Chapter 426: Special Combat Force

"My idea is to establish a kind of strategic partnership, or rather, a Special Combat Force Agreement."

As Cheng Shuili's words fell, the conference room immediately fell dead silent.

The leaders all said nothing, their gazes drifting from time to time over the several lone wolves.

Although it had never been openly discussed, the faction leaders all knew that their ability to secure a place on the Long Guo region leaderboard was basically achieved by pooling together materials and items, concentrating all faction members' resources onto the leader, which was how they had secured this relatively respectable ranking.

These lone wolves were different; even if they wanted to pool resources, they had no channels to do so.

In other words, the ranking they achieved relied entirely on their own strength!

This kind of powerful player was naturally the very target every faction wanted to recruit, yet also the hardest to recruit.

The "Special Combat Force" agreement Cheng Shuili proposed gave them both an exalted status and tangible benefits while avoiding the resistance and conflict that forced incorporation might provoke—it could be called the most ingenious and pragmatic move under the current circumstances.

White Tiger's eyes flickered as his mind raced:

If these four top lone wolves truly bound themselves deeply to the Alliance in this manner, the Alliance's high-end combat power would see a qualitative leap, and they would have far more confidence when facing elite squads or leader-class figures from other regions.

This would be a good thing for the entire Long Guo region.

Though his Little Blue Dragon might not be able to borrow these people's strength for the time being, a stronger Alliance overall would naturally bring him only benefits and no harm.

Many people present shared the same thought as White Tiger, while War Wolf and Qingping Yue, as official organizations, considered the matter at an even deeper level.

If this model succeeded, it would not only solve the immediate challenge of integrating top combat forces, but could also become a template for the future, attracting more powerful independent experts who were unwilling to be constrained to cooperate with the Alliance in a similar manner, continuously strengthening the Long Guo region's foundation.

Qing Qing's Kiss clearly had not expected Cheng Shuili to give this kind of answer.

The playful look on her face receded somewhat, and she leaned slightly forward, the interest in those beautiful eyes growing even stronger: "Strategic partnership? Special combat force? Tell me the specifics?"

She was someone who liked to be unconventional to begin with; since Cheng Shuili was willing to give her a special identity, she was naturally interested.

The other three lone wolves also cast focused gazes her way.

Cheng Shuili nodded at Qing Qing's Kiss, then swept her gaze over the other three lone wolves and began to lay out the specific concept:

"The so-called strategic partnership or special combat force, the core of it lies in cooperation rather than subordination. You do not belong to any specific faction, and your freedom of action is entirely in your own hands. The Alliance will not issue mandatory orders to you; it will only make collaboration requests in the form of commissions or invitations. Whether to accept, when to accept, and how to complete them—all are for you to judge and decide on your own."

"At the same time, as special combat forces—that is, as our own people—you may enjoy all the privileges that Alliance members are entitled to."

Cheng Shuili carefully observed Qing Qing's Kiss's expression; though this person's expression was reserved, the brightness in her eyes was practically overflowing—she was just short of saying outright: 'This is good, this is good.'

Seeing that she was about to agree, Cheng Shuili shifted her tone: "However, during the period of cooperation, you must not engage in actions that obviously harm the overall interests of the Long Guo region, nor may you, with full knowledge, collaborate with factions clearly hostile to the Alliance in ways that target the Alliance."

"In moments of grave crisis concerning the survival of the Long Guo region, the Alliance has the right to initiate a highest-level summons. Responding to the summons will earn extremely generous rewards, but in theory, you still retain the ultimate right to choose. It's just that the consequences of refusal may include a downgrade or even termination of the cooperative relationship."

Stating the unpleasant terms upfront isn't unpleasant, and Cheng Shuili was not one to hide or conceal things.

Hearing this, Qing Qing's Kiss instead smiled. She leaned back, her posture even more relaxed:

"Now that's more like it. Getting benefits means having rules to follow. There's no such thing as a free lunch—I understand that principle. As long as the rules are reasonable, you don't use me as a pawn, and you don't restrict my freedom to choose who to cut down… oh, of course, the premise is that this 'whoever' doesn't cross the bottom line you just mentioned."

She smiled, and her features softened considerably, suddenly becoming sunny and cheerful: "I think there's no problem."

The other three lone wolves each pondered as well.

Gulu Gulu Maopao seemed to be Qing Qing's Kiss's little fangirl, and said bluntly: "If Sister Kiss thinks it's fine, then I'm fine too."

