CHAPTER 93 - Heart of Gold

After heated debates, Li Lin and Silco ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Renata Glasc.

Subsequently, they were escorted out of the Glasc Disco hall by her subordinates.

The Chem-Baroness's intentions were crystal clear—she aimed to dominate the entirety of Zaun, holding the city-state firmly in her grip.

In Li Lin's eyes, she seemed fearless even in the face of Vander and Silco, intending to bring them down.

Judging by Renata's attitude toward the citizens of Piltover, if she were to become the ruler of Zaun, retaliation against the topside would be inevitable.

Similar to what the prominent families of Piltover did to her own family over two decades ago.

At present, her actions served only the purpose of revenge, contributing nothing to the development of Zaun.

Silco disapproved strongly of Renata Glasc's attitude.

Li Lin could discern this dissatisfaction from the continuous subtle conflicts during their negotiation.

Moreover, Renata Glasc wanted to invest in Shimmer Serum and acquire its formula.

However, Li Lin had negotiated with Silco before and reached an agreement:

Unless all side effects of the serum were eliminated, it couldn't be circulated through any channels, including the black market.

Given the serum's effectiveness in treating injuries, Li Lin didn't prohibit Singed from researching it.

However, the direction of the research needed to change.

Under Li Lin's influence, Silco abandoned his aggressive strategy against the topside, no longer allowing himself to be suppressed by Vander as before.

There was no need to use Shimmer Serum as originally planned to undermine the power of the lanes.

But even so, after sponsoring Singed for so many years, Shimmer Serum had already taken shape.

Now, suddenly, someone wanted to reap the benefits without contributing. How could Silco agree to that?

As for Li Lin, he wouldn't easily relinquish control of the industry he built in Zaun.

However, considering the current situation, this path seemed impassable.

Li Lin and Silco walked silently, aimlessly reaching a secluded, moss-covered stone bridge.

Silco, expressionless, took out a cigar from his pocket and gestured to Li Lin.

"I don't smoke."

After being politely declined, Silco lit his cigar with a flip-top lighter, took a deep puff, and blew out several smoke rings.

"We're in trouble," he finally spoke after a long silence. "Glasc will take action against us soon."

Li Lin glanced at him, "Are you afraid?"

"Afraid?" Silco sneered, "Do you think so little of me?"

"You know I didn't mean that."

Silco pondered briefly, "We must devise a plan to counter Glasc. It's better to kick her out of her current position."

"We all know that... but how do you plan to do it?"

Li Lin leaned against the stone bridge railing, gazing into the distance where the steel city was shrouded in haze.

In fact, when he asked this question, he had already guessed what Silco would do.

As the old man said, you have to use magic to counter magic.

Most of Renata Glasc's rise to her current position involved less than honorable methods.

To bring her down, they had to fight fire with fire.

Silco naturally shared this sentiment.

Taking a few more puffs from his cigar, a hint of determination flashed in his right eye, "Whatever she does, I'll do the same."

After bidding farewell to Silco, Li Lin arrived at The Last Drop to inquire about the situation with Narek and Ceryn yesterday.

Surprisingly, the couple had indeed inquired about work and residence, but it was a routine information gathering session. Perhaps due to Li Lin's financial assistance, they didn't present any recommendation letters to Vander, seeking additional help.

If Li Lin hadn't asked Vander today, he wouldn't even have known that the couple knew Li Lin. Nonetheless, upon learning about it, Vander assured Li Lin that he would take care of them.

Li Lin then inquired about Powder, Vi, Claggor, and Milo. He had previously discussed with Vander his desire to send the four children to study in the city. With support from Kiramman's family, the children would undoubtedly have a bright future.

Vander, the compassionate father figure, readily agreed without much thought. During these days, Vander had been comforting Vi. Although her rebellious phase was challenging, it had some impact. For instance, her attitude toward Li Lin had shifted from indifference to friendly exchanges and occasional jokes.

However, convincing her to go to Piltover remained a challenge. Vander informed Li Lin that today, they had gone to Benzo's shop to hang out with Ekko. With all the Chem-Barons, except Renata, currently peaceful, Li Lin felt it was time to bring Ekko to Piltover.

After bidding farewell to Vander, Li Lin hastily rushed to Benzo's general store. The wind chime at the door lightly tinkled as he entered. Benzo, engrossed in studying an antique through his worn magnifying glass, barely acknowledged Li Lin's arrival.

Even upon hearing someone entering the store, Benzo didn't look up. He casually welcomed, "Welcome, we've got everything here."

While speaking, his ears perked up, catching the familiar sound of mechanical parts clicking and heavy footsteps. He immediately raised his head, glancing toward the shop's entrance.

"Li Lin? A rare visitor!" Benzo's bushy eyebrows jumped, and his chubby face jiggled as he smiled. He halted his work and invited Li Lin to sit at the counter.

Then, he retrieved a metal cup and a bottle of fine rum from under the table, attempting to pour a drink for Li Lin. "No need, you know I don't drink," Li Lin hastily declined.

"Ah, you, how can a big man like you not know how to drink?" Benzo teased, shaking his head but putting the cup away.

"Moreover, you're the craftsman of the Kiramman family, and that lady Kiramman is a council member. How can you not drink for social occasions?" Benzo continued.

Li Lin awkwardly chuckled, "I haven't reached my 18th birthday, haven't had the coming-of-age ceremony yet..."

Benzo rolled his eyes, still boasting, "What's that? I learned to drink hard liquor when I was eight..."

Li Lin shook his head helplessly, quickly changing the subject, "By the way, where are Ekko, Powder, Vi, Claggor, and Milo?"

"They've been out for a while." Benzo wore an unhappy expression when mentioning the group of kids. His gaze briefly shifted to the clock hanging on the wall. "It's 5:40 now. I told them to be back by 6. Do you need them for something urgent?"

"With the recent stability in the Twin Cities, I plan to take Ekko to the Kiramman family. It's a good opportunity," Li Lin explained.

"That's great!" Benzo's expression brightened, his mood changing quickly. "And what about Vi and the others? What does Vander say?"

"There's still an issue with Vi. It might take some time," Li Lin responded. As they conversed, Li Lin suddenly noticed a familiar item on Benzo's table—a greenish turtle shell.

This thing... isn't it the Heart of Gold from League of Legends?!

Li Lin's eyes lit up, "What's this?"

"Just a piece of junk; I got tricked by that old tomb raider," Benzo said with an annoyed expression, tossing the turtle shell to Li Lin.

Li Lin quickly opened the Data Mind and saw the name and properties of the item.

[Heart of Gold (Artifact): A magical item infused with celestial magic, used for divination (only effective when used by a diviner).]

[Attributes: 200 Health, 1000 Mana]

[Ability Effects: Foresight, Curse, Concentration, Clarity, Guiding Stars...]

[Price: 625 Blue Essences]

In the game, this equipment was a gold-generating item. But in the real world, it was impossible to have a magical item that could conjure money out of thin air.

Seeing that this equipment was an Artifact and could only be used by mages, Li Lin had no intention of wasting time checking its skills.

This isn't someone tricking you, Benzo; you just don't know how to use it...

Li Lin's mood could no longer be described as joyful.

625 Blue Essences, 125 more than the "Soul Sacrifice" sold earlier!

If sold to the store, his Blue Essences could soar to 1125!

After a brief silence, Li Lin looked up at Benzo, "How about selling this item to me?"

(End of this chapter)

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