"The big boss of Mysterious Pharmaceutical will open up a brand-new racing industry—an entire supply chain that keeps us living in comfort without a shred of fear," Viktor continued with a smile.
"Say it's true all you like—I'm the first to object!" Yoshimoto was the first to stand. A native of the island nation, he bullied the weak and cowered before the strong—a classic case of prey-on-the-meek.
Bang! A cold, stunning woman with raven-black short hair lowered her pistol, trench-coat flapping, shades hiding her eyes. "Those who obey live—earn your money standing. Those who don't—die."
The woman was, of course, Ada, born to stir up trouble. Quietly playing housewife wasn't her style; adventure was her true love, though she'd occasionally go home to fulfill a wife's duties.
Under Ada's murderous aura, no man dared utter a word. She was too fierce; her killing intent pressed down like a weight, leaving them afraid to breathe.
Three hours later, a beauty in a qipao stepped off the plane—jade feet in minimalist strappy heels, sunglasses on her nose, a medicinal cigarette between her fingers. It was Ye Minzhi, head of Shén Yà Pharmaceutical!
Eddie had waited at the airport; he hugged her. "Welcome. Right on time—come on, let me show you something good."
Chapter 566: Negotiating Business with the Queen Bee
Ye Minzhi gave the man a sidelong glance, raised the binoculars for two minutes, then took a drag of her cigarette. "Stop the riddles—speak human."
"The environment here is unique—perfect for racing. Real street racing, crashes included, using the whole city as a blueprint." Eddie stood, gazing down at the city, his aura suddenly bold.
Watching his back, Ye Minzhi's eyes glinted. "How's Alvara?"
"Pregnant, resting somewhere safe." Eddie turned with a wicked grin.
Ye Minzhi kicked off her heels and lounged on the deck chair, utterly unladylike. "Knew it. What do I need to buy in?"
"Bridge us to the East: twenty percent of yearly earnings for protection. Tourism plus oil refining pulls in a hundred billion a year—twenty percent is twenty billion USD." Eddie lit a cigarette and leaned on the rail.
Ye Minzhi chuckled. "How do you know I can make that connection?"
"It's your backyard—you've got the chops. And a beauty who's still…untouched? I'd sooner believe you've got unique clout than that you're waiting for a 'destined' guy like me." Eddie's eyes turned dangerous through the smoke.
"Heh—clever, very clever. Deal. No promises, but I'll try. One condition first: clean up the local splits and civil strife. A chaotic region makes a lousy investment." She lifted her wine-glass. "To cooperation!"
Eddie clinked his glass against hers. "To cooperation—doing business with smart people is a pleasure."
"What if this whole thing turns out to be dowry money?" Ye Minzhi said, half-smiling.
"Don't smile like that—beauties like you spark certain…urges." Eddie shook his head.
"What kind of urge?" Ye Minzhi sat up, poured more wine, cigarette still between her fingers.
"The urge to make you a mother." Eddie grinned wickedly.
Ye Minzhi blinked, her gaze turning profound. "Give it your best shot—you might just get lucky."
While the two discussed ways to boost the Eastern Slav Republic' economy, war flared up again.
Using the Middle East conflict as cover, the Western Federation launched the Gulf War, aiming to crush local militias. Fighting also erupted near Eastern Slav Republic, in the region between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Three thousand Federation citizens died in Eastern Slav Republic' civil strife; the remaining expats were now evacuating the war-torn country.
At that moment agent Leon arrived in Eastern Slav Republic on presidential orders, tasked with uncovering why three thousand citizens had been killed—and whether someone had pulled strings.
Remote intel support was handled by a White Woman; Helena, formerly on the job, had been sent for field training—shifted from back-office to active agent.
Rat-tat-tat—machine-gun fire and the clank of tanks rolling through the streets accompanied Leon's entry into the city for investigation.
Militia and regulars traded fire; at the height of the clash a crawling monster appeared, slaughtering its way through the army's lines.
Through binoculars, Leon watched. Wasn't that a Licker? These Lickers seemed possessed of a purpose, darting in to kill regular troops, then vanishing to stalk the next target.
Leon recorded the footage and uploaded it to logistics. "Eastern Slav Republic have deployed bioweapons. bioweapons are confirmed on-site. Recommend BSAA investigation."
"BSAA founding member Chris is still missing. They have no bandwidth for this area. The Federation will handle it personally," Simmons' voice cut in.
"Missing? What do I do now?" Leon frowned.
"Keep digging. If the militants are using them, the regular army must be too, or they'd have collapsed already," Simmons ordered.
Meanwhile, on a hillside, Kaplan led his team into Eastern Slav Republic. Seeing the war-torn city at dusk, he grinned. "Move. No survivors."
Behind him were masked mercenaries and local Black natives, eyes blood-red, Lickers trailing—clearly under Plaga control.
Upstairs, Eddie and Ye Minzhi sipped wine as the town erupted below.
Ye Minzhi cut a bite of steak. "What's your move?"
Eddie studied satellite images of Kaplan, lips curling. "The show's just begun. Need a little time. Can you mobilize cleanup by tomorrow?"
Ye Minzhi shook her head. "Earliest is day after. You know how it is—meetings, mobilization, negotiations. Hassle."
"Western Federation will step in. They gutsy enough to strike the Federation?" Eddie mused.
"Touch bioweapons and nobody matters. I just realized—your twenty percent is earmarked for the East. I get nothing."
"Join my team, enjoy the remaining fifty percent," Eddie invited, smile dazzling.
"Afraid it's more than fifty percent. What if I sell you out? double agents abound. Don't fall for a honey trap."
"Ada was a double agent. After marrying me, she's mine. No intel leaks," Eddie boasted.
"Her departure was our loss. I'll think it over. Flying back tomorrow."
"Take this trigger device. Install the scanner in your office."
"Life saver? Thanks. Movie tonight?"
"Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it."
Chapter 567: Queen versus Queen
After a night of fighting, some thrived; others huddled, dreading bioweast ambush.
Leon was knocked out battling militants. Despite experience, overwhelmed. With Morpheus dead, Leon S Kennedy was captured.
Leon had joined the village purge against Plaga. Nicknaming him Leon S Kennedy wasn't unfair.
Svetlana stood on the villa balcony, heels clicking, watching distant flames, anticipation flickering. Compassion gone; casualties acceptable.
"Everything arranged? That's your stance? Renovate and this place could be decent," Ada joined her, ten-centimeter heels accentuating her stride.
"Without war, this would be paradise. You'd appreciate it. Your homeland peaceful—you wouldn't understand," Svetlana turned to her.
"Eddie's from there too. As his wife, I don't care about the rest," Ada Wang folded her arms, gaze fixed on distant battle.
"Haven't sparred in ages. Up for it?" Svetlana invited.