Chapter 260 Rejecting the Invitation
Intelligent, composed, calm, loyal, decisive, resourceful, possesses a broad perspective, and has foresight...
This is Yue Zongyang's final assessment of Han Shuo.
This is also something a true leader must possess in the apocalypse.
If I were to view Han Shuo as an equal from the perspective of a leader.
He did not find any fatal weaknesses in the young man.
Based on these small observations, he felt that if Han Shuo were properly nurtured in the future, he would definitely become a rare talent.
Even becoming a qualified leader is not impossible!
...
With this in mind, Yue Zongyang decided to tentatively extend his olive branch.
He smiled as he looked at Han Shuo.
"Are you... are you interested in officially joining my side?"
"formal?"
Han Shuo thought to himself.
He naturally understood what those two words meant, and he also naturally realized that Yue Zongyang was extending an olive branch to him.
He simply couldn't fathom what was so special about him that would pique the interest of the director of the underground research institute.
Han Shuo always prefers to refuse when he doesn't understand the other person's true meaning.
"I…"
He was about to speak when Yue Zongyang interrupted him with a gesture.
"Don't rush to answer, listen to what I have to say first, okay?"
Han Shuo nodded and replied politely.
"Director, please speak."
Yue Zongyang stood up and pulled Han Shuo to his side. After the two sat down, he slowly began to speak.
"I don't mean simply changing your identity to a red card here."
"Instead... they will become my direct subordinates, taking orders only from me."
After saying this, Han Shuo felt a slight unease.
This statement contains many deeper meanings.
Do they only obey Yue Zongyang's orders?
What does this mean?
This signifies that he has been given a sufficiently high status, a status even equal to that of Chief Steward Wang.
As far as Han Shuo knew, there was only one person in the entire underground research institute, Chief Steward Wang, who was solely under Yue Zongyang's management.
It's no exaggeration to say that Yue Zongyang's words alone could transform him from a nobody into a powerful figure, second only to the top leader in the underground research institute!
Of course, Han Shuo knew that although he could be on par with Steward Wang, he certainly didn't have any real power.
To put it more bluntly, it's just a title, an empty name.
However, this empty title is not something everyone can obtain.
For Yue Zongyang to say those words was already a great favor to him.
Han Shuo knew the principle of not accepting rewards without merit, and he also knew that some advantages were not so easy to gain.
He refrained from expressing his opinion until he understood whether Yue Zongyang had any other meaning.
Han Shuo remained calm and spoke with a smile.
"Director, please continue."
"Oh? This kid is completely unmoved?"
Yue Zongyang thought to himself, nodded in satisfaction, and continued to extend his olive branch.
"Once you become my direct subordinate, you can enjoy the highest treatment here, as well as all the benefits."
He paused for a moment, then looked at Han Shuo with a smile and continued speaking.
"Furthermore, if the crisis in Zombie City is successfully overcome, I will also arrange for you to receive Turbid Liquid free of charge, based on your future performance, so that you can evolve to a higher level."
After he finished speaking, his gaze sharpened as he stared intently at Han Shuo's face. He wanted to observe every subtle change in expression on that face.
And you know what? That last sentence really struck a chord with Han Shuo.
His desire for power has always been very strong.
Unconsciously, a fleeting look of joy appeared in Han Shuo's eyes.
"Oh? So this kid is more obsessed with power than status."
Yue Zongyang easily noticed the change in Han Shuo's expression.
A smile returned to his face, and he said nothing more.
He picked up the cup of tea on the table, which had long since gone cold, and drank it while quietly waiting for Han Shuo's reply.
...
At this moment, Han Shuo was indeed pondering the question he had just asked.
His first thought was of the zombies outside, and then of the death legion in the zombie city.
Then, he recalled the amazing scene of Steward Wang slaying the giant alien creature outside not long ago.
Images flashed rapidly through my mind.
Finally, a scene froze before his eyes:
One dining table, six people.
The people at the table were eating the food on their plates.
Although the food wasn't luxurious or lavish, everyone ate happily and felt very satisfied...
The atmosphere in the picture is very warm.
When Han Shuo thought of this, a smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.
He cut off the subsequent images in his mind and stopped dwelling on it, because he already had the final answer in his heart.
...
Han Shuo stood up from his chair again, standing straight in front of Yue Zongyang.
With a resolute expression, he bowed deeply to Yue Zongyang and then spoke firmly.
"Director, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I choose to decline your invitation!"
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.
After an unknown amount of time, Yue Zongyang's voice reached Han Shuo's ears.
"Okay, I understand. I respect your choice."
Han Shuo continued bowing, without getting up, and said apologetically.
"Chief, I'm sorry..."
"Ha ha ha ha!"
At this moment, Yue Zongyang's hearty laughter rang out.
He got up and helped Han Shuo to his feet, then spoke without any hesitation.
"Alright, alright, you don't need to take this to heart. I won't use my position to force you. Just take what we said earlier as casual conversation between us."
After saying this, Han Shuo smiled.
He silently breathed a sigh of relief; he had indeed been worried that his refusal would displease Yue Zongyang.
"Chief, I understand, thank you!"
Yue Zongyang waved his hand, turned around and sat back in his original seat.
"Alright, we've talked long enough today. Now that everything's been cleared up, you can go back now."
"Yes, Director. I'll take my leave now."
Han Shuo responded with a polite farewell before turning and leaving the room.
...
Watching Han Shuo's departing figure, Yue Zongyang shook his head with a wry smile.
Soon, he returned to his previous imposing and dignified demeanor.
"They actually rejected this condition? That's a bit unexpected."
"Han Shuo, Han Shuo..."
"It seems you have a stubborn streak."
"But it's alright. You can't rush a rough stone. Only through polishing can it become a complete piece of jade."
"I'm really looking forward to the moment when your jade-like radiance shines forth!"
"I'm also very curious to see how far you'll grow in the future!"
Yue Zongyang didn't pay too much attention to what had just happened.
He has many things to do right now, and for him, the key is to devise a plan to defend against that legion of death.
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