Chapter 29: What’s Wrong with Puppets?
Gu Hang said he wanted to use these pustule monsters as a food source, and he wasn’t just talking nonsense to disgust people.
He really thought that way.
If there were a choice, of course, normal food would be better. But in this wasteland, production conditions are like this, and the number of people that can be fed is limited. So, you have to find every possible way, right?
Being full is more important than eating well.
This technology could, of course, be drawn from the [Technology] panel. But the mechanism that sharply reduces the probability of output after lighting up a technology once makes each technology slot precious.
If he had a choice, Gu Hang would prefer not to obtain this technology from the [Technology] panel. He would rather achieve his goal through normal means.
He looked up at the sky.
Some force on Fury Owl Planet might have mastered similar technology.
However, first, Gu Hang had not seen it near Revival City, meaning that even if this technology existed, it was far away and hard to get.
Second, synthetic starch technology would probably be very precious on a wasteland planet, and those forces would not give it up easily.
It would be better to get it from the ‘Quintet’ than to go through the trouble of getting it from them.
On a giant starship like the Quintet, which houses a population of 100,000, there isn’t always a chance to land and resupply, especially during mission periods.
They must have this technology that can recycle almost any usable organic matter.
Thinking of this, he coughed lightly twice, feeling a bit embarrassed: “I just asked her for 200 sets of equipment and four armored vehicles last time. It doesn’t feel right to ask for new technology today.”
“Then I won’t ask today; I’ll ask her tomorrow.”
Thinking this way, Gu Hang felt much more at ease.
Feeling happy, Gu Hang hummed a little tune and waited for the merchant from Garbage Town, Denison Henry.
…
Denison Henry finally met Governor Gu Hang.
After a detailed body search, he was brought to the door of the Governor’s house.
It was just a prefab house, larger than the others but otherwise indistinguishable from the ones the servants lived in.
There were no special decorations, nor were any expensive materials used.
The guards opened the door, and Henry walked in to see a plain and simple room.
The room had no special decorations, just an ordinary long table.
A young-looking man sat at the other end of the long table.
That should be Governor Gu Hang.
The Governor stood out sharply from his surroundings.
While the area was so simple, his attire was exceptionally exquisite. However, this contrast was minimized by the Governor’s calm acceptance of the humble environment.
Henry dared not observe any further.
With his head down, he approached the other end of the long table.
He did not dare to sit but placed one hand on his chest and followed with a deep bow.
Maintaining his bowing posture, he humbly said, “My name is Denison Henry, from Garbage Town. I offer my sincerest greetings to Your Excellency the Governor. Your words when you landed on this planet were like thunder, making me deeply understand that you came to this dying planet with lofty aspirations and compassionate feelings to save us, your subjects. As a resident of Fury Owl Planet, I am deeply respectful of your nobility.”
A solid stream of flattery was delivered.
As he spoke, Henry took out a beautifully packaged box.
“Upon learning that I had the honor to see Your Excellency the Governor, I was overjoyed and determined to prepare a gift to express my admiration for you. Unfortunately, time was too short, and I have only this humble gift. I hope Your Excellency will not mind.”
He maintained his bowed posture, holding the gift box with both hands above his head.
A guard stepped forward, took the gift from his hands, and brought it to Gu Hang.
Gu Hang didn’t even glance at the gift box; his gaze remained fixed on Denison Henry, a smile of interest playing on his lips. “Stand up; if you keep this up, your back will break.”
Henry straightened his back as instructed.
“Sit down, let’s have a good talk.”
Only then did Henry dare to sit.
Gu Hang tapped his fingers on the table and said, “Denison Henry, I know your purpose.”
Henry cautiously replied, “I only ask for the opportunity to serve Your Excellency.”
Gu Hang chuckled, “You speak well, and I’m satisfied with your attitude. I know that what you say may not be what you truly feel, but I don’t care. I can give you this business, but I have two conditions. First, I will give you goods and also tell you what I need. You must bring them to me in good quality and quantity, without any discount.”
The first part of Gu Hang’s sentence, about ‘not necessarily being sincere,’ made Henry feel a bit uneasy. But the latter part instantly filled him with joy.
Getting the agency was his main objective for meeting the Governor.
From Henry’s perspective, the second condition was almost like a free gift. It wasn’t even a requirement; it was another generous offer from the Governor.
Of course, he would have to pay for the goods he took, but now it seemed he could make that money back by helping the Governor procure what he needed.
Could this be a bad thing?
Without hesitation, he nodded, “No problem! I am willing to serve Your Excellency!”
Gu Hang waved his hand and said, “I have a second requirement. You need to expand your influence in Garbage Town as much as possible, becoming an agent, or even a major agent.”
Hearing the second requirement, Henry calmed down a bit.
Striving to become one of the agents in Garbage Town was already his goal. In theory, the Governor’s condition should not conflict with his own plans, and he should be happy about it.
However, he considered himself smart enough to understand the hidden implications behind the requirement.
With the Governor’s support, he would become an important agent in Garbage Town. But then what?
Who would actually be in charge—himself or the Governor, who would be his behind-the-scenes boss?
But he quickly discarded his hesitation and inner conflict.
Thinking otherwise would be foolish.
With such a golden opportunity in front of him, how could he not seize it?
So what if he became a puppet?
Many people would kill for that chance.
Moreover, it might not necessarily be the case.
If he worked earnestly for the Governor, wouldn’t he have some power of his own?
The Governor was busy with numerous affairs every day; wouldn’t he have to make decisions on his own when managing the small matters of Garbage Town?
At most, he would need to achieve the Governor’s goals and follow his lead, which was only natural!
Furthermore, to put it bluntly, in two years, who could say for sure if the Governor would still be the Governor?
Thinking this, he looked at the faint smile on Gu Hang’s face and dared not think further.
He felt as if he might be seen through.