Chapter 481: The Negotiation
Luke's Interlude
The feeling of being reborn was wonderful.
The soul is illusory, like a wandering cloud. Even when materialized, it doesn't feel real. Only when merged with flesh and blood can one truly experience the richness of the world, and only then can the pleasure of the body bring fleeting comfort.
Luke absolutely loved this body.
To show his gratitude for Linda's efforts, he personally cooked a feast. After eating their fill, he abandoned the staff and spent three days sightseeing at various famous attractions, browsing historical sites, and tasting local delicacies. The staff waited anxiously, unable to contact him throughout this time.
Four days later, Luke returned. He gathered all the employees and initiated the negotiation work. The meeting lasted until the early morning hours. Luke returned to his room, took out a cigar, lit it, and said,
"Come out."
Twelve spectral figures emerged from his body one by one, standing abreast before him.
Luke exhaled a puff of smoke and said expressionlessly,
"During my absence, you all did very well. You not only completed the plan but also proved your capabilities. You are indeed worthy of being my split souls."
"Tell me, what do you want?"
As he spoke, the Twelve Apostles exchanged glances, all feeling a stir of excitement. Aside from instinct, this was the moment they had desperately worked for when they rescued the Original Body.
The Original Body was fair with rewards and punishments; he wouldn't overlook their sacrifice.
Number Nine couldn't hold back and stepped forward first. Before he could speak, Luke went straight to the point:
"Go to Europe. Find your own body, find your own women. Whether it's a celebrity or a model, it's up to you. I only have two requirements."
Number Nine was ecstatic and quickly replied,
"Tell me, I have no problem with anything."
Luke's mouth curved upward; he instantly saw the scoundrel in the man.
"First: Mess around all you want, but don't have any children. That is the bottom line."
Number Nine nodded frantically. Although he was a split soul, his subconscious was still Luke's, and he had no interest in fathering children using someone else's body.
"Second, study Apokoliptian technology, as before."
The smile on Number Nine's face instantly froze. He wasn't like Numbers Three or Five; he had no interest in burying his nose in books. But thinking about the "happy" life ahead, he could only grit his teeth and agree.
Seeing his reaction, the others turned away, scorning his priorities.
Luke chuckled twice, then turned his attention to the other apostles.
"What about you? What are your demands? Doing what Nine is doing is fine, but three of you must remain to handle emergency matters."
Number Three immediately spoke up. "I have no interest in a physical body. I will stay."
Number Five quickly followed. "I will also stay."
Number Eight and Number One stepped forward simultaneously. "And me."
Luke smiled. "Number One, you stay. I have other plans for Number Eight. As for the rest of you,"
His gaze swept over Numbers Four, Six, Seven, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.
"You have a five-year term. Do whatever you want. I have only one requirement: study diligently."
The apostles showed signs of excitement; they had long looked forward to this moment.
After receiving Luke's promise, they immediately took action, selecting their new identities in just a few days.
Number Four transformed into a warlord in a Middle Eastern country.Number Six took over the body of a top boxer, embarking on the path of combat.Number Seven chose a gay man, becoming a world-class design master.Number Nine became a playboy billionaire exclusively focused on womanizing.Number Ten took up police work.Number Eleven transformed into a handsome young man, starting a career on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Number Twelve wasn't sure what to do, so he simply took a job at ShowMe.Number Thirteen remained in China, becoming a university student.
The Unwanted Shadow
After resolving their issues, Luke took his team back to Shanghai. As soon as he reached the hotel, he encountered an unwelcome visitor: Zhang Ruochen, the 28th generation disciple of White Cloud Temple.
Luke said with displeasure, "Didn't I transfer the money?"
"I am not here for the money."
"Then what is it for?"
Luke motioned for Linda to close the door. "Don't tell me it's for the promise?"
Zhang Ruochen shook his head, stating every word clearly,
"The matter of the hundreds of villagers who lost their lives in the two villages."
Luke fell silent. After a moment's thought, he said in a low voice,
"I had no intention of causing harm."
"I will compensate for this incident."
Zhang Ruochen said coldly, "Some things can't just be said. We need to see concrete action."
Luke frowned. "What, you want to witness it personally?"
"Exactly."
The old Daoist stroked his gray beard. "My Senior Master ordered me to follow you until you complete the compensation."
Luke was speechless.
Linda burst out angrily, "Old man, don't be so excessive! Since we said we'd compensate, we will absolutely do it."
The old Daoist priest sneered,
"The words of foreigners cannot be trusted."
"You..."
Luke raised a hand to stop her and turned back.
"Fine, if you want to follow me, then follow me. But you pay for your own food and lodging. Don't expect me to cover your bills."
"Don't worry, this old Daoist is rich."
Zhang Ruochen held up his bank card, which now contained several hundred million US dollars.
The old man was true to his word. He checked into the hotel that very day, even taking off his Daoist robes and changing into casual clothes. When Luke went out to work, Zhang Ruochen always followed behind. Anyone who didn't know the situation might have assumed he was an important person.
His presence quickly attracted the attention of interested parties.
Luke didn't care about these things. Without concrete evidence, they couldn't be dealt with openly. Whatever schemes they hatched, they would ultimately have to return to the negotiating table.
After several days of negotiation, the investment matters were preliminarily settled.
Both sides were highly interested in establishing a Tesla branch factory. However, the ShowMe side encountered trouble.
The official representatives agreed to the idea of localizing ShowMe but imposed many restrictions and requirements regarding operations and data. Rowen, who had flown in from the U.S. specifically to handle the negotiations, could not agree to these demands.
In his opinion, these demands were outrageous and, if accepted, would severely hinder ShowMe's global expansion.
The two sides argued fiercely over this, causing the Tesla negotiations to stall as well.
Luke continued to ignore the situation. Every day after the morning meeting, he went shopping and sightseeing with Linda, buying and playing everything, looking completely like a tourist.
No one knew what he was thinking or what his purpose was in acting this way.
A few more days passed when Zhang Ruochen suddenly approached Luke.
"I heard you are preparing to leave."
Luke nodded. "It's been almost two months since I left the U.S. It's time to go back."
"What about the compensation? Have you forgotten?"
Luke gave him a meaningful look and said,
"I will establish 150 free schools in the Yungui region, providing the best facilities and quality teaching resources. In addition, there will be an investment of no less than 5 billion U.S. dollars."
"With these two things, within a few years, that region will be lifted out of poverty and backwardness and become a coveted paradise for all."
"Such compensation is sufficient."
Zhang Ruochen was speechless. He desperately wanted to shout, "Take back your filthy money! Human lives cannot be measured by cash!" Sadly, in many instances, human lives are not worth as much as banknotes.
Although heartbreaking, this was reality.
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