Dual wielding volcanoes, killing through the west

The man wasn't annoyed. He graciously bowed to everyone on Zhang Renfeng's side, saying, "Nice to meet you, gentlemen and ladies."

“I am Zeta-Meryl Krenzikov.”

"?!!"

Lydia's pupils widened instantly. "You're from [Zeta Industries]..."

……

“Mr. Zeta?” Norton’s astonishment was no less than hers. “You…do you perhaps know this person?”

“Mayor, this is my advice to you… let him in.” Zeta smiled meaningfully and winked at Zhang Renfeng. “Otherwise, if he causes trouble, he might turn this city upside down.”

Chapter 769: The Giant

Ultimately, at Zeta's behest, both sides backed down in the end.

Norton stopped forcibly driving them away and offered some support, while Zhang Renfeng and his group of more than four thousand people were not allowed to set foot in Oak City.

They set up camp in a relatively flat area inside the Avada Mountains, and this was the only temporary camp they could stay in.

Oak City provided them with the bare minimum of supplies, such as tents and iron pots for boiling water. Zhang Renfeng and his group, finally, gained a little breathing space amidst the relentless onslaught of these natural and man-made disasters.

He pulled a box of coffee powder from the bottom of his satchel and poured it all into the pot. This thing, which would usually make Zhang Renfeng frown, had become a divine delicacy after a full day of tinkering. He took a sip, and he could no longer taste the bitterness. Just the long-awaited taste of something hot made him feel so happy.

After their stomachs warmed up, they started to feel hungry, and everyone's stomachs began to rumble.

Normally, Sofia might have blushed, but she was so tired and exhausted that she didn't even have the energy to express a girlish shyness.

The only way to distract myself is to chat.

----

"Is this person... really as amazing as you say?"

"It's not a matter of how powerful or not, Mr. Zhang."

Lydia spoke very seriously, counting on her fingers as she explained to Zhang Renfeng, "The Atlantic Federation Industrial Group and the Krenzikov Industrial Group. These two groups basically represent the pinnacle of industrial development in many northern states and counties."

"The more than 3700 workers living in the shantytown were employed by the Atlantic Steel Manufacturing Company. In their eyes, it was a behemoth that they could not look directly at. A single word from the company's top management could decide their life or death."

"However, this company is just a subsidiary of the Atlantic Federation Industrial Group. Behind this group are a complex web of interest groups, most of which have inseparable ties with high-ranking members of the Gilded Party."

"So that's it..."

With guidance from Lydia, a professional player, Zhang Renfeng gradually understood everything.

The Atlantic Steel Manufacturing Company, backed by the Atlantic Federal Industrial Group, was located in Park City, which happened to be the place where Samuel rose to prominence.

The interest groups behind the company were mostly members of the Gilded Party, and Samuel was the leader of the Gilded Party.

Is all of this really just a coincidence?

Only a ghost can believe it!

Although Samuel himself erased all traces of his life in Park City, the capital under his control honestly left its mark.

"The Atlantic Federal Industrial Group was founded in 1830, uniting railroad, coal, and banking magnates on the East Coast. Its predecessor was the renowned Federal Transportation Union. It underwent restructuring after the Civil War to become what it is today. Its business scope virtually monopolizes the rail, shipping, port trade, and arms trade in the northern counties of America."

"It is no exaggeration to say that this behemoth truly controls 60% of the country's railway network. The land concessions for the westward expansion movement are also exclusively monopolized by them."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Renfeng's expression finally changed slightly. He began to realize how important Igor and the captain's foresight was.

If they don't transform and take control of the manpower and resources in the southern prefectures, it's simply wishful thinking for a small gang to try and fight against such a behemoth.

Even now, with the establishment of Sanyuan Heavy Industry, it's visibly thriving. However, compared to others, there's still a significant gap.

"The Krenzhikov Industrial Group, on the other hand, is a brand-new industrial group that emerged after the civil war. They prefer to cooperate with financial institutions such as stock exchanges and banking groups, and have a large number of skilled technical workers within them. They are an industrial group known for their 'new technologies'."

"They take a completely different path from their competitors. They are leaders in the chemical industry, producing aniline dyes, agricultural sulfur fertilizers, and compounds such as explosives... I don't know much about these things myself, so I can't explain them."

Lydia shook her head somewhat embarrassedly. "In short, the focus of the [Krenzhikov Industrial Group] is technology and innovation. Many of their workshops are producing mechanical equipment, with agricultural machinery being the most prominent example."

