"If you don't resist becoming the emperor, come to the Imperial City next spring to adapt to the local ecosystem."

"Although the Heavenly Kingdom has various problems, the support and resources it can offer will satisfy you."

Thus spoke the Black Emperor.

Zhou Yi was at a loss for words.

The matter at hand was too absurd, leaving him momentarily unsure where to begin his retort.

"Your Majesty, this is our first meeting, right?"

"Indeed."

"Yet you're saying that I should be the next emperor."

"Correct."

"Isn't this somewhat..."

"Are you saying my decision is a bit casual?" The other person smirked.

Zhou Yi was baffled: "I don't know why you're saying this to me. I haven't had in-depth contact with the Heavenly Kingdom, nor do I understand this empire."

"These are minor issues. Once you become emperor, you will quickly understand."

The Black Emperor showed no concern: "Most parents are first-time parents, most emperors are first-time emperors. Lack of experience won't hinder you."

"The Heavenly Emperor, the one with ability, will rule."

"In the current world, rulers need two qualities."

"First, they must be able to unite and absorb more groups, continuously reduce enemies, and increase the scale of their camp."

"Second, they must dare to make long-term strategic judgments, even if not always correct."

"The creation and development of the Wasteland Development Company has proven your outstanding uniting abilities under pressure and impact."

"By driving the renewal of daily necessities and conventional tools, you transformed the existing market structure. Merchants are currently diverting their attention from the populous major cities to those inconspicuous towns that make up 95% of the total population. According to the old humans, this is called the sinking market."

"I had the Empire Governing Council study the operational model of the Wasteland Company and found some interesting data."

The emperor in the mirror propped his chin with one hand, a faint smile lingering at the corner of his mouth.

"Over the past five years, towns that were the first to introduce Wasteland Company products have quarterly economic growth 25% higher than other towns under similar conditions."

"Some people in the towns have become rich through reselling your products. Others have imitated your goods, though locals are aware, these imitations are cheaper and have lifted many out of poverty, driving more people to participate in labor production."

"Those lifeless towns gained a special vitality from the impact of your products and technologies."

"The Ministry of Finance has been trying to stimulate the economy, so citizens can consume vigorously. Unfortunately, 95% of Empire citizens are poor commoners. The rewards they earn through labor barely provide basic food and lodging. It's very difficult to encourage further consumption."

"The Ministry of Finance is quite worried about this. Besides offering family loans, there seems to be no other feasible way. The debt ratio of Heavenly Country Citizens keeps rising but doesn't bring more beneficial changes. Instead, some vested interests are making a fortune."

The Black Emperor paused.

"You proposed a practical approach. Iterating those basic livelihood products, lowering prices, enhancing quality, and increasing convenience. This allows those struggling with income to consume and be willing to consume, indirectly creating many new jobs."

"The success of Wasteland Company has brought confidence to many people. More and more citizens now realize that the vast number of poor people can also create truly formidable power."

"The Heavenly Kingdom's Governing Council believes this is your 'strategy for the poor,' pushing those with nothing to change, consume, create, and seek change. They will be the foundation of the Wasteland Development Company and your most loyal supporters."

"In my opinion."

The Heavenly Emperor looked at Zhou Yi, "This strategy is full of vitality and impact and will continue to affect all aspects of the world."

Zhou Yi didn't have such complex intentions.

Old humans know one truth, which is to put people first.

Of all resources, people are the most important.

Due to various reasons during the wasteland era, new humans have fallen in status, most living hard and in poverty.

As long as you loosen their restraints, practically solve some of their worries, and stimulate their confidence and hope, they can exert their inherent intelligence and talents.

While being praised by the Black Emperor, Zhou Yi still didn't think this was the reason he was chosen as the successor.

"Your Majesty, I'm not fond of winding paths."

Zhou Yi spoke directly: "I suppose you have other reasons?"

"Actually, the reason is simple."

The Black Emperor nodded slightly: "I'm bored."

"Huh?"

"Being emperor, I'm tired of it and it's exhausting."

The Panda Man with two mustaches yawned.

"..."

Zhou Yi was amazed.

This reason was even more absurd than the previous one.

"Being emperor has its pleasures, you command large armies and make the entire empire serve your ideas..."

The Black Emperor was filing his sharp claws with a fingernail file.

"But as much joy as there is, there's also as much worry. Unfortunately, most of the time, it's full of troubles. The happiest moment of being emperor is right before ascending the throne, then it's all kinds of vexing matters."

"Being emperor, like any intelligent life, has three periods."

"The first period is adolescence, with grand ambitions, wanting to change the world, thinking you will create immortal achievements."

"The second period is adulthood, realizing many objective laws and difficulties, choosing to reconcile with oneself, and doing what one can to uphold principles."

"The third period is old age, becoming more annoyed with never-ending disputes and challenges, losing interest. At this point, one only wishes for a peaceful retirement, living a tranquil private life."

"I'm in the old age period now, so I need to find a successor to return me to freedom."

The Black Emperor's attitude differed significantly from what Zhou Yi had anticipated.

He had assumed he was meeting a stern ruler, but the emperor's true self revealed a rather casual and indifferent demeanor.

