Chapter 847 - 367: Undercover (Part 2)
Connor looked a bit embarrassed and shouted to the outside:
"Dean, bring in a chair, one that’s sturdy enough!"
Two minutes later, Wu Chang sat on the metal chair, sizing up Connor in front of him.
In Grimland, Connor’s physique could be considered tall and burly. Coming from a middle-class family allowed him to have enough nutrition during his growth phase, making him over 185 cm in height.
He had thick hair, a dense beard, slightly deep-set eyes, and a spirited gaze that demonstrated a vigorous life force. No matter what he said, he could easily engage others.
Some people naturally have charisma and charm that draws others around them. Clearly, Connor was one of those people.
"Mr. Connor, my name is Peace. It’s an honor to meet you. I’ve heard of your deeds, founding the Bright Lamp Report and initiating the Charter Movement."
"Among the people I know, more than one has told me that you are a person of high integrity, full of ideals and passion."
"One does not hit a smiling face." Connor relaxed a bit in front of Wu Chang’s continuous compliments, even letting down his guard slightly.
He said, "I vaguely heard that you are here to discuss cooperation?"
Wu Chang said, "Yes, cooperation."
Connor stared at Wu Chang and said, "How do we cooperate? Let me state upfront that although we have demands, we will express them in peaceful and rational ways. We will never resort to violence and extreme measures to achieve certain goals."
"At least in my case, I would never allow that. If your cooperation aims to stir up trouble using the workers’ movement, then you’ve found the wrong person."
Wu Chang shook his head and said, "Of course not. My name is Peace, so naturally, I come for peace."
Connor smirked. Just because you are named Peace, you come for peace? He knew another rotten egg named Goodman.
Wu Chang didn’t mind Connor’s look and said:
"The direction I want to cooperate in is to change the current state of Grimland and bring peace to this city."
Connor leaned forward, glancing at the crack of the door, then asked, "What do you mean?"
Wu Chang snapped his fingers, and mysterious runes composed of energy flew out from his fingertips, enveloping the office and forming a soundproof barrier to prevent outsiders from eavesdropping.
"The current situation in Grimland, especially the conditions workers live under, you should know better than me."
"Gaining universal suffrage can indeed improve the situation for workers, but before that, they face even more severe problems."
"The illegal operations of factories have led to the accumulation of toxins in many workers’ bodies, constantly threatening them with deadly occupational diseases. The Grain Laws keep food prices high, forcing slum residents to enter workhouses for a meal. The harsh living conditions for the lower class allow malaria to rampage."
"I could go on for ten minutes about such matters if you want."
Connor reached out to interrupt Wu Chang, saying, "Enough, I know these issues. So, what’s your plan?"
Wu Chang extended his hand, slowly clenching his fist the size of a cooking pot, making his knuckles crackle.
"These chaos and chronic problems of Grimland can no longer be addressed by gentle measures. To induce change, we must strike hard!"
"I am straightforward, and I don’t hide my actions. I value your information network, the exposure level of the Bright Lamp Report, and your integrity, Mr. Connor."
"So I want to join forces with you to uncover the masterminds behind these issues. For those easy to handle, I’ll deal with them directly. For those with connections, you’ll expose them and use public opinion as a weapon, letting them fall from grace and pay the price."
Wu Chang paused, took out a newspaper he bought on the way, and placed it on Connor’s desk.
"To show sincerity and demonstrate our power, I will find a way to expedite the release of workers arrested by the police during the protest concerning the Pine Tree Coal Mine explosion case."
Connor fell into brief silence after hearing this. To be honest, he was tempted.
One of the key contents of the Bright Lamp Report is to make workers aware of their current situation and tell them that only by uniting and pooling their strength can they possibly prompt Stilan to change.
Exposing these issues will undoubtedly make workers understand the urgency of the situation, abandoning their illusions about factory owners.
More importantly, what Wu Chang mentioned is something they were already prepared to do, even if Wu Chang hadn’t come.
Connor thought for a while and finally said:
"From my personal point of view, I am willing to cooperate with you, but whether it’s the Charter Movement or the Bright Lamp Report, I am just one of the leaders."
"I need to communicate with a few others. If they agree, we can then discuss further details."
Wu Chang nodded and said, "That’s fine."
Connor lowered his voice, whispering, "Mr. Peace, come find me at this time tomorrow, and I’ll give you an answer."
"Just that by then, we’ll have to change the place to talk. The newsroom is crowded and messy; it may lead to eavesdropping."
Wu Chang said, "Mr. Connor, you don’t need to worry about that. Before our conversation, I used a mystical ceremony to isolate the space inside the room. They won’t hear us outside."
Connor was surprised and said, "A mystical ceremony, such a thing really exists? Mr. Peace, who exactly are you?"
Wu Chang shrugged and said, "Just an apprentice secret magic knight from abroad. I’m leaving; I hope to hear good news from you tomorrow."
He waved his hand to remove the mystical runes arranged around the room and left the office, pushing the door open.