but we have many channels and suppliers, mainly dealing in various Mechanical City merchandise. This includes all kinds of equipment, Mechanical-Electrical Light Imprint, maintenance and repair of mechanical life, and technical support services such as installation of machinery racks."

"For our special VIP customers, we also supply counterfeit Mechanical-Electrical Light Imprint. Of course, although it's called counterfeit, the precision is actually quite high, but these counterfeits do not offer the warranty of Mechanical City, and our group handles the after-sales service."

"These counterfeits themselves are also not abundant; when we have stock, we notify our VIP customers."

"Based on shareholder authorization, your company is now our VIP customer, not only enjoying this service, but we will also have a permanent presence in Jade City. Ye Zi and I will be here long-term, ordering from the group according to your needs. In addition, we are also very interested in purchasing some of your company's products."

Zhou Yi understood right away.

So-called counterfeits were essentially defective products that had leaked from Mechanical City, with such phrasing being used to avoid liability.

There was another important consideration.

The company was now disconnected from the network, and the mechanical staff could not use the stack service. Controllers attempting to access several cities' pages were outright denied.

Zhou Yi asked, "For the stack service, did you build it yourselves, or are you rerouting from other cities?"

"You sound like someone who knows the business."

Shang Fulin immediately said, "Our stack service accesses a database built by the Spring Autumn Group, which is regularly updated, mainly from Recursive City, as a legal mirror there."

"The database contains various basic data from Snow County, Holy Mountain, Mirror City, and the other five great centers, all accessible for queries. Updates are just one week slower than the original, but other than that, identical."

"The shareholders have authorized to provide you with a complimentary service port for our stack service."

Zhou Yi was relieved.

That solved the problem, and the employees could all connect to the network.

Recursive City indeed invested a lot here.

Zhou Yi had Red Kestrel, Da Vinci, and other mechanical staff connect to the Spring Autumn Group's stack. Being cut off from the network had a tremendous impact on mechanical life.

"We have long heard about the Wasteland Express."

Shang Fulin changed the subject, "On behalf of our group, I hope to establish a delivery cooperation with your company. Although the Spring Autumn Group has our own mechanical flight transportation, they are too few and costly, much to the discontent of many customers."

"The Spring Autumn Group has always been known for our affordability, so we've always been looking for ways to reduce expenses in this area, to make transportation costs acceptable for customers."

Immediately, Zhou Yi instructed Red Kestrel to summon Qian Su.

After the Iron Head Girl arrived, she started discussing with Shang Fulin.

...

Elsewhere.

Ye Zi transformed into a giant ape and began construction on the spot. It moved some wooden planks from the transport ship and deftly assembled them into a small shop.

The store mainly sold items through pre-orders, and many wooden signs were hung on the wall, listing various Mechanical City merchandise.

Anti-freeze oil, coolant, Light Blocker, refined Light Amber, Light Soot Cable, lightning rod, thermometer, enhanced controller, enhanced car... an extensive and numerous assortment.

Shang Fulin, who presided over this place, was gradually becoming familiar to everyone.

Two days later, Qian Su also reported the preliminary cooperation matters with the Spring and Autumn Business Group.

"Chairman, their group mainly delivers to some secret clients who come to collect the goods using pickup codes, and the products they transport also need to be confidential. In fact, the requirements for delivery are very high, not only needing immediate delivery but also directly into the designated recipient's hands."

"However, we can do it."

"In cities where express delivery services are available, express centers employ staff to deliver the last leg of the journey, simply interfacing with codes will do."

"Each delivery fee can offer between 100,000 mushrooms to 5 Light Seeds, which is ten times less than before, but this is already the highest price currently available."

Qian Su did the math: "Based on the current volume of orders, the Spring and Autumn Business Group will give us 10 to 20 orders each month, with us delivering to the respective cities. If the cooperation goes well subsequently, the volume of orders can still increase."

Zhou Yi told her to go ahead and do it with confidence.

A little later, Qin Xie from the Dead Sea Knights also contacted Zhou Yi.

"This time you're playing big."

"At the beginning, I even suspected there might be some changes, whether you could reach an agreement to cancel the sanctions. Now it seems that you are resolute in having a showdown?"

