Chapter 345 You will be the city lord of Dawn City!
"Hello, Mr. Dulong, respected director of the City Hall of Boulder City, I am the city lord of Dawn City"
"Luca."
Shelter B4 floor, viewing room.
Luca in formal clothes is sitting on the sofa.
On the coffee table in front of him, there was a holographic computer pen, and the light blue light beams intertwined above the coffee table, forming a three-dimensional cone-shaped surface.
Through the light blue tapered surface, one can see the bay window of the director's office of the Boulder City Hall and the director sitting at his desk.
"The Lord of Dawn City..." Du Long frowned slightly, "Where is your manager?"
If the news was correct, he remembered that the most powerful person in the alliance should be the manager.
Who is the Lord of Dawn City?
And this Luca...
With that weathered old face, he felt more like a farmer than a city lord.
What the hell are the managers of the new alliance doing!
He couldn't understand.
Not taking the change in Mr. Dulong's attitude to heart, Luca followed the manager's instructions and continued in a gentle tone...
"Our manager is inspecting Dawn City and may not be able to return to Qingquan City in the short term. Since the communication situation there is somewhat unsatisfactory, in order to show his respect and attention to you, he has entrusted me to have this telephone conversation with you.
."
"When the manager explained this matter to me, he specifically told me that Boulder City is a neighbor and a friend of the alliance, so I must show our friendship during the meeting."
Regarding this high-sounding wording, Du Long had a subtle disapproval written on his face.
friend?
Boulder needs that kind of thing?
He originally wanted to say, "Since your manager is not here, let's wait until he comes back to discuss it," but thinking that it might take a long time, he swallowed his words back.
He didn't care, the worst thing was waiting, but what the Lord of Boulder City told him couldn't wait that long.
Dulong can be sure that if the New Alliance aircraft appears in the airspace of Boulder City again, the anti-aircraft guns will definitely open fire.
If this friction turns into a war, he can be sure that the northern suburbs will turn into a scorched earth, and the militia groups will come out in force to seal the group of blue gophers in turtle shells forever with steel bars and cement, but outside of Boulder City
There is no doubt that the city will suffer huge losses.
Perhaps Mr. Fang Ming doesn't care what happens there, just like the inner city never cares what kind of life the residents in the outer city live.
However, Du Long couldn't help but care.
It's not because he has a kind heart.
But he knew very well that the nobles in the inner city were his masters, but the factory owners and chamber of commerce bosses in the outer city were his foundation.
"Since you think we are friends, I hope your planes will not appear in our friends' airspace in the future. Your planes appeared on our radar. This time our soldiers exercised restraint, but it may not happen next time.
Already."
Luka looked at him and said.
"This is a reasonable request. I would like to know what the scope of your airspace is?"
Dulong said bluntly.
"Our airspace is within the Fifth Ring Road of Qingquan City, bounded by the Ring Road."
"This is impossible," Luka shook his head, "Part of Shuguang City is also within the Fifth Ring Road of Qingquan City. We will respect your safety needs, but it must be on the premise of not sacrificing our own safety."
Dulong raised his voice.
"Mr. Luca, let me get straight to the point. This is the request of our city lord. Do you understand the meaning of the word request?"
Luka smiled faintly.
"Of course I understand, but our managers have said that if we make concessions on the issue of airspace today, we will have to compromise on the issue of territory tomorrow. We can guarantee that our aircraft will not enter the Qingquan City West District Ring Road, and we can only That’s the limit.”
Du Long raised his eyebrows slightly.
As if he heard something interesting, he said with a smile.
"Territory? What use do I need your piece of shitty land?"
What about 10,000 or 20,000 acres of land?
How many dilapidated houses are there in the picture?
That would be too much to underestimate them.
Luka replied in a lukewarm tone.
"Although our place is a little dilapidated, we are very satisfied with our home."
Dulong's tone contained a hint of sarcasm.
