Apocalypse: I Have A Multiplier System - Chapter 263

Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Cotton

Su Jiyai’s eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her voice cutting through the tension.

“Liu Feng, I asked for you. Does the military no longer take me seriously, or do they think I’m so desperate to buy land that I’ll tolerate an unwanted guest?” Her gaze flicked to Dong Shin, cold and unyielding.

Liu Feng’s expression darkened.

His mind raced back to the conversation at the military base —his superiors had insisted on sending Dong Shin, subtly hinting that this time if they wanted profit, Dong Shin should tag along.

They believed she needed them more than they needed her. Now, faced with her sharp words, Liu Feng regretted not arguing more.

If only he had threatened the chairman…things might have been different.

However, regret has no medicine and there was no use in delving into if’s.

Liu Feng took a deep breath and bowed slightly. “I apologize, Boss Su,” he said sincerely. Even Dong Shin, who had been fuming earlier, seemed to realize he had gone too far. The dissatisfaction on his face slowly faded, and he sat straighter, his gaze no longer as sharp.

Su Jiyai, sensing the shift in the room, decided to move forward. There were bigger things to deal with. “Let’s get to the point. I want all the land the military holds around my base.”

Before Liu Feng could respond, Dong Shin jumped in, his voice firm. “We’ll need 200 kilograms of fresh vegetables in return.”

Su Jiyai paused, her eyes narrowing. “Have you even seen 2 kilograms of fresh vegetables after 20 years of the apocalypse?” she asked, her tone calm but laced with disbelief.

Dong Shin shrugged, completely unfazed. “Not my problem. You’re the one who wants to buy the land, not me. Figure it out.”

Su Jiyai’s lips curled into a cold smile. She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms.

“You’re really something, Dong Shin,” she said, her voice sharp. “You think you can demand that much, knowing full well what fresh vegetables mean in this world?”

Dong Shin unbothered.

“You said you wanted the land. We all know you’re capable of getting your hands on rare items. I think 200 kilograms of fresh vegetables isn’t too much to ask.”

Liu Feng shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly not liking the way this negotiation was going.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Su Jiyai cut him off.

Su Jiyai leaned forward again, her eyes piercing.

“I want the land, but I won’t be extorted. If you think you can get 200 kilograms of fresh vegetables from anyone else, by all means, try.”

Su Jiyai’s expression remained unreadable as Dong Shin chuckled, clearly thinking he had the upper hand.

“Then give up,” he said confidently. “The military doesn’t lack food. We’ve got enough stored to last at least five years. But fresh vegetables… well, those are hard to come by.”

Su Jiyai exhaled, looking at Dong Shin with growing annoyance.

“I’ll offer you something else then. What about packaged food? I’ve got plenty of that.”

Dong Shin shook his head immediately.

“No deal. We don’t need more packaged food. Fresh vegetables or nothing.”

Su Jiyai’s mind raced.

She had anticipated some resistance, but not this level of stubbornness.

Then, suddenly, an idea struck her—cotton. The rare, precious cotton she had acquired from another world.

No cotton plant had grown in over 20 years, and sooner or later, the military’s supply would run out.

“What about cotton?” she asked, her tone calm but laced with confidence.

Dong Shin and Liu Feng both froze.

They exchanged a glance, the weight of her offer sinking in. Cotton was incredibly rare now, and they knew it.

Clothes, bandages, bedding—everything they used would be useless without it.

Liu Feng, looking thoughtful, stood up and turned to Su Jiyai, addressing her through the speaker since she wasn’t in the conference room.

“Boss Su,” he said slowly, “this is an interesting offer. I’ll speak with the chairman and try to negotiate something fair.”

But before Su Jiyai could respond, Dong Shin shot up from his chair.

“No,” he said sharply. “We can’t accept cotton. She needs to give us vegetables, not cotton.”

Liu Feng glanced at him, clearly frustrated.

“Dong Shin, you’re being unreasonable. At least let the chairman decide. Boss Su’s offer is valuable—more valuable than your vegetable demand.”

Dong Shin sneered.

