Chapter 112

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Chapter 112: The Company’s Traditional Competitive Tactics
“Are you sure they really said that?”

In the general manager’s office of Lesheng Corporation, Farachi observed the disheveled state of his two subordinates, the deep wrinkles on his brow reflecting his concern.

“Yes! The Cathedral kicked us out, and we tried every trick to contact Destiny Gate. But their person in charge isn’t willing to see us, not even to hand over a business card!” Richmond, covering his slightly swollen cheek, mumbled indistinctly, “They don’t even have a fixed office—they’ve already set up a medicine shop right next to the Yeni Cathedral.”

“Heh… that’s interesting.” Farachi idly toyed with the two Night Pearls in his hand. “You made it crystal clear that you were there on behalf of Lesheng Corporation, didn’t you?”
The two men nodded repeatedly.

“Alright, you may leave now. What a disgrace, you can’t even put a nun in her place.” With a dismissive wave signaling them to scram, he then called his secretary.

“So… what have you found out about this Destiny Gate?”
“It definitely isn’t from the Old Continent,” The secretary quickly opened his notebook and began flipping through it as he replied, “I’ve also asked every business owner in Glorious Fortress who might be involved in the pharmaceutical industry—and so far, not one of them is connected to this company.

Moreover, the trade official got back to me, saying that the Destiny Gate was registered two weeks ago, with the Paradise Foundation as the registrant.”

“Paradise Foundation?” Farachi stroked his chin with interest. “Do we have any more information about them?”
“No… the trade official isn’t willing to help us look up the insider information.”

Because it’s considered a trade secret.

For the Lord of Glorious Fortress, his priority is maintaining the investment climate of Glorious Fortress—not favoring any one particular company… seems to be the case.
After just Fourteen days… A relatively obscure small workshop company, which is barely in operation for fourteen days, has already snagged some of Yeni Cathedral’s business—and it’s already creating a buzz among the public. Even the general manager of Lesheng Corporation has heard it mentioned at noble salons.

Street promotions, free distribution of medicine, and even luring people in for trials… This behavior is as tasteless as that of street vendors.

As for the rumors of a cure for the Scarlet Curse, Farachi scoffed at them outright. After all, if countless scholars on the Old Continent had failed to find an effective treatment for this condition, what grounds were there to expect a breakthrough on the New Continent? It was utter nonsense.
“Boss, should we have our trade official send out an invitation to arrange a meeting?” the secretary suggested.
“Arrange a meeting for what? To politely sip tea with them?” Farachi retorted, practically itching to smash a Night Pearl onto his subordinates’ foreheads. “They’ve already trampled all over Lesheng Corporation’s face!”

They covertly encroached on our commercial territory, and that without even a greeting. How is that any different from waging war without a declaration. What infuriated him even more was his subordinates’ total lack of response; they acted like delicate flowers nurtured in a greenhouse. Though, thinking about it, he couldn’t really expect any dependable ones among the staff assigned to the new district of Glorious Fortress.

Farachi couldn’t help but reminisce about the Old Continent. There, order reigned and everyone followed the rules to the letter. For instance, before a new company was launched, its operators would undoubtedly pay a visit to the industry giants, forging ties to pave their way in the market. How could it be that on the New Continent, the pioneers are the ones coming knocking, while the later comers simply shut their doors and refuse to meet anyone?

Lesheng Corporation was never afraid to compete in the pharmaceutical market.

After all, their technology was mature and they operated numerous factories. Whether in terms of scale or price, they enjoyed an overwhelming advantage. But to snatch away Yeni Cathedral’s business… that wasn’t just an issue for Lesheng Corporation alone; it would infringe on the interests of the four major companies.

“Prepare a carriage for me,” Farachi ordered after a moment’s thought. “I’m going to Blacksteel Security.”

Despite his words, he saw no reason to let such a minor matter become the talk of the town.

Sometimes even the four major companies didn’t see eye to eye.

