Chapter 11 Be My Chauffeur

Undoubtedly, 10,000 underworld coins are a tremendous temptation for the driver. However, as Chen Mu said, the taxi driver dared not accept 10,000 underworld coins. He could only look on with longing but dare not make a move. Chen Mu flashed his familiar smile, the kind that always appeared when he comprehended everything. Slowly, he spoke:

"As far as I know, the rule of the underworld taxi is simple: as long as you pay the fare, you can safely get off. Obviously, for such a short journey, 10,000 underworld coins are absolutely unnecessary. What you mentioned, 10,000 underworld coins, is not the fare; it's merely a scare tactic you use on customers. If a customer has 100 underworld coins in hand, enough to cover the fare, but is intimidated by you, thinking they don't have 10,000 underworld coins, and chooses not to pay, then you can kill them. Right, Mr. Driver? Playing such tricks with me? You're still a bit green. The real fare is the number displayed on the meter. So, Mr. Driver, would you kindly lean aside and reveal the meter that you've been concealing?"

Upon hearing Chen Mu's words, the driver's face showed surprise. With its eyeless gaze, it scrutinized Chen Mu up and down. It realized that the young man before it appeared harmless but actually had a profound understanding of the eerie rules of the post-apocalyptic world, with a deep cunning. Finally, the driver realized it had encountered a shrewd character. It shifted its body to the side, revealing the concealed meter: 11.45 underworld coins!

After a series of transactions, Chen Mu had paid the fare. Logically, he could get off the taxi, but he remained seated in the back.

"You can go now," the driver urged Chen Mu to disembark.

The 10,000 underworld coins in Chen Mu's hand were a huge temptation for the driver. Every second he lingered, the coins tantalized the driver.

"Is 10,000 underworld coins a lot? Do you want them?" Chen Mu inquired.

"I do. But you can't give them to me," the driver replied coldly.

Everyone knew the importance of underworld coins, especially 10,000, which were precious and rare for humans, capable of sustaining them through numerous eerie tasks. Such valuable coins, how could the human in front of it possibly give them away? The driver thought Chen Mu was either flaunting or teasing it, so its tone remained icy.

"Who said I can't give them to you?" Chen Mu chuckled. "Not only can I give them to you, but I can also give you more! If you're willing to pay a price."

The driver was intrigued but rationality told it this was impossible. Humans couldn't be that generous.

"What price?" the driver asked.

"Be my driver. I'll pay you 20,000 underworld coins a month! And there are performance bonuses if you do well!" Chen Mu's offer stunned the driver. It had been earning just over 3,000 underworld coins a month driving the underworld taxi, often with withheld wages. Working tirelessly year-round, it barely made over 30,000. With Chen Mu's offer, its salary would increase tenfold, with additional bonuses, and without the need to work every day—just serving Chen Mu.

"20,000 underworld coins a month? Bonuses too?" The driver's expression showed disbelief. Chen Mu's offer was too good to be true.

Chen Mu handed over 60,000 underworld coins, equivalent to three months' salary. Only then did the driver realize Chen Mu wasn't joking—he was indeed incredibly wealthy.

The driver took the money, its hands trembling. It couldn't believe its luck, landing such a lucrative job with a wealthy employer.

"Get the contract. Let's sign it," Chen Mu said.

The driver, snapping out of its shock, carefully stowed away the money and produced the contract. Both signed, sealing the deal. At that moment, the underworld taxi became Chen Mu's exclusive vehicle, and the driver his personal chauffeur, available at his beck and call.

"Boss Chen, here's my phone. You can call me anytime you need. I'll be there within five minutes." The driver handed a black phone with a blood-red button to Chen Mu.

With the phone in hand, Chen Mu, escorted by the attentive driver, returned to his familiar home, basking in its warmth and familiarity after years of evading the eerie world. After a refreshing shower, he lay on his bed, relishing the comfort, preparing for whatever lay ahead.