Man on the ark, forced to become king

"The kids are getting older, they're harder to manage..."

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"Quickly, quickly connect Grandpa's intercity communication, at maximum power, now, do it right away!"

Back in her little villa, Swire breathed a slight sigh of relief and eagerly summoned her housekeeper to arrange intercity communications.

Because mobile phones are not fixed in location, and it is difficult to maintain base stations in the wilderness, mobile phones are only useful in the same city. The network can be used barely, but it is not secure and there is a certain delay.

Given the critical importance of the Golden Tree Dewdrops, it is safer to use high-powered intercity communication equipment.

Although such a device costs a lot of money every time it's used, it's still worthwhile for transmitting important messages.

"Miss, the master said you are not allowed to..."

The butler hesitated for a moment, knowing that the master's orders would definitely take precedence over the young lady's.

"Go and do it quickly. I really have something very important to do. Don't worry, I will explain it to Grandpa."

Swire's eyes widened, and her expression turned serious.

"This matter is of great importance, and Grandpa must make the decision himself. We cannot delay."

"Please wait a moment, I'll arrange it right away."

Since the young lady spoke of something so important, the housekeeper dared not continue to obstruct her. If something truly important was delayed because of this, she couldn't bear the responsibility; the burden was too heavy for her to carry.

……

"Betalis? Didn't you just go back to Lungmen? And you're already using intercity communications to contact me? Have you forgotten your promise so quickly?"

The image of the old man, Film, appeared on the screen. His serious expression completely melted away the moment he saw Swire, and he opened his mouth with a smile.

Although he said it like that, anyone could tell he was just joking; the doting feeling was practically overflowing from the screen.

"All of you, get out and stay far away. No one is allowed to approach this area."

Swire didn't answer immediately. Instead, she first asked the butler and the technician in charge of the equipment to leave. Then she listened carefully to make sure there was no one else in or out of the room before relaxing. She carefully took out the crystal container containing the golden tree dew from the innermost pocket of her clothes, which was close to her chest, and held it up to the camera with both hands.

“Grandpa, this time we are using intercity communication for something very important. Please find some absolutely trustworthy people to send it back to Victoria immediately.”

"Oh? What is it that you value so much?"

Realizing that Swire was indeed serious, Adams also straightened up, sat up straight, and carefully examined the object held up to the camera, but couldn't make out anything.

"Do you remember the contract I asked you for two days ago?"

"I'm not senile."

Adams chuckled and teased, "It's a pity that the little girl from the Chen family isn't a man. When will you find a man you care about so much and bring him home to meet your grandfather?"

"Grandpa! I'm talking about something serious!"

Swire stomped his foot fiercely, his foot turning bright red, as if he were about to bite someone.

"Okay, okay, serious business, serious business, what exactly is this?"

"Today I met Chen's teacher. The contract was actually a condition he put forward to make things difficult for Chen. After we actually delivered the things, he gave me this as a return gift."

At this point, Swire couldn't help but lower her voice and whisper, "I've already had Uncle Wei verify it. It's called 'Golden Tree Dew,' and it can extend an ordinary person's life by twenty years!"

"what?!"

Even with Adams's composure, he was momentarily stunned by the explosive news. It wasn't until Swire repeated it to him that he came to his senses, his smiling eyes suddenly opening wide, his sharp gaze locking onto the golden sphere encased in crystal through the screen.

"are you sure?"

How could I possibly lie to you about something like this?

Holding the Golden Tree Dewdrops, Swire nodded solemnly and said decisively, "I've confirmed it with Uncle Wei, and I can be absolutely certain of its effectiveness."

"hiss……"

In his luxuriously decorated study, Adams stood up excitedly, feeling his aging body with a dreamlike sense of unreality.

That's a treasure that can extend one's lifespan, and by a full twenty years!

How many twenty-year periods does a short-lived species have in its lifetime?

If word gets out about this item, it will surely cause a bloodbath. Those old guys like him who are getting on in years will definitely do whatever it takes to snatch it!

For some, its value is even comparable to that of a small mobile city!

Twenty years is enough time to accomplish many things.

Yet his granddaughter acquired this priceless treasure in exchange for a one-year trade contract.

Compared to a treasure of this caliber, that contract is nothing!

He knew all too well that his 'old friends' spent astronomical sums of money every year on various laboratories, all in an effort to make him live longer.

If they knew that, let alone a one-year trade contract, they would be overjoyed to agree to exchange it for dozens or even hundreds of times the price, they would agree without hesitation.

Twenty years... that's enough to drive some people whose lives are nearing their end insane.

