Reborn as the Darling of the Delta

Page 99

Rometheus and Ella were speechless for a while, then they both expressed their understanding. After all, the only way to resist pinching Zhang Hao's cheeks was to say that they had overcome their addiction.

Ella: Even someone as determined as me could only resist pinching Xiao Hao's little face on the first day. You, on the other hand, are like that greasy, perverted old man, Rometheus, who started touching Xiao Hao's little face on the very first day.

Chapter 230 You...you're cheating!

After pinching Zhang Hao's cheek, Claire remembered the real reason for her visit and followed Ella to a table covered with information about the Hafk Group's involvement in the past two months.

"Then you can stay here and watch for now. We won't bother you anymore. Let's go, Xiao Hao, let's continue our hehehehe."

"No!!! Uncle Rometheus, how about we play Dou Dizhu instead!"

"Hmm...it's not impossible. Hey Ella, come quick, we're one short for mahjong!"

Seeing Rometheus chasing Zhang Hao into the laboratory, Ella smiled helplessly at Claire.

Claire had unknowingly grown quite fond of Zhang Hao, this adorable kid, and he seemed... rather interesting.

Seeing that it was getting late, Claire sat down and began to peruse the large stack of files in front of her, while the three people in Zhang Hao's room began their "battle" (Rometheus being unilaterally tortured to death).

"I'm not playing anymore. I keep losing. How are you guys playing? Are you cheating behind my back?"

After losing the 26th round, Rometheus, unable to bear it any longer, said he didn't want to play anymore. He had calculated the probability for himself beforehand, and even if he played badly, he would at least win one or two rounds, right? He didn't expect that he couldn't win a single round. It was as if the two opponents were cheating.

Sitting opposite her, Zhang Hao also whistled awkwardly, while Ella's gaze began to wander.

Zhang Hao: Wow, is this what it feels like to be cheating? It's really addictive! Roy is a true friend; he taught me the real stuff. Looks like this is the power of my God of Gamblers skills!!!

Ella: Cough cough, I never thought what Senior Zoya taught me back then was actually true! I thought she just learned a little bit online and then taught me! I never expected that she could so easily beat Rometheus!

When Rometheus saw the two people in front of him whose expressions were obviously off, he realized that he seemed to have been set up by capital. No wonder he hadn't won a single game when he played against Xiao Hao and the others before.

"You...you people, are you even human?! You bullied an old woman like me who'd never played cards before! Oh, you've broken my heart!!!"

Rometheus looked heartbroken. He couldn't believe that the seemingly honest and cute Xiao Hao had cheated on him while playing cards. He... he wasn't honest!

And then there's Ella. Rometheus thought he knew his student very well, but he never expected her to have such a trick up her sleeve. This backstab came so suddenly and the damage was so great that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that every strike was a critical hit.

"Heh...hehe, Uncle Rometheus, you'll have to get used to it. I was so angry with him that I cried when I fought with others before. I only learned it by practicing more, right? Besides...Sister Ella cheated too, didn't she?"

Ella's eyes widened in surprise at Zhang Hao's sudden backstab. Who did this Xiao Hao learn backstabbing from? How... even she fell for it.

The few people at the Special Operations Unit: Hehehe, we learned it from Hamk, it has nothing to do with us, yeah, that's right, that's how it is.

Hamk: I'm the king of backstabbing, not the king of scapegoating. Don't try to pin this on me.

Later, it was only with the combined comfort of Zhang Hao and Ella that Rometheus, whose Dao heart was shattered, was finally coaxed back to health. Zhang Hao suggested that Rometheus just tell him what he wanted to eat for lunch, while Ella said that she would teach him everything she knew before they finally managed to coax him back to health.

The group checked the time and realized it was almost lunchtime, so they quickly tidied up and came out. Zhang Hao decided to show Rometheus and the others some Chinese cuisine! (Roy was very impressed!)

"Oh? Miss Claire, are you still here looking around? Why don't you come with us for a meal first, rest a bit, and then come back to look around?"

When Ella came out, she found Claire still in the same spot, flipping through the files. She looked like she had read quite a few, but there was still a huge pile on the table. It seemed like she wouldn't be able to finish reading them all in one go today.

"Look at Xiao Hao, how can you not like to study? It's probably because you don't have a study buddy. Once I find [Zero], I'll give you guys special tutoring! I'll teach you personally."

