323: The dog is back on duty

Counting the time since Shen Yuan returned to her main body, her pregnancy term would be full, and the birth of the child would be in less than sixty days.

Once the child was born, the safety of both mother and child constantly weighed on Tian Ming’s mind. He planned to spend a month addressing any shortcomings in the base, and then he would go to Beidu to settle scores with Lord Li.

Ultimately, Lord Li’s illusion ability was precisely what Tian Ming desired. This ability, capable of trapping even a Full Element Ability user like himself in an illusion, would certainly be effective against Duke Lawrence.

As long as he could activate the illusion, Tian Ming was confident he could rescue Shen Yuan. Therefore, Tian Ming was on a very tight schedule.

The rescue plan was set for after the child’s birth; Tian Ming dared not take any risks before then, as even the slightest problem could lead to uncontrollable consequences.

Looking at Ji Ruping, Tian Ming did not state the reason. He was silent for a moment, then added, “All the money I earn from addressing shortcomings will be transferred to my investment company.”

Ji Ruping was startled, then nodded slightly.

“Has Lisa returned?” Tian Ming suddenly asked.

Everyone shook their heads. Meng Xian spoke up, “No, when the zombie horde gathered, Charlie was also looking for her everywhere, but he couldn’t reach her.”

Tian Ming nodded slightly and said, “Alright, I understand then.”

He left the war room and returned to his office. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Tian Ming frowned slightly. Who would be looking for him at this hour?

“Come in!” Tian Ming said.

Gouzi pushed the door open, holding a handful of candies. He walked towards Tian Ming.

Tian Ming stood up slightly and said with a smile, “It’s you. What brings you here?”

Gouzi placed the candies on the desk and said, “Boss, these are my child’s full moon candies. You weren’t back for the child’s full moon, so I specifically saved them for you.”

Tian Ming smiled and said, “That’s thoughtful. Is it a boy or a girl?”

Gouzi smiled and said, “A girl, very pretty, with a lot of hair, and she looks very much like Xiao Qian. We didn’t have a full moon banquet because of the zombie attack, but once things stabilize, we’ll invite everyone to a meal.”

Tian Ming nodded and said, “Good, I’ll definitely be there to show my support.”

“Thank you, Boss. Your presence would be a blessing for my child!”

Gouzi seemed to have something to say, but he hesitated, which Tian Ming found a bit amusing.

“Besides giving me candy, what else do you have to say? Just speak directly.”

Gouzi scratched his head somewhat awkwardly and said, “Boss, I applied to Ji Ruping to return to the management system twice, and both times I was rejected.”

Tian Ming frowned slightly and said, “Rejected? Why were you rejected?”

Gouzi said with a bitter smile, “Ji Ruping talked to me about it. I invested with You Suowei and participated in business within the base. Therefore, I cannot be a public official of the base. Afterward, I transferred my shares to Xiao Qian, but when I applied again, I was still rejected.”

Holding a position in the base meant having power, and if power became entangled with money, that was certainly not allowed. Especially for someone like Gouzi, with the husband in the management system and the wife doing business outside, it would be unfair to commercial competition within the base.

Throughout the entire base, if there was anyone with absolute special privileges, it was only Tian Ming; no one else was worthy. Ji Ruping was not wrong in principle in handling this matter. Since that path was blocked, Gouzi naturally came to Tian Ming.

Tian Ming smiled slightly and said, “Gouzi, you’re here asking me to make an exception for you, aren’t you?”

Gouzi’s expression was a little awkward, but he was also honest; there was no need to be so hypocritical in front of his boss. He nodded slightly.

Tian Ming pondered for a moment and asked, “Didn’t you say being a housekeeper was too stressful? Why do you want to re-enter the management system now?”

Gouzi hesitated slightly and tentatively asked, “Boss, should I tell you the truth?”

“Nonsense, of course, tell me the truth!”

“Sigh, my wife needs security. She says I should secure an official position in the management system so that, no matter how the base’s policies change in the future, things will be more stable.”

Tian Ming couldn’t help but laugh and said, “You know, your wife has a stronger sense of crisis than you do. As your boss, I can understand that. However, with two rejected applications, I cannot step in and break the rules. You collaborated with You Suowei in business and are now considered wealthy within the base. Allowing you into the management system would truly have a very bad impact.”

A look of disappointment appeared on Gouzi’s face, and he said, “Boss, I truly never thought of using power for personal gain. No matter what Xiao Qian says, my real intention is still to do something for you, even if it means no salary.”

Tian Ming nodded and said, “I believe you. Don’t worry. Although you can’t be an official, I didn’t say you couldn’t be something else.”

A glimmer of light flashed in Gouzi’s eyes, and he eagerly asked, “Boss, something else? What else?”

Tian Ming pondered for a moment and said, “Go to my investment company. Be a marketing manager and help me find entrepreneurs within the base who have ideals and ambitions to engage in real industry. Our base doesn’t just need one You Suowei; it needs new leaders in all walks of life.”

Gouzi pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, “Thank you, Boss. I’ll go back and prepare. Tomorrow, I’ll report to the investment company’s headquarters.”

Tian Ming’s company held the absolute highest status in the base. Although it wasn’t officially government-run, in the hearts of the base’s residents, it was essentially the same. Gouzi didn’t think too much and readily agreed.

Tian Ming smiled slightly, nodded, and said, “I will notify Ji Ruping shortly to arrange your onboarding. You also help me supervise; I don’t manage this company, I just make money, and if it’s too lax, I’m afraid it will breed corruption.”

Gouzi nodded heavily: “No problem. If bugs really appear, I’ll help Boss pull them out.”

“Alright, go!”

Watching Gouzi’s retreating back, Tian Ming’s face showed a slight smile. The old Gouzi seemed to be back; indeed, men who became fathers were different.

Tian Ming looked at the candies on the desk. With a wave of his hand, the candies automatically floated into his hand. Tian Ming put a candy in his mouth; it was very sweet.

As he savored the sweet taste, Tian Ming thought that in a while, his own child would also be born. However, he wouldn’t be able to see the child immediately.

“Child, don’t worry, what Daddy owes you and Mommy, I will repay twofold,” Tian Ming said slowly, looking at the ceiling, his eyes filled with determination.