"Don't you think that just because you defeated a few primitive people with fire sticks, you are qualified to negotiate terms with us?"
It was beyond Dulong's expectation.
The old man in front of him actually nodded.
This made him even wonder if he had seen it wrong.
"Of course, I have no doubt that we have the qualifications."
Looking straight at the director of the city hall, Luka continued matter-of-factly, "In fact, I'm negotiating terms with 'you' right now, right?"
When he said this, he emphasized the word "you" very hard.
Dulong narrowed his eyes slightly.
He suddenly felt a little unsure.
"What's the meaning?"
Luca said calmly.
"It's not interesting. Your army is very strong, but we are not weak either. Boulder City may be able to defeat us on the frontal battlefield, but we can guarantee that our opponents will pay a heavy price."
"And the price must be 'you'."
These words hurt Du Long deeply.
The inner city has been neglecting the outer city for a long time. Everyone knows it, and he is no exception. He has no doubt that if there is a war, they will become cannon fodder.
Just like every wave.
But so what?
Do you need a "wastelander" to remind you of this kind of thing?
Du Long sat up straight and laughed angrily.
"Are you threatening me?"
The atmosphere at the negotiation table instantly dropped to freezing point.
Luka was also extremely nervous.
However, he did not show his emotions on his face.
Before the negotiations began, the manager told him that he should not show timidity or panic under any circumstances and should remain calm at all times.
The opponent is very powerful. From their standpoint, "forced coercion" will become a convenient option, because security issues are a "pain point" for most survivors' settlements.
Although Boulder City is the spiritual licking dog of Ideal City, they are not so wealthy that they can survive after being full, so there is no so-called moral obsessiveness.
Repeatedly jumping horizontally near the opponent's baseline is dangerous, but showing too much weakness can also be fatal.
Grasp the pain points of the other party, stop before the other party feels pain, give up part of the appeal appropriately, and find a range that is acceptable to both parties.
This is also the meaning of negotiation.
Looking at Dulong, Luka slowly spoke.
"Of course not. Dear Mr. Director, we sincerely hope that we can live together in friendship and peace. The world already has enough tragedies, alien species, slime molds, mutants, cultists, and predators...
The fire of civilization is lingering under the cover of barbarism. Living in such an era, we are really, really unwilling to reach the final step."
After a pause, Luca continued.
"...But sometimes, even if we are very reluctant, we must let others know that we are not intimidated, and the land we cultivate does not come from charity."
"Therefore, rather than a threat, I would rather you understand my previous words as a response to the threat of war."
Dulong's eyes had narrowed to a slit, staring intently at Luca in the holographic image.
He is thinking.
Also weighing.
The conversation fell into silence.
Luca waited patiently.
At this moment, Dulong suddenly blurted out something that had nothing to do with the negotiation itself.
"Did you come up with these words yourself, or were your managers asking you to say them?"
Luka answered without thinking.
"Is there any difference? The manager's will is both the alliance's will and my will."
Du Long didn't say anything, just stared at the old man thoughtfully for a while.
After about half a minute, he slowly spoke.
"I don't agree with your sophistry about the 'threat of war'."
The topic changed and he continued.
"But I agree with your other sentence. There are already enough tragedies in this world. We don't need to add meaningless sorrow."
"For the sake of our future relationship, I think we need to talk openly and honestly."
After hearing this, Luka finally breathed a sigh of relief and smiled on his face.
"I think so too."
…
Although the other party's arrogant attitude has not changed at all, being willing to solve the problem through dialogue is at least a good start.
The next step is to bargain.
Dulong thought that this was his area of expertise. After all, he was a businessman before becoming the director of the city hall.
However, what he didn't expect was that the other party's ability to mess around was not inferior to his at all.
At least it's not as easy to fool as he thought.
"...the area of the South Third Ring Road of Qingquan City belongs to our airspace, we need to fight against the wave! What's more, our air force has shared some of the pressure for you, which is also good for you!"
