Apocalypse: I Have A Multiplier System - Chapter 159

Chapter 159: Chapter 159: Cotton Factory

They had been following it for days, hoping to capture it before it evolved into a fire-resistant monster.

Now, they stood at the river’s edge, staring at the rotting corpse with a mixture of disgust and relief.

“It’s dead,” one of them muttered, his voice muffled by the cloth mask covering his face. “Didn’t make the evolution.”

“Good for us,” another man said, nudging the body with the tip of his spear. “Let’s make sure it’s really dead, then head back.”

But as they began to move closer to the zombie, a faint hissing sound caught their attention.

One by one, the scavengers turned toward the tunnel nearby, where the noise seemed to be coming from.

“What was that?” one of them asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Before anyone could answer, a mutated fire lizard shot out of the tunnel, its body glowing with heat.

It lunged at the nearest scavenger, sinking its blazing teeth into his leg.

He screamed as flames burst from the wound, spreading rapidly across his body. In moments, his flesh was consumed by fire, and he collapsed into a charred heap.

Panic erupted among the group as more fire lizards poured out of the tunnel, followed by the buzzing of mutant flies.

The scavengers swung their weapons wildly, but it was no use.

The fire lizards were too fast, and the flies’ scorching touch left burns wherever they landed.

One by one, the humans fell, their screams echoing through the tunnel as the mutated creatures overwhelmed them.

The fire lizards tore through flesh, while the insects feasted on the remains, their fiery bodies leaving nothing but ash in their wake.

As the last scavenger’s cries faded into the night, the tunnel fell silent once more, save for the crackling sound of burning flesh and bone.

………..

Su Jiyai unaware of the changes happening in her world, continues with her mission.

“System locate a cotton factory.”

[Locating….

Location found.

A cotton factory situated just outside of Rivercliff town, 10 kilometers from your current position.]

Su Jiyai stood still for a moment, letting the information sink in, but before she could respond, the System continued with a surprising update.

[Good news! The factory’s owner is experiencing heavy losses and is eager to sell. This could be an opportunity to acquire the machinery, cotton, and even seeds at a lower cost.]

A small smile curved her lips.

“Good. Let’s go.”

The drive was relatively smooth, and the landscape passed in a blur of greenery mixed with industrial structures.

Soon, the silhouette of the cotton factory appeared on the horizon.

The large, brick building was old, with patches of wear and tear showing its age.

It wasn’t surprising that the factory was struggling to stay afloat in such a harsh environment, where industrial output was declining across most sectors.

Su Jiyai exited the RV and happened to see a poster right outside the factory. Picking up the poster, she read the content which was the same as what the system had told her, and walked inside the factory.

The manager of the cotton factory who was sipping tea while chatting with the workers saw her and hurriedly walked up to Su Jiyai.

“Hello? Are you looking for someone?” he asked, his voice cautious but polite.

Su Jiyai nodded slightly, her expression unreadable.

“I’m here to speak with the owner. I heard the factory is up for sale.”

The manager blinked in surprise but quickly composed himself.

“Ah, yes. Mr. Han, the owner, is inside. Please, follow me.”

He led her through the dusty corridors of the factory.

The machinery groaned softly in the background, the rhythmic hum of old equipment the only sound echoing in the large space.

Workers moved sluggishly, their movements tired and mechanical, a clear sign of the declining business.

As they reached a small office in the back, the manager knocked on the door. A voice from inside beckoned them in.

Mr. Han was seated at a cluttered desk, his face etched with fatigue and worry. He glanced up as they entered.

Su Jiyai wasted no time on pleasantries.

“I heard you’re looking to sell the factory.”

Mr. Han sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair.

“That’s right. Business has been bad, and the debts are piling up. I can’t afford to keep it running any longer.”

Su Jiyai’s gaze flicked to the old machinery visible through the office window.

“I’m not interested in the entire factory,” she said smoothly.

“But I am willing to buy the machinery, some of your cotton stock, and the cotton seeds.”

Mr. Han’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“Just the machinery and the cotton? Not the factory itself?”

“Correct,” Su Jiyai replied.

“I have my own facilities. What I need is the equipment and materials. You’ll still own the land and building, but I’ll take the rest off your hands.”

Mr. Han seemed to ponder this for a moment.

His factory had been bleeding money for years, and Su Jiyai’s offer, though unconventional, would at least help him cut his losses.

“Well… that’s certainly an option. The machinery’s old, but it still works. And the cotton… we don’t have much, but I could include what we have left.”

Su Jiyai folded her arms, her tone matter-of-fact.

“Let’s talk numbers.”

She didn’t have time to beat around the bush.

“Uh…why don’t you sit first and…”

“No need.” Su Jiyai waved her hand. “I am running late, so it will be great if we can keep our conversation short.”

“Alright. Then I won’t beat around the bush too.” Mr. Han said, honestly he preferred straightforward people,

“If you are talking about all the machinery in the factory the total cost would be around 10 million. But since they are second-hand, I am ready to sell them at half price of 5 million.”

“2 million and I want cotton as well as the cotton seed.” Su Jiyai stated calmly.

(Author: If only I have bargaining skills like her. My bank balance would be dancing. >_<)