MWC – Chapter 194 Know Yourself and Know Your Enemy

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

The only tavern in all of Bate City was located in the central district.

Because there were usually very few outsiders, Bate City didn’t have any inns.

Currently, the trade delegation and a small number of armed personnel from the United Matrix were staying in a guesthouse arranged by Lord Chongquan Luo, while the rest of the United Matrix forces camped in the wild.

As for the sole tavern, it had been completely booked by Richard’s legal team, who had arrived that evening. A notice was posted outside the tavern stating that it would be closed for four days.

The trial would begin tomorrow afternoon, and it was clear Richard’s legal team believed the case would be resolved within three days.

At present, inside the tavern, separated by a simple wooden table, Lu Ming sat with a female official in a blue dress.

Opposite them sat Richard and several of his assistant lawyers.

Lu Ming and Richard exchanged pleasantries.

Although the lawyers from the imperial capital had gradually heard of this young Central Continent lawyer from Donghai, seeing him now chatting and exchanging banter with the famous Richard like old friends—and showing no signs of being at a disadvantage—left them all secretly impressed. Their interaction was clearly one between equals.

Even though both sides knew that reaching a plea deal was impossible, Lu Ming and Richard still met to talk, in accordance with standard imperial legal protocol.

They didn’t even touch on the topic of a plea agreement. It wasn’t until Lu Ming stood up to leave that he smiled and asked, “Attorney Richard, if my client were to give up 90% ownership of the Tianshan Desert, would that be enough for you to drop the charges?”

Richard’s expression darkened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lu Ming smiled and turned to leave.

The guesthouse where the trade delegation stayed was located in the forested outskirts east of the city—essentially a fortified estate built atop an earthen hill. In the event of a siege, it could serve as a defensive outpost for Bate City.

Some merchants were planning to visit neighboring city-states in a few days. After all, Bate City had few resources, and now even the recently discovered oil reserves in the nearby desert had sparked a land dispute.

Wang Jinfeng was preparing to visit Ding Mountain City, a city-state that had long been intermarried with the influential Luo family. That area had gold mines.

But since the region lacked proper roads and was plagued by poor security, a gold company that had previously tried to operate there suffered heavy losses.

The larger gold companies, for their part, weren’t interested in the small output.

Wen Liangyu planned to accompany Wang Jinfeng.

Lu Ming offered Wang Jinfeng a few words of encouragement and then went to see Sherlock. The two discussed public business, specifically support programs.

Sherlock planned to begin visits to other city-states starting tomorrow.

Lu Ming fully supported this, though he noted he’d be tied up with the lawsuit and wouldn’t be able to join. He apologized and said Sherlock would have to manage the visits on his own.

Sherlock didn’t seem to mind—in fact, he appeared pleased.

Having Lu Ming around always meant being overshadowed by his presence.

On the third floor of Wolong Fortress, Lu Ming read Lord Chongquan Luo’s reply, which stated that the “Monsoon Senator” had ceased to exist a hundred years ago, and that the “honored guest” was not a subject of the Western Territories. Thus, the city dared not bestow such a “lowly” title on the honored guest.

Lu Ming nodded slightly as he read. The situation was becoming clearer: Lord Chongquan Luo had clearly long since sided with Fira Petroleum.

After all, Fira had begun oil exploration in the area the previous year and planned to establish a long-term presence. As a super corporation worth over a billion, with deep ties in the imperial capital, which Western city-state wouldn’t want to curry favor with them? Even a large city-state like Gravel City.

Moreover, it was likely that Fira had already reached a secret understanding with Chongquan Luo about this case.

Chongquan Luo had shown only lukewarm support toward Lu Ming’s trade delegation.

By contrast, minor leaders like Yingyan Luo and Popolo were clearly of no concern to Fira Petroleum—Fira had never even bothered to interact with them. All negotiations were with Chongquan Luo. Even then, Chongquan Luo ruled a city-state of less than 50,000 people—barely enough to register on Fira’s radar. Still, since the oil field was on Bate City’s turf—even if disputed with White Deer City—Fira had likely already formed a comprehensive plan.

For example, once Old Liu was executed…

Fira, White Deer City, and Chongquan Luo would likely divide the oil field. If Chongquan Luo could secure even 1%, he’d be thrilled.

And White Deer City? Maybe they’d get 3%.

Yes, that was probably the idea.

The maneuver was likely that Zhongquan Luo acknowledged Bailu City’s sovereignty over the Tianhai Desert, rendering the old land deed issued by his grandfather invalid.

Then, Bailu City would fictitiously sell over ninety percent of the property rights of the Tianhai Desert to Fira Petroleum.

Of course, at first, Fira Petroleum probably thought that if Liu Laocai was willing to give up ninety percent, there wouldn’t be any need for such trouble. After all, dealing with two city-states—especially ones with a long history of grievances like Bat City and Bailu City—was complex.

In reality, even if the case concluded in Liu Laocai’s favor now, the other side could still proceed with this plan.

So, the ownership of the Tianhai Desert would still be a fierce battle.

But as long as Liu Laocai was found not guilty, the ownership dispute would be far simpler than the rape case.

After thinking it over, Lu Ming called out: “Is Luo One or Luo Two on duty? Go call Lady Sanjin.”

