The first half of their chat was almost the same as last time, until Yang Bingzhong started to inquire into the details of Ren Zhong’s killing of the Ruined Beast, resulting in changes that continued throughout their entire conversation.
Yang Bingzhong’s desire to immediately have Ren Zhong sign a Second Level Professional contract was not as intense as last time. He casually mentioned it once and then continued to test the waters.
Ren Zhong accurately caught this subtle difference.
The reason was simple: this time he only killed one Level Four Ruined Beast, while last time it was two.
Killing two in a row was enough to prove his strength.
Killing just one could be seen as a coincidence, especially since Ren Zhong announced the reason for his ’lucky survival’.
He downplayed his skill, packaging his calculated plan as an ’unexpected incident’.
He only mentioned that he carelessly got swallowed by the Rock Giant Beast, then in a moment of inspiration, ignited a Low Temperature Cloud Bomb inside it, utilizing the extreme cold to make the internal ’intestines’ of the Rock Giant Beast brittle, allowing him to easily sever the connection between its Crystal Chip and body for a counter-kill.
Yang Bingzhong appeared to listen with keen interest and then stated, "According to my rules, since you and your team completed the Level Four Ruined Beast hunt, you could directly sign a Second Level Professional contract with me. But since this happened by chance, your ability still needs to be proven. The Second Level Professional contract increases not only the benefits but also the responsibilities. You might not fulfill the monthly hunting quota required by the professional contract, so I don’t suggest you change the contract now, but you can keep this in mind."
Ren Zhong: "Hmm, thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Yang."
"But you are still with Lin Wang’s team, understand what I mean?"
Ren Zhong pondered and weighed his options.
His face showed no signs of hesitation, as if he was merely trying to organize his words.
Yang Bingzhong waved his hand, "Feel free to speak your mind."
Ren Zhong nodded, "It’s , even though I would love to be directly under your command, Mr. Yang, Captain Lin has been very kind and helpful to me. I have already accepted Captain Lin’s invitation to become his backup team member. Now with Xing Ming’s unexpected death, the captain is even more in need of personnel. So, I... I don’t want to leave the captain."
Yang Bingzhong slightly furrowed his eyebrows, "Are you sure?"
Yang Bingzhong looked at Ren Zhong for a long time and said, "You should understand that I am the boss of Starfire Resources. If you can’t do it now, I won’t rush you. But personally, I hope that in the future, you will leave Lin Wang and establish a new Second Level Professional team. Except for not being able to recruit affiliate teams, the commission rate will follow the 8% of the First Level contract. As soon as you become a Fourth Level professional, I will immediately upgrade you to a genuine First Level contract. Don’t you find this tempting?"
Yang Bingzhong didn’t fully spell it out.
He knew Ren Zhong had only been a Mechanical Warrior for less than a month and displayed talent even more impressive than Lin Wang back then. As long as he does not die, he is sure to become a formidable warrior.
The alliance of Ren Zhong and Lin Wang was not something he wished to see.
The first rule of management is balance, making sure your subordinates hold each other in check and compete, rather than nurturing a monstrous subordinate that could turn against you once they become too powerful.
Yang Bingzhong confidently awaited Ren Zhong’s response, not expecting Ren Zhong to slowly stand up and respectfully say, "Mr. Yang, I really can’t let down Captain Lin’s nurturing. Please make it possible!"
At these words, Yang Bingzhong was momentarily stunned, then after a brief consideration, a smile suddenly appeared on his face, "Alright then. After all, you’re still working for me in Lin Wang’s team. I won’t force you."
"Thank you for understanding, Mr. Yang."
"Alright, you may go."
After Ren Zhong left, Yang Bingzhong briefly covered his mouth but couldn’t help letting out a laugh as if he had seen a ghost.
This Ren Zhong has talent but lacks brains, actually feeling grateful for the trivial benefits Lin Wang gave him.
He’s making me laugh.
Under Lin Wang’s command, he will achieve nothing significant.
Ren Zhong awaits three possible outcomes only.
First, he is heavily exploited and then, at some point, arouses Lin Wang’s suspicion, leading to his quiet elimination.
Second, Lin Wang hasn’t had the chance to act, but his life becomes uncomfortable. Given the right opportunity, I can offer him a second olive branch, and by then, he will naturally make his choice anew.
Third, Lin Wang truly considers him one of his own and combines his cunning with Ren Zhong’s extraordinary combat talent. In that case, I’d have to use my authority as a boss to severely reprimand Lin Wang and forcibly separate the two of them. The likelihood of this happening is very small but still objectively exists, and the self-proclaimed prudent Yang Bingzhong would naturally plan ahead.