Chapter 192 Victory in the Competition, Taking Advantage of the Scam

Amidst the shocked gazes of the crowd, Chen Qing calmly handed over the completed steam-powered device.

Honestly, Chen Qing might lose in other competitions, but this assembly skill...

Chen Qing is currently in peak condition.

"..."

Ran Lin looked terrible. He looked down at the parts in his hands, only this last one was missing.

He silently assembled the last part and raised his hand.

"I've finished installing it too."

The other mechanics remained silent. They had originally wanted to use Chen Qing to rise to fame, but they hadn't expected Chen Qing to be so strong!

Even their underhanded tricks were useless.

The survivor observers watching were incredibly excited, saying that following Chen Qing was sure to lead to big news!

Readers love these kinds of sensational news stories!

The Mechanical Association's attempt to gain an advantage backfired, and Chen Qing once again overpowered the indigenous forces.

Tsk tsk tsk.

Some of the mechanics turned green with rage, while the survivors behind Chen Qing were practically rolling on the floor laughing. It was incredibly satisfying.

Let those arrogant mechanics look down on the survivors every day; they're a bunch of worthless trash.

You've been proven wrong.

These undercurrents on the field did not affect Chen Qing's emotions at all. She remained calm and continued to repair the damaged mechanical artifacts at her own pace.

The mechanical artifact assigned to Chen Qing was a robotic arm, and judging from its material and model, it was definitely custom-made.

Without a doubt, its repair is the most difficult of all the mechanical creations present.

These people from the Mechanical Engineering Association are shameless and brazen. So what if they know?

Even if Chen Qing has objections, so what? This is their home turf.

Home advantage is no joke.

They originally wanted to test Chen Qing's mentality, but they didn't expect Chen Qing to be so calm.

With a stable mindset and solid skills, who else but her can win?

Seeing Chen Qing's calm demeanor, the mechanics' mentality collapsed.

One of the mechanics smashed the half-assembled steam engine and stormed off in anger.

The steam-powered vehicle crashed into the ground with a loud thud, a bang that sent a chill down one's spine.

After smashing the things, the mechanic even gave Chen Qing a special look.

However, Chen Qing didn't spare a single thought for her.

I'm even angrier!

Although she didn't affect Chen Qing, she successfully influenced the other mechanics.

How can this not be considered a success?

Wu Xi concealed the smile on her face; Chen Qing was indeed very strong.

but……

A hint of worry appeared in Wu Xi's eyes; the problems with the Mechanical Association were really getting bigger and bigger.

The fact that the president, several vice presidents, and many different schools of mechanics are not in the Mechanics Association is a fatal blow to the association.

Especially now that the incident involving the Mantis has occurred, the Mechanical Association will definitely become a target of attacks in the Deep Blue Sea.

The two vice presidents who were left behind were completely unable to control these matters.

I just hope the president and the others can come back soon.

Wu Xi was very worried about the future of the Mechanical Association, but she couldn't say anything about it; all she could do was worry.

She hoped that Chen Qing could join the Mechanical Association.

Unfortunately, Chen Qing didn't mean it that way.

Wu Xi's gaze fell on Chen Qing, who was still focused on repairing the mechanical arm.

The problem with the robotic arm lies in its materials. This robotic arm is classified as Class C, and the user is most likely a combatant.

The signs of battle are obvious, but that's not the main reason for its damage.

The main reason is that the materials used by the manufacturer are incompatible.

This mechanic must have been scammed.

The metal material the manufacturer originally intended to use was the Apocalypse Corundum produced on Tamahira Island.

However, the material actually used in the mechanical arm in Chen Qing's hand is definitely not Apocalypse Steel, and it is not even a metal produced by Jade Wheel Island.

In other words, this robotic arm was manufactured using counterfeit parts, so its short lifespan is normal.

Of course, this isn't the only reason.

The manufacturer's technology also had some issues, but that was a secondary reason.

Although it's a fake, the counterfeiter's technique is quite good, and the materials aren't bad either.

In addition, overuse caused the robotic arm to malfunction in less than two months.

Repairing it is simple; Chen Qing just needs to replace two key parts and reassemble it.

She worked very quickly, and after identifying the problem with the machine, she disassembled the robotic arm in just over ten seconds.

Various accessories were scattered all over the desktop.