"Your air force? Oh, just those paper airplanes? Why don't you just hire our airplanes? It's not like you haven't hired them before anyway. I can give you a 20% discount."
"Yes, we are just paper airplanes, so why do you have to worry about us threatening your safety? Can't your mind even tolerate paper airplanes?"
"...from the South Fourth Ring Road to the South Fifth Ring Road, this is our bottom line! At the same time, I need you to promise that the boundaries of the new alliance will not continue to expand southward."
"We can stop expanding southward, but in exchange, I ask you to stop banning the sale of New Alliance products. We haven't banned the sale of your products, right?"
"The last impossibility is that the ban on the sale of LD-47 is a requirement of the 'Boulder City Military Industry'. I can only promise not to add new import and export restrictions to the list of fields other than the 'military industry'."
These conditions have met the expectations of the negotiation, but Luca still nodded in embarrassment.
"Okay, then let's maintain the status quo."
Dulong breathed a sigh of relief, and his tense expression finally relaxed into a smile.
"I'm glad we came to an agreement."
Verbal agreements cannot be counted.
The two parties will then sign a specific agreement.
As for the location of the signing, Dulong requested that it be held at the City Hall of Boulder City and invited him to visit Boulder City.
Regarding such trivial matters as the signing place, Luca did not insist much on the instructions of the manager and readily agreed to his request.
In addition to airspace and trade issues, the two sides also discussed cooperation in multiple areas and reached consensus.
After the communication ended, Luka reached out and turned off the holographic computer. It was like he had been relieved of millions of kilograms of wrappings, and he leaned on the sofa and let out a deep breath.
“Well done!”
Hearing the sound of approval from the door of the browsing room, Luka immediately stood up from the sofa and placed his right fist respectfully on his left chest.
"Master Manager."
"No need to be polite, just sit down."
Signaling Luca to sit down.
Chu Guang sat on the sofa opposite and looked at him with satisfaction.
To be honest, when I rescued him, I didn't think much about it at all. It was just out of random kindness.
In addition, I happened to need an honest and obedient person to help manage the warehouse and inquire about some information I didn't understand, so I took out a chip and bribed the farm guard who was executing the execution.
Chu Guang didn't expect much from him at that time.
If nothing else, his greatest achievement in his life is probably to help manage the warehouse of the new alliance's outpost.
Like Guo Niu, Guo Ma and other liberated serfs who also joined the new alliance very early.
However, Old Luka's performance at work exceeded Chu Guang's expectations.
Not only his loyalty, but also his precise understanding of his orders and his hard-working nature far exceeded Chu Guang's initial expectations.
Although he was born a serf, he lacked some flexibility, but compared to other wastelanders, this flaw was not a big deal at all.
Now it seems that that chip was well spent.
"I'll have to trouble you to go to Boulder City later."
"No trouble, it's my honor to serve you." Luka said respectfully.
Chu Guang smiled.
After a pause, he stopped his joking expression and continued in a serious tone.
"In addition, after you come back from Boulder City with an agreement symbolizing friendship, you will be the city lord of Dawn City."
Hearing these words, Luka was completely stunned.
Lord of Dawn City?
Didn’t you say that was just a title during negotiations?
Luka said fearfully.
"Sir, it's me"
Knowing what he wanted to say, Chu Guang interrupted him.
"Okay, I've decided on this! I see your ability in my eyes, and no one is more suitable for this position than you."
Originally, Luca had been taking care of the long-term farm.
As for origin.
In Chu Guang's opinion, it's not a problem at all.
Rather, it can become a propaganda banner.
In the new alliance, equality is not a slogan. As long as you can prove your ability and loyalty to the alliance, you can become the city lord of the settlement even if you are from a humble background.
good.
Chu Guang became more and more satisfied with his arrangement.
When he comes back, he will take the time to write a press release that can make people excited and send it to the people at Alliance Radio for publicity.
