Chapter 103: The Business Union's Enticement

Ji Ming didn't rush to appear, but instead took a small mirror out of the drawer.

First, he squinted and added a hint of worried expression to his otherwise ethereal face, then he crumpled his clothes a bit.

After confirming his current state matched his character design, he pretended to peek quietly, trying to see who was outside, and with a squeak he pushed open a door crack.

"Oh, Dr. Ji, thank heavens you're still here."

The wound on his face had begun to heal, and Ku Po changed into a fresh set of armor.

He stood in the Clinic's lobby, lifted his head, saw Ji Ming looking panicked, and quickly spread his arms in a gesture.

"Don't worry, the debt handlers have moved into this block; it's safe now.

The doctor then visibly exhaled a sigh of relief, and awkwardly stepped down the stairs.

"I didn't dare leave; I locked the door and hid on the second floor..."

He hoarsely stammered through an incoherent explanation, then lowered his voice and tentatively asked.

So while I was sweetly reminiscing about the university night‑snack barbecue last night, could there possibly be a horribly mangled corpse on the other side of the wall?

Will they express full‑throttle support, or stammer out fear?

"So it's the bigwigs of the Business Union gracing us with their presence; I guess I failed to welcome them properly."

"Rest assured, we've already started investigating; if there's any progress, I'll tell you at once."

Having said that, he stood up, walked toward the downstairs, and a moment later returned to the second floor.

Ji Ming, taking the opportunity, stood up and, slightly excited, grasped his hand.

While Ji Ming thought quietly and anxiously, the carriage's speed gradually eased, finally reaching the end of the journey.

Weird, why would this damned street‑lamp thing be after me?

I'm afraid everyone in the whole block has already "silently" died at home, which is no longer a problem a few of us can handle.

But in just a few seconds, the once‑quiet block suddenly erupted into noise.

A towering defensive formation shifted from in front of him to behind him; this was Ji Ming's first time entering Inner City after crossing.

Suo La chuckled.

If it lacks a necessary hook, it won't even make it to nightfall before drunkards kick it out of the tavern's lively chatter.

There was even an especially bold child who tried to chase the carriage, but was quickly snatched back by an enraged mother.

Without time to think, Ku Po immediately led his subordinates in a breakout.

So, such a massive slaughter, such a huge commotion.

"I didn't arrange it, but I can go take a look for you."

Ji Ming opened his mouth, then covered it with his fist, revealing a smile that was hard to hold back.

Ji Ming could only be grateful for his habit of posting talismans before going out at night, and resolve to keep it strictly.

"Sigh, the Outer City is just too dangerous; it's really not suitable for an excellent doctor like you."

"Sir is still handling some important matters; please wait a moment."

All sorts of bizarre creatures attacked from every direction, each bearing the same blood‑red eyes and the same overt madness.

"Hello, Dr. Ji."

On closer look, it was a demonic wolf whose head had been split in half, yet it was still trying to bite.

As a region of chaotic security, rampant gangs, diverse races, and only a slight difference in technology and ruthlessness from Gotham, it is a free‑range area.

"Ha, compared with the renowned doctors in your hospital, I'm just a petty troublemaker."

"Actually, the décor of this Clinic is a bit dated; I'm planning to renovate it."

Being the only one left, he fought while retreating, and by chance fled into Ji Ming's Clinic.

Other places are unknown, but in Sunlight City, the so‑called "Sir" generally refers specifically to the chairman of the Business Union.

Ku Po didn't continue the investigation; instead, he immediately prepared to leave with his men.

Ji Ming could see that the man's facial control was clearly trained.

—This means they are tax handlers specially tasked with Inner City affairs.

"I am a Business Union officer, ordered by Sir, to invite you to discuss a deal."

Weary, he wanted to take the chance to catch a nap, but after thinking it wasn't appropriate, he forced himself to stay alert and stare blankly.

Even here, the Business Union's carriage remains the largest and most imposing.

But when he looked down, he found that the Union had sent not some hulking brute nor a shrewd, greasy‑looking fellow.

It was as if a vague great net were spreading from the wilderness toward civilization.

Sitting in a comfortable soft chair, Ji Ming couldn't help reminiscing about his heroically sacrificed broken sofa.

Otherwise, they'd surely be gathering gold and silver now, hurrying to find a way to move into Inner City.

