OPTC Chapter 234 Tom's Evil Plan
How do you comfort a little girl after making her cry? Zhang Da Ye caught the plush toy that had bounced off his face and looked around for help, only to see everyone giving him that "you're in trouble" expression.
Just then, Sui Feng Er returned from his solo errand and gave a stiff, formal report:
"There are six major shipyards on the island besides Tom's Workshop. The smaller ones couldn't compete with the big companies for materials a few years back and either shut down or got swallowed up.
The six that remain don't get along either. They fight over clients and resources all the time, sometimes even breaking out into brawls.
The sea train eased things a little, but it hasn't solved the problem. From my years of stirring up trouble, I'd say they need a 'demon king' type figure to unite them against the suppliers. That's the only way this city will thrive. But the current mayor clearly doesn't have what it takes..."
"Not bad. Detailed, with your own analysis mixed in, even hinting at big business opportunities. That's what I expect from a pro at intel."
Zhang Da Ye gave him a nod, then added, "But… it's useless to us. We don't want to be mayor, and we're not here to supply materials."
Sui Feng Er's smile froze. The bucket of cold water hit him hard. He quickly realized they were just here on vacation and looking for someone on the side. His info wasn't very relevant.
Still, he pulled out a map. "I bought a simple map of Water Seven and marked all the best clothing stores, restaurants, and toy shops."
"You know Ye Yan and Artoria well. Too bad Ye Yan already placed his custom clothing orders. But the restaurant marks could come in handy. We'll keep this." Zhang Da Ye passed the map to Artoria.
Artoria checked it carefully. There were still several places they hadn't visited, so she tucked the map away like a treasure.
Ye Yan clapped Sui Feng Er on the shoulder. "At least you're not completely useless. If you had come back with nothing but gossip, I'd have told you to go rest."
Sui Feng Er wasn't ready to give up. He had spent a lot of their funds today—he needed something useful to show for it. "No, wait. I also tracked down the man Boss is looking for. Biznis. He showed up here a few months ago, then went on to Pucci Island. You can get there by sea train or by sailing along its tracks."
"Now that's useful intel. We heard the same. Good work."
"Good work, my foot! That was a pile of useless intel!" the seven Flag Demons heckled him. They were jealous he'd gone out alone with funds to spend, so they mocked him when they got the chance.
"You dare question my professionalism? Fine, then you leave me no choice!" Sui Feng Er angrily whipped out another map. "Here! The top bars in Water Seven—places with the most beautiful girls in the city! You don't have this, do you?"
"Ohhh! Sui Feng Er, you're the man!" The Flag Demons instantly crowded around him, their eyes lighting up. They didn't have many hobbies, but admiring pretty women was one of the few they all shared.
"Yohohoho~ Please, count me in!" Brook squeezed in with them, blending perfectly despite being a skeleton.
Ye Yan covered his face with his hand. "Hopeless. Every last one of you."
…
Knock, knock, knock.
In her room, Perona heard the knocking. She pulled her head out from under the pillow and asked, "Who is it?"
"Hot cocoa delivery."
She recognized Zhang Da Ye's voice. At first, she didn't want to answer, but then she thought—hot cocoa was innocent, right?
After hesitating, she said, "Come in."
Zhang Da Ye entered with a cup of cocoa.
The room was decorated much like the others, with Fishman Island style—pretty shells and corals everywhere. Since Perona hadn't been aboard long, she hadn't put up many of her own things yet.
She pouted. "What do you want?"
"To tell you tomorrow's schedule. Don't oversleep in the morning."
"Hmph. Aren't you making me do homework?"
"I was joking. Look, I made this cocoa myself as an apology."
"Since you're so sincere… pfft…" Perona took a sip and immediately spat it out. "What is this? So bitter!"
Zhang Da Ye blinked. "Uh… I think I forgot the sugar."
It wasn't the smoothest attempt, but in the end he managed to cheer her up. It hadn't been a big deal anyway.
Before he left, Perona politely said, "From now on, please have Tom make the cocoa. I beg you."
Somehow, despite the polite phrasing, Zhang Da Ye couldn't help but feel she was being very impolite.
That night, after their training and washing up, everyone went to bed.
Zhang Da Ye yawned as he climbed into bed in his pajamas. "Good night, Tom."
Tom, instead of curling up on Zhang Da Ye's bed like usual, stayed in his own little nest. He waved a paw in reply.
After Zhang Da Ye pulled up the blanket, a furry paw reached out and neatly turned off the lamp.
Normally, man and cat would've slept soundly till morning.
But not tonight. Tom lay in his nest, eyes shut but ears twitching like antennas, locked on Zhang Da Ye's breathing.
When the rhythm grew slow and steady, Tom opened his eyes, slipped out of his blanket, and tiptoed toward the door.
Click… The moment the door creaked open, he was already by the bed, covering Zhang Da Ye's ears with his paws.
Once the door was wide open, Tom sighed in relief, then dashed on tiptoe out of the room, pulling the door shut behind him with one paw before retracting it.
Zhang Da Ye slept on, none the wiser.
But Tom knew this wasn't freedom yet. Outside, a sharp-eyed night watchman was on duty—the one who always caught him whenever he tried to sneak out for midnight snacks.
So this time, Tom vowed to be extra careful. He hugged the walls, slipped into shadows, moving like a shadow himself.
"Tom? Out stealing snacks again?"
Ye Yan spotted the sneaky cat instantly.
What?! Already? Tom spread his paws innocently. He'd stayed hidden in the shadows the whole time—how could Ye Yan have seen him?
"The night is a watchman's world." Ye Yan smirked, then corrected himself. "Okay, that was too dramatic. The truth is, night vision is standard issue for watchmen. No matter how dark, I can see."
"So? Why are you out so late? Taking a stroll?" Normally cats roaming at night wasn't suspicious—but this particular cat? Never normal.
Tom nodded furiously, insisting he was just out for a walk.
Ye Yan squinted at him. "Do you take me for an idiot?"
Cornered, Tom had no choice but to mime with wild gestures, finally confessing his real plan.
"What? You're planning to catch a Bull to eat?"
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