Chuantang Feng's focus was more practical: "If we sign the agreement right now, is there a signing gift?"

The last person was even more straightforward, simply gazing at Cheng Shuili with eager eyes.

Cheng Shuili was somewhat speechless. She had originally thought she would need to do a lot of coercing and persuading with these people, never expecting them to agree so easily.

Besides… what the heck was a signing gift?

Why did this feel like a newly opened gym downstairs in the neighborhood trying to recruit members?

But since it had been brought up.

"Yes."

Cheng Shuili answered with certainty and brevity, as if she had prepared for it from the start.

In truth, her hand beneath the table was frantically messaging Xinxue, telling her to prepare a dozen or so identical gifts.

Even with Cheng Shuili and Iced American predicting things like oracles, they never could have imagined that what these lone wolves cared about most was actually the signing gift.

Having given these to the lone wolves, she couldn't not give them to the leaders too—worrying not about scarcity but about inequality was a principle Cheng Shuili understood well.

She felt a bit helpless, but she couldn't produce any signing gifts right now either. Plus, it happened to be mealtime, so she might as well treat these people to a meal.

"It happens to be mealtime anyway," Cheng Shuili took the opportunity to rise, her smile warm and friendly. "I've had someone prepare some simple food. Why don't we talk while we eat? The specific details of the cooperation, the signing process, including the signing gifts everyone is curious about,"

She deliberately paused, looking at the light sparking in Chuantang Feng's eyes, "we can all discuss in detail over the meal. After all, you need a full stomach to have the energy to talk big business, right?"

As her words fell, before the lone wolves could say anything, White Tiger's eyes lit up and he asked: "Do we get a share too?"

Cheng Shuili was caught off guard by White Tiger's utterly unguarded foodie remark. She looked up and saw that it wasn't just White Tiger—several other faction leaders, including the usually steady War Wolf and Qingping Yue, all had a trace of anticipation faintly showing in their eyes.

Fair enough, in this world, a mouthful of hot, proper food could comfort people's hearts more than any precious item.

Not to mention it was a banquet specially prepared by Cheng Shuili, the leader of Long Guo's number one faction. Just for that name alone, they were craving Black Feather's food something fierce.

"Naturally, everyone gets a share." Cheng Shuili replied with a smile, breathing a sigh of relief inwardly.

A matter that could be settled with a meal was far easier than the war of words she had anticipated.

She rose accordingly, "Then, if none of you have other objections, shall we move to the dining room and talk details over the meal?"

Everyone rose one after another, the atmosphere noticeably more relaxed than before.

Qing Qing's Kiss came right up beside Cheng Shuili and asked curiously: "What kind of dishes are there? Is there alcohol? What kind of alcohol?"

"The dishes are just some home-style cooking, as for alcohol…" Cheng Shuili thought for a moment. Xinxue had indeed opened a few bottles of alcohol a couple of days ago, but with so many people present, even if they brought them out, it definitely wouldn't be enough to go around—better to save them for themselves to drink.

So Cheng Shuili smiled apologetically and said: "Alcohol, there truly isn't any. But there are plenty of little drinks, absolutely enough to go around."

Qing Qing's Kiss nodded, and though somewhat disappointed, didn't say much more.

Chuantang Feng, standing to the side, though she said nothing, unconsciously quickened her pace.

Gulu Gulu Maopao tugged at Qing Qing's Kiss's sleeve and asked in a low voice: "Home-style cooking… Sister Kiss, do you think there'll be braised pork?"

White Tiger, walking behind, swallowed at these words and muttered quietly to the leader beside him: "Did you hear that? Braised pork…"

War Wolf and Qingping Yue exchanged a glance, shaking their heads with a wry laugh, yet unable to hide their anticipation.

The restaurant is also inside the main building; this counts as a dedicated reception hall.

A long table is covered with a plain tablecloth, already set with bowls, chopsticks, cups, and plates.

Wan Yi, accompanied by several Black Feather members, is bustling about, and the air is filled with tempting food aromas.

After seeing clearly the dishes on the table, everyone present froze in place.

The air seemed to solidify for a few seconds, leaving only the steaming heat of the food and the soul‑capturing fragrance that pierced the nose.

This is hardly "just a simple spread of rice and dishes".

In the center sits a plate of glossy, trembling red‑braised pork, fat and lean pieces piled like a small mountain, thick sauce gleaming enticingly under the light, dotted with a few emerald green scallions.

Beside it is a large platter of steamed sea bass, the fish scored with delicate floral cuts, topped with tender yellow ginger strips and bright red pepper strips, its scent mingling with the fish's fresh sweetness.