Zhang Hao: Thank you, but there won't be a next time. Because of your dangerous idea, I've decided not to come again. You should just go eat in the cafeteria!

[Zero]: I don't want to go to class. I've seen what happened to Xiao Hao when he studied with Mai Xiaowen. Going to class is a complete torture. If I have to go to class, I'd rather go to the Special Operations Department with Xiao Hao.

Claire's stomach began to rumble with hunger, so she nodded and followed the others to Rometheus's private kitchen.

"Hey Claire, why is your back glowing?!"

Zhang Hao then noticed that Claire's back seemed to be glowing, giving it a high-tech feel. Compared to that, Uncle Red Wolf's exoskeleton seemed a bit lacking.

"This is the artificial spine that Hafk Group installed for me. Without it, I would probably still be lying in bed unable to move."

Claire also briefly explained the function of the artificial spine developed by the Hafk Group to Zhang Hao.

"What would you like to eat? Just tell me, there's nothing I can't make, just order whatever you like."

Once in the kitchen, Zhang Hao patted his chest and said that they could just tell him, the chef, what they wanted to eat. The group casually mentioned a few relatively famous dishes, and then the three of them sat down at the table to wait.

"Claire, you'll probably experience some side effects after the procedure, right? Did you take your painkillers?"

Upon hearing Rometheus's question, Byers did not hide anything:

“Yes, phantom pain in the middle of the night is unavoidable, but I didn’t take the painkiller. I felt I should actively accept and process the pain on my own. And Dr. Rometheus, is there something wrong with the painkiller the corporation gave me?”

After listening to Claire's words, Rometheus raised an eyebrow and asked in return:

"Oh? So you've already spoken to Demulan, right? I think she also told you not to take painkillers!"

Chapter 231 Eating melon seeds (Bonus chapter)

(Thanks to Zorroya for his great health care, who loves Shouzhou gongs and drums; one more chapter is still being written.)

After listening to Rometheus's words, Claire nodded. When Ms. Demulan specifically told her to try not to take the painkiller provided by the Hafk Group, Byers had some guesses as to why she specifically asked her if she had taken it.

"Don't worry about that. Your situation is different from Demulan's. Hers was caused by a rejection reaction to the Relink brain-computer interface, which is different from yours. But if you can tolerate it, you don't have to take it. After all, taking too many painkillers is not good."

Rometheus comforted Claire, knowing that the painkillers Demulan had taken were specially made, and combined with the Relink brain-computer interface that the board members had prepared for Demulan, they had the effect of brainwashing him without him even realizing it.

Rometheus guessed that even Claire's attending physician was unsure of the extent of the side effects after the artificial spine was installed, and the painkiller was probably just for Claire's insurance purposes.

"Speaking of which, I remember you didn't choose this option before! Why did you think of using this newly developed artificial spine? You don't seem like the kind of person who would take such a risk."

Upon hearing this, Claire gave a wry smile and said calmly:

"Indeed, this is not the plan I chose before. I originally planned to have conservative treatment, but... when I was preparing to undergo surgery, people from GTI broke into the building where I was and paralyzed the power system. At that moment, my surgeon told me that there was only one option left. Since the surgery was already halfway through, the only option was to connect this still unstable artificial spine. Otherwise, I would be bedridden for the rest of my life."

Zhang Hao, who was cooking in the kitchen, overheard these words. Hearing that Claire had been fitted with this unstable and risky artificial spine because of the GTI, Zhang Hao recalled what Deep Blue had told him before.

"Aren't all the people in GTI good people?"

"Oh? It's those people from GTI again? Looks like you're lucky. I didn't expect this artificial spine to be so compatible with you. I've seen countless volunteers die from this artificial spine."

Rometheus also lamented that behind every new medical product that the Hafk Group is about to launch, countless lives have been sacrificed.

"So you don't want to continue being an athlete, and instead want to join Hafk? Forgive my bluntness, but in my opinion, your choice is... somewhat foolish."

Rometheus couldn't understand why, after finally managing to get back on his feet, he wouldn't continue pursuing his ideals but instead join the Hafk Group, which had been constantly embroiled in controversy.

"This... is an agreement between me and someone, I'm sorry, I can't tell you."

Claire thought that after she spoke so earnestly, Rometheus would understand with the same seriousness as she did, but when she looked up, she found Rometheus staring at her with a gossipy expression, Ella was also secretly looking in her direction, and... why was even the white fluffy ball in the kitchen crowding over?

