HPDBC Chapter 469 Desperate times call for desperate measures; grabbing anyone as a lifeline
Chapter 469 Desperate times call for desperate measures; grabbing anyone as a lifeline
"By the way, cousin."
Du Ruo stepped forward, stepping aside to let the person behind her pass: "Let me introduce you, this is Zi Yu from our Blueberry Academy, you two have chatted online."
Du Ruo had previously created a group chat on a messaging app and invited Li Luochen and Zi Yu to join.
As for what the two talked about in private, he had no idea.
I only remember glancing at the group messages last time, and it seemed to be saying that Minrong Dojo was going to discuss a collaboration with Ziyu's father's company.
Ziyu's father, also known as Boss Ju, is a mining tycoon in the Unova region, a tough guy entrepreneur with arms thicker than some adults' thighs.
When Du Ruo saw the message, she was stunned for two seconds, thinking that her cousin's business had spread too far.
Li Luochen saw the purple yu.
She wore a pink evening gown that reached the floor, with a thin belt around her waist, which accentuated her slender and tall figure.
Her pinkish-purple hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends slightly curled, and a pearl hair clip was tucked behind her ear.
After exchanging a glance with Li Luochen for a moment, Zi Yu remained composed, showing no signs of nervousness or unease, and simply nodded slightly.
"Hello, I am Ziyu, nice to meet you."
Zi Yu naturally extended her hand, her movements graceful and appropriate.
Li Luochen held her hand; her fingertips were slightly cool, her palm soft, and they parted after a brief touch. "Li Luochen, please guide me."
It must be said that in this kind of setting, everyone puts away their usual casualness.
Du Ruo put on a sharp suit, and N tied his tie.
Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone wore a polite smile, said what needed to be said, and did what needed to be done; no one let anyone down.
Li Luochen felt somewhat depressed.
To be honest, he didn't really like this kind of atmosphere.
You must choose your words carefully, your smile must be just right, and even your posture cannot be too casual.
But that's just how the adult world is.
Some social engagements are unavoidable; some occasions are unavoidable.
Li Luochen gave Daigo and N a look.
The two understood each other perfectly and led him, one on each side, toward the terrace on the side of the hall.
Those guests who wanted to approach and get closer to the person stopped in their tracks.
They don't want to be disturbed, so going over there will only make you look foolish.
......
......
"That'll stop here, thanks."
Li Luochen waved to the two of them, wanting to enjoy the evening breeze alone.
Daigo and N exchanged a glance, then stepped aside to make way for each other.
Li Luochen walked alone to the terrace. The noise in the hall behind him grew fainter and fainter. The evening breeze blew in his face, carrying the unique coolness of the night and the fragrance of unknown flowers in the distance.
"We meet again... Mr. Li Luochen!"
A soft voice came from the corner of the terrace.
Li Luochen looked in the direction of the sound and saw Xi Si standing by the railing, wearing a blue evening gown, the hem of which fluttered gently in the night breeze.
The top hat had been removed, revealing a head of soft, shoulder-length short hair.
"Hello, Miss Xi Si." Li Luochen nodded to her.
"Mr. Li Luochen, what brings you outside?" Xi Si tilted her head slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes. "Aren't you going to discuss business with the people inside?"
"There's no need."
Li Luochen shook his head, leaned against the railing, and a gentle breeze made his hair flutter slightly.
Those people were just having fun.
Standing on the field are Daigo, N, Shaka, and Shizuku, each of whom is a pivotal figure in their respective regions.
Why would he, an outsider, need to discuss anything with those guests who couldn't even get close?
To put it bluntly, they were the ones begging me, not the other way around.
Li Luochen curled his lips slightly and said nothing more.
Xi Si nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
The two of them stood on the terrace without saying a word.
The distant sounds of commotion from inside the castle drifted through the glass doors, muffled and indistinct, like background noise from another world.
It's not noisy, and it has a nice atmosphere.
After a long pause, Li Luochen suddenly spoke up: "Miss Xi Si, what are your thoughts on the future development of the Battle Fortress?"
"Future development..."
Xi Si hesitated for a moment, then lowered her gaze to her hands clasped in front of her.
She didn't look well.
The situation in the battle for the fortress is not optimistic. The working capital has run out, and they have even had to sell their assets.
These are things she doesn't want to talk about, but she has no choice but to.
"Mr. Li Luochen, I think before we talk about the future, let's take a good look at the present."
Xi Si turned around and faced him directly: "The current battle fortress needs funds, otherwise it will probably be defunct in a few days."
Battle fortresses are strategic buildings; their operation is related to the vitality of the surrounding commercial districts and consequently affects the GDP of the entire region.
but......
Xi Si bit her lower lip, feeling unwilling.
Back then, the four sisters were ambitious and took advantage of the economic boom to launch the ambitious Diancie Project, aiming to dig a path through the underground world to the legends.
The results of it?
Even with the help of a wealthy tycoon like Daigo investing money after digging for so long, funds are still flowing out like water.
Looking back at the ledger now, all that remains is the word "horrifying".
The fortress is short of money.
It will take a lot of money to fill this hole.
It's not a small shortfall that can be covered up with tens or hundreds of millions; it requires a real, substantial injection of funds that can get the whole castle running again.
Xi Si didn't say the specific number, but her slightly reddened eyes said it all.
"Mr. Li Luochen, I know you are a good person."
Xi Si's voice trembled, and something was welling up in her eyes, but she forced it back. Only her eyelashes fluttered in the wind.
"You're different from them... so I'd like to ask you for your help!"
"As long as you can help me, Xisi... Xisi would go through fire and water, even serve as your slave, without hesitation!"
After she finished speaking, she bent down deeply.
"Heh, a good person? Me?"
Upon hearing this word, Li Luochen couldn't help but chuckle.
Why praise yourself as a good person of all things?
Is this word appropriate to describe him?
To be honest, although he often claims to be a good person, he knows perfectly well what kind of person he really is.
Taming mythical beasts relies on luck and connections; managing interpersonal relationships relies on exchanging benefits; and maintaining a large family in a dojo relies on paving the way with money.
Which of these things qualifies as being a "good person"?
He really didn't dare accept the "good guy" card that Xi Si sent him.
"Mr. Li Luochen..."
Xi Si wanted to say something more, but Li Luochen raised his hand to interrupt her.
"Miss Yuusi, you're being a bit too eager for quick success."
Li Luochen's tone wasn't harsh, but it made Xi Si swallow back all the words she was about to say.
She could only stare longingly at Li Luochen, looking utterly pitiful.
Li Luochen sighed softly as he looked at Xi Si's bewildered expression.
This girl, desperate for a cure, grasped at anyone who came her way.