Chapter 368, Reopening the Mall
"Who told you that?" Imiro asked.
"Philipa. She received a blank envelope, and it mentioned two things. One, there's a Lingjiao Merchant Guild ship passing near her route, and she's supposed to raid it. The second thing is that my bounty has been raised to 500 gold," Wu Heng explained, then detailed his conversation with Philipa.
Imiro listened silently.
Then, with a slight frown, he asked, "Any specific details in the letter?"
"No, Philipa just said that when she woke up, the letter was under her pillow."
Imiro thought for a moment, then said, "You don't need to worry about the bounty. Just avoid going out to sea for a while and be cautious in your daily activities. It shouldn't be a big issue."
"Alright." Wu Heng nodded.
On the island, he honestly wasn't too worried.
No matter how wild the pirates were, they wouldn't come to the island to kill him. If he needed to go to sea, he'd use the Ghost Train, making it impossible for others to track him.
Imiro continued, "What did you tell that pirate girl about raiding the merchant convoy?"
"There's talk of informants among the pirates, so I told her to approach the merchant guild and cause some issues, then let the fleet escape," Wu Heng replied.
The reason for explaining things in more detail to Imiro...
Mainly because Philipa's final pardon to come ashore still needed Imiro's endorsement.
Explaining now saved a lot of trouble later.
Imiro nodded, "Alright, just be mindful and avoid causing too many casualties."
"Got it."
Imiro continued, "Pirate activities have been picking up lately, possibly related to the envelopes you've mentioned. We might get directives from above in a few days, so make sure to gather more intel."
"Understood!" Wu Heng agreed and said, "Steward, I'll take my leave now."
"Mm."
Wu Heng opened the door and walked out of the study.
This situation was a mess—he was being hunted with an astronomical bounty by pirates, and the guild would soon issue orders.
It seemed that the fight between him and the pirates was a fight to the death.
...
He returned to his room.
"Master, there's a letter for you," Andviel said.
"Oh, from who?" Wu Heng walked in and sat at the desk.
"Not sure, why don't you open it and see!"
Wu Heng picked up the envelope from the desk, sliced open the wax seal, and pulled out the letter.
Letters transmitted through the guild were always inspected.
There wouldn't be any magical traps or poisons hidden in them.
The letter was written in neat and delicate handwriting.
「Deputy Steward Wu Heng,
It's only been a few months since we parted ways from Blackstone Town, and now you've already been promoted from captain to deputy steward.
When I heard about it from 'Steward Slater,' I almost felt like I was dreaming.
Though a bit belated, I still want to congratulate you on becoming deputy steward.
I asked around, but people know very little about Gold-Silver Island. There are only a few mentions in books, saying it's a dangerous place where pirates trade their stolen goods. You always handled matters more cautiously than the rest of us, but still, be careful out there. Your safety is what matters most.
Life here has been alright, though compared to your achievements, I feel a bit embarrassed.
I'm considering applying to transfer back to Blackstone Town later. I feel more at home there, even if I have to go back to being a regular team member.
Take care of yourself out there. I'm proud to have been your teammate and to have grown alongside you.
I wish you all the best in your career and life.
—Kavina.」
Kavina! From Blackstone Town, a member of the fifth squad.
Although they hadn't spent much time together before he was transferred to Rentam City...
When he was in the fifth squad, there was a deeper sense of mutual support and reliance among the members.
It felt more like the kind of camaraderie depicted in the guild's squad stories, those comrades who went through thick and thin together.
Back then, he got along well with Kavina. He especially remembered how, each morning at the guild, she'd prepare a hot cup of tea for him.
When he moved to Rentam City, Wu Heng had written to her, but after exchanging letters twice, they had stopped communicating.
He had heard some things from Slater, saying that Kavina wasn't treated well in the guild she was assigned to, even facing some exclusion.
Thinking about it, it made sense. Back then, both he and Kavina had been promoted in an exceptional manner.
Wu Heng had the advantage of his abilities from another world—he could level up quickly and wield firearms to fight beyond his level.
Kavina didn't have such advantages.
Relying solely on herself, and being a young woman, it must have been really tough.
"Master, who sent you the letter?" Andviel asked, approaching with a cup of tea.
"Kavina!"
"Never heard of her. Is she a friend of yours, Master?" Andviel leaned against his shoulder from behind.
"She was once a squad member, congratulating me on becoming deputy steward," Wu Heng replied.
From the letter, he could sense her frustration.
She was happy for Wu Heng's promotion but felt powerless about her own situation.
"Oh, she's still a captain now?"
"Yes, she was promoted alongside me, but it seems things haven't been going well for her out there, so she's considering transferring back to Blackstone Town."
Andviel thought for a moment, then said, "If she was a former teammate and you got along well, why not have her transferred to Gold-Silver Island? You have a trustworthy squad, and she could get some support too."
Wu Heng raised an eyebrow at Andviel's suggestion.
That could work.
He had a decent relationship with the third squad, but there wasn't a strong sense of trust.
It was just about collaborating on capturing wanted criminals.
Kavina wanting to transfer back to Blackstone Town clearly showed she didn't want to stay where she was.
It might be a good idea to bring her here. As a deputy steward, he had the privilege to recommend squad members, and he could help her out.
At the same time, he'd have a trustworthy squad member.
"You're right, Viel, you're always smart."
Andviel smiled softly, "I learned from you, Master."
Wu Heng nodded and took out some stationery from the drawer.