Zhang Hao: Hehehe, I learned it from Brother Weilong and Roy.

"Hehehe, does that mean Claire has a boyfriend? Wow, youth is great! Back in my day, I was... a real hero! Tell us where that guy works? If he's in the Tower of Babel, just tell me, and I'll definitely help you make your dream come true."

Ella and Zhang Hao remained silent, but their bright, sparkling eyes were fixed on Claire. Ella, who had read countless romance novels, was already imagining a story in her mind about two people who were separated by life and death, but finally overcame many hardships to live happily ever after.

Claire stared at the three people in front of her with a dark expression. These seemed to be the highest-ranking members of the Tower of Babel, but they all looked... somewhat unreliable.

"Stop your imaginations, okay? She's just a friend, and she's a girl."

"Wow!!!" ×3

Rometheus: I smell it! It's a melon! It's the smell of a huge, earth-shattering melon!

Ella: Waaaaah, sister, don't explain anymore, I understand, I understand everything! This is love that transcends gender! This is true love! I'm so touched, you two should lock each other up!

Zhang Hao: Woohoo! Although I think it's a bit outrageous, seeing Uncle Rometheus and Sister Ella's expressions must be quite a sight! I'm going to memorize it and tell it to everyone when I get back.

Claire, seeing the three people's eyes growing brighter, didn't know what to say for a moment, so she could only take out her phone to ease the awkward situation.

Claire: I need to finish watching this and go back soon. These people seem a bit strange. If I keep being interrogated like this, I won't have any secrets left.

Seemingly noticing Claire's awkward situation, Rometheus, unusually displaying his emotional intelligence, gave the other two a meaningful look, indicating that they should stop short of causing trouble. If they scared her away, there wouldn't be any fun later.

Zhang Hao and Ella nodded quietly in agreement and went back to doing their own thing.

Seeing the three of them quiet down, Claire breathed a sigh of relief. She had been the one who talked more when she was with Luna, but here, she felt like a greenhorn.

"Alright, everyone, you can come and eat now!"

Before long, "Chef" Zhang Hao brought out the dishes one by one. As soon as the dishes were on the table, they began to fill the surroundings with an enticing aroma, making Claire's eyes widen with envy as she smelled the aroma for the first time.

"Xiao Hao, did you make all of this? You're amazing! It smells so good!"

Zhang Hao scratched his head modestly. It seems that the skills of this high-level gourmet are really useful. Everyone who sees them will have to give him a thumbs up.

Without further ado, the group focused on attacking the food on the table.

"Oh, I'm full. Hey Miss Claire, are you sure you can finish reading all these files today? If not, maybe you shouldn't go back. You can squeeze in with Ella."

Rometheus glanced at the mountain of documents and extended an invitation to Claire to stay the night.

Rometheus: Hehehe, as long as you stay, I really don't believe I can't dig up all your little secrets. I'm going to have this gossip, and once I say it, no one can stop me. (●ˇ?ˇ●)

Chapter 232 Diamond Queen Hotel (New Appearance)

(I'm done writing. The boss gave me a bonus chapter, so I'll do another one tomorrow! I can't write anymore today.)

Just when everyone thought that the Asara region would be stable in the near future, Longbow Valley, controlled by Reis...

At this moment, Reese was staring blankly at the Diamond Queen Hotel, which had been rebuilt and renovated. How many days had passed? He had said that the upgrade would take about half a month, but it seemed that it hadn't even been a week yet.

"Lord Reis, your Diamond Queen Hotel is now complete. Let me show you all the upgrades inside."

A middle-aged Chinese man approached Reese and led the speechless Reese inside to tour his brand-new Diamond Queen Hotel.

"Lord Reis, we have reinforced the entire exterior of the hotel. Bombs like the one before can only destroy the walls; the load-bearing columns inside will not be affected."

Reis first followed the middle-aged man for a walk around outside. Looking at the increasingly luxurious exterior, Reis nodded in satisfaction. That's more like it. Only such a luxurious house is worthy of his status as the new King of Asara.

Looking at this magnificent hotel, Reis could imagine how surprised Saeed and Yousef would be if they came to visit... especially Saeed, that country bumpkin who had never seen much of the world.

"Mr. Reis, look, we've also installed the latest US-developed aircraft cannons and large-caliber missile launchers on the guard post outside. Now, if we detect enemy missiles being launched here in advance, we can intercept them in time and greatly protect this place."