"There are also rumors that the Krenzikov Industrial Group has a government force behind it. These politicians are not satisfied with the existing interest structure, especially the overwhelming position of the Atlantic Federation, which makes them feel suffocated. That's why they've supported another force to counterbalance them... Whether it's true or not, we don't know."

"As for 'Zeta Industries,' it's a subsidiary of theirs, responsible for tackling the most cutting-edge and radical challenges. Rumor has it that Zeta has gathered a group of technical and research prodigies in its subsidiary, who are always coming up with some novel gadgets."

----

Interest relationships are the most sensitive relationships within a group.

Lydia is a political figure, and in the past, she would never have told anyone like this, not even her own sister!

But now, having truly walked the line between life and death, many things seem to have become clear. She recalled the complex expression on Istavo's face when he learned that she had been chosen by the Gilded Party's leadership to enter politics.

How deep and cold is this pool? If you step in, you might never come out again.

……

"So that's it..."

Zhang Renfeng recalled his first meeting with Zeta, which took place in Tao's laboratory. At that time, even he, the company's CEO, personally visited Tao, extending an olive branch and inviting him to join Zeta Industries.

As it turns out, Zeta's vision was indeed remarkably sharp. A large part of the credit for Sanyuan Heavy Industries' current success goes to Tao's inventions.

The electrical-based industrial system, though not yet powerful, possesses vast untapped markets and the potential for explosive growth. Many southern states and counties have not yet been integrated into the industrial system, presenting them with an excellent opportunity.

Besides electrical equipment, Sanyuan Heavy Industry also holds the trump card of the "automobile" sector.

Although the exhibition caused quite a stir, the inherent superiority and irreplaceability of the products will not change because of one or two unexpected incidents.

In the eyes of many investors, this is still an investment with a very high rate of return. Igor's plan is to use the production of automobile parts as an opportunity to complete the industrialization of Baiju Town and officially upgrade Baiju Town to "Baiju City".

Then, this industrial standard was extended to the entire state of New Orleans and even the entire southern region.

Once everything is ready, there is a real chance that we can go toe-to-toe with these two behemoths.

"Even such a big shot knows you, Zhang..." Sam's tone was filled with disbelief, "Who exactly are you?"

Chapter 770: Interesting Variables

"Red Center?"

Mayor Norton picked up a beautifully crafted ceramic jar, intending to refill Zeta's cup, but as soon as he made that move, Zeta gently covered the rim of the cup with her palm facing down.

This gesture elegantly conveyed his meaning, and Norton turned his glass around to pour himself a glass. The wine's unique fruity aroma filled the room, perfectly complementing the dim, warm candlelight.

“That’s right, Red Center,” Zeta said somewhat casually. “Have you heard of him?”

“…I’ve heard some things.” Norton’s expression remained completely unchanged, as if he had mastered the art of playing the poker face to the extreme, without even the slightest twitch of his muscles. “It seems to be a notorious bandit from the south who killed many people, and apparently he died together with a shipping magnate.”

Zeta was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed, let out a long breath, and leaned back in the high-backed chair in complete relaxation.

For people of their status, the meaning of language goes beyond its surface meaning; it contains much more "signals."

Zeta is very good at capturing, deciphering, and responding to signals. For example, he deciphered from Norton's words that Norton did not want to continue the conversation on the topic of China.

"You guys really are isolated from the world here." He looked at Norton with a hint of amusement. "When we officially start, what should I call you? Probably not the mayor anymore, right?"

“'Praefectus Urbi',” Norton uttered a rather rare term. “The corresponding term should be 'city governor,' appointed directly by His Majesty the Emperor. I am in charge of the city's security, food supply, and public works.”

“Heh, no wonder…” Zeta shrugged and smiled amusedly, “With over four thousand extra mouths appearing out of nowhere, you’re having a bit of a hard time, aren’t you?”

“You are a distinguished guest.” Norton’s tone was calm and even. “Since you have asked, I should naturally give you this courtesy.”

"Will I have to change into specific clothes once it starts?" Zeta touched the hem of her suit jacket, looking very curious. "I just saw some young people in the crowd who seem to have already started wearing those clothes."

"The city's 'clothing' is uniformly managed by the municipal official. He oversees a team of senior designers who specialize in custom-made clothing, including yours. I haven't seen the finished product yet, but I've heard that the main robe alone is made of Sicilian black silk, embroidered with gold thread, which will certainly not be beneath your status."

He nodded slightly to Zeta. "We will make sure it reaches you before the event begins."

"Of course, once it starts, it's your choice whether or not to wear the costume. You can also wear what you're wearing now to participate in the event."

