The Legendary Mechanic, page 736
“Indeed, you have indirectly helped me.” Secret Master did not refute it.
“Since I’ve helped you, you can help me with a favor that I require now.” Han Xiao blinked before saying in a meaningful tone, “I heard that you’ve taken over the Beast Ancestor’s troops. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in them. As a twisted melon will never be sweet, I leave it to you to handle them. However, it seems like there are a few who wish to defect. I’d like you not to restrict those who wish to defect to me.”
Secret Master’s eyes changed slightly. He was a little unwilling to part with these Calamity Grade officers just like that.
Furthermore, if he chose to give such a concession, there would definitely be other officers who used defecting over to Black Star as an excuse. At that time, should he let them go as well? In this way, his gains from taking over the Beast Ancestor’s organization would be reduced substantially, and many of the Calamity Grade talents would also be lost.
But since Black Star had called, it meant that he knew of him detaining the Beastmen. If he did not agree, he would end up offending Black Star, and with the latter’s current tough stance, it might result in conflicts. He still wished to befriend Black Star, but he was not willing to lose too much for it.
While he found it a pity in his heart, Secret Master did not hesitate much. He was not willing to offend Black Star for a few Calamity Grades. “Alright, I’ll only release those who wish to defect to you.”
“That’s great!” Han Xiao burst out into a genuine laugh.
The two of them suppressed their inner emotions, pretending to be good friends and brothers, chatting for a while more before hanging up.
The moment he put down the communicator, Secret Master’s expression collapsed. He summoned Byram and ordered, “Bring Schneider’s group over.”
Byram was a little confused, but he did as he was told.
Very quickly, Schneider and the rebels were gathered in the palace, staring at Secret Master on the throne with a complicated, helpless, and unhappy expression.
Secret Master was expressionless. “Who here wishes to defect to the Black Star Army?”
A commotion occurred in the crowd. Everyone looked at each other. What was Secret Master trying to do?
Could this be a test, to kill the chickens in an attempt to warn the monkeys, in order to ward off further rebellious thoughts?
Everyone suddenly turned vigilant, feeling that they had stumbled onto the truth, and rushed to show their loyalty.
“How could that be? We’re willing to accept the protection of Secret Master.”
“We’re all siblings and can communicate easily. I love this place so much, so how could I defect elsewhere?”
Seeing this scene, Secret Master only felt a growing headache.
If it was someone, he could use their current words as an excuse to give a perfunctory response, but Secret Master did not intend to play any tricks on Black Star, so he was currently a little depressed.
The current situation could be described as akin to a drama.
Underlings: “Secret Master Father, we really do not wish to go to Black Star.”
Secret Master: “No, think about it again. Quickly scram to acknowledge your true father.”
Taking a deep breath, Secret Master regained his calmness. A surge of momentum was released from him, and he solemnly said, “Less bullsh*t. Those who wish to defect to Black Star, I will not stop you, nor am I toying with you. Those who wish to leave, hurry up and scram.”
Those people who were still professing their loyalty suddenly felt an irresistible pressure and discovered that the Secret Master was not trying to test them. They all stopped in their tracks, stunned.
What’s the matter? Didn’t you restrict everyone a while ago. Why are you suddenly freeing us?
Is Secret Master that fickle?
Byram’s eyes flickered, and he thought about the call that Secret Master had received previously. He came to the conclusion that it was likely Black Star.
To actually sway Secret Master with just a few words, could it be that Secret Master was that afraid of Black Star?
Byram was secretly surprised.
Within the crowd, Schneider suddenly thought of his call with Jotina two hours ago.
“It can’t be wrong. Black Star must have played a part in this, or else there’s no other way to explain it…”
He discovered that Secret Master’s expression was quite ugly, as though he was unwilling to do so.
In Schneider’s view, Jotina had just joined the Black Star Army, and she could not have much sway. For Black Star to help her so unhesitatingly, it had to be because he placed some importance in them.
While he did not know if his conjecture was right, Schneider could not help but feel moved, and he had the urge to even die for Black Star.
It seems like Jotina’s right. Black Star is indeed a worthy figure to defect to.
…
Because it was a private deal, the departure of Schneider and the rest did not cause any waves.
It was only seven to eight days later, when the government of the Crimson Dynasty issued a decree without warning, that the entire universe suddenly erupted!
The content of the decree was simple. The dynasty had decided to open up the right to purchase Evolutionary Totems to the entire universe, starting in one year!
The fight between the three Universal Civilizations for the Evolutionary Totem was not a matter that had happened a day or two ago. Thus, when this news was released, it caused massive waves and an uproar. Countless civilizations went crazy.
The dynasty had finally thought it through!
The entire universe, however, knew that the Crimson Dynasty would not make such a move without any motives behind them. For them to come out with such a decision, it likely had to do with the recent matters.
And everyone knew that the recent major matter at the universe-level was Black Star’s Godlike Battle!
Everyone understood the cause and effect of the two events.
Being shocked by Black Star’s record, the dynasty had finally compromised and actively given in, allowing Black Star to control the Evolutionary Totem business with his Evolution Cube!