Although the Outer City isn't lacking people who can afford such things, because of security and practicality, they're basically heavy carriages used for hauling goods.

"How about this: you find me reliable workers, and I'll pay an extra sum..."

In fact, that's true; with the help of the Iron Chain Squad, Ji Ming had perused many potion formulas.

Yet before he could take a step, he heard the sound of a broken window nearby, and a massive black shadow swooped down.

The result is that out of ten parts, ten or nine are counterfeit, and the few genuine ones are complex and useless, not as simple and handy as a single bottle of Rejuvenation Elixir.

And those two armored professionals perfectly matched his stereotypical image of a "knight".

One shouldn't strike a smiling face; since they greeted me courteously, it's not unthinkable to go see for myself.

Fortunately, I have to go to the dungeon for work every night; when no one is there, I'm not at all afraid of being ambushed.

"You don't need to worry about lodging; the Iris Community happens to have a vacant detached cottage, which I think suits you well."

"But I've also heard that in less than a month, Dr. Ji, you've encountered several accidents and almost lost your life."

He glanced out the window and saw that the Inner and Outer Cities were indeed worlds apart.

"Doctor Ji, are you interested in joining my hospital?"

"But you saved my life; as a descendant of the giants' blood, I cannot ignore this gratitude, so…"

Since they came to the door, Ji Ming didn't feel shy about hiding, and he confidently walked down the stairs.

Tall spires, beautiful glass, and a towering knight statue in the plaza before the doors—this is clearly the Holy Light God's Cathedral.

But before Ji Ming could finish speaking, the rapid sound of hooves came from outside the door.

"Doctor Ji, you are truly modest! Your superb medical skill has saved so many adventurers' lives; in fact, your fame has already spread throughout Inner City."

And without waiting for Ji Ming's reply, they launched a barrage of sugar‑coated shells.

Although such commercial self‑praise is nauseating to everyone, Ji Ming's words were indeed true.

When we reached the second city wall separating the inner and outer cities, even the wall surface turned a clean, snowy white.

Instead, there was a middle‑aged man smiling kindly, accompanied by two guards whose bodies were entirely covered in iron armor.

The hospital in Inner City is expensive partly because of price monopoly, and also because most doctors are mages who have studied healing arts.

Ku Po exhaled, as if still a little shaken, gathered his words, and then said.

In the past two days we've saved so many patients and collected so much money; the hype has become a bit too great.

When Ku Po finished speaking, Ji Ming had already entered a state where man and performance merged.

Moreover, that voice was perfectly balanced, stopping right at the Clinic's entrance.

"It's a person sent by the gentleman; he wants to invite you to his place to discuss a business deal?"

If the Outer City is still like medieval Europe—narrow, cramped, and littered with filth and urine.

"Alright."

"Doctor Ji, please!"

And the term "Rageification"—has it become a bit too frequent lately?

The Dark Forest has them, the Dungeon has them, and now even the interior of Sunlight City is being infiltrated by a large group.

He attentively carried a cup of tea and then left the room.

At least the citizens here aren't as timid as those in Outer City; they stroll the streets with peace of mind, and even beautifully dressed ladies linger at the crossroads chatting.

"I can set up a dedicated pharmacy department for you, and you can be its director, handling all affairs yourself!"

The first discoverer could never be a cowardly, mouse‑like stupid thief, could they?

In fact, Ji Ming had already thought about this.

So Inner City is truly a proper fantasy‑world style.

The man stepped forward and extended his hand to him.

Ji Ming's face also broke into a warm smile, as if meeting an old friend, and he shook hands with him.

Ji Ming understood intuitively and nodded.

"Doctor, everything that happened last night is of great importance; the higher‑ups have already indicated that we should keep it quiet."

It was as if we were opening a 'bizarre' themed blind box.

Ji Ming asked in confusion, but Ku Po wore a bewildered expression.

Damn, how did so many Rageified creatures manage to infiltrate this district?

After closing the door again, he finally spoke.

Ku Po, lacking confidence, gave a half‑hearted assurance and then said.

"I won't tell anyone! Not even the Iron Chain Squad."

Suo La firmly controls the vast majority of commercial activities throughout Sunlight City, wielding both money and power, making her an absolute titan.

