Crossing the wilderness to survive, starting with a broken kitchen knife.

After leaving the coast, Zhang Shi led Chen Baomu into a conference room, and Ge Dalong was also pulled over by Zhang Shi to serve as an advisor.

The interior was simple and functional. A large ocean map hung on the wall, marking various important resources and shipping routes. The conference table was covered with various documents and maps that Zhang Shi had recently purchased. Chen Baomu's eyes fell on the map, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"First, I want to know your specific strength."

Zhang Shi went straight to the point and looked at Chen Baomu sharply. He needed to make sure that he was not dealing with a mob.

Chen Baomu was well prepared. He pulled a stack of documents from his backpack and began to explain them one by one. "We currently have a total of 55 ships of various sizes, including three high-speed transport ships, which can quickly respond to various missions. The total crew number is over 200. Most of them are veterans who joined before the flood and are trustworthy. Some are new and young forces with vitality."

"In terms of equipment, we are equipped with navigation systems and certain self-defense weapons. Combined with the skills of these brothers, we can definitely ensure safety when sailing at sea."

Zhang Shi listened, silently calculating. This information was crucial for assessing the potential for collaboration. He nodded in agreement, then changed the subject: "So, what are your thoughts on the specific model for this collaboration?"

Chen Baomu had already prepared a plan in mind, and he elaborated on it in detail.

“We can divide the transportation business into two parts. One part will continue to be under your charge. You can use whoever you want to maintain the existing stability. The other part will be taken over by us. We can use our advantages in ships and manpower to open up new routes and expand the scope of business.

As for profits, we can distribute them according to the proportion and contribution of the transport personnel, ensuring that both parties receive a reasonable return. At the same time, I will assign a dedicated person to be responsible for security matters to ensure that all activities are carried out within this framework."

After hearing this, Ge Dalong frowned slightly, obviously still having some reservations about this plan. After looking at Zhang Shi, he asked.

"Safety is the primary concern. Are your crew members reliable? How can I guarantee they won't pose a threat to my customers or property?"

Chen Baomu had anticipated this and replied confidently, "My crew members are all personally selected and have clean backgrounds. They also know what to take and what not to take. Boss, if you don't believe me, we can set up a joint monitoring team composed of representatives from both sides. They will regularly board the ship to monitor all activities during the cooperation process and ensure that everything is under your control."

Ge Dalong nodded, thinking that this proposal was more feasible, and Zhang Shi also nodded at him.

"Okay, let's proceed according to this framework. Next, we need to refine every clause of the cooperation agreement to ensure that the rights and interests of both parties are fully protected. At the same time, I will also arrange for personnel to conduct the necessary understanding and assessment of your fleet and crew."

Chen Baomu readily agreed, and the two immediately began the intensive work of drafting the agreement. While they occasionally debated certain details, they generally maintained a positive atmosphere of cooperation. After several hours of effort, a preliminary cooperation agreement was finally finalized, covering all aspects of the partnership, from profit distribution and operational methods to security guarantees.

"I hope you can keep your promise. I have always been clear about what I love and hate. I treat my friends with wine and my enemies with muskets."

Chen Baomu took the agreement, reviewed it carefully, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. "Of course, Boss Zhang Shi, I believe our cooperation will be very pleasant. Just prepare some good wine in advance every time you dock."

After seeing off Chen Baomu and his group, the crisis was resolved and it was already evening.

Ge Dalong used the excuse of discussing opening a new route with Zhang Shi, but in fact he was discussing Wu Qing's problem.

"Have you seen it clearly? Are you sure it's not an illusion?"

Zhang Shi was stunned. With the previous incident with Master An as a warning, he wasn't sure what he saw. Thinking of Master An, Zhang Shi was startled. It suddenly occurred to him that he had seemingly forgotten Master An. He immediately checked the bell in his backpack.

Fortunately, the soul-releasing bell was quietly placed in the lowest compartment of the backpack, and there was nothing unusual. Zhang Shi took a quick look and found that all the light balls dropped when he killed the BOSS in the secret realm had disappeared.

Zhang Shi immediately took out the bell and placed Lao Duan on it to threaten him.

"Old Deng, are you playing tricks again? I believe you have seen that we have discovered an ancient relic. What would it feel like if I stuffed you into the belly of an earth beast?"

To their surprise, Master An, who had been silent for a long time, appeared again. A golden shadow appeared in the conference room, and the figure was more solid than the last time they saw it in the copy.

"Hehe, since those beast souls are useless to you anyway, I'm afraid they'll lose their potency if left for too long, so I'll just use them all."

Master An smiled triumphantly, only to be met with the blade of Old Duan. Master An quickly dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding Zhang Shi's blow.

"Hey, kid, what are you doing? That kitchen knife of yours is really powerful. If you touch me, an old man, I will really be dead."

Zhang Shi sneered, but did not continue to attack. Instead, he asked.

"It was you who was behind Wu Qing's incident."

Mr. An quickly shook his head to deny it.

"Don't try to blame me, kid. I just recovered after absorbing the beast soul. I've been staying in your backpack all this time. I have no chance to leave, let alone do anything to your people."

Zhang Shi took a closer look and found that the system backpack was trustworthy. Mr. An really had no chance to tamper with it. Even if he had, he had succeeded now, which was enough to threaten him, so there was no need for him to lie.

Seeing that Zhang Shi and Ge Dalong were silent, Master An smoothed his sparse hair formed by Guanghua and spoke calmly.

"You've encountered some difficulties. If you need anything, just ask. I'm an old man with a lot of experience and knowledge. Maybe I can help you."

Zhang Shi did not trust Mr. An at all, but what Mr. An said about him being knowledgeable and experienced was true. After thinking for a moment, he told him about Wu Qing's situation.

After hearing this, Mr. An looked solemn and paced back and forth in the conference room, as if thinking about something.

"That mirror must be a treasure like a magic mirror. Your friend's true form was revealed when it was reflected on him. As for why only you could see it, I guess it's because of your level. Apart from you, the others are too low and don't meet the requirements to use some of the equipment."

Zhang Shi asked in a deep voice, "Are you saying that Wu Qing is a monster?"

Master An nodded and replied.

"It's very likely. If a fierce ghost took over the body, not only me, but even you would be able to see the clues through some magic tools and props."

Zhang Shi remained silent, not knowing how to deal with this matter for a moment.

Seeing this, Mr. An took the opportunity to make a request.

"Boy, now that I've given you some pointers, do you think you should..."

Zhang Shi put the bell back into his backpack before he could finish his words.

Ge Dalong said softly.

"That history book mentioned that after the Lord of Mist City found this mirror, he summoned the entire high-level council and bloodily executed three of them that night..."

Zhang Shi scratched his head and sighed.

"Rest for a night, and go back to Mist City tomorrow to ask that old woman. Oh, and don't tell Zhao Feng about this for now. I'm afraid he won't be able to keep it a secret, and it would be troublesome if he alerts the enemy."

Ge Dalong nodded, then turned and left the meeting room.