A Universal Civilization, especially a stubborn boss such as the Crimson Dynasty, actually compromised for a Beyond Grade A!
When had this last happened‽
When they figured this out, the countless Galactic Civilizations and residents were shocked beyond words.
But on the other hand, the Arcane Church and the Federation of Light were delighted.
By showing his prestige, Black Star had moved the Crimson Dynasty to open up the Evolutionary Totem sales. For this reason, it was worthwhile for them to have lost a few Beyond Grade As.
We were walking on the wrong path all along!
If they had known that putting pressure of the dynasty would not be of use, they would have just sent a bunch of people over to Black Star, allowing him to rack up an incredible battle record. Then, they would have gotten their desires that much earlier!
The dynasty’s decree set off a wave of public opinion across the universe, further skyrocketing Han Xiao’s records and personal prestige. He alone now overwhelmed the rays given off by all Beyond Grade As.
While the news and rumors were spreading like wildfire throughout the universe, the Limitless Financial Group’s branch within the Flickering World welcomed an unexpected guest.
Chapter 1067. An Offer You Can“t Refuse |
This was a large commercial planet located in the Dawn Star Cluster. The sky was filled with anti-gravity flying vehicles, like a river of steel diagonally hanging in the air.
There were many tall buildings located at the center of the planet’s capital city. One of the buildings stood out from the rest, towering into the clouds, and its structure was akin to the double helix structure of a gene sequence. The outer wall of the building was pure white, and its corners would occasionally flash with blue lights. It exuded a sense of technological advancement and art.
At the top of the building, there were eight anti-gravity suspensions holding up a helipad, similar to a floating island, shielding the ‘∞’ shaped signboard in the middle. It was the emblem of the Limitless Financial Group. This was a subdivision of the Limitless Financial Group. Unlike armed forces, unless there were special circumstances, commercial organizations would not build bases everywhere like the warlords.
A small aircraft from the atmosphere slowly descended on the helipad of the Limitless Financial Group branch. Han Xiao got out of the cabin, stepping onto the platform.
“Welcome, Your Excellency Black Star.”
Not far away, the receptionist who had been waiting for a long time quickly came up to greet him. Black Star had notified the Limitless Financial Group of his impending visit. Thus, they had arranged for a receptionist to guide him.
Han Xiao hummed in response, his face remaining expressionless. “Where’s Sorokin?”
“His Excellency Sorokin is already awaiting you in the reception room. Please follow me.”
The reception staff respectfully responded, leading the way.
Han Xiao followed him into the subdivision of the Limitless Financial Group, taking a private elevator to a certain floor.
When the elevator doors opened, a spacious area came into view. In the center of the room was a sofa and a table, and the four corners of the room were surrounded by exotic blue and green plants. The walls were completely made up of floor-to-ceiling windows. No other furniture was present, as though this entire floor was only used as a reception room.
Sorokin sat on the sofa, waiting. As Han Xiao approached, he stood up with a smile on his face. “Your Excellency Black Star, please have a seat.”
The elevator doors then closed, leaving only the two of them in the room.
Han Xiao sat down opposite Sorokin, and only then did Sorokin return to his seat. He smiled. “What a rare visitor. When you spoke of visiting me, I still didn’t dare believe it. For someone as busy as you, why would you suddenly come over to my place?”
“Why, am I not welcome?” Han Xiao tilted his head.
“Haha, you must be joking. Of course, I welcome you.” Sorokin maintained his smile, but he was secretly sizing up Han Xiao. It was a pity that he failed to notice anything.
On the surface, he put on a warm and hospitable look, but Sorokin was full of suspicion and doubt in his heart, speculating about Black Star’s intention to visit.
Recently, the rumors of the dynasty’s concession to Black Star had spread madly. Sorokin had naturally heard about it. Although he was surprised, there was no shock, as he had already anticipated this would happen the moment Han Xiao repelled the others in the rescue of Hila. His surprise came more from the fact that the dynasty really did concede.
Right now, Black Star was extremely popular within the universe. For this guy to suddenly run over at this juncture, he most likely had some scheme prepared. Could it be that he wished to cooperate on the issue of the Evolutionary Totem?
It was unlikely, and the dynasty also had no reason to let outsiders intervene. Furthermore, the Limitless Financial Group and the Black Star Army had been having commercial struggles for so many years. Even though both sides never mentioned it, they definitely remembered it in their hearts.
Sorokin was thus very vigilant at this point.
Han Xiao’s behavior was very relaxed, as though he had come to reminisce about the past. He softly smiled. “This is the first time I’ve come to visit you, and it’s very prosperous. It seems that the Limitless Financial Group has developed very well in the Flickering World.”
“This is all thanks to the business partners.” Sorokin picked up the liquor bottle on the table, opening it before pouring a glass for Han Xiao.
“Wow, good wine. This seems to be a high-end product from the federation, only given to select people.” Han Xiao raised the glass, swirling the amber liquid within and hearing the pleasant clink of ice cubes. He casually said, “Speaking of which, we can also be considered business partners in certain territories.”
