"Topaz, you must rember, we are rchants. We have no real grudge against Fu Zhu. The only point of friction is the debt from Jarilo-VI, but compared to the consequences of making an enemy of an Envoy, that debt is not worth ntioning. Furthermore, he is one of the Naless. You absolutely cannot let Fu Zhu end up on the opposing side, do you understand?"
"I understand, Minister. But I'm still a little curious. The Company is massive. While it's surprising that Mr. Fu Zhu is an Envoy, surely the Company wouldn't fear a single one?"
A cold laugh ca from [Diamond]. "What if he's an Envoy who can't be killed and can't be sealed? According to our intelligence, Fu Zhu can resurrect infinitely, with the cost being either unknown or non-existent. On top of that, he possesses multiple Paths. What if the next ti we see him, he's suddenly an Envoy of sothing else? [The Hunt], for example.
Therefore, we have absolutely no reason to make an enemy of him over this. Alright, I'm giving you full authority over the situation on Jarilo-VI. I look forward to your performance, Topaz."
[Diamond] hung up. Topaz stared at the disconnected call, her heart pounding with an excitent that wouldn't subside.
Initially, she had only taken on this thankless project because Jarilo-VI's plight reminded her of her own howorld. But now, it seed that if she could establish a good relationship with Fu Zhu on behalf of the Strategic Investnt Departnt, her performance review would see a massive boost!
Realizing this, Topaz put her phone away and imdiately turned back towards the iron farm.
Inside, Fu Zhu was explaining the chanics of the machine to Hiko and the others. Seeing Topaz return, he paused the conversation. All eyes turned to her.
Topaz took a mont to compose her thoughts, then gave Fu Zhu a slight bow to express her apology. "My apologies, Mr. Fu Zhu. I was rather rude earlier. I have explained the situation on Jarilo-VI to my superiors. The debt is indeed a massive problem. The Company will no longer pursue repaynt and is willing to gift that batch of sealed, inoperable chs to Jarilo-VI, free of charge. This ti, of course, they will co with the activation keys."
Topaz's words instantly eased the tension in the air. Bronya let out a long sigh of relief, a smile finally returning to her face. She looked at Fu Zhu with a mix of gratitude and complex emotions.
She knew very well that the Company's change of heart wasn't because of the debt, but because of Fu Zhu.
She and Belobog had never wanted to trouble him, yet in the end, he was the one who protected them.
She—they—owed him even more now.
A smile also appeared on Fu Zhu's face, and the way he looked at Topaz was no longer filled with the hostility from before.
"It seems your superior is quite astute. No wonder the Company has grown to its current scale. It seems I've underestimated you all."
Topaz smiled and shook her head. "You flatter , Mr. Fu Zhu. I hope this little bit of friction won't affect the relationship between us. After all, the Company is still interested in purchasing such high-quality materials from you."
She carefully avoided ntioning Redstone Technology again. Their relationship with Fu Zhu had just started to nd; bringing up Redstone Technology now might just make things worse.
"Well now..."
Fu Zhu didn't imdiately give an answer, and his hesitation made Topaz's heart sink.
Crap, is he still holding a grudge over my earlier rudeness?!
Sweat beaded on Topaz's brow. Just as she was about to apologize again, Fu Zhu held up a hand to stop her.
"Don't worry, I'm not angry. It's just that I plan to supply this string and these iron ingots to Belobog at a low price. If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to discuss it with Bronya or Cocolia."
Standing quietly to the side, Bronya looked at Fu Zhu with surprise. "Fu Zhu, is that really okay? You've already helped us so much..."
Although Fu Zhu said "low price," Bronya knew his character. It would be incredibly low. By redirecting the Company's business to her, he was essentially letting Belobog earn the difference!
Fu Zhu winked at Bronya, giving her an affirming look.
"Mm-hm. Bronya, don't talk about favors and things like that. Think of this as an investnt. The favor you all owe will only be worth its price when Belobog grows stronger, wouldn't you agree? So just accept it."
Bronya opened her mouth, wanting to refuse his kind words—what did he an, only when Belobog grows stronger will the favor be worth its price... It was clearly just his way of comforting her, of making it easier for her to accept.
"...Thank you."
Seeing that Bronya had accepted his proposal, Fu Zhu smiled sincerely before turning his head to Topaz.
"Ms. Topaz, what do you think?"
Topaz shook her head. "I have no objections. In that case, I will discuss the procurent matter with Miss Bronya later."
"Wait, I suddenly have a question!"
Suddenly, Xing, who was standing beside Fu Zhu, shot her hand into the air.
Everyone turned to look at her. Xing rubbed her smooth chin with a thoughtful expression.
---o---
"Old Bro, you did say you're selling it to Belobog at a low price, not for free. And while you say it's a low price, the quantity of these iron ingots is incredibly high..."
"So what's your question?" Fu Zhu was a bit confused. Wasn't his solution a win-win-win? A low-price sale would prevent the awkwardness that can co from too much charity, it would provide a steady stream of funds for the Astral Express, and it would save Jarilo-VI. What could possibly be the problem?
Xing looked at Fu Zhu with a very serious expression, but then her little face gradually broke into an uncontrollable grin.
"Does that an... I'm now really the Second Young Miss of the Fu (Rich) Family?! Hooray! Long live Old Bro!"
Xing joyfully threw her arms around Fu Zhu's neck and planted a firm kiss on his cheek.
"Old Bro, I'm requesting to have my room renovated into an arcade!"
Fu Zhu scrubbed vigorously at the spot Xing had kissed with a disgusted look. "No. As soon as the money arrives, the first thing I'm doing is sending you to school."
Xing's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you even human? Who sends their own sister away?"
"We're not blood-related."
"Our bond is thicker than blood!"
The siblings' bickering made the atmosphere much more relaxed. Hiko stood to the side, smiling and shaking her head. She then addressed the three younger mbers of her crew.
"Alright, now that things here have co to a close, I'll be heading back. You three, rember to co back to the train after the Sun-Soaring Festival. It's ti we set off for our appointnt in Penacony."
"Okay, Miss Hiko," the three replied in unison.
Hearing that Hiko was leaving, Bronya quickly tried to persuade her to stay.
"Miss Hiko, won't you stay and join us for the Sun-Soaring Festival? It's rare for you to visit, and we haven't had a chance to properly host you."
Hiko smiled and shook her head, politely declining Bronya's invitation.
"No, the navigator has a lot to attend to. Next ti, perhaps. Taking good care of these three is the sa as hosting . Goodbye, and I hope you all have a wonderful ti on Jarilo-VI."
"Alright then. Miss Hiko, Belobog will always welco you."
"Mm."
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