Zhou Yi said, "The company is simply defending its legitimate rights. Being interfered with by external forces in internal affairs is an uncompromisable red line."

"That's true."

There Qin Xie sighed, "But sometimes, under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Only you would rather absorb a massive loss of Light Seeds than argue right and wrong."

"If you need help, just say the word."

"Okay."

Zhou Yi was grateful in his heart.

...

A day later.

Zhou Yi received a message from United City.

"Mechanical City has sanctioned the Wasteland Development Company, and we have repeatedly confirmed this news."

"From an economic interest standpoint, even you would be greatly affected."

Kunming Station asked, "What exactly is going on?"

Zhou Yi briefly explained the situation.

After listening, the other side was silent for a while: "You mean... you funded the Mechanical Knights to create the 'Time Anchor,' which can repair half-cultured bodies? What's the success rate?"

"Currently, the repair rate is over 95%."

"No wonder you're at odds with Mechanical City. Half-cultured bodies are a group that they have a hard time controlling, yet this group is massive in numbers. If repaired, it would become a new force that changes the entire Mechanical society..."

"In this world, people and land are the most important."

Suddenly excited, Kunming Station said, "We have a strong need for this here too."

"You know, I'm a satellite ground station, and I actually receive more than three satellites. There are also two satellites in United City that have fallen into the Dead Sea and have been attacked by the Star Axis on software and data, turning them into half-cultured bodies. We've tried many methods to no avail."

"Is it possible to send them to your place for an attempt with the Time Anchor?"

Zhou Yi readily said, "No problem, send them over. However, I can't guarantee it will work."

"Then I'll arrange it immediately, sending them to you by official aircraft."

Kunming Station said with emotion, "Your company always seems to be at the forefront. If it weren't for our reliance on a substantial amount of loans from Mechanical City, I'd also like to directly contact the Mechanical Knights like you... but actual circumstances don't allow it."

"Actually, United City has also been considering this, and eventually, we will have to follow this path, gradually weakening and reducing Mechanical City's influence on us. Otherwise, United City will eventually be indirectly controlled by Mechanical City."

"The good news is that it seems we can follow your company's lead this time, avoiding many detours in the future."

Zhou Yi was torn between laughter and tears.

He didn't want to be this pioneer bird, but since the envoy from Mechanical City had crossed the border to enforce the law, he could only stand his ground.

There's no way he could give up company sovereignty.

"We can't support you openly here, but if the company is short on funds, we can provide aid. If needed, just speak up, we're more than willing to offer an interest-free loan," Kunming Station said.

"Alright. If I can't hold on, I'll turn to United City to borrow money," Zhou Yi also said.

"We don't lack in other areas, rest assured we have plenty of Light Seeds."

That night, a small plane landed on the coast of Yalong Bay, and two half-cultured body satellites were brought to Maria Hospital by the Program Department for inspection and diagnosis.

Two days later.

A person Zhou Yi had not seen for a long time came to the company headquarters.

"Long time no see, Mr. Zhou."

The figure in front of him stopped his blue and white tricycle motorcycle, dressed in tight black clothing with a sleeveless long robe on the outside.

Zhou Yi shook his hand warmly.

"Long time no see, Cui Mao. It's been almost two years since you've been here, right?"

"Given my duty, I dare not leave my jurisdiction lightly."

Cui Mao still had that restrained and steady demeanor, with a slight smile saying, "Moreover, I really had nothing worth troubling you with. Mr. Zhou, you're also busy, and not disturbing you is the best thing."

"We're already aware of the sanctions by Mechanical City against the company. I've been granted authorization from headquarters, and the Jin City where Tianjin Knights are located wishes to purchase your Light Soot Sand long-term, though we can't offer too high a price, still at the standard rate of 4 coppers/5g."

"However much you have, we'll buy it all, and our transport ships will come specifically to carry the goods."

Zhou Yi was very surprised, "Why would Tianjin Knights want to..."

"You once helped us; you're our friend. Ninth Squadron faced danger in United City, and thankfully you helped saving the life of Captain Yao Yuan. Tianjin Knights always repay their kindness," said the other party with a laugh.

Although the company was under full-scale suppression and sanctions from Mechanical City, many friends extended a helping hand in times of crisis.

Zhou Yi felt a surge of satisfaction, "Good, very good!"

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