Armed Train in the Apocalypse

The latter's almond eyes slightly widened as she clasped his hand, "I don't want it."

But it was too late. Her little resistance meant almost nothing to Su Huan, who easily pried open her fingers and put on the earring.

The ring was originally a bit large, but when used as an earring it was pinched smaller, and now it fit perfectly on Yu Yue's little finger.

Although the force made it a bit painful, Yu Yue's heart fluttered with pink bubbles. However, upon seeing the ring's position, her expression went a bit blank, and the pink bubbles popped.

"Why wear it on the little finger?"

Su Huan was puzzled, "Then which finger should it be on?"

"Clean, heat, detoxify—which correspond to chastity, romance, marriage, and singledom," Yu Yue murmured in a playful reproach, adjusting the ring from her little finger to her middle finger, "It should be worn here."

Su Huan looked at her four slender white fingers, then moved the ring to her ring finger, "It should be here."

Yu Yue blushed, "Here... but we're not married yet."

Su Huan touched her tummy in wonder, "Isn't this considered marriage?"

The woman's almond eyes almost seemed to drip water, "It is, but it's not complete... Haven't you attended a wedding before?"

"Heard of them, never attended one."

"Ah? Then your family elders..."

"My mom wouldn't call me to her wedding."

"Ugh!"

Yu Yue gently slapped his hand, her body somehow nestled into his arms, her hand instinctively protecting her belly, a hint of expectation sparkled in her eyes, "Marriage is about gathering friends and family to announce that these two people in love will be together..."

"Who said that?"

"My mom said that..."

"What an old-fashioned story."

"Smack!"

"Listen to me!"

The conductor's porky hand was slapped again, but seeing the rare firmness in the little cook, Su Huan grinned, burying his head in her sunny scent and gentle whispers.

Mushy time was inevitably short-lived.

Only a few minutes after the two parted, Hu Shuo and others came to find him.

Su Huan had been away for thirteen days, then slept for two days, and half a month had just slipped by.

Many things needed his review.

But the most urgent matter was with Ge Mian, who reportedly came by every day for a meal, freeloading for half a month, even Xiaoya was starting to get annoyed with him.

Though the Longxi High-speed Rail couldn't possibly skimp on the top executive's meals, the company's resources were far inferior to those of a former top power like Black Kite, just managing to provide sufficient staples and meat, nothing too grand.

Compared to Yu Yue's daily assortment of home-cooked dishes, it paled in comparison, especially since there were over thirty kinds of fruits and vegetables available on the train.

This number increased by one or two varieties each day.

In the end, it was unclear whether the guy was genuinely pressed for time or just after a free meal.

So Su Huan simply convened a high-level small meeting on the second floor.

The first order of business was handling Ge Mian's issue.

The meeting room was quite simple, almost devoid of extra accessories, but various functional devices gave it a unique flavor, exuding a utilitarian mechanical charm.

Ge Mian solemnly placed a file folder in front of Su Huan.

"This is the commercial alliance plan. However, Hua Zonglin had some business to attend to, so I'm delivering it on his behalf."

The folder seemed to be made of the hide of a Tier One Evolution Beast, feeling soft and delicate to the touch.

Su Huan lightly tapped the file, pondering over what Fatty Ge just mentioned.

The Business Alliance had initiated a reciprocal trade program long ago. However, due to the various restrictions of the Celestial Disaster Zones, it hadn't spread to the south, only circulating among a few top and major powers in the north.

It wasn't centered around the Business Alliance for transactions.

The Business Alliance provided only a form of endorsement, for instance, if an Armed Train joined this commercial cooperation, should it wish to sell a batch of potions, those could be directly sold to major powers in the alliance or appear in marketplaces within the reach of these major powers.

Additionally, if the Armed Train set up a station in Zhijin, no other allied force would set up a second market in the surrounding area, meaning all goods for trade would flow into Zhijin.

