Because there were too many things to handle at the construction site, after some discussion, the four players decided to postpone their return to the Maze, planning to leave only after they've established a firm foothold in the new factory area.

Anyway, they've already fallen too far behind on the new events, so catching up wouldn't be easy. It might be better to focus on the Artificial Human gameplay introduced in version A08, and see if they can gain more benefits from human society on the surface.

And so, another three days passed.

The news that the Invincible Supreme Adventure Group had driven away Balk from the Grizzly Gang spread through the street like a strong whirlwind, gaining widespread attention at an unimaginable speed.

Especially since Balk hadn't appeared these days, which further confirmed the rumor's truthfulness.

Those factory owners who were accustomed to being cautious and thrifty immediately felt as if they had discovered a New Continent upon hearing this news, and they couldn't contain their excitement. They hurriedly came to the construction site, eager to seek cooperation with this suddenly famous adventure team.

At the same time, the construction site of the dormitory building at the Horace Textile Factory was buzzing with activity.

Rough stones and yellowish logs were piled beside the newly laid foundation. Workers, shirtless under the sun, were working hard with all their might, exhausted yet filled with hope.

Simple scaffolding was erected crookedly, not far away a few sturdy horses were pulling simple winches to slowly hoist heavy stones, making a dull "creaking" sound.

The air was filled with the smell of dust and sweat, mixed with the fresh scent of newly cut wood.

The Earth-eating Rich Man walked around with his hands behind his back, inspecting his "territory".

Meanwhile, his "subordinate," Carl, stood not far away, standing tall and methodically directing the workers.

The old gentleman had a ruddy complexion, looking majestic, as if he had become ten years younger, commanding work skillfully and easily.

And the Earth-eating Rich Man was happy to leave these troublesome matters to reliable people, after all, he wasn't very professional, just knew a thing or two about the construction industry.

Unlike the real world, the social background here in the game world referenced the early Industrial Revolution, the construction industry system wasn't yet complete, designers often acted as both foreman and sometimes even had to do hands-on work.

After all, no one understood the blueprints they drew better than the designers themselves, and many of the farmers who came to work couldn't even read, let alone understand the complex design intentions.

While he was gazing at the construction site, a portly factory owner hurriedly approached from the entrance, his face plastered with a flattering smile.

Before the Earth-eating Rich Man could ask his purpose, the man eagerly began speaking.

"Dear... uh, 'Earth-eating Rich Man'? I have a new factory project at hand, quite a considerable scale! I'm sincerely hoping to invite you to assist in the construction, and we can certainly negotiate the price, I won't let you suffer any loss!"

The fellow's name was a bit odd, he had to inquire and repeat it numerous times to remember it.

The Earth-eating Rich Man was momentarily stunned, then responded with a helpless yet amused expression.

"I'm really sorry, we haven't finished our current work, and we don't have enough manpower to take on new tasks."

The portly factory owner was instantly anxious upon hearing this, saying quickly, "How could you lack people? The Refugee Camp is full of cheap labor, if you need it, I can help you make some contacts!"

As he spoke, he continuously wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, sweating from excitement and urgency, his eyes full of expectation.

Before the Earth-eating Rich Man could organize a response, another set of footsteps approached the noisy construction site.

He turned his head and saw another slightly lean factory owner striding over.

Like the portly owner, his face was full of a flattering smile. Before he even stood still, he eagerly raised his voice.

"Dear 'Earth-eating Rich Man,' I also have a new factory construction project, I'm currently having trouble finding a reliable team! I've heard of your reputation long ago, please do consider collaborating with me! The price is open for negotiation!"

The identical lines brought a sense of deja vu, and an odd expression appeared on the Earth-eating Rich Man's face.

The portly owner glared upon hearing this and shouted with a thick voice, "What do you think you're doing! I came here first!"

The slightly lean man wasn't to be outdone, retorting with a sneer.

"So what if you came first? I have over ten acres of land waiting for development! Even if you signed a contract in your mother's womb, you better give way!"

The two of them argued fiercely, exchanging words in front of a dumbfounded Earth-eating Rich Man, saliva flying everywhere.

The Iron-blooded Fatty, who came over upon hearing the commotion, couldn't help muttering.

"...It's like the sun has risen from the west."

Seeing the two bosses about to brawl, the Earth-eating Rich Man quickly pulled them apart.

After a moment of silence, he took the business cards handed over by the two and casually stuffed them into his jacket pocket, nodding in agreement.

"I will seriously consider both your proposals, but please give me some time. I will give you a reply before sunset tomorrow... if we can find enough manpower."

The two quickly doffed their hats, bowed, repeatedly thanked him, and then left satisfied.

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