Chapter Sixty: The Greedy Black Spider

This place resembled an enormous electronic control room, with liquid crystal displays everywhere and torrents of data cascading like waterfalls, refreshing constantly and bringing up all sorts of images. As Panda drew closer, he realized that Black Spider was not alone; concealed behind the unremarkable curtain at his back lay something akin to a stock exchange floor.

Thick cables sprawled naked across the ground, tangled and intertwined like giant serpents. Oddly shaped figures each clutched a keyboard—some laughed boisterously, some were shrouded in smoke, some entwined with women, and others, wearing glasses, pressed their faces so close to the screens it seemed they might crawl inside. In short, every imaginable type of person was present.

A pungent atmosphere reminiscent of a deranged internet café hit him, even the scent was much the same. Panda sniffed the air; he was all too familiar with this smell. The only difference was the absence of instant noodles and the reek of sweaty feet, replaced by the stench of rotting food and the mustiness of damp, shadowy corners.

Damn it, this was like a bizarre pigsty.

Black Spider spotted Marx at once, bursting into hearty laughter and shouting his name loudly, not caring that he'd splashed liquor over his head. “Brother, long time no see! I thought you’d already settled into the factory, living that so-called stable and secure life you always talked about!”

“I need your help, Black Spider!”

It had been some time since Marx left the hospital, and his health had clearly deteriorated—even his speech was weak and breathless.

Black Spider pulled an exaggerated face. “What are you saying? I can’t hear a thing, Marx. Has the quiet life worn you down this badly?”

“I need to get to Bliss Space, and I need an identity code…” Marx paused and glanced at Panda, “Two identity codes!”

A warm surge rose in Panda’s chest, nearly bringing tears to his eyes. Even in such a state, Marx was thinking of him—this was rare indeed, true brotherhood.

But sentiment aside, the plan had to proceed. So even though he didn’t need an identity code himself, Panda said nothing, simply wore an excited expression, giving a clear response to Marx’s request.

Black Spider’s face became earnest, nodding quickly. “No problem, of course it’s no problem! Do you want a window seat or an aisle seat? Should I find a couple of girls to keep you company? Maybe bring some champagne and drinks? Oh, right, you’ve brought a little brother, I’d better prepare for two!”

As soon as Black Spider finished speaking, the men around them erupted in laughter.

Black Spider, showing off his white teeth, laughed the loudest, pounding on the table and gasping for breath. “Did you hear what Marx just said? He needs to go to Bliss Space, and needs two identity codes, just like he’s heading to a bar to pick up girls—no need to pay, just beckon and they’ll follow!”

Another burst of laughter echoed around them.

Marx gasped, “I’m not joking with you, I’m serious! As long as I can go to Bliss Space, I’ll work for you when I return—I’ll do anything, and I’ll hand over all my money, I’m rich now!”

He glanced at Panda, who quickly produced two messy bundles of cash and threw them onto the table.

Black Spider whistled, “Wow, so much money—I’ve never seen so much in my life!”

“Damn it, Black Spider, I can’t hold out much longer, I need your help!”

Black Spider’s smile faded. “If it were half a month ago, I might have been able to get you to Bliss Space for cash. But now, even if you have money, no one will transport you. Selling a spaceship to the recycling plant is more profitable now!”

Black Spider suddenly stood, arms wide. “Do you know what I got for two old shuttles? Twenty million dollars—damn it, that’s twenty million! That used to take half a year’s business to earn. And Bliss Space recently switched to Defense Department management, their stance is much tougher. If they catch stowaways, they launch missiles and destroy them. On average, only one in thirty transport ships makes it safely to Bliss Space. There were no recycling plants before, so we scraped by dealing with paupers. But now a single ship is worth twenty million. My factory can produce three ships a month—why bother with smuggling? I’d have to be an idiot!”

He laughed wildly again, raising his bottle and shouting, “A toast to the recycling plant!”

“To the recycling plant!” the men echoed, glasses clinking all around.

Panda’s jaw nearly dropped.

What was going on? The smuggling kingpin had given up smuggling to sell used spaceships instead?

The plot was taking a wild turn.

Marx staggered, his eyes locked onto Black Spider.

“You have a way, you definitely do. Black Spider, help me! Believe me, you’ll be well rewarded.” Marx was making his last effort.

Black Spider stared into his eyes, then dropped his voice. “There is a way, but the chance of success is less than three percent. Usually, failure means death.”

“No matter—I’m nearly dead anyway!”

“You’re dying?” Black Spider’s eyes widened, his voice suddenly loud. “Damn it, why didn’t you say so earlier? Come on, sit down—someone bring a chair, hurry up! Didn’t you hear me?”

A burly man dragged over a chair, and Black Spider personally helped Marx to sit down gently.

He looked sincerely into Marx’s eyes, gripping his arm. “You know, Marx, I’ve always had this idea—since the recycling plant is so profitable, why don’t we take it over? I’ve wanted to find someone to pull it off, but no one here has the guts!”

He nearly shouted the last sentence toward the crowd behind him.

The men who had been celebrating moments ago ignored him completely, as if they hadn’t heard a word.

“Listen, Marx—if you succeed this time, not only can you go to Bliss Space, you could even live there permanently if you wish. And as long as you’re alive, I’ll cover all your expenses. I promise, from now on, you’ll never have to worry about money again!” Black Spider declared.

Marx raised his hand and closed his eyes. “Enough, just tell me the time and place!”

Black Spider clapped his hands. “I’ve got word—the resort has struck a deal with the recycling plant. Tomorrow, they’ll send a shuttle to take the recycling plant’s boss to Bliss Space for vacation. I need you to infiltrate the resort, abduct the boss of Bliss Space, and use this device to extract the secrets from his mind. You can then use the shuttle to enter Bliss Space directly. Isn’t that perfect? Ha! What a brilliant plan!”

Marx pondered for a moment before opening his eyes. “I’ll need weapons—and medicine.”