"However, my personal suggestion is that you wear the matching outfit. This will make your immersive experience even more perfect."

This is another signal, basically telling you outright that if you want to play by the rules of this city, you have to change your clothes.

"I understand, then..."

"When will I have the opportunity to meet His Majesty the Emperor?"

……

“I’m not sure either. He could appear in any month, and there’s no fixed schedule.” Norton shook his head slightly. “But as his appointed officials, all we can do is be prepared at any time.”

“You are our valued guest. You can communicate with me directly if you have any thoughts. I will make sure that everything you say is recorded in detail and reported to him truthfully.”

"Report?"

Zeta took a small sip of wine from the rim of the glass, swirling it around on his tongue, letting the rich aroma of the red wine explode on his taste buds. He half-closed his eyes, feigning enjoyment, and casually asked in a conversational tone, "So, he himself isn't in this city anymore?"

“I don’t know.” Faced with this question, Norton raised the level of confrontation, his tone suddenly becoming harsher. “Please understand.”

"It's alright, I was too abrupt." Having tested the other party's bottom line, Zeta smiled, patted the armrest, then stood up and shook hands with him. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mayor. It's getting late, I think I should..."

“Of course,” Norton said in a deep voice. “Please make yourself at home. You are a distinguished guest, and every corner of this city is open to you.”

Despite saying that, Norton did not smile, and even the light in his eyes was cold.

After the handshake, the tentative exchange of words and actions, a back-and-forth of probing, came to an end. Both sides needed to wait for the next opportunity to repeat similar actions, trying to glean more information from each other…

That's how it should be.

“Oh, right.” With one foot dangling over the threshold, Zeta suddenly turned around. “Have you ever thought about…”

"To add a little 'interesting variable' to the upcoming activities?"

----

Just as dawn was breaking, before they had even had a chance to rest, people came to visit their temporary camp.

Henderson stood ramrod straight in a suit, but his shoes were splattered with mud from the soft, muddy ground on the mountain, creating a striking contrast. He had arrived early but hadn't made a fuss, simply standing quietly in the camp, waiting for the first person to wake up and notice him.

He sent a formal invitation.

……

"Just me?" Zhang Renfeng frowned slightly. "Did you only call me?"

“Judging from the mayor’s words, that’s the case.” Henderson’s tone was neither humble nor arrogant. Even though there were more than four thousand people behind Zhang Renfeng, who were watching him with predatory eyes, there was no fear on his face. “He only invited you to the Oak City Hall, probably to discuss the supply matter with you.”

"I hope you understand that supplying materials to more than 4,000 people is no small expense. Based on my understanding of him, perhaps he hopes to reach a business agreement with you."

Jonah was watching from a short distance away as he said these words.

But after seeing him in person last night, people had a pretty good idea of ​​his capabilities. This time, they didn't even mention him once during the invitation.

Fortunately, he wasn't like his brother, who had an intense desire for power. Knowing he wasn't good enough, he just waited patiently to be carried, and right now he was quietly huddled in the crowd, a silent observer.

"Could I go into the city with him?" Lydia volunteered. "He... as you've probably noticed, he's not part of the government system. Talking to him directly would be like talking to a brick wall; it's unlikely we'll reach any consensus."

"For dialogue to take place, negotiations can only continue, right?"

"..."

Henderson was silent for a moment.

"According to past rules, entering Oak City isn't an easy task. However..."

"There are always exceptions, right?"

He turned around. "I will try my best to persuade the mayor, but before I see him..."

"Gentlemen, you'd better come with me first and clean yourselves up."

Chapter 771: You call this a bathhouse?

On the way here, Zhang Renfeng had already sensed that something was amiss.

The city's layout seemed different from any other town he had ever seen before. If he had to put it in a word, it was more luxurious and extravagant, to the point that it subtly exceeded the construction costs that a city should have.

It's not like he's never been to a big city.

To the south lie San Quintac and LaGras in New Orleans, as well as the rapidly developing town of White Torch. And to the north, of course, there are industrial cities like Park City.

But in any city, only a specific part, often representing the municipal power, is constructed with exceptional grandeur. Take, for example, the city hall of Pike Place City; from a distance, it resembles a magnificent palace. With all the funds going towards that, no one cares about the dilapidated living conditions of the shantytown workers.

In other areas, such as industrial zones and residential areas, the investment is relatively small.

Even towns like Fengchuisha give the impression of being dirty and smelly; even if you ride a horse through there, your trousers will inevitably get muddy.

However, in this city, grand buildings are everywhere, and walking on the finely polished stone pavement makes one feel as if they are floating.