They are not short of money at all, and they would not hesitate to use money to exchange for their lives.

And now, the treasures that those people have been desperately seeking have been obtained so easily.

Adams stared intently at the crystal on the screen; the golden sphere emitted a faint light, expanding and contracting as if even his heart was beating in sync with it.

If possible, who wouldn't want to live another twenty years?

"Well done... Beatrice, you did a great job. I'll arrange for people to bring you and it back right away... No, no, no, you shouldn't leave Lungmen for now. That... Chen family girl's teacher? Did he say anything else?"

Adams' long-cultivated composure finally came into play. Despite his heart pounding, he quickly calmed down and began to ask for more details.

"Yes, he said he would remember our help this time, asked me to give you his regards, and hoped that there would be more opportunities for cooperation in the future."

"Great! Great! Cooperation, of course we should cooperate!"

Upon hearing this news, Adams immediately burst into laughter, overjoyed.

Compared to an inanimate object, a powerful person who can readily offer such a treasure as a reward is far more valuable.

After all, if someone can produce one item, there are likely many more, and no one would refuse to be associated with such a powerful figure.

More collaboration? Absolutely!

Swire Group has no shortage of money, and its business scope covers all aspects, so it can handle any kind of cooperation!

At the same time, he changed his mind. Beatrice was not qualified to deal with such a person. Only by personally taking action could the Swire Group show its sincerity!

"Beatlex, you stay in Lungmen, stay in your own home, and don't go out. I'll arrange to go to Lungmen immediately and invite that gentleman to dinner!"

Chapter Sixteen: Wolves and Real Wolves

"Miss Texas, we have arrived at your designated location. Black Steel International, if you require services such as hiring, security, or cargo transportation, please feel free to contact the Black Steel International office in this city. We wish you a pleasant journey in Syracuse."

"Okay, okay, I'll definitely do it next time."

Texas nodded perfunctorily, watched the Black Steel International vehicle start and drive away, and couldn't help but sigh, patting his pocket.

That was the pocket where she kept her wallet, but now the wallet was empty except for her identification.

As an internationally renowned security company, Black Steel International's professionalism is indeed outstanding. They made no obstacles along the way, and the minor skirmishes they encountered were handled swiftly and efficiently, with almost no delays. They are far superior to some unprofessional small companies.

However, the high fees associated with this profession are simply unaffordable for the average working person.

To pay for the fare, she had to ask her boss for an advance on her salary for the next few months; she definitely couldn't afford to hire him again.

In fact, on her way here, she had already planned to walk back to Longmen—provided she could return alive.

Syracuse is not a place you can come and go as you please, especially for someone like her.

The black market bounty has indeed been withdrawn, but hatred doesn't disappear with the bounty. You never know where you might go and be recognized by your old 'friends'. If that happens, no one can say they can escape unscathed.

Despite all that, she still came.

You say you've let go, and you really think so, but how easy is it to let go of past experiences?

The days and nights spent in the black market, the missions fought together against the enemy—a few short months were not enough to fade those memories. She had to admit that Lappland still held an extremely important place in her heart, and she absolutely could not bear to watch her die.

So she came, even though returning to Syracuse might render all her past efforts futile.

Wearing a mask and pulling up the hood to conceal her appearance as much as possible, Texas took a deep breath and stepped back onto this land that had left her with no fond memories.

The familiar scent that filled her nostrils was there as always. There might be one, there might not be, but she could smell the faint smell of blood in the air.

Compared to the bustling Longmen, the streets of Syracuse are much quieter, with very few people coming and going, and no one chatting or laughing on the streets.

The streets on both sides of the road were lined with open doors, and occasionally one could glimpse the interior through glass or curtains—the shop owners sat at the innermost seats, staring blankly at the entrance. Texas knew that most of them were holding weapons under the counter, or preparing to hold weapons.

Syracuse is a place where the strong rule and the weak are preyed upon, and this is especially evident on the territory of the Lucchese family.

They worship force and only like to use fists and swords to settle disputes. The capable rise and the weak fall, and whoever is strong is right.

Living in such an environment, no one dares to let their guard down easily, not even during the day when there are rules and regulations.

After all, Syracuse has no shortage of madmen.

Those who break the rules may be eliminated in time, but that's a matter for later. If you're not vigilant enough, you might lose your life at any moment. Everyone living here understands this.

How can you expect them to smile in such a depressing atmosphere?

Having witnessed Lungmen's freedom, openness, and prosperity, Texas only felt the city's grotesque abnormality; everyone was wary of each other and regarded each other as potential enemies.