Although many people line up here, the coachman simply greeted and was given priority passage inside.

As a solitary city situated on a plain, Sunlight City was founded here because a broad waterway runs through it.

Thus, once this elegant carriage hits the road, it draws a lot of attention.

In Outer City, a murder case hardly counts as a big deal.

"Hello, Doctor Ji, I am Suo La, President of the Business Union; I've long admired your reputation."

—In this world, gods truly exist.

"Um, what exactly happened last night..."

Moreover, as an experienced handler, Ku Po immediately sensed a more serious problem.

If I stride in flamboyantly, will the deity notice my peculiarity?

However, unlike an untouched door, the cramped interior constantly reveals severed arms and limbs.

After waiting about half an hour, a well‑dressed, kindly‑eyed old man entered.

"A murder occurred on Chuck Street last night..."

The rest needs no further discussion; it's already known.

Standing on both sides, their movements were precise and posture upright, like Swadia knights from the game 'Mount & Blade' stepping out of the screen.

Driving onto the sturdy, wide river‑spanning bridge, Ji Ming discovered that not far down the street stood a cluster of entirely white buildings.

It started off barely smooth, but after Cloi's official bizarre entrance, everything collapsed outright.

What kind of business could it be?

"Very good."

So when Ku Po caught that squealing, panicked little thief who ran in all directions, and learned from him that a nearby murder had occurred, he only brought a handful of subordinates and cheerfully rushed over.

—Completely numb, there's no need to portray any fear or surprise any longer.

Although it was merely a courteous smile, it was full of warmth without being servile enough to feel demeaning, nor so stiff as to seem fake.

Moreover, unlike the goblin Reno, who mainly operates outside the city and rarely reaches Sunlight City's core merchant circle,

"I already know what happened last night; pulling you into danger is the Union's fault."

Under the commissioner's guidance, Ji Ming arrived at one of the reception rooms.

"By the way, last night I promised to compensate you for your loss; rest assured, I'll keep my word."

But even so, he still followed his character design, fully expressing his fear and worry.

Although the exact process was unknown, such a terrifying murder scene still startled everyone.

With the driver pulling the reins, the carriage steadily turned and took another road.

"Shh!"

He immediately, with his subordinates, began visiting nearby households, but none responded, so they had to resort to violent forced entry.

Ku Po quickly silenced Ji Ming, glanced warily around, and signaled him to go up to the second floor first.

As the Union's president, Suo La was naturally a busy person no less than Ji Ming, but after a few brief exchanges, she smoothly got to the point.

"By the way, I heard Dr. Ji you're still single; Lao Dans has a beautiful sixteen‑year‑old granddaughter—would you like to meet her?"

Bash open a door, abstract art; smash a door, impressionist art; break a door…

—Although only heads remain, every corpse here wears a terrified, unblinking expression, clearly having watched their own death.

Business…

But after a brief shock, Ku Po swung his battle axe and easily cleaved off its head.

And the farther toward Inner City you go, the more towering buildings appear, and the roads become cleaner.

Recalling the lobby that had almost been forcibly demolished, Ji Ming fell into thought.

Although he tries to keep his influence as low as possible, his medical skill keeps improving, and sooner or later someone will try to recruit him.

He feigned sympathy, sighed, and stated his purpose.

Compared with these noble alchemists, any damn pharmacist is a low‑class profession.

Moreover, unlike Ku Po the debt collector's red medal, the medals they wear on their chests are blue.

"If you need anything—people, money, or goods—just ask, I'll handle it for you."

Thus, after some perfectly timed small talk, Ji Ming followed them onto the carriage bound for Inner City.

Fresh entrails were scattered on the ground, and scarlet blood splattered the entire wall in a spray pattern.

"Whenever you're free, I'll send people over; what needs fixing will be fixed, what needs replacing will be replaced—no half‑measures."

"Sir, you're exaggerating; I'm just an insignificant rogue doctor."

Located at a crossroads, opposite the City Lord's mansion across the street, is the headquarters of the Commercial Union.

Although the path from the sick tree materials to the Clinic doesn't require crossing Chuck Street, recently the two are separated by just a wall.

Ji Ming glanced at Ku Po; the little giant shook his head.

"Go, go right now!"

"What's wrong?"

For safety and stability, it seems time to find a reason to "shed some blood"…