After inputting the required materials into the virtual panel in front of me, the Mechanical Association warehouse immediately delivered them.

They didn't cause any trouble in this regard.

The main problem is that these mechanics can't get involved; even if they wanted to, they couldn't.

As soon as the materials were delivered, Chen Qing immediately began reassembling them. Her hands moved so fast that the mechanics couldn't even see her movements.

In just a few minutes, a brand new robotic arm appeared before everyone.

Chen Qing tested the effect and found that the power of the robotic arm should have increased by about 10%.

She even had time to write a maintenance record and care guide for the robotic arm's owner.

"..."

Damn it!

Now even more mechanics can break through defenses.

What's the point of competing? Just admit defeat.

Even more mechanics abstained; they simply left the back garden and disappeared without a trace.

Now Chen Qing only has one more match left, and her actions have only just begun. Ran Lin, the last remaining competitor on the field, has also chosen to forfeit.

"I concede."

Ran Lin let out a deep breath, unwillingly.

Chen Qing is indeed stronger than him.

However, the Mechanical Engineering Association has so many talented people, she shouldn't be too happy too soon.

Upon hearing Ran Lin's voice, Chen Qing didn't even glance at him, continuing to concentrate on her own work.

From the scattered pile of parts, Chen Qing quickly picked out a few suitable ones, assembled and connected them, and all the actions were carried out in an orderly manner.

Soon, a small underwater exploration machine, classified as Class E, appeared before everyone.

Explore how to start up machinery smoothly.

This mechanical creation was of a very low level, but the mechanics knew perfectly well what parts they had given Chen Qing.

The exploration of machinery is not of a high level, but it is undoubtedly another resounding slap in the face to these mechanics.

"..."

"That's all there is to it."

Chen Qing looked up, a smile suddenly curving his lips, his mockery and disdain evident in his expression.

"!!!"

That's outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!!

The mechanics from the Mechanical Association were furious and wished they could beat Chen Qing to death immediately.

Chen Qing tossed the exploration machine onto the table and turned to leave.

The moment he was out of the mechanics' sight, Chen Qing's smile vanished, replaced by his usual cold demeanor.

Chen Qing has memorized all the blueprints for the steam-powered vehicle, and most of the materials are in the warehouse, so it can be put into production almost immediately.

Hopefully, these mechanics won't let her performance down.

It would be best to have competitions like this more often.

Many blueprints are kept very secret by the mechanical association. Outsiders have no access to either the blueprints or the finished products.

Through competition with these mechanics, Chen Qing came into contact with a lot of machinery within the Machinery Association.

Not only steam-powered machines, but also auxiliary machines from some mechanical associations.

Given enough time, Chen Qing could replicate one even without blueprints.

As Chen Qing emerged from the back garden, all eyes turned to him.

It could be disgust, curiosity, or admiration.

Good people, bad people, and ordinary people exist everywhere.

Some people dislike Chen Qing, while others naturally support him.

After Chen Qing left the Mechanical Association, several people quickly followed behind him.

Don't get me wrong, these people aren't here to rob or probe.

They simply wanted to become Chen Qing's students.

Back then, Qu Sizhen, a mechanic of a certain school, dared to shamelessly ask Chen Qing, an intermediate mechanic, to be her teacher. How much more so now?

Chen Qing was only one step away from becoming a master mechanic, so naturally many mechanics wanted to receive his guidance.

This is only natural.

However, Chen Qing had no intention of taking on students; it was too much trouble, and she didn't like getting involved in that kind of relationship.

"I have no plans to take on students, whether they are formal students or apprentices."

Back at the port, Chen Qing stopped, turned around, and calmly spoke to the people who had been secretly following her.

"..."

The people following behind Chen Qing didn't expect to be discovered so quickly, and they didn't react to Chen Qing's words.

Geniuses always have a bit of a temper, and Chen Qing's temper is much better than that of the mechanics in the Mechanical Association.

They believed they could win Chen Qing's heart; they were not afraid of hardship, fatigue, or even death.

Even if Chen Qing is unwilling to take them on as apprentices in the end, it doesn't matter, they've already gotten used to being discouraged anyway.

They don't really have any talent for mechanics; they've gotten to where they are today entirely because of their love for mechanics.

Chen Qing wasn't the first mechanic they approached, and he probably won't be the last.