“Brother, I’m here. I have something to tell you.” It was Nicole’s voice. The door creaked open, and Nicole walked in.

Lu Ming sighed lightly inside. He more or less knew why Nicole had come.

“I came to say goodbye. You know I’m leaving, right?” Nicole smiled gently.

Lu Ming nodded. The blockbuster from Reynolds Pictures had poor box office returns, with its screenings dwindling. On the other hand, Nado’s low-budget comedy had done surprisingly well. Still, there hadn’t been any major releases lately. Though Nado Pictures intended to delay the release of Lost in Space VI, they had launched another big movie.

At the same time, Nado was co-producing a TV series with Kunlun Station, starring Park Soo-na as the female lead.

All things considered, from production to scheduling, it was now time to start filming The Lady Detective.

Thus, Nicole’s vacation had to end early.

“Well, I’m off!” Nicole raised her hand and made a carefree goodbye gesture.

With her blonde hair tied into two beautiful ponytails and dressed in a pure white casual outfit, she looked radiant and full of youthful energy.

“Oh…” Lu Ming was momentarily dazed. He wanted to say something, but didn’t know what. He couldn’t quite put his feelings into words—just that, all of a sudden, his heart felt oddly empty.

At that moment, a fragrant breeze swept in. Lu Ming was stunned—and suddenly, a soft, warm embrace enveloped him.

Then, his lips were covered by something soft, fragrant, and moist. Nicole whispered, “Brother, I’m leaving. I had to give you a first kiss… It’s not seduction, okay…”

Lu Ming’s mind buzzed, completely blank. He didn’t even know how long the beauty in his arms had been gone when he finally came back to his senses.

That fresh, intoxicating breath and the sweet taste on his lips lingered as if still there.

“Oh, you’re here…” Lu Ming came back to himself, only to find Lady Sanjin standing respectfully at his side.

“Master Sun, along with Miss Second Hei and Miss Third Hei, have accompanied Miss Nicole and her assistant onto the helicopter. Rest assured, sir,” Lady Sanjin said humbly, eyes lowered.

Lu Ming nodded. Nicole’s friends and bodyguards were in Gravel City. Once there, they would board a train—no safety concerns.

He glanced at Lady Sanjin. “Your Zhongzhou dialect is getting smoother. I heard you’ve been keeping my officers busy day and night just to practice?”

Lady Sanjin cautiously glanced at Lu Ming. “This servant… this servant didn’t delay the officials in their duties.”

Lu Ming waved her off, then asked, “How many armed personnel does Fira Petroleum have in the Tianhai Desert area?”

Outside the Kingdom of Griffinny, Fira Petroleum’s oilfield camps typically hired armed security contractors.

Given the frequent inter-city wars in the region, security was always a top priority.

Upon hearing his question, Lady Sanjin carefully replied, “My family—oh, I mean, the Poporo family—was once very interested in that oil company. But their management was extremely arrogant, and the Poporo family could never find a way in. Eventually, they gave up. I don’t know much about them. But Papaya should know more. Like our family, the Hawkeye Luo family also tried to work with Fira Petroleum but failed. Papaya handles daily affairs for the Hawkeye Luo family, and she’s more informed than a recluse like me.”

“Oh, Papaya hasn’t left yet? Then call her in,” Lu Ming gestured, nodding to himself.

To the local clan leaders, it was obvious who held more weight—him or Fira Petroleum.

After all, Fira was a massive organization. He was just one person.

Fortunately, the Hawkeye Luo and Poporo families had already invested heavily in him—too deeply to back out now. Otherwise, if Fira so much as crooked a finger, they might have jumped ship.

Then again, they probably weren’t betting on him alone, but on what he represented—a 19-year-old Deputy Mayor of Donghai Town. In their eyes, someone with that position at that age must have immense backing.

Hmm? Lu Ming looked up and froze.

Next to Lady Sanjin stood a stunning beauty in bright red attire—modern style. The tight-fitting red uniform jacket hugged her upper body, highlighting a slim, delicate waist that seemed almost too small to grasp. Below, the jacket flared slightly, accentuating her figure. Her red bell-bottom pants hugged her curves—particularly her rounded hips and long, slender legs. The lace-trimmed pant cuffs revealed glimpses of her smooth ankles and pale feet, topped off with red high heels.

Upon closer look, Lu Ming sighed. That beautiful, fair face with a delicate oval shape, the deep, captivating brown eyes, and the small golden nose ring on her high bridge—wasn’t this Papaya?

But what was she doing in that outfit? So rebellious.

Was she just taking advantage of the freedom here to indulge in a bit of Eastern-style living?

“My lord, Fira Petroleum has two camps in the Tianhai Desert, one to the north and one to the south. Among their armed personnel, there are 54 foreign contractors and over 300 local militiamen equipped with firearms. However, they lack aircraft, mortars, or heavy machine guns like those your forces possess.”

Papaya’s voice was sweet, but it had to be translated by Lady Sanjin.

Lu Ming nodded. Hawkeye Luo was thorough—not only keeping an eye on Fira Petroleum, but also on him.

Fira’s armed presence, along with their brand, was enough to deter local clans.

He waved his hand, “Alright, you may go.”