Chapter 637, Who's the Main One
180,000 silver coins...
Minnie and the other two widened their eyes.
That meant each of these boxes contained more than ten thousand silver coins.
Wu Heng was also a bit surprised by today's earnings.
He'd known fountain pens would sell well, but he hadn't expected such high numbers on the first day.
It gave the feeling of looting pirate treasure—silver coins filling the room like barrels.
Andviel saw their expressions and said, "The store's closed now. Otherwise, we could have kept selling."
"No rush. Selling slowly avoids any unexpected issues," Wu Heng replied.
The maid Annette called in a few skeletons, who carried the boxes upstairs.
The Island Lord's mansion had a dedicated vault for storing money, blueprints, and other precious items.
"As you command, Master," Andviel said with a smile.
Wu Heng took a sip of tea and asked, "Viel, do you think the fountain pen can become one of our best-selling products?"
"Judging from the current craze, I don't see a problem," Andviel said, then hesitated and added, "I'm just worried they'll take them back and reverse-engineer them."
"It's not that easy," Wu Heng replied with a smile.
"Then there shouldn't be a problem. It'll definitely become the hottest product," Andviel said.
Wu Heng nodded, then asked, "What about Shanaila? Why didn't she come by today?"
Minnie shook her head.
Andviel said, "I saw Sister Shanaila's estate bustling when I returned. She might be hosting a banquet."
Looks like she was busy too.
After chatting in the living room for a while, Wu Heng tested Andviel's level.
She had reached level 11.
When Wu Heng first bought her, she was only level 7. Now she was just one level short of a Guild steward.
That wasn't a slow progression, especially considering Andviel's busy clerical and assistant duties.
After the testing, Wu Heng took the maids to the training room for some drills.
As night fell, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.
...
The next day, Zombie World.
Meeting Room.
Wu Heng looked at Gao Rong across the table and asked, "Did those two class scrolls get used?"
"They were both used. I also reminded them not to tell anyone," Gao Rong replied respectfully.
After returning, Gao Rong explained the scroll situation to the other researchers.
Two of them used the scrolls as instructed—and truly felt physical changes.
Everyone was shocked and found it unbelievable.
Corpse cores altering genes and granting special abilities—they could just barely accept that.
After all, genetic breakthroughs and enhancements were already part of modern science.
But a scroll filled with mysterious symbols actually changing the body?
That was hard to explain.
The group discussed it intensely and even tested the scrolls.
Their final conclusion leaned into theology and metaphysics.
Some even believed the base leader's nickname, King of Hell, might not be just for show.
Perhaps it really meant something.
Wu Heng's identity grew more mysterious, and Gao Rong treated him with even more care and respect.
After hearing Gao Rong out, Wu Heng took out two more scrolls from his spatial ring. "Here's two more. Have your people use them. I'll give you more when I can."
"Thank you, Chief," Gao Rong said again.
Wu Heng asked, "Did the rifle factory start production?"
"Yes, it's up and running with no issues so far," Gao Rong answered.
Wu Heng had originally planned to visit the factory yesterday—
But with the fountain pen launch and the tavern maids wanting to rewrite stories, he hadn't made it.
"Let's go. Show me," Wu Heng stood up.
Gao Rong led the way. The two walked out of the building.
They arrived at the factory, and inside, the roaring of machines was deafening.
Rows of skeletons stood by the machinery, performing simple operations.
"If any issues come up during production, we'll gradually make improvements," Gao Rong explained as they walked.
Wu Heng continued observing.
At the end of the line, skeletons used burlap to wipe down parts and packed them into wooden crates.
Other skeletons then moved the crates to a warehouse for assembly.
The whole process seemed well-organized with no major issues.
After checking out the rifle production line—
The two exited the building.
Gao Rong had prepared a convoy and took Wu Heng to the airport.
He wanted to check on that area as well.
The airport played a vital role.
As shelters increased and territory expanded, traveling would become time-consuming.
Planes would be needed to transport supplies efficiently.
...
Near dusk—
The convoy returned to the military factory.
As they drove into the compound, they saw another convoy unloading supplies near the warehouse.
Most familiar of all was the figure at the back directing things.
Li Yanhong.
Her hair tied in a ponytail, she wore a blue-gray jacket and black casual pants.
Qi Hancai dressed like a career woman, while Li Yanhong's style was much more relaxed.
Someone spotted Wu Heng's returning convoy.
They said something to Li Yanhong and pointed his way.
Li Yanhong turned and saw Wu Heng stepping out of the vehicle. A happy smile appeared on her face.
She reopened a car door, pulled out a suitcase, and dragged it over.
"You're finally back? I thought you and Qi Hancai had moved in together!"
Wu Heng chuckled. "You're the one who sent her over. Why get jealous now?"
Li Yanhong had secretly pushed Qi Hancai into his room back then.
Making that situation happen.
Li Yanhong rolled her eyes and muttered, "Still, you didn't have to stay there all the time. Who's your main girl here, huh?"
"You are. Okay, stop being jealous."
"Who's jealous?" Li Yanhong handed him the suitcase. "It has the gold and corpse cores we collected."
Wu Heng took it and stored it in his spatial ring.
Gao Rong walked over. "Deputy Leader Li."
"Manager Gao!"
"Dinner's ready in the cafeteria. Let's go eat," said Gao Rong.
With Li Yanhong back, Wu Heng decided not to return to Gold-Silver Island that night.
They headed to the cafeteria together for dinner.
...
After dinner.
Wu Heng and Li Yanhong returned to the dormitory.
He flipped the switch and the room lit up.
Wu Heng handed her a cage from the desk. "For you."
Li Yanhong's eyes lit up at the tiny owl inside.
Palm-sized, fluffy gray feathers, a puffy little ball.
"Aww, so cute!"
Wu Heng took off his coat and hung it up. "This owl's a special breed. It has night vision and scouting abilities. It's a decent hunter too—it can feed itself if needed."
"No way! There's zombie virus out there. What if it mutates from eating the wrong thing?" Li Yanhong protested.
Wu Heng gave her a wry smile. "Maybe it'll evolve."
"Forget that. I just want it to grow up healthy." Li Yanhong cuddled the cage, clearly delighted.
Then she looked at him. "So? How do I form the bond Qi Hancai mentioned?"
Wu Heng sat back down.
"Touch the owl. Focus on sensing it, and try to connect mentally," he instructed.
The Ranger contract for taming beasts was a core ability.
It was the same method Qi Hancai had used.
Shouldn't be too hard.
Li Yanhong slipped her fingers into the cage. The owl flinched and pecked.
But still a juvenile, it lacked real strength.
Her fingers reached its wing, and she began sensing as instructed.
Gradually, the little owl stopped resisting. Its gaze lost its hostility.
It now looked at Li Yanhong with trust.
She opened her eyes, pleasantly surprised. "I did it!"
She opened the cage. The owl flew out, circling the ceiling.
Li Yanhong beamed with excitement, cheering nonstop.
Wu Heng walked out of the bathroom. "Go shower."
Li Yanhong said a few words to the owl and entered the bathroom.
Soon, she emerged in a bathrobe and climbed into bed.