Chapter 505: Collaboration
Chapter 505: Collaboration
Chen Chuan and Gu Haiting arrived on the deck, basking in the spring sunlight that danced on the ocean's surface, creating dazzling golden patches. The warm breeze ruffled their clothes and hair as they leaned against the railing, gazing out at the vast and majestic Central City.
Below them, the deep blue sea undulated with waves, and occasionally, white seabirds glided past, skimming the surface near the shore. Chen Chuan turned his attention towards the direction of Crystal District, and even from this distance, he could make out the silhouette of a massive Ferris wheel.
Gu Haiting took two boxes from a waiter and handed one to Chen Chuan before opening the other himself.
Just then, a group of dolphins appeared below, their bodies glistening as they leaped out of the water, some peering curiously at the two men while others swam playfully beneath the yacht.
Gu Haiting scooped a handful of granular substance from the box and sprinkled it into the water.
The dolphins immediately responded with joyous calls, leaping out of the water to snatch the food, some jumping so high they cleared the bow of the yacht before splashing back down on the other side, creating huge splashes.
This display was far beyond the capabilities of ordinary dolphins.
"These are mutated dolphins," Gu Haiting explained. "They are specially researched and genetically modified organisms by our company, implanted with implants that help us rescue and locate specific items."
"Specific items?" Chen Chuan inquired.
Gu Haiting continued, "Captain Chen, you should know that there are rifts between two worlds on land, and the same is true underwater, but they've remained largely unknown to us.
Based on historical data and new-era probes, there seem to be fewer rifts in the ocean. The primary evidence is the rarity of mutated sea creatures. We once attempted to build a Central City in the open ocean, but the rifts we managed to gather were few and far between. For various reasons, we didn't pursue it further."
"These rifts, though few, still impact the surrounding organisms when they appear, causing them to undergo a degree of mutation. These modified dolphins help us effectively locate these mutated creatures and, in turn, the rifts."
"One of the responsibilities our Canglong Corporation and Ocean Expansion Group took on from the beginning was to eliminate these mutated organisms and understand and seal off the rifts in the ocean."
Chen Chuan listened intently, aware that beyond their stated responsibilities, these two companies had undoubtedly gained significant benefits. The purpose of modifying organisms likely went far beyond what was stated, and he suspected that the true goal was researching armed implants and various bio-modification technologies.
However, in the current global context, this was hardly unusual. Almost every company worldwide was engaged in similar activities as the Great Collision approached.
Gu Haiting scattered another handful of food into the water, "Those people in the open ocean have always wanted to build their Central City. The government has been suppressing them through our two companies, and we don't need to delve into historical entanglements. The bottom line is, we have no reason to easily give up what we've already obtained."
"These people in the open ocean have the backing of the Linarkis Federation and some international organizations. They've been vying for control of the open ocean with us, and the establishment of the Ferris Wheel Company involved technologies with the Linarkis Federation's involvement."
He spoke without hesitation, "Regardless of its original purpose, this company has been our enemy from the moment it was founded."
He glanced at Chen Chuan, "I'm not just referring to the Canglong Corporation and Ocean Expansion Group, but also you, Captain Chen."
"Oh? How so?" Chen Chuan asked.
"Captain Chen, please log into our internal platform," Gu Haiting requested. "I'll show you something."
Chen Chuan tapped on the Interdimensional Link and found the platform of the nearest Tusk Ship. He logged in, and Gu Haiting sent him a list from above.
"Captain Chen, this is a collection of reports we've gathered. These are people who have mysteriously died in the past six months, and we can confirm that they were all murdered."
Chen Chuan scanned the list. Central City had numerous deaths daily, making detailed statistics impossible. At first glance, these individuals varied in age and background, with no apparent connections.
After a moment's thought, Chen Chuan asked, "Is there a link between these people?"
Gu Haiting replied, "From this alone, it's hard to tell, but..." He tapped again, and the individuals' photos appeared, along with their time and cause of death listed below.
Now, Chen Chuan noticed a pattern.
All these deaths had occurred within the past few months, and most were caused by gunshots, car accidents, drugs, and other incidents. The subsequent summary report indicated a striking similarity in the modus operandi.
