417: Chapter 61 Calculation and Information Gap

Hearing Zhang Chulan’s surprised words, Meng Li said calmly, “I have been exposed to the world of the Extraordinary People (Yi Ren) and the Company for much longer than you. Is it strange that I know a few more people? However, regarding the few people who came with you, I wouldn’t say I know them. To be precise, I’ve only heard of them.”

“Then tell me about them.” Zhang Chulan seized the opportunity.

Meng Li said, “I can, but I have one condition.”

“What condition?” Zhang Chulan asked.

Meng Li said seriously, “Stay out of Chen Duo’s affairs.”

Zhang Chulan was stunned for a moment, then said, “That might not be possible. To be frank, the reason we came to Biyou Village this time is for Chen Duo.”

Meng Li looked at him without speaking.

Zhang Chulan felt a bit guilty under the gaze, but forced a smile, “Brother Meng, why are you looking at me like that?”

Meng Li retorted instead of answering, “Do you find it amusing to treat people like fools?”

Zhang Chulan immediately became even more guilty, a bead of cold sweat even forming on his forehead. His smile became somewhat strained, but he maintained his composure, “Brother Meng, what do you mean by that? I didn’t quite understand.”

Meng Li sneered, “Everyone who came with you are Temporary Workers from the Everywhere Connect.”

“I understand the situation of the Company’s Temporary Workers better than you do.”

“Their hard strength might not be overwhelmingly powerful individually, but they all have unique talents, making them somewhat of a ‘freak’ in a certain sense.”

“Several Temporary Workers joining forces just for one Chen Duo?”

“If it weren’t for your identity as the successor of the Qi Source Flow, coupled with the information gap, you probably couldn't even fool Ma Xianhong. You people should be targeting Biyou Village this time, or perhaps Ma Xianhong and his Self-Cultivation Furnace.”

Zhang Chulan’s expression stiffened, then he asked curiously, “Brother Meng, how do you know? Could it be that the Company side...”

Meng Li said, “I came here after receiving an invitation from Ma Xianhong. It has nothing to do with the Company.”

“I had dealings with Ma Xianhong by chance a few years ago and obtained one of the Eight Peculiar Skills, the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements, from him.”

“Not long ago, he called and invited me to join his team. I thought this guy was quite generous, so I came to check out the situation. I didn’t expect this fellow to be brewing something huge—he actually created a Self-Cultivation Furnace capable of turning ordinary people into Extraordinary People (Yi Ren), and he’s openly recruiting people outside.”

“You know about the population red line, right?”

Zhang Chulan nodded.

Meng Li continued, “Therefore, Ma Xianhong’s reckless action is completely dancing on a landmine. Once the Company discovers it, it will inevitably draw a heavy blow. Realizing this, I planned to leave after staying for two days, but before I could go, you all arrived.”

Only then did Zhang Chulan realize, and at the same time understood that the fact he could deceive Ma Xianhong indeed involved an information gap.

If Ma Xianhong knew about the population red line, or had any understanding of the Company’s Temporary Workers, it wouldn't be hard for him to guess their true intentions.

Thinking of this, he felt he was still too naive.

Not only was his strength insufficient, but his experience was far inferior to an 'old-timer' like Meng Li.

Many calculations succeed primarily because of the information gap.

If the result of the information gap were reversed, the calculation would likely become a joke.

His attempt to fool Meng Li just now was the best example.

With this realization, Zhang Chulan immediately corrected his attitude and smiled apologetically at Meng Li, “Brother Meng, I was wrong not to tell you the truth earlier. I sincerely apologize to you here. However, the reason I didn't tell the truth wasn't because I don't trust you.”

“It’s because the job we’re doing this time isn't honorable. I believe you can tell that from the lineup as well.”

Meng Li nodded, “Mm, I can see it. All dirty workers.”

“The population red line is an unwritten rule. Since it’s impossible to take legal action against people for this, and it’s morally indefensible, they have to send a group of Temporary Workers to handle it. If it succeeds, it’s due to the capable leadership; if it fails, it’s because you acted without authorization.”

“A routine operation for the leadership.”

Zhang Chulan immediately agreed, “Exactly, that’s the principle. You have sharp eyes and profound insight!”

Then, following up on the topic, he posed a question, “Brother Meng, since you know that Ma Xianhong’s actions will invite the Company’s heavy fist, why didn’t you try to persuade him?”

Meng Li gave him a sidelong glance, “Have you dealt with him? Do you think he’s the type of person who listens to persuasion?”

Zhang Chulan shook his head, “Doesn't seem like it.”

He hadn't interacted much with Ma Xianhong, but based on his keen insight, he had perceived some of Ma Xianhong’s personality traits.

The most obvious one was his self-conceit. This was also a major reason why he was confident in deceiving the other party.

“Then that settles it.” Meng Li shrugged.

Zhang Chulan smiled, then asked, “What is your stance regarding the conflict between us and Ma Xianhong?”

Meng Li said, “Didn’t I just say? I planned to leave in a couple of days. However, now I think I might stay here for a couple more days.”

“Why?” Zhang Chulan was puzzled, then tentatively asked, “Do you want to stay and help us?”

Meng Li curled his lip, “Dream on. Everywhere Connect hasn’t paid me an appearance fee.”

“Ahem.” Zhang Chulan coughed lightly and said seriously, “Brother Meng, if you are willing to step in, the appearance fee can be negotiated. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”

Meng Li glanced at him sideways, “Not doing it. Although I don’t side with Ma Xianhong on this matter, he gave me the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements. Although it was a transaction back then, there is still a bit of rapport, so I can’t help you fight against him.”

“However, since we’re on this topic, I’ll tell you one thing in advance to avoid trouble later.”

“What is it? Go ahead.”

Meng Li said seriously, “I’ve seen Ma Xianhong’s Self-Cultivation Furnace and can 100% confirm there’s a hidden secret inside. It can’t be achieved with just the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements.”

“In other words, the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements does not have the ability to turn ordinary people into Extraordinary People (Yi Ren).”

“Mention this when you report back to those people above, just to prevent them from bothering me later over the Divine Mechanism Hundred Refinements.”

Zhang Chulan was greatly surprised, “Are you sure?”

Meng Li said, “Of course. If you don’t believe me, you can tinker with the Self-Cultivation Furnace carefully afterward; there will definitely be something within that is outside the scope of Artifact Refining.”

“Okay.” Zhang Chulan nodded in agreement, then asked again, “Then why did you say you’re staying here for a few more days?”

“Chen Duo.” Meng Li laid his cards on the table directly.

“Chen Duo?” Zhang Chulan was surprised for a moment, then asked curiously, “Brother Meng, you seem particularly concerned about her. Is there anything special about her?”

Meng Li waved his hand, “Don’t pry into that. What I can tell you is that she won’t be participating in the fight between you and Ma Xianhong later. Without her, the Gu Body Saint Child, it counts as easing the difficulty for you.”

Zhang Chulan considered it for a moment and nodded, “Alright, since Brother Meng has asked, I won’t interfere with Chen Duo’s affairs later.”

However, what he was thinking was to immediately go find someone to inquire carefully about Chen Duo’s situation later.

After knowing Chen Duo’s general situation, he had formulated a plan for the Biyou Village mission, where Chen Duo was a crucial link. Now that an unexpected factor like Meng Li had intervened, he felt the plan needed adjustment.

To achieve this, he needed to grasp more information.

Thinking of this, Zhang Chulan chatted with Meng Li for a few more sentences before leaving...