After leaving the coast, Zhang Shi led Chen Baomu into a conference room, where Ge Dalong was also brought over to serve as an advisor.
The interior was simple yet functional, with a large maritime map hanging on the wall, marking various important resources and shipping lanes. The conference table was covered with various documents and maps that Zhang Shi had recently purchased. Chen Baomu's gaze fell on the map, a slight smile appearing on his lips.
"First, I'd like to understand your specific capabilities."
Zhang Shi cut to the chase, his sharp gaze fixed on Chen Baomu. He needed to make sure he wasn't dealing with a motley crew.
Chen Baomu was prepared. He took out a stack of documents from his backpack and began to introduce them one by one: "We currently have a total of 55 ships of various sizes, including three high-speed transport ships, which can respond quickly to various missions. The total number of crew members exceeds 200, most of whom are elderly people who joined before the flood. They are all trustworthy, and there are also some newly joined young people who are full of vitality."
"In terms of equipment, we have equipped ourselves with navigation systems and certain self-defense weapons. With the skills of these brothers, we can definitely ensure safety when sailing at sea."
As Zhang Shi listened, he silently considered the situation. This information was crucial for assessing the potential for cooperation. He nodded in agreement, then changed the subject: "So, what are your thoughts on the specific model for cooperation?"
Chen Baomu had a plan in mind, and he elaborated on a plan that had been prepared long ago.
"We can divide the transportation business into two parts. One part will continue to be handled by you, and you can use whoever you want to maintain the existing stability. The other part will be taken over by us, and we will use our advantages in ships and manpower to open up new routes and expand the scope of business."
Regarding profits, we can distribute them according to the proportion and contribution of the personnel transported, ensuring that both parties receive a reasonable return. At the same time, I will assign a dedicated person to oversee security matters, ensuring that all activities are conducted within this framework.
After hearing this, Ge Dalong frowned slightly, clearly still having reservations about the plan. He exchanged a glance with Zhang Shi and then asked.
"Safety is the top priority. Are your crew members reliable? How can you guarantee they won't pose a threat to my customers or property?"
Chen Baomu had anticipated this, and he confidently replied, "My crew members are all personally selected, with clean backgrounds, and they know what they can and cannot take. If you don't believe me, we can set up a joint supervision team, composed of representatives from both sides, to regularly board the ship and supervise all activities during the cooperation process, ensuring that everything is within your control."
Ge Dalong nodded, finding the suggestion quite feasible, and Zhang Shi also nodded in agreement.
“Okay, let’s proceed according to this framework. Next, we need to refine every clause of the cooperation agreement to ensure that the rights and interests of both parties are fully protected. At the same time, I will also arrange for people to conduct the necessary understanding and assessment of your fleet and crew.”
Chen Baomu readily agreed, and the two immediately began the intensive work of drafting the agreement. During this process, they occasionally discussed certain details, but overall maintained a good cooperative atmosphere. After several hours of effort, a preliminary cooperation agreement was finally completed, covering all aspects of the cooperation, from profit distribution and operational methods to security guarantees, all with detailed provisions.
"I hope you will keep your promise. I have always been clear about right and wrong here. I treat friends with fine wine and enemies with firearms."
Chen Baomu took the agreement, carefully reviewed it, and then a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "Of course, Boss Zhang Shi, I believe our cooperation will be very pleasant. Just prepare some fine wine in advance each time we dock."
After seeing Chen Baomu and his group off, the crisis was over, and it was already evening.
Ge Dalong used the excuse of discussing opening a new air route with Zhang Shi, but in reality, they were discussing Wu Qing's problem.
"Are you sure you're seeing clearly? Are you sure it's not an illusion?"
Zhang Shi paused, unsure of what he was seeing given An Ye's experience. Thinking of An Ye, Zhang Shi felt a chill, realizing he had somehow forgotten about him lately. He immediately checked the bell in his backpack.
Fortunately, the Soul-Slaying Bell was quietly placed in the lowest slot of the backpack without any abnormalities. Zhang Shi glanced at it and found that all the light orbs dropped by the boss in the secret realm had disappeared.
Zhang Shi immediately took out the bell and used it to threaten Lao Duan.
"Old Deng, are you up to your old tricks again? I'm sure you've seen it too. We've discovered an ancient ruin. Tell me, what would it be like to be stuffed into the belly of an earth beast?"
To their surprise, Master An, who had been silent for a long time, reappeared. A golden, shimmering phantom appeared in the conference room, its form even more solid than the one they had seen in the dungeon last time.
"Hehe, anyway, you have no use for those beast souls. I was afraid that their potency would be lost if left for too long, so I'll just use them all."
Master An smiled smugly, only to be met with Old Duan's blade. Master An quickly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding Zhang Shi's attack.
"Hey kid, what are you doing? That kitchen knife of yours is dangerous. If it touches this old man, I'm really done for."
Zhang Shi sneered, but did not continue his attack. Instead, he asked a question.
"You were the one who orchestrated Wu Qing's affair, weren't you?"
Grandpa An quickly shook his head in denial.
"Kid, don't try to shift the blame. I just recovered after absorbing the beast soul. I've been staying in your backpack the whole time and haven't had a chance to go out. I certainly wouldn't have done anything to your people."
Zhang Shi took a closer look. The system's inventory was trustworthy. Master An really had no opportunity to tamper with things. Even if he did, he had already succeeded and could use it to blackmail him. There was no need for him to lie anymore.
Seeing that Zhang Shi and Ge Dalong were both silent, Grandpa An smoothed his sparse hair, which was covered in luster, and said calmly.
"What difficulties have you encountered? If you need anything, just let me know. I'm an old man with a lot of experience, and I might be able to help you."
Zhang Shi had no trust in Master An, but it was true that Master An said he was knowledgeable and experienced. After considering for a moment, he told him about Wu Qing's situation.
Upon hearing this, Mr. An looked grave and paced back and forth in the meeting room, seemingly deep in thought.
"That mirror must be a treasure similar to a demon-revealing mirror. Your friend was exposed as soon as it was reflected in his mirror. As for why only you can see it, I guess it's because of your level. Apart from you, the others are too low-level to meet the requirements for using some of the equipment."
Zhang Shi asked in a deep voice, "Are you saying that Wu Qing is a demon?"
Grandpa An nodded in reply.
"Very likely. If a body is possessed by a vengeful ghost, not only me, but even you could see through some magical artifacts and props."
Zhang Shi remained silent, unsure of how to handle the situation.
Seeing this, Grandpa An seized the opportunity to make his request.
"Kid, now that I've given you some pointers, don't you think you should..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Shi put the bell back into his backpack.
Ge Dalong said softly.
"That historical record mentions that after the Lord of the Mist City obtained this mirror, he convened the entire high-ranking council and that very night, he bloodily eliminated three of them..."
Zhang Shi scratched his head and sighed.
"Rest for the night, and go back to Fog City tomorrow to ask that old woman. By the way, don't tell Zhao Feng about this yet. I'm afraid he can't keep it a secret, and it would be troublesome if we alerted him."
Ge Dalong nodded, then turned and left the conference room.
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