Chapter 107 Chapter 107: For You
Chapter 107: For You
"Really not selling? We can negotiate the price!"
Emperor stood on tiptoe with his penguin feet, his expression serious. None of the collectibles in his vault could compare to this one disc.
This was true "art"—the art of an entire era's birth and demise, a "miracle" that would not appear in this world for a short time, no, for a very long time to come.
"Not selling."
Money held no meaning whatsoever for Kevin. In fact, apart from a few things he cherished, indifference was the main theme of his attitude.
"But... I really like it."
Emperor stared fixedly at the disc in Kevin's hand, his gaze incredibly fervent.
"That's enough."
Hearing this, Kevin finally nodded in approval and handed the disc to him.
"For you."
During her lifetime, she had already gathered the world's wealth and glory unto herself. As for this final work, Kevin did not wish for this disc to ultimately become a vulgar object equated with money.
Although this penguin was strange, its eyes wouldn't lie.
Entrusting it to someone who truly knew how to appreciate it, letting the golden melody resound once more without affecting the source of music in this world—surely she would be pleased too.
"You're not... You said for me? For nothing?!"
Emperor's face went blank, his sunglasses sliding down, yet he had no time to pick them up, because the information contained in Kevin's words was simply too shocking.
Even though Exusiai had followed her boss for many years, she had never seen Emperor widen his mung bean-sized penguin eyes so much.
"Mhm, take it. This might also be her expectation."
"Thank you."
Emperor's expression turned serious as he reverently accepted the not-too-thick vinyl disc, holding it as if it were a rare treasure.
So he had been wrong from the start. How could such a precious work of art be measured with money?
"You should thank her."
"And thank you. Hah, having lived so many years, it seems I've become vulgar myself. If you ever need anything in the future, just find me. On this land, there's nothing Emperor can't handle."
With that said, he hugged the disc. Unlike other things he would hand over to Exusiai for safekeeping, he held onto this one himself and scurried with small steps towards the depths of the bar.
"Hey, boss, where are you hiding it? Can you play it more often in the future?"
Exusiai's face still bore dried tear tracks; she hadn't had time to wipe them and asked rather expectantly.
Beside her, Texas, who had sat up at some point and was listening with closed eyes, also quietly perked up her ears. If they could hear it again...
"Shoo, shoo... Sigh, fine, I'll play it during gatherings from now on, okay?"
Emperor first instinctively wanted to dismiss Exusiai—this original vinyl recording would wear out with each play.
But after careful thought, he sighed again. That singer named "Eden" probably wouldn't want him to selfishly hide such a "miraculous" work either.
At worst, he could just record an electronic audio version. It wouldn't take much effort.
"Hey! Long live the boss!!!"
Exusiai cheered.
"Hah, you should say that to him instead. But indeed, it's thanks to you all."
Emperor pointed at Kevin. For the first time, he felt that his girls could occasionally bring him pleasant surprises.
"We should go."
Kevin stood up. This trip could be considered enough rest.
Fiammetta casually pressed something under her cup before standing up to follow him.
"Boss, I'll drive them back."
"No need."
He declined Exusiai's offer, glancing at the wine glass beside the apple pie—the meaning was clear enough.
"Drunk driving violates Lungmen traffic regulations, you know. Thank you for your kindness, Exusiai. We still want to stroll around Lungmen. You should rest well."
Fiammetta's words made Exusiai scratch her head sheepishly. Speaking of Lungmen traffic regulations... she hadn't exactly been a stranger to breaking them either.
Rather, several employees of Penguin Logistics were regulars at the Guard Bureau, though that didn't seem like a "honor" worth boasting about.
"Drinks are on the house whenever you come in the future, including for anyone you bring."
"Alright."
Kevin accepted Emperor's small gesture of gratitude.
After seeing the few of them off, the Penguin Logistics members returned inside the bar. The sharp-eyed Exusiai noticed one cup seemed unbalanced, almost as if... something was pressed under it?
She quickly walked over, picked up the cup, and underneath was clearly a small stack of LMD.
"Hey, why is money left here?"
Wasn't it agreed the boss was treating? Exusiai was puzzled. So what was going on?
"Hah, truly someone who can't owe others anything. Keep it for now; we'll return it to them later."
Emperor was in a very good mood, humming a tune somewhat similar to the one just played. No need to look for entertainment today; he'd just nestle in the bar and listen to songs. That level of artwork wouldn't get old even after many listens.
——————
Rhodes Island conference room. A meeting of great significance was being held.
Key members of both factions sat in two rows on opposite sides.
Representing Rhodes Island: Amiya, Kal'tsit, and the Doctor.
And representing Reunion Movement: Talulah, Patriot, and Quartermaster Lemontov.
As for FrostNova, to avoid any appearance of impropriety, she did not participate in this meeting.
"Talulah, in fact, Rhodes Island does not have the capacity to fully absorb all Reunion Movement members."
Kal'tsit shook her head. Although Reunion Movement suffered heavy casualties during the attack on Chernobog, the remaining numbers were still more than a pharmaceutical company could handle.
Moreover, these people's qualities varied greatly. To put it bluntly, apart from a few disciplined former guerrilla force members, the rest were essentially armed mobs.
Their Rhodes Island was a legitimate pharmaceutical company... well, occasionally not so legitimate, but they truly couldn't spare the effort to recruit and train these people.
One could easily imagine what kind of conflicts would erupt if a bunch of mobs who had just been running rampant in Chernobog suddenly flooded into Rhodes Island in large numbers.
"I understand, Kal'tsit. I'm not here to ask you to take us in."
Talulah clasped her hands together over her abdomen. After experiencing a series of major ups and downs, the smile on her face actually seemed somewhat relieved.
Perhaps she still harbored past confusion and shadows in her heart, but regardless, she was the Amiya of Reunion Movement—at least for now!
So many people were still waiting for her.
"Oh?"
The Doctor quietly waited for her next words. The gaze beneath the mask appeared calm and profound. At least when not commanding Kevin in battle, she was normal most of the time.
"We hope to exchange some supplies from Rhodes Island, as well as some books."
"What can you offer in exchange?"
The Doctor inquired. Even though Rhodes Island was originally established to help the Infected, they were not a charity. Although they distributed infection-suppressing medicine for free in some cities, the quantities were always limited.
Let alone large batches of supplies?
"Will these do?"
Talulah signaled. Lemontov quickly brought out a prepared box from under the table.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!