Moreover, when Lesheng Corporation was first established, Blacksteel Security had offered substantial assistance—after all, mercenaries place the highest importance on medical logistics. As a result, the relationship between these two companies was closer than that with the other three.

Rather than negotiate with Destiny Gate directly, it was better to report the matter to Blacksteel Security and let them handle the issue. The mercenaries’ methods might be a bit more forceful, but who could really blame them? After all, the other side was the one who started the trouble—and Lesheng Corporation had already issued a warning.

***

In the dead of night, after driving all the players out of Paradise by the ‘host’, Chaoyang quietly left the Cathedral with Luo Di.

Unhindered by light pollution, the night sky above Glorious Fortress was as clear as a mountain spring—countless stars blanketed the heavens like pearls and pebbles hidden beneath clear water. Even more astounding, a striking “Milky Way” meandered through the celestial dome, gradually transitioning from a purple outers to a pale blue center, its shifting glow dazzling to behold.

At times, Chaoyang found himself wondering just how far this place was from Earth. Was it within arm’s reach, or as distant as the far horizon?

Alas, to him, astronomy was no different from mysticism; expecting to pinpoint this world’s location by reading the stars was clearly wishful thinking.

Luo Di found an inconspicuous corner, determined the cardinal directions, and unfurled her wings. Pulling Chaoyang along, she soared south toward the city.

“Are you sure you’re heading in the right direction?” he shouted against the howling night wind.

After all, They were drifting ever farther from the foggy zone with each beat of their wings.

“The chewing gum i placed pointed us this way—so I can only go over and check it out!”

“By the way, why do you always carry gum with you? That thing requires wish power just to cross the passageway!”

“It only costs a little extra, and besides, I’m used to chew it.”

“Are you used to having something to chew on?” chaoyang couldn’t help but remark.

“No, I’m used to letting this little sweetness keep my hunger at bay.”

The response left Chaoyang momentarily silent; after a pause, he asked, “Is there more?”

“It’s in the left pocket of my clothes—take it yourself,” Luo Di replied.

“Thank you,” Chaoyang said, fumbling for the chewing gum.
“No need to thank me. Pay for this portion with your Word Power,” the angel declared. After circling twice in mid-air, she began descending toward the southeast beach. “Are you sure it’s alright to let all the players return to Earth? According to Paradise’s rules, they have to pay a one-million-dollar admission fee each time they enter, right?”
“It doesn’t matter—I’ve already informed them of the new rules. From now on, tasks will be divided into long-term and temporary ones. As long as there are long-term tasks available, they can apply to enter Paradise at any time without having to pay the admission fee.”

He popped a piece of chewing gum into his mouth and returned the rest to her pocket. “The real problem is that it’s becoming harder and harder to come up with mission content; the system from early days just can’t keep up with the current environment.”

Luo Di couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “You really run it like a game.”

“Well, what else could I do? Tell them I’m a demon, and they’re all my minions?” Chaoyang shrugged. “Even though my current wish power can attract a hundred players at once, sometimes a smaller group has its advantages. After tonight, I’ll also leave Paradise—leaving behind only my clone to monitor the situation.”

“Sounds like planned maintenance to me.” Luo Di couldn’t help but remark.

“Exactly,” he chuckled. “As you know, the passageway between the two worlds are ever-changing. Lingering too long on one side might cause me to lose my foothold on the other, so periodic returns are indeed necessary.”

Of course, there was another reason he didn’t elaborate.
That was to allow players to bring back new intelligence to the real world so they could prepare even more thoroughly for their next entry.

Paradise also needed to provide them with certain rewards to boost their enthusiasm for the game.

Take, for example, the ore that Zhang Zhiyuan acquired.
Anthony, Asahara Naruko, and others all had their own coveted items.

And regardless of what they desired, it all exceeded the rewards obtainable through mere score points.

Now everyone was part of this web of contracts. Their pursuit of wishes would also propel Paradise ever forward.