He wrote a reply to Kavina.
The content was simple, describing the situation on Gold-Silver Island. It wasn't just a pirate trading post like in the books; it had become a bustling trade hub, even more prosperous than the mainland.
In the latter part, he mentioned that he had no trusted squad members on the island yet, and her coming over could help him.
He phrased it tactfully, so she wouldn't feel like he was going out of his way to help her. After reviewing it twice and ensuring there was nothing inappropriate, he sealed it with wax.
"Viel, take this to the front desk and have it mailed," Wu Heng handed it to Andviel.
Andviel accepted it and said, "Master, could I write a letter to my family in Rentam City too, just to let them know I'm okay?"
"Of course," Wu Heng said, and after a moment added, "Tonight, ask Minnie if she wants to write one too. She has two friends in Rentam City, right?"
"Alright, I'll write mine now and teach Minnie how to write hers tonight."
"Mm."
Wu Heng stayed with Andviel in the room for a while.
He then left the guild, called for a carriage, and headed to Lighthouse Street.
...
The carriage stopped in front of the Nautilus Tavern.
Wu Heng entered, wearing his 'Illusion Veil'.
Compared to last time, the tavern was visibly livelier.
It was broad daylight, and the hall on the first floor was filled with patrons drinking and chatting.
There were even more staff than before.
Milisen was wearing a beige top and a light blue skirt, loose but unable to fully conceal her voluptuous figure.
Philipa hadn't inherited even a bit of her figure.
When she saw a familiar figure enter...
Milisen was stunned for a moment, then said something to a staff member and led Wu Heng upstairs.
Once they entered a room...
Wu Heng immediately placed the [Soundproof Jar] in the center of the room.
A faint barrier enveloped the room.
"Sir, what's this for?" Milisen asked, looking at the jar.
"It's for soundproofing, so no one can hear us."
"Oh, very considerate, sir."
"The tavern's business seems to be doing well," Wu Heng remarked.
Milisen replied softly, "A few days ago, the guild was searching for wanted criminals on the main street. Many people found it troublesome, so they came here instead. The crowd grew, and all the rooms are now occupied."
It seemed that Sheila Grey's search had actually boosted their business.
"I see." Wu Heng nodded, then continued, "You did well with the intelligence last time. It played an important role in progressing the case."
"Just doing my duty," Milisen said, a pleased expression on her face.
Wu Heng continued, "You mentioned lacking high-level chefs last time. Here, take this money and hire a few skilled ones."
He pulled out several bags filled with silver coins.
The bags were opened, revealing glistening silver coins, and Milisen's eyes widened.
Even though she had interacted with pirates, she was still a village girl at heart. Receiving such a large amount of silver coins left her momentarily overwhelmed.
"This... this is too much."
"Run the tavern well, and make sure you have a comfortable life too," Wu Heng said.
"Alright, thank you, sir," Milisen bowed deeply in gratitude.
Her loose clothing hung down, revealing her impressive bust.
"Keep it hidden; don't let anyone get greedy ideas. It could be dangerous for you."
"Got it, I'll hide it under the bed."
Milisen opened a compartment under the bed and put all the silver coins inside.
Wu Heng continued, "Just focus on running things. In a few days, I'll arrange for two skeletons to protect you."
"No need, sir. There are too many people in the tavern; having those around would easily draw attention."
"Keep them in your room, and don't take them out."
"Oh, alright then."
The two of them chatted for a while in the room.
Wu Heng instructed her to continue listening in on the tavern's patrons.
Given the bounty on his head, there was a chance that some pirates might take the risk to come ashore.
After talking for a bit more...
Wu Heng put on the Illusion Veil again and left the tavern.
He boarded a carriage, got off in the center of town, and walked back to his residence.
...
Upon returning home...
Wu Heng had lunch with Minnie.
He then went up to the fourth floor, opened the portal, and headed to the Zombie World.
Outside the mall, there were already several vehicles from nearby shelters.
A large group of survivors from the base was clearing abandoned cars, setting up barricades, and transporting supplies.
Wu Heng pulled out his walkie-talkie and called for Qi Hancai.
Soon, he received a reply, "Boss, Captain Yang Long from the military market is here, on the second floor."
Military personnel had arrived?
"I'm heading down now."
Wu Heng descended the stairs and entered a room that resembled a meeting room on the second floor.
Inside, he saw Qi Hancai, Li Yanhong, Qiangzi, and a few others.
Across from them sat several military personnel, including Yang Long, whom he had met before.
"Captain Yang!" Wu Heng smiled as he entered.
Yang Long stood up, first gesturing to a middle-aged man beside him, and said, "This is the city's disaster relief commander, Wu Jingguang, who is in charge of all disaster relief and rescue efforts here."
He then introduced Wu Heng, "This is the leader of the old factory district, an advanced superhuman who distributed food to the shelters, significantly easing the food shortages."
Wu Jingguang looked Wu Heng over carefully.
He nodded slightly, then stood up and extended his hand, "How should I address you, Leader?"
"Surname Wu," Wu Heng shook his hand.
"Well, we're of the same family name then," Wu Jingguang said with a smile.
"The 'Wu' of 'martial arts'." Wu Heng continued, "Commander Wu, what brings you here today?"
Wu Jingguang sat back down and got straight to the point, "The provincial rescue team has built a more fortified refuge base. I'm here mainly to ask if Leader Wu is interested in joining us."