Zhou Yi couldn't help but be curious: "What does Your Majesty plan to do after retiring?"

"Of course, go fishing."

The Black Emperor suddenly became animated: "The whale salmon in the depths of the Dead Sea, I loved fishing them in my youth. This species is very interesting, requiring light cuttlefish to catch them."

"If you catch a whale salmon, it will vehemently deny being caught, instead arguing that it was intentional and that it's fishing you, while you're the fish it caught. These creatures have the hardest mouths, even if the world was ending."

"Many years ago, I often went fishing for whale salmon with a friend. It was the only respite during the war. But now there's no such opportunity, I miss those times."

The Panda Man Emperor pondered: "Aside from that, I also want to explore other worlds."

Zhou Yi's heart stirred, "Well, Your Majesty, why not consider visiting our company and Star Axis's jointly developed Mars Base?"

"I've heard of it, I'll consider it after stepping down."

The Black Emperor stroked his two mustaches: "Your business is widespread, and for new ventures, it's the young that I'll rely on."

"Let's first settle the serious matter, are you willing to be my successor?"

"The Heavenly Kingdom's 85 million population, 19 states, 41 governors, 19,517 towns, and 300 million Light Seeds in the national treasury, all at your disposal."

"All of this is yours."

300 million Light Seeds.

To say Zhou Yi wasn't tempted would be a lie.

But he still replied: "Thank you for your recognition, but I can't be the emperor, please find someone more suitable."

The Black Emperor didn't press further, simply saying it was a pity.

The opportunity to talk face-to-face with the Black Emperor was rare.

Zhou Yi seized the chance: "Your Majesty, I have one question I don't understand, might I ask?"

"Go ahead, don't hold back, this is a private setting."

"Your Majesty leads the development of the consciousness side, which I know is still ongoing..."

He left the sentence unfinished.

The Black Emperor's strategic brilliance was unquestionable. He sought breakthroughs on the side of consciousness difficult for the Heavenly People to control.

Although they now know, that area is actually the domain of ancient rulers.

"What you're referring to."

The Black Emperor didn't shy away: "The progress is good, as a concept aggregate of the Heavenly Kingdom, 'Heavenly Kingdom Paradise' continues to grow, already absorbing several concept lives from this world."

"While development on the material side of the Heavenly Kingdom stagnates, the consciousness side has passed the toughest pioneering period and is rapidly developing, soon to enter a period of dividends."

"Every generation has its mission. As long as we keep moving forward, it's always good."

"Our generation tried many things and experienced many failures, eliminating some wrong directions. But because of these experiences, it's hard for us to escape from convention and find new breakthrough ideas."

"The journey of seeking a path for this world must be handed to you young ones."

"Thus, I need to find a capable and bold successor to continue leading the Heavenly Kingdom."

The Heavenly Emperor with the mustaches spoke lightly, but the meaning was heavy.

Zhou Yi couldn't help but silently say to himself.

Little brother, what you said isn't quite right.

You are the young one.

I'm this old generation human, not saying I can't work, at my age, it's prime time for career building. You're brave to say you can't work...

Zhou Yi sensed there might be more to the story.

Not talking about the Empire anymore, the Black Emperor started chatting with Zhou Yi about various products of the Wasteland Development Company, especially interested in the food.

"People live for food, only quality food can nurture strong blood and flesh..."

The Black Emperor said with interest: "The Dead Sea Fruit is indeed a good food. If such trees could spread across the world, and every table had this fruit, everyone would be enhancers and Guangna Species. That way, everything would become easier."

"If so, every city would have at least a thousand enhancer labor forces, increasing efficiency in road construction, bridge building, land reclamation, and pasturing."

"Mud Tree People naturally reach B-level?"

Zhou Yi nodded.

Ni Ge also said, over there even ordinary people, due to daily quality foods, are all strong and healthy.

Thus, the weak bodies of humans here on Wasteland Earth surprised Ni Ge.

The Black Emperor looked at Zhou Yi: "Will that day come?"

"I believe it will."

Zhou Yi said: "The company is working hard to cultivate Pan Trees, despite many obstacles and technical challenges. Overall, it is progressing positively."

The Black Emperor stroked his whiskers: "Good, young people should have such ambition and spirit."

Zhou Yi: "..."

Lastly, the Black Emperor inquired about the Warlord's status.

"Looks like he's still the same, indeed those with fewer worries age slower."

...

After Zhou Yi departed.

The room returned to complete darkness.

A cacophony of voices arose around.

"He actually refused! Doesn't want to be emperor!"

"In my opinion, being emperor isn't that great... He's not ignorant of the world, refusing is quite normal."

"Which side are you on?"

"I'm just speaking straightforwardly, reasoning."

"Mars development is booming, he's close to Star Axis, likely focusing there."

"Could he have discovered our existence?"

"Impossible, we used the Great Holy Spirit to shield this place, consciousness cannot leave the body. No high-intensity consciousness intrusion detected either."

"..."

"Stop it, everyone."

The Black Emperor stroked his whiskers, cutting off the discussion.

"Since he refuses, move to the next imperial candidate."

"Summon the Slaughter Duke."

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