The other dishes need no description; each is complete in color, aroma, and taste, making mouths water.

Such fine fare would normally be as rare as a tomb's smoke, but here at Black Feather it's a whole tableful!

The drinks are not simple water or common fruit‑juice soda, but bright‑colored fruit tea and herbal tea in delicate glass jars, with real fruit flesh and leaves floating inside—clearly made from genuine ingredients.

This is what Wu Ya calls "home‑cooked dishes" and "small drinks"!

As the top of Long Guo, aren't you a bit out of touch with mortal hardships?

Cheng Shuili watches the stunned expressions, and the corners of her mouth lift imperceptibly upward.

She steps to the head seat first, raises her hand and says, "Everyone, please sit. It's just simple tea and plain rice; forgive my inadequate hospitality."

The words are modest and proper, yet to the listeners they carry a faint hint of unshaken self‑pride.

Qing Qing, with a quick kiss, snaps back to herself, lets out a short light laugh, and pulls out the chair to Cheng Shuili's right to sit down.

"Simple tea and plain rice? Wuya Lao Da, your simple fare makes this country bumpkin, used to compressed biscuits and canned meat, feel a bit at a loss."

She teases in tone, but her eyes shine astonishingly, showing no concealment of her appreciation for the feast.

That movement of hers seems to press the start button.

The others also shake off their shock and take their seats.

Wind Through the Hall moves the fastest, already sitting directly in front of the red‑braised pork, eyes glued to the glossy, oily meat pieces.

Gurgle, sitting beside Qing Qing, bubbles softly and whispers, "Kiss Sister, there really is red‑braised pork… such a huge plate!"

White Tiger almost floats to his seat, eyes wide, glancing at the red‑braised pork, then the spicy boiled beef, then the steamed sea bass, swallowing saliva repeatedly.

War Wolf and Peaceful Joy, though striving to keep the leader's composure, show slightly hurried motions when sitting, and their involuntarily straightened posture betrays inner unrest.

"Everyone, please feel free to pick up your chopsticks."

Cheng Shuili picks up her chopsticks, first pinches a piece of the nearest stir‑fried seasonal vegetables, graceful as if merely attending an ordinary home meal.

When the host moves, the guests have no reason to remain restrained.

For a moment, the restaurant is filled only with the faint clink of bowls and chopsticks and the subtle sound of chewing.

Wind Through the Hall practically cannot wait, shoving an entire piece of red‑braised pork into his mouth; the fatty part melts instantly, the lean part is tender, the rich sauce with just‑right sweetness floods the palate, he pauses his chewing, eyes slightly narrowed, as if savoring a supreme delicacy, then lets out a long sigh and relaxes completely.

Gurgle, bubbling attentively at the steamed sea bass, carefully picks out the fish bones, eating each bite of flesh gingerly as if tasting a fragile treasure, a pure happy smile spreading across her face.

Qing Qing eats the most calmly, yet not slowly at all.

She samples each dish, her gaze bearing a professional appraisal, occasionally nodding, clearly approving Black Feather's chefs.

White Tiger is completely immersed in the gluttonous feast, wind scattering lingering clouds, his cheeks never sagging, occasionally uttering vague praises:

"Hmm! This pork knuckle skin, perfect! Soft, chewy… hmm, this beef, just the right numbing and spicy! Satisfying!"

This makes the two leaders sitting beside him eat at an uneven pace, fearing the guy will devour all the good food himself.

The meal ends with host and guests all delighted, but the business matters are barely discussed.

Cheng Shuili does speak a few times, but everyone rushes to eat, leaving no time to answer her words.

Even after licking the plate clean, Gurgle still reminisces, "Kiss Sister, how does Black Feather manage to make the food taste like this?! Clearly…"

She licks another mouthful of the leftover sauce, "Clearly they use the same ingredients, so why can Black Feather's people cook it so deliciously?!"

Embarrassing… utterly embarrassing.

Qing Qing truly doesn't want to deal with her.

War Wolf catches the remark, "Indeed, same ingredients, but the handling and heat differ by a hair, turning a mile."

He turns to Cheng Shuili, half‑joking, half‑serious, "Wuya Dalao, did you hire your cooks from some Michelin three‑star restaurant? Their skill is just too good!"

Cheng Shuili puts down her teacup, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth, and slowly begins:

"Our Black Feather chefs aren't Michelin chefs. They're just, before entering this world, experienced first‑class chefs."