Chen Chuan looked up and asked, "Were these people victims of organized murder?"
Gu Haiting nodded.
"These deaths are inconspicuous among the many in Central City. But no matter how well they try to hide, they leave traces.
Since discovering this, our company has been monitoring the situation. Through active consciousness entities and analysis, we've identified similar cases and gradually pieced together a trail, leading to a single source."
He looked at Chen Chuan and gave a response that was no surprise.
"Ferris Wheel Company."
Chen Chuan glanced at the personnel list displayed, noticing a mix of influential figures and ordinary citizens. The company's actions seemed random and purposeless, targeting people who posed no apparent threat to the Ferris Wheel Company.
"Why kill these people?"
Gu Haiting shook his head, "I don't know, but this isn't mindless slaughter."
He gazed at Chen Chuan, "Captain Chen, you've been attacked by the Ferris Wheel Company before. So we're thinking, these seemingly random attacks, could they be related to you?" He smiled apologetically, "I don't mean to imply that your authority is insignificant, but the power you wield doesn't pose a real threat to them."
Chen Chuan agreed, "That's true." Then he added, "I didn't expect the company to know about this."
Gu Haiting explained, "Due to our company's operations, we have to pay attention to oceanic affairs. The person you killed, Jian Chengsheng, was the most talented disciple of Wave Pavilion. After Wave Pavilion learned of this, a disciple named Three Cities Wilderness expressed interest in challenging you. He's much stronger than Jian Chengsheng, Captain Chen, be cautious."
Chen Chuan calmly responded, "Is that so? I'm looking forward to it." He was eager for a worthy opponent.
Gu Haiting continued, "Captain Chen, we've seen the Ferris Wheel Company's apology to the Processing Bureau, but that's just for show.
Recently, they've seemed well-behaved, but our informant within the company reveals frequent activities and communications in various oceanic locations. Something big is brewing."
In a 16-19 book, there's no mistake!
He earnestly said, "Captain Chen, we don't hide our intention to deal with the Ferris Wheel Company. If you're on their list, they'll come after you again. So, we believe we share a common enemy, and we can offer some help."
Chen Chuan looked at him and said, "Thanks."
He didn't reject the overt goodwill, and Gu Haiting was right; they were on the same side.
When discussing with Gao Ming, he'd anticipated this. Taking on the Ferris Wheel Company alone was challenging, and their attacks were unpredictable.
But with Canglong Corporation's involvement, things changed. Even just providing information would be a significant help.
Gu Haiting smiled.
"In the coming days, Central City's atmosphere might get tense..." He paused, "Does Captain Chen already know about this?"
Chen Chuan nodded.
Gu Haiting, relieved that he knew, continued, "During that time, the upper echelons will focus on potential crises. The Ferris Wheel Company won't be well-behaved."
Chen Chuan understood his implication; the company might do things they usually wouldn't dare.
He recalled something else; the United Body choosing to inspect and assess the Ferris Wheel Company at this critical juncture. Could their intention be that simple?
It didn't make sense.
"Mr. Gu, thank you for the reminder."
Gu Haiting said, "Captain Chen, you're too kind. By the way, Captain Chen, besides the Wave Pavilion disciple I mentioned, be cautious of this man too." He passed a photo of a middle-aged man with a somber expression.
"This is the Ferris Wheel Company's external operations leader, Guan Shangjing, from one of the three major oceanic pavilions, the Wind Forest Pavilion. In such an environment, the security director must possess considerable martial prowess.
We've analyzed that if they don't give up on targeting you, they might personally take action. But you don't need to worry about other places."
He spoke sternly, "Some things, though the government can't directly intervene, are normal in corporate competition."
Chen Chuan immediately understood, "If he dares to come after me, I won't let him leave."
Gu Haiting's smile widened as he extended his hand, "Captain Chen, during this time, we're willing to offer some conveniences. If you need anything, contact me directly. Canglong Corporation and Ocean Expansion Group are ready to provide necessary assistance."
Chen Chuan shook his hand, "I won't hold back."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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