For them, it would be enough to learn even a little bit, or even just to witness the birth of a great mechanic.

"It's alright, Lord Chen Qing. You can just treat us as free laborers."

“We can take care of things like eating and sleeping ourselves. I can also earn 2 goldfish a month. It’s not much, but it’s enough if you need it…”

The apprentice mechanic's voice trailed off. Even if they made offerings like this, they were still taking advantage of Chen Qing.

But they really didn't want to give up this opportunity!

"Yes, Lord Chen Qing, we grew up in Clockwork Bay, and we know everything about this place better than anyone."

“It’s okay if you don’t want to teach us. Just treat us as laborers.”

These people included both men and women; apart from one junior mechanic, the rest were all apprentice mechanics.

Moreover, they are all quite old; the youngest among them is more than ten years older than Chen Qing, and one of them even has gray hair.

Honestly, it's all Chen Qing's loss that they're working for him.

"Sorry, no need."

Chen Qing politely refused these people, nodded to them, and returned to the ship, ignoring them completely.

Back on the ship, Chen Qing began drawing up blueprints for a steam-powered vehicle, a device suitable for sale to survivors and some ordinary ships.

Chen Qing estimated the material cost to be around 500-700 silver crabs, and the blueprints were free.

The factory was also seized, so the cost was relatively low. Chen Qing usually deducted these costs when calculating the expenses.

A steam-powered vehicle can sell a goldfish; just let it float a little higher, and that's about right.

However, this item cannot be sold now; we'll have to wait until it's ready in a while.

Chen Qing didn't think there was anything wrong with his behavior at all; of course, it wouldn't be a problem in this world either.

There are no laws in this world.

Even in the original world, who could say that Chen Qing was wrong?

Chen Qing copied the blueprints, but instead of immediately having the factory start producing raw tea, she continued to refine the blueprints.

The steam-powered design is probably from a long time ago, but it's still quite practical.

Since it can still be used now, the Mechanical Association has not thought of making any further improvements.

Who would have thought Chen Qing was so monstrous? He could directly copy the original blueprints after just one touch.

Chen Qing stayed in the studio until Wu Xi came to find him.

Wu Xi came to fulfill her promise and introduced Chen Qing to a businessman who sells pharmaceutical factories.

This merchant belongs to a large mechanical family in the Treasure Sea, and has no connection with the Red Serpent family, the Rose family, or the Delu family.

In the Treasure Sea, there are very few factories capable of manufacturing pharmaceutical machinery; you could count them on one hand.

To buy a pharmaceutical factory from them, you need money, fame, power, and connections—you can't lack any of them.

The entry barrier is very high.

Wu Xi and Qu Sizhen are not particularly outstanding in terms of strength within the Mechanical Association, but they are known for their good temper and have many friends.

If it weren't for their introduction, Chen Qing would have had a hard time getting to the bottom of things.

It's easier to buy medicine from pharmaceutical factories than from scroll factories. As for scroll factories, Wu Xi and Qu Sizhen have limited connections and really can't help.

Those mechanical families are keeping this thing very tightly under their belts; unless you just storm their door and forcibly take it, you might not even be able to get it.

After all, apart from their own family members, no one really knows whether they actually have this thing or not.

I met Wuxi today, and she wasn't accompanied by those little tails. Those students were severely discouraged and are now all studying hard behind closed doors.

It's not just them.

"What you did yesterday really provoked them."

"I heard that mechanics from other branches want to come and challenge you to a competition."

"Once things are resolved on Machine Island, people from the Machinery Association headquarters should also come."

"If you don't want to deal with all this trouble, you'd better leave Clockwork Bay as soon as possible."

Wu Xi smiled and handed the newspaper in her hand to Chen Qing. It was a newspaper published by Clockwork Bay.

Although Chen Qing's competition with those mechanics didn't make the front page of the Deep Blue Daily, it did make the front page of the Clockwork Daily.

Compared to the praise for Chen Qing and the denigration of the Mechanical Association in the Deep Blue Daily, the Clockwork Daily was much more neutral.

The Mechanical Association is short-staffed, Chen Qing may have used special methods, Chen Qing has good relationships with certain schools of mechanics, ...

Seemingly neutral, but actually extremely biased towards the Mechanical Association.