Appreciation

Early the next morning, news of the Hero Cat spread throughout Mangliang City.

Mr. Su even stepped forward personally, expressing his willingness to build a statue for this Hero Cat, 'Cat Boss'!

To commemorate its contributions during the earthquake, Mangliang City announced that fixed feeding stations for cat food would be established in the South District. Furthermore, animal cruelty toward cats was strictly prohibited, with this ban even being written into Mangliang City's local laws.

Local laws were a unique product of Great Wei.

In certain special regions with unique folk customs, these laws applied. For instance, in places where people relied on the mountains for their livelihood, gathering herbs and hunting in the mountains was legal. In places with specific traditions, certain sacrificial rituals were also legal and could even become local tourist attractions.

While Great Wei recognized these laws, they were only enforced within their respective local jurisdictions.

As soon as this law was promulgated, the public's perception of Su Baadao improved even further.

In less than two days, a cat statue over three meters tall was erected at the entrance to the South District.

The cat was somewhat anthropomorphic, standing with its paws on its hips and wearing sunglasses. It had an incredibly arrogant air, as if it were second only to Heaven itself.

This was perhaps the only thing that could bring a smile to everyone's faces after the disaster.

Subsequently, the reconstruction work of Mangliang City began in a grand manner. Just as Su Baadao was drafting the plans for the South District, Huang Yuanshan came to find him.

He was pushed there in a wheelchair by his son.

Despite his advanced age and having just undergone major surgery, he still chose to come in person to demonstrate the importance of the matter.

Su Baadao’s impression of Huang Yuanshan was actually quite good.

Firstly, it was because Huang Yuanshan was clean; he had almost never done anything truly heinous. Of course, he certainly had minor moral failings.

Secondly, he didn't exploit the common people, which was quite rare among the local families.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Huang Yuanshan hadn't looked for trouble with Su Baadao back then. Instead, he had personally called to express his support.

One must remember that at that time, the other prominent families were still waiting to see how things would play out and hadn't yet been dealt with by Su Baadao.

Expressing goodwill at such a time was something that those who followed later could not compare to.

Therefore, even though Su Baadao had been busy to death these past two days, he still carved out time to meet with Huang Yuanshan.

“Mr. Huang, it’s been a long time.”

Huang Yuanshan was very weak, but he forced a faint smile.

“Mr. Su, I know your time is precious, so I won’t waste it with idle talk.”

“Previously, in the West District, I was impaled through the abdomen by a falling billboard. It was during the earthquake, and the roads were all blocked, so there was no way to get me to a hospital.”

“A young man named Dong Yang saved me. The payment he asked for was to build a temple for the Lord of Rebirth and Communion.”

“He also said that the temple should be as grand as my life is precious.”

Hearing that this was again related to the Lord of Rebirth and Communion, Su Baadao’s brow furrowed so deeply it could have crushed a fly.

Just as he was thinking about how to explain things to Huang Yuanshan, he heard the man continue.

“In the past two days, I’ve heard everyone promoting that cat, calling it the Divine Envoy of the Lord of Rebirth and Communion. From this, it’s clear that you probably don't want the Lord of Rebirth and Communion to preach in Mangliang City.”

“However, they did save my life after all. I was wondering if we could find a middle ground.”

“In the South District, I will build three roads, a school, and a hospital.”

“In exchange, give me a piece of land in a remote area to build a temple. What do you think?”

Su Baadao began to weigh the pros and cons.

“Of course, I understand the rules. The scale of the construction will definitely not violate any regulations. My people will only build the temple; we will not participate in any of the subsequent management or activities.”

After a moment of ‘hesitation,’ Su Baadao finally agreed.

“Sigh, fine. It’s only because it’s you. Anyone else would not have such face in front of me.”

Huang Yuanshan breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

“Thank you, Mr. Su. What we discussed before was a transaction. Now, let’s talk about my duty as an entrepreneur of Mangliang City.”

“Regarding this earthquake, my family is willing to donate fifty million in materials for post-disaster reconstruction.”

“Our group’s engineering teams will be at your disposal for the next year.”

“Any hospitals, schools, or public facilities that collapsed in the city—just say the word, and I’ll take care of them all.”

Su Baadao’s smile became much more sincere.

“Mr. Huang is truly someone who cares for those in need. A virtuous family indeed!”

Huang Yuanshan’s smile was a bit weak as he said, “I wouldn’t call us virtuous. I just have high expectations for you.”

“Mr. Su, to put it bluntly, I am a businessman after all, and I pursue profit.”

“With your knowledge, I’m sure you’ve heard the saying about a rare commodity worth hoarding.”

Su Baadao laughed. “Am I that commodity?”

“I meant no offense.”

“No, on the contrary, I like your metaphor!”

Su Baadao didn't feel belittled at all. Being able to secure investment from others was a manifestation of one's own ability!

...

“Brother, didn't you say we were coming to the outer city to preach? Why hasn't there been any movement?”

After helping out in the outer city for two consecutive days, Nie Pi finally couldn't help but ask.

Yin Yang was busy writing and drawing in a notebook as he replied, “Because the higher-ups don't allow it.”

“They don't allow evil either, yet is there any lack of it in Mangliang City?”

Yin Yang looked at him with some surprise upon hearing this.

“You seem to have a very strong opinion of Mangliang City.”

Nie Pi clenched his fists. Yin Yang glanced at his crippled leg.

“Was your leg broken by someone?”

“Yes.”

Nie Pi nodded, his eyes filled with resentment.

“Why?”

“Because I’m an outsider. I came to Mangliang City alone and was caught by human traffickers.”

“To prevent me from escaping, they broke my leg.”

Yin Yang fell silent for two seconds before putting down his notebook.

“Human traffickers?”

“Yes.”

“They sell adults too?”

“Yes. They were going to sell me for organ harvesting. They said people my age are the most sought-after.”

Yin Yang chuckled and asked very seriously, “Then how did you escape?”

“The vehicle transporting me flipped over. I escaped while they were unconscious.”

“Before I escaped, I... I also killed one of the traffickers!”

Nie Pi looked tense as he said this, fearing that Yin Yang would see him as a murderer and distance himself.

But he didn't want to lie to Yin Yang, so he chose to tell the truth in the end.

However, when he looked up, he found that there was no distancing in Yin Yang’s eyes; instead, they were full of appreciation.

“Well done! All human traffickers deserve to die!”

Nie Pi let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as though a massive boulder had been lifted from his chest.

“Where do those traffickers usually operate? Are there any transcendents among them?”

Nie Pi shook his head. “They are very cautious. The building was sealed on all sides, and the transport vehicle was too. I couldn't see the outside.”

“But the vehicle crashed at Mangliang Bridge. I escaped from there.”

Yin Yang nodded, then asked curiously, “In that case, why didn't you report it to the Security Bureau?”

“And weren't you afraid that those people would find and retaliate against you while you were dragging your leg around looking for work?”

Nie Pi gritted his teeth hard.

“I saw one of those traffickers; he was wearing a Security Bureau uniform. That’s why I didn't dare go there.”

“As for looking for work, I had no other choice. I was truly on the verge of starving to death back then. I just wanted to find a place where I could get a meal.”

“Fortunately, the Lord of Rebirth and Communion blessed me and let me meet you.”

Yin Yang smiled as he looked toward the direction of the Security Bureau, his smile growing increasingly brilliant.