Silence settled over their little corner.

Sun Ci[1]’s gaze sharpened, as though it could pierce straight through Ji Jue’s ruined face. “Go on.”

“My teacher taught me a few techniques. I’ll need some spirit matter supplements, purified mercury, and a few materials.” Ji Jue smiled bitterly. “Provided everything goes smoothly, I should be able to raise our efficiency considerably.”

“By how much?” Sun Ci pressed.

Ji Jue paused. In truth, he was calculating just how much he could increase the team’s output without overdoing it and making himself look like a monster. “If I’m lucky... I can probably dismantle and process seventy pieces by myself.”

That was nearly half the team’s quota.

Sun Ci gasped in shock, almost overcome with delight. He quickly forced himself to calm down and asked bluntly, “Why help me? If you’re really capable of that, wouldn’t it be better to cozy up to the new manager instead?”

Ji Jue laughed. Blood seeped from the scars covering his face. “Once someone who slept his way into the position becomes a manager, what else would he do but exploit everyone under him to get ahead?” 

He lowered his eyes. “I’m just a cripple. Shouldn’t I place my hopes in a team leader who might look after me a little, rather than someone like that?” 

Sun Ci didn’t speak for a long time. “What do you want in return?”

“I only ask one thing.” Ji Jue patted the...