Seeing this, Reis hurriedly went forward to take a look. He even used a missile launcher to fire a shot at the hillside not far away. Seeing that the hillside was flattened by the shot, Reis was excited. He wanted to see if anyone would dare to provoke him again. He would just blast them to smithereens.

"Haha, good, good, your cooking skills are amazing! Come on, come on, I'm really curious about what it's like inside!"

At this moment, Reis was very curious about the interior of the Diamond Queen Hotel. Just looking at the exterior decoration, the interior must be quite luxurious. He would then stuff a pile of gold inside, hehehe, it would be like a fairyland.

Seeing that Reese was very interested in the hotel's interior, the middle-aged man led him inside.

Upon entering and seeing the interior decoration, Reis, who was used to a life of luxury, couldn't help but gasp. The Diamond Queen Hotel was already quite luxurious, and there were few places in the entire Asara area that could compare to this place.

But now, Reiss felt that all the hardships he had endured before were utterly terrible, and that this was the kind of place a human should live in!

At first glance, everything is built with a lot of money. In short, whatever is expensive or high-end is used to make it high-end. But you know what? Others might think that this is a bit of a waste, and that the money should be put into the military and the people.

However, Reis was completely won over by this. Seeing that this "new home" was clearly built with money, Reis was extremely satisfied. The captain of the construction team had previously asked him what he should pay attention to during the reconstruction.

But Reese only said to make it a little more awesome on the original basis. But now that we see it, it's not just a little more awesome, it's absolutely awesome!

"Lord Reis, the flowers in this garden were all purchased at a high price from a foreign flower-growing expert. We only managed to get them by going through many connections, so they are practically priceless."

The middle-aged man was quite satisfied with Reis's expression and began to introduce the "surprises" they had "specially" prepared for this nouveau riche Reis.

Middle-aged man: Hehehe, looks like we've fooled them here. I knew this black gorilla was easy to fool, didn't I? Those workers are all timid as can be. The money we saved will all go into our pockets.

Then, the middle-aged man pulled Reis aside and began to introduce the buildings they had "carefully" bought for him from all over the world at high prices. Reis listened with amusement, seeing them as priceless treasures, and only these things were worthy of him. He was not short of money at all, and this was the kind of style he wanted.

"Let's go, Lord Reis, let's go and have a look at the private mansion that was specially prepared for you."

The middle-aged man dared not harbor any wicked thoughts about this mansion. After all, if he dared to tamper with anything here, it would be too easy to be exposed. If the tyrant Reis found out, he was afraid that his three construction teams would be left here.

After Reis went inside his new house and saw how it screamed that he was a super nouveau riche, he was so excited that he almost tossed the middle-aged man next to him into the air.

"Yes! That's exactly the effect I wanted! Hahaha, brother, you really understand me! I've worked with quite a few local renovation teams before, telling them my needs, but none of them could meet my requirements. Only you, my friend, understand me!!!"

Seeing Reis so excited he was practically dancing inside, the middle-aged man chuckled dismissively. If this was considered luxurious, then Reis simply didn't know how to enjoy life. Back in the day, in China, all those buildings couldn't compare to Reis's rather luxurious little villa. It just showed that Reis had never seen true understated luxury with substance.

Reis: Bullshit! I'm not being low-key! I just don't have enough money. If I had more, I'd build a house out of gold and dazzle the entire Assara!!!

He then introduced Reis to some high-tech mechanisms specifically equipped for his guards, which could effectively counterattack enemies trying to sneak in.

"Hmm, very good, very good. I am very satisfied. This gold bar is yours, you deserve it. Give me your business card, I will come to you again next time I need work."

The middle-aged man quickly thanked the man for the gold bar that had been stuffed into his arms. This Reis seemed to be even richer than he had thought. Anyway, the US was the one paying for this, so since this chimpanzee was so cooperative, he would try to rip him off less next time.

Chapter 233 Reis: I'm the richest man in Asara.

Afterwards, Reis and the middle-aged man engaged in a round of mutual flattery, with the middle-aged man patting his chest and making grand promises to Reis.

"Lord Reis, rest assured. Give us another week to rebuild the place that Hamk destroyed. After that, we will carry out a comprehensive upgrade and renovation of Longbow Valley. During this period, you can do whatever you want without any problems. We can complete the entire renovation in about a month and a half."