Ninth class citizen

Chapter 279: Money or life?
Nan Rong sent back a few exclusive news items about Du Song, and the latter gradually became closer to her.

"You're a component installer too?" he asked. "How did we meet?"

Nan Rong: "It was also a coincidence. Moreover, I only have a slight understanding of structural engineering. I only learned about it after we met, under your guidance."

"No need to be modest!" Du Song said sincerely, "You just came up with such an excellent idea, and you know so much about the materials used to carry inscriptions. You are no less knowledgeable than me!"

Isn't that because they have the design blueprints for the Jelly Dumpling brand, as well as a complete list of materials firmly imprinted in their brains?
"That's probably because I passed the Level 2 Materials Expert exam," Nan Rong said, spreading her hands to downplay the issue.

"A second-tier materials expert?" The chubby boy was extremely surprised: "You're a gene optimizer?"

"Yes. But in terms of materials science, we do have something in common. And I have indeed become very interested in structural engineering because of your influence."

Nan Rong stayed with Du Song for more than two hours. Besides catching up, the main purpose was to borrow his materials and equipment to forge two extraordinary weapons for himself.

A portable crossbow can fire four-tier lightning arrows in succession; a soft alloy sword is engraved with ice and water runes and can be used in conjunction with the crossbow when necessary.

In addition, Du Song also gave her several small, extraordinary ornaments. Nan Rong did not refuse them and decided to synthesize a second-tier A-grade gene optimizer for him as soon as possible.

The chubby boy had used a first-order gene optimization agent in his early years, but unfortunately, due to the relatively weak level of gene optimization in the Kungu Empire, it was only a first-order E-level agent, which limited his ability improvement.

Even so, his talent in structural engineering remains dazzling.

Nan Rong only hoped that she could help him go further on this path.

Du Song personally saw her off as she left the shop.

It was already time for the evening match, and the number of people waiting outside the door was half that of before, leaving only Han Lei with a gloomy face, the tall, strong man with gold teeth, and a few others.

“This is my good friend.” Du Song pulled Nan Rong’s arm and raised his chin high: “Angering her is the same as offending me. Don’t even think about ordering any weapons or equipment from me in the future.”

Han Lei, who had been humiliated by Nan Rong and had also lost a fourth-tier defensive extraordinary item, was naturally unwilling to accept it.

He harbored a lot of resentment, so how could he easily let Nan Rong off the hook just because of Du Song's words?

“Master Tian,” he said, “don’t forget, you were the one who asked me to drive her away. These low-level gladiators are the best at sweet talk, so don’t be fooled by her.”

Du Song's face immediately turned cold: "It seems you have your own ideas. Very well."

Without saying a word, he used his bracelet to return the deposit that Han Lei had just paid: "In that case, you should find someone else."

"Master Tian," Han Lei frowned, "Are you really going to fall out with us over such a young girl?"

"Oh?" Du Song narrowed his already small eyes. "Are you threatening me?"

Several beams of light lit up on his body one by one, forming a jade-white defensive shield, a trigger-activated reflective aura, and a dark-elemental weakening aura, instantly protecting the chubby boy completely.

Even if these high-ranking gladiators joined forces, they couldn't harm a single hair on his head.

After that, Du Song slowly took out one extraordinary weapon after another from the spatial extraordinary items fastened to his waist.

It includes a source-powered submachine gun with positioning and tracking capabilities, swords, crossbows, and even a lightweight mech cannon that is half the height of a person.

At the same time, a dozen or so energy gun barrels protruded from the outer wall of the component shop, menacingly aiming at the high-level gladiators standing outside.

"Are you guys going to stand with him?" Du Song asked softly. "No, no, no." The gold-toothed man and the others immediately took a few steps back, keeping a distance from Han Lei, and said repeatedly:

“Your friends are our friends, and we only have the utmost respect for them, without any other thoughts whatsoever.”

"Han Lei is so ignorant. We've disliked him for a long time. This time, he even dared to offend you and this friend. He's got some nerve!"

"Oh dear, I just remembered I have a game tonight. I'll leave now so as not to keep you from dealing with this troublesome matter."

In the blink of an eye, several people slipped away as fast as they could.

Han Lei had already chickened out by this point. Without defensive supernatural items, how could a pure lightning-type supernatural being like him possibly evade the source energy micro-pump?
“Master Tian, ​​and this lady as well.” He lowered his head, concealing the resentment in his eyes: “It wasn’t a big deal to begin with. I didn’t even know you were friends before, did I? You didn’t really lose anything; in fact, you damaged my extraordinary item. How about we just let this matter drop?”

"What do you think, Nan Rong?" Du Song asked.

Nan Rong naturally wouldn't miss the fleeting resentment in Han Lei's eyes.

“He was once your guest,” she said. “I can’t be too harsh on him. But we did have some disagreements before. If I just let him go, people might look down on me. So this is better.”

She said calmly, "I heard the rule here is 50,000 Thorn Coins for a life. Just pay that amount and buy your life."

Han Lei's anger surged: "Do you think money is so easy to earn? Even winning several games in a row might not earn you 50,000 Thorn Coins—if you're so capable, don't hide behind Master Tian, ​​challenge me to a one-on-one fight!"

Nan Rong shrugged, and without making any move, suddenly appeared behind Han Lei, holding a newly made dagger to his neck.

This time, Han Lei was mentally prepared, and a ring of lightning instantly surrounded him.

Tier 3 Instantaneous Extraordinary Skill: Electric Cocoon.

Anyone who gets close to an unsuspecting attacker will immediately fall victim to the attack.

However, the milky-white light shield that appeared on Nan Rong's body in time blocked the electric light.

Han Lei looked at Du Song in disbelief: "It's that fifth-tier passive-triggered defensive extraordinary item. Wasn't that one of your non-sale items? How did you sell it to her?"

"I didn't sell it," Du Song said with a smile. "It was given away for free—it's my stuff, I can sell it or give it away if I want, what's it to you?"

The cold, sharp blade cut the skin, but the blood froze before it could flow.

"You really would rather lose your life than your wealth?" Nan Rong whispered. "You still have 57,623 Thorn Coins in your account. You can earn more money, but if you lose your life, you lose everything."

"How did you know!" Han Lei's eyes widened as he felt the blade on his neck press even harder.

"I'll give it to you!" he said deflatedly, and obediently transferred the money to Nan Rong.

"That's right." The latter smiled calmly and stuffed a vial of waste liquid into his hand.

"It could be a lifesaver in a pinch." With that, she waved goodbye to Du Song and left the 72nd floor.

It was already dinnertime. Manager Wu had promised to provide Nan Rong with three meals a day, so she went straight back to the 60th floor.

Just as I turned the corner, I saw my door wide open in the distance, and my heart sank instantly.