“That’s right.” Sorokin nodded.
Han Xiao did not get straight to the point but rather spoke about routine matters first. Thus, Sorokin could not tell his intentions and could only follow alongside the conversation.
After taking a sip of the liquor, appreciating the mellow taste as it flowed down his throat, Han Xiao savored the aftertaste as he smacked his lips. He then sighed.
“Sigh, even to this day, I still regret that I almost became a closer partner of the Limitless Financial Group. Unfortunately, you chose Bloodshed Land instead.”
“Hehe, the matters of business have always been inaccurate. Compared to the Black Star Army, which has already matured and formed its system, the Limitless Financial Group is more willing to invest in a force that has huge potential but is unable to realize it. It’s not that the Black Star Army is lacking but rather that the Bloodshed Land needs us more. I find it truly pitiful as well that our cooperation could not be reached.”
Sorokin gave a long and passionate monologue but grumbled in his heart.
He had invested in Bloodshed Land mainly to support them in going against Black Star Army in the commercial sector, robbing the army’s businesses. Black Star had no reason not to know this, so bringing the partnership up but not mentioning the commercial battle, Black Star likely had something up his sleeve.
Let me try playing nice and see what he’s up to, Sorokin thought.
At this moment, Han Xiao suddenly raised his head, smiling as he spoke. “In fact, this is what I came for today. Today is different from the past, so I would like to represent the army and provide an opportunity to cooperate with the Limitless Financial Group.”
Hearing this, Sorokin narrowed his eyes as he quickly calculated. He suddenly came to a realization.
I understand, so it turns out that Black Star had such an intention.
After the Evolutionary Totems were released to the world, the Limitless Financial Group need not continue to put pressure on the Black Star Army’s business any longer. The obstacles between them both had been cleared, and business cooperation could now be carried out normally. With the Limitless Financial Group’s size and the Black Star Army’s prestige, if they cooperated, it was indeed a win-win situation, mutually benefiting both parties.
For this reason, Black Star no longer pursued the conflict of interest from the past twenty years and took the initiative to talk about cooperation.
This mentality of abandoning former grudges and making money together was very suited to Sorokin’s taste. He thought that he had already guessed Han Xiao’s intentions and relaxed. The smile on his face was no longer just for show but rather a genuine smile.
“Your Excellency Black Star, your suggestion is exactly what I was thinking. Right now, there are plenty of opportunities to shine with the Flickering World. If the two of us work together, we’ll be invincible and occupy the bulk of the market in the Flickering World!”
“Since Your Excellency Sorokin also thinks that way, things will be easy!” Han Xiao slapped his thigh. “Then, let’s decide on the date for me to officially become a shareholder of the Limitless Financial Group.”
The next moment, the air within the room instantly solidified.
Sorokin’s smile froze on his face.
What, shareholder position? Weren’t we talking about normal business cooperation? How did we get to this part?
Seeing the playful look in Han Xiao’s eyes, Sorokin’s heart thumped violently. He began to realize that he had mistaken Han Xiao’s intentions.
“Your Excellency Black Star, forgive me if I’m being too offensive, but the cooperation you’re suggesting is…”
“The opportunity that I’m providing to cooperate with the Limitless Financial Group is to allow me to be a shareholder of the Limitless Financial Group. Didn’t you just happen to have a vacant position?” Han Xiao smiled meaningfully. This was his true intention.
Sorokin’s eyes narrowed, finally confirming that Han Xiao did not come with good intentions.
Taking advantage of the fact that Gorutan’s position was now vacant, Black Star wished to replace him? Did he think that the shareholder position was some trophy that he could claim? Whether he could take it or not, only Sorokin could make the decision!
For this empty shareholder position, Sorokin had already formulated a detailed strategy to allow him to break into the galactic black market. The position was a bargaining chip used for trading with Secret Master, so he would naturally not give this position to others. This was related to the blueprint of his business empire in his heart, and being a Protector of the Galactic Black Market was a critical step, with no margin for error allowed.
Sorokin’s smile faded, and he carefully said, “Then I’m truly sorry. While Gorutan indeed suffered from an accident, since he’s still alive, he can still be considered a shareholder. Even if he died, his shares would be transferred to the financial group to await withdrawal. I have no intentions of establishing any new shareholders for the time being. If you wish to discuss any other sort of cooperation, I’ll be happy to accompany you, but the shareholder position is off limits.”
Han Xiao did not take it to heart, only smiling. “If I didn’t remember wrongly, this is the second time you have rejected my request to be a shareholder.”
Hearing this, Sorokin remembered, and it seemed like Black Star had mentioned the same time once when they first met more than twenty years ago.
“That’s right, I rejected you at that time. Today, the answer is still the same,” Sorokin indifferently replied. “The Limitless Financial Group’s foundations are huge, and any change in its shareholders have to go through the consent of all other shareholders. At the same time, the three Universal Civilizations each only have one shareholder within the Limitless Financial Group, to ensure check and balance. Right now, with Kant among the shareholders, the federation and the church will not allow another ally of the dynasty to enter this circle.”