“Liu Feng, don’t forget who you work for. You shouldn’t be siding with Su Jiyai, especially when the military’s interests are on the line. You’re risking everything for what? A deal you don’t even have the authority to make?”

Liu Feng’s eyes flashed with anger.

“I’m not siding with anyone,” he replied coldly. “I’m trying to get a fair deal, something beneficial for everyone. You’re just being stubborn and making this harder than it needs to be.”

Dong Shin scoffed, his temper flaring.

“You think you know better than the military? Do you think you can play this game? You’re nothing but a puppet, and you’re overstepping.”

Liu Feng’s fists clenched, his patience finally snapping.

“And you’re an idiot,” he spat. “You don’t see the value in what’s being offered, and you’re jeopardizing this whole negotiation just to satisfy your ego.”

The tension in the room skyrocketed as the two men stared each other down, their falling out playing out in front of Su Jiyai.

She chuckled in a soft voice,

“Mr. Dong, I must say you are quite fond of making things difficult for me.”

“I just want the best for the military.” Dong Shin answered in a sincere tone.

“Then let the military decide.” Su Jiyai didn’t back down. She can grow vegetables, but 200 kg will still take a long time, and it was a trump card she didn’t want to reveal right away.

Dong Shin’s smirk grew wider at her words.

“Let the military decide?” he echoed mockingly. “I don’t need the military to tell me what’s best for them. Vegetables are what they want, not some second-rate replacement.”

Liu Feng’s face darkened even further.

“You’re not the one in charge here, Dong Shin. You don’t have the authority to make that call. You’re stepping out of line.”

Dong Shin glared at him.

“I’m protecting the military’s interests. You’re the one who’s making this harder than it needs to be.”

Liu Feng clenched his jaw, his patience wearing thin.

“You think you’re protecting them, but you’re blind to the bigger picture. Cotton is just as vital, if not more.

The military’s supplies won’t last forever. We should at least present this option to the chairman instead of stubbornly sticking to demands that can’t be met.”

Dong Shin crossed his arms, his stance rigid.

“You’re acting like we’re desperate for her offer. We’re not. We can wait for something better.”

Liu Feng’s voice was cold.

“This is better. You’re just too arrogant to see it.”

Sensing the opportunity, she broke her silence, her voice smooth but firm.

“Gentlemen, I suggest we stop wasting time. Mr. Dong, if you’re truly concerned about the military’s interests, then allow your superiors to decide.

Mr. Liu is simply asking for a fair review of the offer. Are you afraid the chairman will see the value in my proposal?”

Dong Shin’s eyes flashed, but before he could respond, Liu Feng cut him off sharply.

“Enough. I’m done arguing. We’ll present this to the chairman.”

Dong Shin scoffed, his face red with frustration.

“You’ve just sided with her, haven’t you? You’re risking your position for some cotton.”

Liu Feng’s gaze hardened.

“And you’re risking the military’s future by being short-sighted. We’ll let the chairman decide what’s best.”

Then he left.

Dong Shin gritted his teeth when he saw Liu Feng. After a moment though, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he turned toward the speaker,

“Boss Su, I can agree to the condition and even convince the chairman, as long as you agree to my condition.”

Su Jiyai’s brows arched slightly, her eyes reflecting intrigue.

She leaned back into her chair, maintaining her composed and collected demeanor, though inside she was already piecing together Dong Shin’s next move.

“And what condition might that be, Mr. Dong?” she asked, her tone smooth but slightly tinged with amusement.

Dong Shin straightened.

“As long as you agree to meet with me in person, I will personally convince the chairman to accept your offer,” Dong Shin said, his lips curling into a faint smile.

“Not only that, but I’ll make sure your future dealings with the military are smooth. No more red tape or headaches. Consider it an ongoing partnership.”

Su Jiyai’s eyes darkened for a brief moment.

“Meet you?” she repeated, her voice flat but brimming with disdain.

“Mr. Dong, I didn’t realize we were negotiating personal favors here. And you truly think I need your help that much?”

Dong Shin’s smile faltered, but only slightly. He leaned forward, determined.

“It’s a simple request, Boss Su. Think of it as… a business relationship. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.”