Brewing Opportunity
Although Doctor Twin Snakes exaggerated, the shortage was real—at least 50 tons of alcohol per month.
That single fact changed everything.
Li Qinwu's eyes sharpened.
This isn't just a shortage… this is a gold mine.
If he could establish a steady brewing operation, supplying medical alcohol alone could make him richer than most mid-level officials in the hive.
He left the clinic deep in thought, blending into the grey tide of workers until he unknowingly arrived at a vast plaza.
At its center stood the State Church.
---
The Emperor's Shadow
The cathedral towered above everything—heavy Gothic architecture, massive pillars engraved with warriors, and a suffocating sense of authority.
In the plaza stood a 40-meter statue of the Emperor, clad in golden armor, weapon in hand, radiating absolute dominance.
Li Qinwu glanced up briefly.
"…Praise be to the Space King."
He stepped inside.
The interior was filled with kneeling worshippers, chanting in unison. The air was thick with incense and desperation.
Even here—faith required payment.
He tossed a 100 coupon into the donation box and walked in.
His goal was simple: deliver Joel's letter.
---
The Transaction of Faith
Near the wall, he spotted a low-ranking monk.
Li Qinwu approached casually, offering a cigarette.
After a few probing words, he revealed his purpose and subtly slipped 100 coupons beneath the envelope.
The monk understood immediately.
"Wait here."
Money, once again, moved faster than faith.
---
The Madness of Belief
While waiting, Li Qinwu observed the crowd.
Thousands chanted:
> "The God-Emperor is omniscient and omnipotent!"
Their voices merged into something chaotic—almost hysterical.
Li Qinwu smirked… and joined in.
But his words were different.
Mocking. Twisted. Hidden beneath the noise.
He insulted the Emperor openly—yet no one noticed.
Except one man.
Their eyes met.
Li Qinwu stared him down coldly.
"Careful," he said quietly. "You don't want to be burned as a heretic."
The man immediately looked away.
---
Reply Received
The monk returned with a letter.
"Theresa cannot meet you. She replied instead."
Li Qinwu accepted it and left without another word.
Mission complete.
---
Beyond the City
Now came the next step.
He needed allies.
He headed toward Lieutenant Rudolph's military zone.
But the city was under lockdown—entry allowed, exit forbidden.
Li Qinwu adapted instantly.
At a nearby military checkpoint, he claimed to be working under Rudolph, handling wounded soldier resettlement.
It worked.
A soldier was assigned to escort him out.
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Trust Bought in Small Ways
After reaching the camp and confirming his identity, the escort prepared to leave.
Li Qinwu handed him 300 coupons.
"Keep 100. Give 200 to your officer."
The soldier grinned.
A small investment—future access secured.
---
Return to Rudolph
Inside the military tent, Li Qinwu handed over the letter.
"Joel's family is safe. This is his sister's reply."
Rudolph exhaled slowly.
"Good… that settles it."
A soldier's burden, finally lifted.
---
The Real Conversation Begins
Li Qinwu leaned forward slightly, voice dropping.
Now came the real reason he had returned.
Not charity.
Not favors.
Business. Power. Expansion.
The foundation of something much bigger had already begun forming in his mind:
A brewery
A supply chain
A network of soldiers and black-market buyers
And eventually…
Something far beyond the hive.