Wei Tuozhi said calmly, "It is my duty, and I can only do my best."

Zhou Sen said, "Team Leader Wei, please tell us about the situation in Zibao."

Wei Tuozhi: "The industrial facilities and government departments that involve personal interests are all closely related to the leader of the Purple Fortress, and most of them are even related by marriage. I am trying to infiltrate the First Military Design Factory. There are many talented people there, including seven designers of the Purple Light Gun Clan, but it is very difficult to meet them. They usually keep to themselves and rarely come out. The outer circle is mostly composed of people related to the upstream and downstream supply chains or the Crocodile Head's assistants. As for the internal organs, they are very united. There are also struggles for interests, but they are not intense. This leader of the Purple Fortress is very skilled in the art of balancing emotions and knows the art of dividing the pie. The entire military industrial chain, including the cities around the Purple Fortress, is under his control. In my opinion, it is not possible to take it by force."

Wu Ming smiled and said, "We came here to resolve this matter."

"Consultant Qin is willing to hand over the eastern market and seek cooperation with Zibao. Crocodile and Ziguang can coexist. We can provide crude oil, coal, steel and other materials at low prices. I heard that Zibao has a shortage of plastics. Wouldn't that easily solve their current problem?"

Wei Tuozhi shook his head: "What Zibao lacks are polymer materials, not just plastics, but also rubber, fibers, adhesives, coatings, etc., all of which are very scarce."

Zhou Sen said, "As far as I know, this requires complete polymer materials technology, not only research equipment, but also professional technicians."

Wei Tuozhi: "You underestimate Zibao. When I first came here, I had the same opinion. But that's not the case. Zibao has a deep understanding of polymer production technology. The most successful aspect of the Ziguang Gun Clan is their use of materials, especially various tempered and reinforced plastics. Of course, the scarcity of raw materials is also their weakness. If Shabao is willing to provide sufficient crude oil, it will be a condition that Zibao will find hard to refuse."

Wu Ming and Zhou Sen exchanged a glance.

“The Purple Fortress will be very cautious in this negotiation; they are deeply wary of cooperating with powerful forces,” Wei Tuozhi said, frowning.

Wu Ming also became serious: "If that's the case, why choose to cooperate with the Scorpion Gang? They're just a bunch of bandits. Is that really more reliable than cooperating with Number One Wall or West Fortress?"

Zhou Sen thought for a moment and said, "It's probably because the Scorpion Gang needs to rely on the Purple Fortress to survive. The initiative is still in their hands. The Scorpion Gang itself doesn't really have much say. What they've secured for the Purple Fortress are some independent violent organizations, mercenary groups or gangs that aren't protected by large organizations."

"Simply put, this gray market is extremely beneficial to Scorpion, but not to Purple Castle."

Wei Tuozhi nodded: "That's the situation. Even after killing the Poison Scorpion, the Purple Fortress won't seem too anxious. They have a clear goal and understanding of finding a new ally, so of course they will carefully screen them. In addition, this leader of the Purple Fortress is quite shrewd. We once overheard a telegram from the higher-ups that when Boiler City was invaded, Yun Kui had asked the Purple Fortress for help. They already know what we did to Boiler City, but they can still sit still and stand firm, which is not simple."

“Since you’ve all arrived before the banquet, we can do a preliminary review and consolidate our information and resources,” said Wei Tuozhi, standing up.

Zhou Sen said, "Food, raw materials, and the arms market in the eastern region are our bargaining chips."

"Our demands are to form an alliance with Purple Castle, gain their support, recognize the Old City as the future urban collective leader of the southwestern desert region, and the weighty position of Advisor Qin."

Wei Tuozhi said, "I have already persuaded the grain crocodile group of Zibao. A few days ago, they even invited me to join their association. They are trying to get into the upstream supply chain of the military industry. Those people are not easy to persuade. They have huge appetites. Even though we have offered a low enough price, we can no longer make concessions at today's banquet. We must be more assertive."

Wu Ming laughed and said, "I'm relieved to hear that. Being tough is no problem. The leaders of the Purple Fortress aren't so stupid as to forget who we are, as well as our strength and status."

Zhou Sen said, "I agree. Considering our strength and position, we have calmed down and started negotiating. If they push their luck, they will bear the consequences!"

Wei Tuozhi glanced at them and said, "Alright, then make preparations for the banquet tonight."

"Where are the logistics team members?"

"Although Advisor Qin asked them to come along, they couldn't actually be of any help, so he didn't bring them along to cause trouble."

"The organization group and the logistics group have both stayed in the old city. Jiang Ru and Liang Niu's ten times speed drawing ability is a great help to their clerical work. The logistics group is responsible for the Self-Defense Force's daily training exercises and is currently living in the barracks. The medical group went to Boiler City and hasn't returned yet."

"Is the logistics team's autumn... still pursuing Advisor Qin?"

"Yeah, she's gone crazy. I think she's almost infatuated with him. All she thinks about all day is how to have a baby with Consultant Qin."

...

Qin Che met with Duan Wujiu again.

He spent the last couple of days in Boiler City, wandering around and playing chess with Li Mi in his spare time.

Upon hearing Qin Che's summons, he quickly rushed over.

"I can accept your proposal, but before that, I need you to take me to see someone."

Duan Wujiu narrowed his eyes. "Who is it?"

"I want to see the old King Ling and the eldest prince to ask them some questions."

Duan Wujiu was terrified: "You... how did you know?! This secret has long been kept secret by the Glory Court, and even King Shu and King Yue are not very clear about it."

Qin Che said with a half-smile, "I wasn't sure at first, but seeing your expression, I'm sure now."

"The old King Ling is ill, isn't he?"