Chapter Fifteen: Superiority

The essence of humanity, one of its most fundamental and crucial contradictions, lies in the conflict between boundless desire and limited vitality. As we grow, we gradually assume shape and character, becoming a certain type of person; it then becomes exceedingly difficult to transform into another.

—Wang Luo

August 15, 1993, 12:10 AM

Southwest rendezvous point, 8652 Misas Street, Old Duerte Inn

“So you’re saying what he did was mere chance?”

“Yes. He saw something somewhere, was inspired for a moment, and acted accordingly. But even he doesn’t know what to do next. He’s afraid.”

This will soon be proven true or false. Watching Tang Xiaoxiao’s face, filled with disdain and disgust as she spoke of Wang Luo, Zhu Cunjia found it odd.

Did they have some conflict? Did that boy offend her? Regardless, Wang Luo accomplished what most could not even imagine. Is it fair to look down on him?

She seemed shrewd—how could she reach such a conclusion?

After hearing the entire conversation between Tang Xiaoxiao and Wang Luo, Zhu Cunjia could not comprehend.

“Someone like him, if he had experienced other situations before, if he had thrilling memories, he would certainly confide in me. Facing a woman, he wishes to get closer, but dares not, nor does he want to pursue. Therefore, he would reveal his most valuable parts to attract her.”

So that’s why you despise him? But… can someone who manipulates and deceives an entire city with gold and television really be so inept when it comes to women?

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In this space, sexual gratification is never anything remarkable. The space provides contractors who complete their tasks with modest resources for any pleasure. Rather than seeking it, they must worry about becoming hopelessly addicted.

“He’s a virgin.” Tang Xiaoxiao declared her judgment with conviction. “He was nervous and timid when speaking to me—classic useless behavior.”

That, at least, was true. From the listening device, Zhu Cunjia could hear the fear in Wang Luo’s voice. But was his fear truly about interacting with women?

Even if it was, could someone who devised a scheme to use gold and television to dupe an entire city really be useless?

Zhu Cunjia frowned, scrutinizing Tang Xiaoxiao.

Earlier, when she approached him, asking for protection and willing to pay the price, he did not object. She was sharp and efficient, never wasting words or action—the kind of person he liked. Having survived dozens of scenarios and fleeting relationships, Zhu Cunjia did not mind another.

But when it came to matters of life and death, he was not prepared to trust anyone lightly.

“What he’s done has already laid the foundation. If we ditch him and act alone, the rewards should be greater.” Sensing Zhu Cunjia’s hesitation, she hit the core issue. “The company isn’t a place for sentimentality—this approach benefits the company most.”

The company? You mean the capitalists, bosses, leaders, right? In that instant, Zhu Cunjia understood.

For middle management, when an employee comes up with a good idea or plan, don’t rush to reward them; after all, it’s their job. Take the idea, tweak it, and execute it yourself. The employee’s initiative can never match management’s, and once the work is done, a little leftover and some encouragement suffices—subordinates either swallow their frustration or leave.

This is her nature. In the space, she would immediately seek another to rely on and abandon me. Ha!

Yet… regardless of who she is or what she plans, her words are not entirely without merit.

The grand scheme is settled. Even if Wang Luo stands at the television station and claims everything was a lie, the citizens will not believe him—the streets are already strewn with gold and dollars, and Umbrella has plenty more.

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Wang Luo need not be considered; I can act according to my own plan! After so much chaos, the company’s defensive force will be scattered, opening more opportunities—so isn’t obtaining the secret stash in the Hive the most crucial thing?

Time to use the Swap Card! This is, after all, a rookie scenario; the odds of three veterans appearing are negligible. Even if he’s not a rookie, he may not have equipment with Level 6 clearance.

Newcomers in their first scenario will awaken innate skills according to their actions. Wang Luo’s manipulation of the scenario has likely triggered three or four innate abilities! It’s not impossible for a high-level skill to emerge.

Zhu Cunjia seemed to see a golden road opening before him. This is why the Demon Card drains vitality and maximum life, weakening its user to the point of frailty, yet contractors endure the pain and persist in using it.

As for his own gains, he could let Tang Xiaoxiao hold the secret stash and scenario rewards for now—after all… the Plunder Card could be used as well.

Function Card: Plunder (Demon Card, Level 7 Clearance)

Use consumes 10 points of mental energy, 100 credits, 50 points of vitality, and causes maximum vitality to decrease by 2% over the next ten scenarios.

Effect: At the end of the scenario, gain 90% of the designated target’s (must be a teammate) earnings. If there has been an attack between the two, the percentage is adjusted according to blood lost, up to -90%.

Can only be used when teammates can be attacked.

Must be used after the target expresses “I’ll agree to any condition” or a similar sentiment.

Isn’t it fair to exchange a few universal points for a life? As for mistaking intimacy as recompense, that is entirely her own issue—there’s no reason to clarify it for her, is there?

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