Although he still had some concerns about whether he was qualified for this important task, seeing that the manager chose him so firmly, Old Luca said nothing more and just hid his gratitude silently in his heart.
After taking a moment to calm down his breathing, he looked at the manager and said seriously.
"Sir... there is something I don't quite understand. Could you please help me?"
"What's up."
"Boulder City...why are they obsessed with Qingquan City's airspace?" Luka said with a trace of confusion in his eyes, "They clearly don't take our plane seriously at all."
The kind of disdain deep down in one's bones cannot be hidden.
The city manager even used the term "paper plane" to describe the Alliance's aircraft.
Although he was angry, Luka had to admit that this arrogance was not without reason.
The aircraft of Boulder City may not look too impressive in front of the enterprise, but after all, they are products of the pre-war era. Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the big guys with a full sense of science fiction are not at the same level as the small aircraft of the New Alliance.
.
"It's good that you thought of that."
Looking at the old Luka who was slowly enlightened, Chu Guang nodded approvingly, "The reason is actually very simple, because you are right, what they really care about is not the airspace at all."
Luca was stunned for a moment.
I don't quite understand what this sentence means.
Chu Guang did not explain immediately, but reached out and pressed lightly on the holographic computer pen.
The city map of Qingquan City was projected in the light blue cone, and only a few intermittent green dots were flashing on the edge of the third ring road.
"Because downtown Qingquan is their real core of interests."
"Mutant slime molds, evolved bodies, ancient battlefields, and equipment left over from the pre-war era... One fragment cannot restore the entire puzzle, but if countless fragments are piled together, something useful can always be restored."
A look of surprise appeared on Luka's face.
"If you put it that way, wouldn't that wave be..."
Chu Guang nodded.
"It might not be a complete disaster for them."
"Our researchers have been studying the evolution of the last wave that spread to the northern suburbs, both from a biological level and from an engineering level. It's just that we started too late. Even though we have excellent researchers, the progress is slow
Still way behind them."
Looking at Luka with a look of astonishment on his face, Chu Guang said slowly.
"Like you said, they don't care about our plane at all, because it's not even a problem for them."
"Their real purpose is probably to restrict our access to their treasures."
…
On the other side, Boulder City Hall.
Du Long let out a sigh of relief after hanging up the phone.
While feeling relieved, the corner of his mouth couldn't help but curl up into a proud smile.
The aircraft of the new alliance will no longer enter their core area of interest. The respected city lord will definitely be satisfied with this result.
The LD series weapons are still on the list of import restrictions. The trade between the two parties will not be affected, and the military-industrial complex will not make irresponsible remarks.
As for other fields besides military industry?
What does it have to do with him?
What's more, trade itself is something that benefits both parties. Boulder City can buy cheaper consumer goods and industrial raw materials, which is not a bad thing.
In Dulong's view, he just brought out a little bit of honey, and achieved results that made everyone happy.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but praise himself in his heart.
I'm such a genius!
In the past, when looking at Boulder City, there was no decent opponent in the entire southern part of the River Valley Province. The Great Rift Valley in the north was too far away, and everyone looked down upon each other.
He sits in the office of the city hall every day, either stamping his name or dozing off, and few people take him seriously at all.
Now he finally has someone who can complement his intelligence!
At this time, a voice from the side interrupted his thoughts.
"Mr. Director."
"What's wrong?" Dulong, who was in a good mood, said pleasantly as he looked at his deputy Jaeger.
"I don't understand why we have to talk so much nonsense with a group of scavengers?" Jaeger had a hint of displeasure on his face, "Their population is not even as large as our slums."
The outside of the city was crowded with people who wanted to enter the city.
Even the dirt flowing out of the city is enough to feed tens of thousands of people.
Negotiating with them made him feel unhappy.
Dulong guessed what he was thinking and thought about how to answer this question.
"They are not as strong as us, but they are far from as weak as we thought. Do you remember the look in that person's eyes just now?"
