Chapter Seventy-Five: Reverse Marketing

“I want a food production line…”

“A weapons factory. The capacity doesn’t need to be high, focus on gunpowder-based arms. It’s not a problem if output of advanced weaponry is low.”

“One automobile production line—make it for old-fashioned gasoline cars, not hover vehicles.”

“And a biological genetics laboratory. I’ve already listed all the equipment I require.”

“I expect to see these things in the shortest possible time.”

Faced with Ye Hai’s demands, both Titch and Nangong felt a headache coming on.

They had no intention of providing Ye Hai with production lines; they only wanted to supply finished products.

Judging by Ye Hai’s conditions, it was clear he sought a complete industrial system.

If Ye Hai acquired these production lines, it would greatly weaken the organization’s reliance on the Corpse Hunters.

Such an outcome was unacceptable to both Titch and Nangong.

Thus, negotiations quickly reached an impasse.

Ye Hai, however, refused to budge.

“Gentlemen, I know what worries you, but it's unnecessary…”

“You will still control the supply of raw materials…”

“What is there on Zombie Star? Wood and a few minerals!”

“Without you, I can’t obtain any raw materials at all.”

“I want production lines so my people have something to do…”

“You understand the principle: give a man a fish, and he is grateful; give him rice every day, and he resents you.”

“No organization gives without limit. They must earn their reward through labor.”

“Besides, how many people do I actually have? Even if I take over the entire Plati black market, it’s only twenty thousand. A single orbital strike would wipe them all out.”

“Can I threaten you? No, absolutely not.”

“I am prepared to offer valuable goods… but I need to see your sincerity.”

“Not treating your partners as imaginary enemies.”

At Ye Hai’s words, Titch and Nangong fell silent.

They understood Ye Hai was right: Zombie Star's population was lacking.

Even the few production lines Ye Hai requested would stretch his manpower thin.

And raw materials remained in their hands.

The lifeblood of Ye Hai’s operation was firmly pinched.

But this time, things were different…

If only one party were involved in the deal, whether Titch or Nangong, they would agree without hesitation.

When partners’ strengths are uneven, the dominant side always reaps more benefits.

But now, there was another rival present.

The situation could easily slip beyond their control.

For people like Titch and Nangong, that was unacceptable.

Over the years, they had grown used to keeping the whole game firmly in their grasp.

Everything developed towards their own advantage.

Titch didn’t care how much Nangong sacrificed in his cooperation with the Corpse Hunters, nor how much profit he gained.

But he cared about how much the Corpse Hunters profited, and whether those profits would tip the balance between himself and the organization.

Nangong felt the same.

Neither the Giant Tree Star nor the Talan Army had come to Zombie Star for charity.

They could not tolerate the Corpse Hunters slipping from their control.

After a brief silence, Nangong smiled and spoke:

“Brother Ye Hai, our Talan Army has absolutely no intention of treating you as an enemy…”

“As for those goods you said you’ve prepared…”

“I’m quite interested. If they’re truly remarkable, I’ll try to persuade General Talan.”

Ye Hai turned to look at Titch, as if seeking his opinion.

Titch nodded, “Same goes for me.”

Watching Titch’s smiling old face, Ye Hai’s eyelid twitched.

Such words shouldn’t come from an imperial commander—but thinking back, which one in history didn’t?

He gave Qiao a signal.

Qiao nodded, took out a remote, and pressed a few buttons.

Soon, under Titch and Nangong's puzzled gazes,

A swarm of mutated mosquitoes flew in through the door.

These were the same ones the two had seen in the core of the forbidden zone days ago.

Dozens of mutated mosquitoes suddenly charged at Titch and Nangong.

Both men’s expressions changed instantly.

They had seen firsthand these terrifying creatures, with their bristling faces, pierce through antigravity shields.

Now, seeing dozens of them rushing at them,

Titch and Nangong simultaneously thought: “This is the end!”

But in the next moment, the mosquitoes began circling them.

As Qiao chanted rhythmically,

“Hey-yo, hey-hey-hey…”

The mutated mosquitoes began to flutter up and down in unison—almost as if the two men were a bonfire and the insects were dancing around them.

The rhythm was surprisingly strong!

Both men now gazed at Qiao with inexplicable melancholy.

But quickly, that feeling turned to shock.

Watching these creatures obey commands as if they were extensions of the body,

Their hearts churned.

Such things could truly be controlled to this degree.

If one could possess an army of these mutated mosquitoes,

Like the swarms they saw in the forbidden zone’s core, blotting out the sky, it would be a terrifying deterrent to any enemy. If unleashed upon the enemy’s ranks, draining blood and flesh, it could directly break the spirit of entire armies.

Most importantly, these creatures could fly. If they attacked under cover of night, descending suddenly into hostile territory… just imagining the scene sent thrills down their spines.

Next, Qiao took out another controller.

From outside, another group entered—tyrants, hunters, lickers.

They joined the mosquito squad.

At Qiao’s enthusiastic direction, they began a Hawaiian hula dance performance.

The sight, even for Ye Hai, who considered himself hardened to the most disgusting zombies, sent a chill through his body.

Goosebumps erupted all over him.

Qiao seemed very pleased with his command style.

He suddenly called out, “Come on, keep smiling… show your best side to our distinguished guests!”

When the tyrants and lickers strained their facial muscles to present gentle smiles,

The entire scene became unbearable to witness.

Qiao continued enthusiastically, “I’ve heard that in the neutral zones of Chaos Star, there are places for VIP entertainment…”

“Those big shots, surrounded by beauties dancing, spend fortunes and pick their bedmates?!”

“Is it just like this?”

Ye Hai nearly choked, spraying tea everywhere and covering his embarrassment with a cough…

Titch couldn’t hold back any longer, gazing at Qiao with a bizarre expression…

“I accept the deal. Giant Tree Star can provide the Corpse Hunters with an automobile production line, a food production line,”

“And supply various raw materials…”

Nangong quickly followed: “Weapons factory and laboratory equipment, Talan Army will provide…”

“For heaven’s sake, get these disgusting things out of here.”

“I fear that next time I seek entertainment in the neutral zone, this scene will haunt my mind…”

“It’s truly revolting!”

Qiao blinked, then quickly asked, “Aren’t you going to ask about the price?”

“These things are highly technical—costly!”

Nangong said helplessly, “Have mercy, just get these things away from me…”

“I don’t care about the price… Talan Army has money…”

Qiao turned to Titch; Titch, holding his forehead, said to Qiao, “Same goes for me.”

Ye Hai was dumbfounded, staring at Qiao’s face, full of regret and lingering excitement.

“So after days of wrangling with these two old men, you solved it just by leading a bunch of mutants in a dance?”

“You… are truly a talent…”