Chapter 639, Maybe It Could Work
"Used as material." Wu Heng wrapped his arm around her waist. The lounge chair swayed slightly, then he asked, "Which consortium is it arranged for?"
Shanaila lay sideways in his arms and said, "The agreement hasn't been signed yet, but there are only three options: the Wood Elves, the Elves, and the Gnomes. They all own large forests, the prices are more favorable, and the Gnomes are also skilled at handling gathering-type orders like this."
Especially the Wood Elves, who have an advantage in plant-related orders.
They also have potions that can promote plant growth, both reasonably priced and high in quality.
"Then leave it to the Wood Elves and Elves. Have it transported over as soon as possible," Wu Heng decided directly.
The caravans of these two races have decent reputations and scales.
Cooperating with them would be more secure.
Shanaila caught his hand that had climbed to her chest and placed it back on her waist. "Then the Starflower from the Wood Elves, and the Silverleaf Caravan from the Elves. When I get back later, I'll sign the agreement with them and start collecting and shipping as soon as possible."
"Thanks for your effort." Wu Heng hugged her tightly.
Shanaila smiled, "Not at all. Lately, a lot of people have come to visit me. I feel quite proud."
Wu Heng also smiled. "You care about that?"
"How could I not?" Shanaila looked up at him. "This morning, the Elders' Council even sent me a letter."
"What did it say?" Wu Heng raised an eyebrow.
Shanaila had been stripped of power, and an honorary president had been appointed. That was the Elders' Council's decision.
From the Wood Elves' perspective, it was understandable.
After all, it's a racial consortium, and the president, due to the effect of a rare artifact, falling madly in love with a human man—how could they not suspect it might affect the race's interests?
But from Shanaila's standpoint, her decades of effort had been taken away just like that.
She couldn't help but feel bad.
It was like cultivating a pot of flowers, only for someone to take the whole thing—flowers and pot—just when it was in full bloom.
Shanaila looked a bit smug. "The beginning was full of concerned words. At the end, they asked about the three items at the expo and wanted me to give some convenience to Starflower."
"I thought they regretted it!"
"They didn't say it outright, but I'm sure they regret not supporting us back then," Shanaila said.
"How did you reply?" Wu Heng asked.
"I didn't. I tossed it aside. With so many eyes watching, how could I give them convenience? Besides, Gold-Silver Island's commerce is just starting, and external credibility is very important," Shanaila said with a smile.
Wu Heng smiled as he looked into her eyes, and Shanaila gazed back affectionately.
He lifted her up firmly and kissed her passionately.
Beside them, the maid stood with her eyes averted.
...
Shanaila raised her head again. "When will the watches be released?"
"Tomorrow. The price will stay as we set it before," Wu Heng said.
A week had passed since the expo. If delayed further, the island's consortium representatives might get impatient.
Since it's just old stock, whether sold early or late makes little difference.
Shanaila nodded and added, "The enhancement potion will be launched after the watches. Let's hold an auction then."
"Sure. You'll have to handle the auction. We don't know much about that," Wu Heng said.
"No problem, it's not hard."
The two finalized the matter.
Shanaila yawned and got up from the lounge chair.
She straightened her dress and said, "I'll head back to sign the agreement with the consortiums."
Wu Heng tugged on the back of her dress. "Coming over tonight?"
Shanaila turned and blinked. "Depends."
With that, she left with her maid.
...
After Shanaila left—
Wu Heng stayed in the courtyard, took out the railgun blueprint, and resumed assembling components.
About half an hour later—
The courtyard gate was knocked again.
Robe came out of the house to open the door. Philipa, with a green parrot perched on her shoulder, swaggered in.
She glanced at Wu Heng sitting on the lounge chair.
Pushing the parrot off her shoulder, she sat in his lap. "Dad, looking for me?"
"Move up a bit." Wu Heng patted her waist, motioning for her to shift up, then said, "The Storm Pirate Crew—have you heard of them?"
Philipa frowned in thought. "Nope. Are they a new pirate crew?"
"No, according to Sheila Grey, they're a pirate crew from outer seas. Quite large in scale—considered a major crew," Wu Heng explained.
Philipa's eyes lit up. She turned and said, "Can I go to sea?"
"I discussed it with Sheila Grey. You do need to make a trip out and eliminate this pirate crew."
"Great! I can finally go to sea!" Philipa clenched her fist, face full of excitement.
"As far as we know, they have five warships. Their leader is level 17, possibly already level 18. They have a flying troop called Harpies—probably around level 10," Wu Heng reported.
"Harpies?" Philipa looked at him seriously. "Should I catch one alive for you? You can play with it."
Wu Heng suddenly paused. "I appreciate the thought, but I prefer something more... normal."
"Oh oh, I'll check first if it's normal or not." Philipa realized.
Wu Heng continued, "You'll depart tonight. Take that frigate and bring more skeletons."
"I'll go get ready and let Milison know."
"Before you go, drop by the guild. Sheila Grey will arrange a Deputy Steward and a squad to go with you."
Philipa was a bit reluctant. "Why bring them? I wanted to take Shanaila."
"Shanaila has to manage the expo on the island and can't go with you. Sheila Grey probably arranged it so they can earn some merit by helping hunt wanted criminals. They're all on our side, just bring them along," Wu Heng said plainly.
Hearing that, and that she'd be earning merit with a Deputy Steward, made her feel a bit proud.
She reluctantly said, "Fine, for your sake. They can come, but they have to listen to me."
"Sure," Wu Heng nodded with a smile.
"Which route? I'll go prepare."
"The Lingaxi route. Let me know when you arrive—I'll help you locate the pirate ship," Wu Heng said.
"Okay, I'm off then. I'll keep you company when I'm back." Philipa bounced up.
She called the parrot back and hopped off cheerfully.
Wu Heng resumed studying the blueprint in the courtyard.
As night fell, he returned to the room for dinner.
...
Night descended.
Shanaila didn't come.
Wu Heng lay in bed, arms behind his head, thinking about the next steps.
"Let Glenda reach level 20 first and see how ghosts change at that level."
"And... the development of Gold-Silver Island. There's no way Korea only has one battleship. There must be more. We could transport them all to Gold-Silver Island to bolster defense."
"I wonder if the fuel can be replaced with electricity. The oil consumption is a burden."
Currently, various gas stations are accessible, but transporting fuel from Earth to another world is troublesome.
If it could be electric-powered, charging it would be much easier.
"Wait, my thinking is too narrow. What if we build an internal power plant inside the ship? One that doesn't need fuel but can run continuously."
Wu Heng's eyes lit up. "Maybe it could work."