Jaeger chuckled.
“Can looks kill?”
Dulong said in a gentle tone.
"No, but it is not easy to make them surrender. Isn't it good to negotiate to solve the problem? If there is a fight, we will be the cannon fodder again."
"Besides, the Lord of the City requested that their planes stay away from the Fourth Ring Road in Qingquan City. Not only did we complete the task, we also exceeded our quota."
Patting his deputy on the shoulder, he continued speaking with joy.
"Be happy and don't be so embarrassed."
…
Qingquan City, on the edge of the South Third Ring Road.
The slanting sunset lengthened the shadows of the viaduct piers.
As night falls, the gnawers wandering around this area gradually become manic and become more aggressive.
Shops along the street not far from the viaduct.
He squatted on the edge behind the window and paddled, holding an assault rifle in his hand, carefully monitoring the streets outside the bunker.
In addition to him, there are nine teammates hiding nearby.
The corpses of alien species lying scattered on the street and the dense bullet holes on the walls tell the story of the intensity of the previous battle.
Four hours ago, he and his team members received the mission and walked to the edge of the Third Ring Road in the south of Qingquan City to pick up the cattle and horse team who had withdrawn from the "new map".
After a fierce exchange of fire, they successfully eliminated the alien species on the street.
However, as dusk is approaching, more and more alien species begin to spread from nearby buildings to the streets. It is difficult to say how long the tranquility at this moment can be maintained.
The construction site boy and Brick, who were holding the machine guns, suddenly muttered something.
"I won't give it away for free again."
When he happened to hear these words, Kakarot glared at him.
"Stop the crow's mouth!"
The debt-ridden man glanced at the man next to him.
"How much longer?"
As Edge Paddling was about to answer, there was sudden movement at the intersection.
Everyone's nerves were tense instantly, and the weapons in their hands were pointed at him.
Just then, a familiar voice suddenly came
"It's me, don't get angry."
Looking at the man who appeared at the intersection, Edge of Water was slightly startled, and a surprised expression suddenly appeared on his face.
"What the hell!? Old Bai?"
"Why are you like this?"
Lao Bai's situation at this moment can only be described as embarrassing.
His left hand was holding a parachute package, and his right hand was holding a rifle covered in blood. Not only was the chemical protective suit missing, but his body was covered in mud, and the bulletproof vest on his chest had a piece that was almost burned through.
holes.
The whole person felt like he had rolled out of hell.
Facing everyone's surprised looks, Lao Bai smiled bitterly.
"...something happened."
What the hell is this?
Everyone looked at each other.
Regardless of quitting smoking, Lao Bai Fangchang and the others are already considered the ceiling of combat power in the entire server.
What kind of situation is it that makes even these guys so troublesome?
The debtor swallowed his saliva.
"……What about the rest?"
Lao Bai said nothing.
At this time, Fang Chang's voice came from behind him.
"died."
With a heavy expression on his face, Fang Chang was in similar condition to Lao Bai, with the same gray-faced appearance.
He probably lost his rifle. He was holding a mechanical arm with a VM tied to it in his right hand, and half of his shoulder was hanging from the bloody interface. It was shocking to see.
Edge Paddling recognizes this guy.
It seems to be the arm of the strong wind...
"Anyway, the mission is finally accomplished."
After throwing the bloody package on the ground, Lao Bai raised his arm and wiped the mud and sweat from his forehead, "This thing... please help me carry it, I really don't have the energy anymore."
"What the hell is this?"
The boy at the construction site and Bian walked forward, curiously opened the package and took a look, and found a bunch of strange parts and dark red fungi lying inside.
Many of the fungi with exposed tentacles were still slowly squirming, like freshly cut beef.
"The remains of the evolved body, who knows what it is."
Sitting on the hood of the old car, Fang Chang looked at the fungi playing with the construction site man and gave him a kind reminder.
"You'd better not turn around with your hands... This is how our brother who quit smoking died."