This was the Business Alliance's initial intent in asking Su Huan to open the Plant Zone, to establish a safe trade route, enabling massive trade between north and south.

In short, it was a very loose commercial alliance.

There weren't any stringent rules, nor requirements to fulfill specific tasks, only transactions on a commercial level, even if the Armed Train and Deep Blue Data were engaged in a brutal struggle, they could still trade through the Business Alliance.

It's akin to providing an additional "communication channel" between forces.

If one didn't join, the Armed Train would rely solely on resources from the train and the surrounding area to establish an outpost in the Rust Area.

With the Business Alliance's presence, resources from much farther districts could be mobilized.

For small countries on the Four Countries Peninsula, it's negligible—a unification could resolve issues.

But Donghuang is too vast, and not even Tier Four, let alone Su Huan reaching Tier Five, could incorporate all territories under command.

Even if occupied, governance would be impossible, eventually reverting to multiple consortiums and power coexistence.

Su Huan looked at Hu Shuo, who lightly nodded.

He had, of course, prepared in advance for such a major issue; he'd gone through Ge Mian's contract as if he tore it apart, clarifying every benefit.

"Then let's sign it."

Su Huan took out the contract, elegantly penned his signature.

Such a major contract required only a signature, almost a formality, as the moment Su Huan nodded, the contract became effective, and if he refused, it would instantly become void.

Seeing Su Huan sign, Ge Mian appeared visibly relieved.

He tucked away the contract, saying, "There's one more issue to seek your opinion on. Obsidian Industries of the Northern Alliance has recently suffered heavy losses and intends to recuperate within Donghuang. They asked us to inquire about the opinions of various major domestic forces. What do you think?"

"The Northern Alliance's White Bear?" Su Huan raised an eyebrow, "Tell them to get lost."

Ge Mian was slightly surprised and sincerely inquired, "Could you enlighten us about the train conductor's specific reasons?"

"Because White Bear's entry is somewhat beneficial for the current situation in Donghuang. Since the apocalypse, the population has drastically decreased, and all areas need manpower..."

Su Huan lazily waved his hand, "No special reason, just don't like them. They can come if they want, but they shouldn't blame me for being ruthless."

Nearby, He Jie and the others rubbed their fists, letting out eerie chuckles.

Ge Mian shook his head with a bitter smile.

This was the train conductor's style; his previously good demeanor was entirely because one hadn't crossed his line, hence his amicability.

"Then I won't disturb you any longer."

Ge Mian stood up and took his leave.

Once he left, the smiles on He Jie's and the others' faces quickly vanished as they looked at Su Huan.

"I heard Obsidian Industries is one of the largest powers in the White Bear region. We're currently using their surplus weapons stock. With such a large force getting battered to the point of wanting refuge in Donghuang, there must be a reason."

"They won't die."

Su Huan rubbed his chin. He didn't know much else, but he remembered that in his past life, Obsidian Industries was still around four years later, so it couldn't be a big deal.

Since the train conductor reached his conclusion, everyone didn't dwell on the topic further.

They each reported their department's production results and future plans, revealing a thriving and energetic atmosphere overall.

However, a slight controversy arose concerning one issue.

About Su Huan bringing back that Tier Three Cyan Ox.

In order to bring back that ox, Su Huan almost exhausted himself and took two days to recover.

Hu Shuo frowned, "The Tier Three Cyan Ox hide indeed meets the standard for making the Four Symbols Battle Garment, but how should we name it? Should the Four Symbols be Azure Dragon, Cyan Ox, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise?"

He Jie casually remarked, "What's the big deal, just call it Vermilion Bird, a name is just a name."

Su Huan thought about it. Turning the Four Symbols into Cyan Ox indeed seemed odd, quite awkward.

Seeing the group about to spark another round of debate over this issue, Su Huan hurriedly interrupted.

"Just go with what He Jie said and change it to Vermilion Bird. Anyway, that ox is quite heat-resistant; I roasted it for half a day without it getting cooked."

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