Chapter 683, Buy Her a Few Books
Tomorrow was the day Wu Heng and the guild's team would head to Netare City.
The timing happened to coincide.
Korea's national rescue team was a bit different from their central rescue team.
The central team had quickly established headquarters early on.
Using radio frequencies, they divided regions and broadcast survival knowledge and skills all day.
This side, however, had always felt a bit under the radar.
He had originally thought there was no national rescue team at all. Now that the skeleton army had expanded to a certain range, a rescue team had actually appeared.
It was a bit unexpected.
"What are they here to discuss?" Wu Heng asked.
Qi Hancai said, "They've probably heard some things about us. I think it'll just be about maintaining peace and material exchange. Not sure if anything else will come up."
If so, that wasn't much different from the central headquarters.
The main goal was to establish peaceful relations.
After all, the skeleton army's expansion couldn't even be stopped by hot weapons.
Peaceful relations were the right choice.
Wu Heng thought for a moment and said, "You handle the meeting—just like you did with the central headquarters. See what they want to say."
Qi Hancai glanced at him. "Alright. If anything comes up that I can't decide on, I'll say we need a meeting and will get back to them later."
"Good." Wu Heng nodded.
With that settled, Qi Hancai pulled out a small notebook and said, "We've found several more pen and ballpoint pen factories, plus a bicycle factory. The nearby areas have been marked."
Wu Heng nodded. "I'll check them out when I get the chance."
In the modern world, ballpoint pens were more common—more convenient to use.
But in the other world, having just transitioned from quills, fountain pens were still preferred.
Introducing ballpoint pens might be delayed a bit.
Let the market digest fountain pens first. When other merchant guilds start producing them, then release ballpoint pens.
Another critical strike—replacing fountain pens entirely.
"Also, Sister Yahong has taken over a pharmaceutical factory. They're organizing people to collect data and look for related professionals, hoping to restart production of common medicines," Qi Hancai continued.
That was a big deal.
Although medicines could be scavenged outside and most were still within shelf life—
Eventually they'd run out or expire. Restoring medicine production was essential.
"Let's check on our side too. If there are any professionals, bring them together."
"Got it," Qi Hancai agreed. "That's all for now."
"What about Gao Rong?"
"No new updates from Gao Rong."
"Let's go. Take me to the base."
"Okay." Qi Hancai took an umbrella, and the two walked out of the dorm.
Heading toward the office building across the street.
...…
4:00 p.m.
The two returned.
Qi Hancai went to make arrangements for tomorrow's meeting with the Korean rescue team. Wu Heng returned to the dorm.
Sitting down, he flipped through the latest skill book, studying its contents carefully.
That old Mage Janvito definitely had more high-level skills, just wasn't willing to share them.
Of course, that wasn't stinginess—every profession had its traditions.
Especially among mages, who valued master-apprentice lineages and schools of thought. No one casually revealed their secrets.
The skill books Wu Heng collected were all stored in his study.
After skimming a few pages, Xiaoxiao flew in through the wall. "Uncle, reading again?"
"Yeah. Done talking to your mom?" Wu Heng closed the book.
"Stayed with her a bit. She still had work, so we didn't chat much," Xiaoxiao said, hovering in the air.
"That's nice. Seems like your mom really enjoys her job."
"She does. Really seems into it." Xiaoxiao flipped over and flew closer. "Why don't we buy her a few more skill books?"
"Sure. When we get to Netare City, there should be more bard-related skill books," Wu Heng said.
"Okay."
"Let's go back for now."
Xiaoxiao re-entered his body, and Wu Heng opened the portal and stepped through.
...…
After a quick wash—
Wu Heng came downstairs. Halfway down, he could already hear lively chatter.
He glanced toward the living room.
Aside from Minnie and Andviel and a few of the mansion maids, Philipa and the intel officer Macintosh were also seated on the living room sofa.
They were chatting about recent happenings on Gold-Silver Island.
Minnie and Philipa, being younger, were more animated and excited in conversation.
Macintosh sat to the side, holding the latest island newspaper with one hand and feeding the green parrot and a white-feathered baby owl with the other.
When Wu Heng came down—
Everyone stood to greet him.
"Master, dinner's ready. I'll have the skeletons bring it out," Minnie said, hurrying to the kitchen.
Soon, the chef skeletons served up a lavish meal to the table.
The group sat together and began eating.
Once everyone had eaten a bit—
Wu Heng said, "The guild's reinforcements have arrived. Tomorrow I'll go with headquarters staff to Netare City to investigate the local steward's murder."
No one responded immediately—they just looked at him.
Minnie had already told them earlier, so they were mentally prepared.
Wu Heng continued, "Andviel, you'll still manage all Gold-Silver Island affairs. Watch the newspaper release schedule. My study drawer has draft chapters of the serial story. Just publish them by number."
"Understood, Master," Andviel nodded.
"Macintosh, remember the steward's office number. For minor cases, contact the patrol. If there's danger, contact Sheila Grey directly—she'll handle it."
"Yes, Island Lord," Macintosh responded.
"Minnie, Robe, Annette—you'll all stay at the mansion. If you go out, bring more skeletons."
"Got it."
"Alright, eat up. Be careful while I'm gone. Nothing's more important than staying alive," Wu Heng reminded.
"Yes, Master."
"Yes, Island Lord."
Philipa frowned. "Hey, why not me?"
Wu Heng looked at her. "You're coming with me to Netare City. Didn't I tell you already?"
"I thought you'd changed your mind!" Philipa said.
Wu Heng looked at everyone again. "That's all. Just be cautious."
Everyone nodded again.
After dinner, the maids helped tidy things up.
...…
Guild dorms.
Knock knock knock~!
The door knocked, and a figure quickly slipped inside.
"Princess, I found out. Squad Five is going to Netare City tomorrow. Headquarters has sent several level-18 Professionals," the maid reported.
The Fifth Princess, sitting on the bed, looked up. "Who's leading from Gold-Silver Island?"
"Island Lord Wu Heng. Seems the guild didn't try to hide it—the notice is posted."
"Wu Heng!" the Fifth Princess murmured, then said, "Pack up. I'm going too."
"But we finally escaped. You're going back? Isn't that..." The maid hesitated. "Princess, he didn't say you could come."
"I have my ways. Pack up. Hurry."
The Fifth Princess urged softly.
...…
Night fell.
Wu Heng sat in the study for a while when he heard a knock outside.
Opening the door, he saw Shanaila standing there.
Wu Heng smiled. "What were you busy with? You didn't come for dinner."
"Discussing exhibits with some merchant guilds," Shanaila replied.
Wu Heng pulled her into a side bedroom. "I'm heading to Netare City with the guild to handle the local steward case."
"I heard from Minnie. Be careful. You're the Island Lord—you don't need to take the lead," Shanaila gently reminded.
"I know. There's a guild elder in the team—it's not my place to stand out."
"Good. As long as you know."
"Then I'll leave the island's business to you."
"Don't worry," Shanaila said confidently.
"I trust you," Wu Heng said, pulling her toward the bathroom.
Shanaila rolled her eyes. "You're leaving tomorrow—shouldn't you rest early?"
Wu Heng unzipped her long dress and unclasped her bra. "I'll miss you."
"You perv." Shanaila gave him a playful glare and stepped into the tub.
Snuggling into his arms again, Shanaila said, "Even with the guild behind you, be careful. That detective story was published—you think the killer wants you in the city?"
"I'll be careful," Wu Heng said, pinching her soft cheek.
"Come on, let's rest."
They stepped out of the tub and dried off.
Wu Heng scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.