Abyss Solo

Yang Ming gave a thumbs up from the side: "But you can't recreate a beauty with a single cell."

Professor Hua Moli grinned: "That's true."

"Shall we get something to eat?"

Kolev smiled and said:

"It's my first time in the Guel Alliance, and I'm not very familiar with the place. Why don't you, Professor Hua Moli, recommend a few spots? I have always respected scientists like you. If the opportunity arises, I would certainly like to fund the development of some of your experimental projects."

"You're too kind," Hua Moli said solemnly, "You've helped me a great deal this time. Please, give me a chance to show my gratitude."

"As you wish," Kolev did not insist, "but I must assure you, wealth, to me, is merely a basic numerical value. I would never tarnish your noble ideals with my riches."

Professor Hua Moli seemed like he wanted to say something but stopped.

In fact, his research institute was quite in need of investment, as biological research itself demanded substantial funding, and managing numerous projects simultaneously was quite costly. Which researcher would ever complain about having too much research funding?

Of course, Professor Hua Moli couldn't say such things outright; he needed to understand Mr. Haton's assets first.

...

Deep night at the cylindrical settlement.

Yang Ming and Kolev escorted the drunken Professor Hua Moli back to his top-floor suite, leaving two robotic maids to watch over the old professor before closing the door and leaving.

"This old professor is something," Kolev chuckled, "I just checked his research institute; it's at the forefront of the Galaxy in some fields. What's more, his institute is not state-owned."

Yang Ming shrugged: "A task given by a big shot."

"Task? What task?"

The two slowed their pace in tacit understanding.

Yang Ming glanced at the surveillance in the corner of the corridor, which shut off on its own, indicating Lyu had perfectly controlled the surrounding environment.

Yang Ming said, "The old professor has an auxiliary chip in his mind. It contains some technology I need to obtain, but this auxiliary chip is completely bonded. Unless the old professor willingly hands over the technology, it's tough to steal it."

"Oh," Kolev mused for a moment, "Can't you just buy his research institute?"

"Buy... buy it?"

Yang Ming turned and glared at Kolev: "Do you think this is something that can be acquired so easily?"

"I previously looked into the estimated value of this research institute; it's just over sixty billion Guel Alliance currency, roughly equivalent to 9.5 billion New Federation Coins," Kolev said leisurely, "It's nothing."

"I hadn't considered this before, no," Yang Ming clicked his tongue.

The plan devised earlier hadn't even offered him this option.

Kolev asked, "What method did you intend to use to obtain this technology before?"

"Two methods," Yang Ming put his hands behind his back, "The first method is to blur the lines between dream and reality; the second method is to create a crisis, and at the brink of desperation, have this old man unlock his auxiliary chip and entrust it to me. The first method has a higher success rate, but it requires a lot of acting on my part."

"Now you have a third method, don't you?"

"Yes, if that big sister is willing to reimburse me, I don't mind saving myself some effort."

Kolev was puzzled: "Did you insist on my daughter bringing me over just so you could bail yourself out?"

Yang Ming laughed: "Of course not, going to the police station this time was a temporarily devised strategy to enhance rapport with the old professor."

"Wow, let's hope Mimili believes your nonsense."

"She trusts me implicitly."

Yang Ming answered with faint guilt, then continued:

"Having you come over here has two main purposes. The first you've already started, which is to expose us within the Guel Alliance.

"Currently, the news is gaining more and more traction, with Lyu pushing it from behind, aiming to attract the attention of the Guel officials.

"If they reach out to us, then we can proceed with the second matter."

Kolev chuckled: "You want to draw the Guel Alliance to support the Luofeng?"

"Yes," Yang Ming replied with a smile, "Among the Four Great Rogues of the Galaxy, the second-ranked New Federation is crippled, the top-ranked Sherman Empire is too busy with its own troubles, and the equally matched Free Federation and Guel Alliance both hope for the Empire's downfall, seeking the greatest benefit for themselves."

Kolev's gaze showed a hint of contemplation.

Yang Ming continued to slowly lay out his vision:

"To catalyze internal contradictions within the Empire, its vassal state system is one of the best leverage points.

"Our Wind Alliance already has strong influence in that Star Domain. The Sherman Empire, due to various incidents and the impact of the great insect swarm, has been unable to spare the effort to deal with us.

"Moreover, in their judgment, the current Luofeng Empire is still their puppet.

"But as the deadline for annual silver exemption draws nearer, a conflict is inevitable.

"Luofeng cannot continue to bow to the Sherman Empire or the political foundation of the Wind Alliance will collapse entirely. Luofeng must be an independent country for this alliance to function effectively and to elevate the sense of honor among its member nations' citizens.

"If Luofeng pays annual silver, the alliance will only exist in name, and all our efforts thus far will vanish into thin air."

Kolev mused: "I understand these logics, but the problem is, how do we confront Sherman?"

"Which is why the Sherman Empire is now experiencing internal strife," Yang Ming squinted with a smile, "What we have now is nowhere near enough; I've also set up additional plans, which will be implemented soon."

"This still seems somewhat too risky, alas."

Kolev sighed deeply:

"When I think of the Empire's invincible fleet, the mysterious Levi Fleet, and the colossal Emperor Star Mecha, I can't help but feel a sense of powerlessness.

"Captain, can we really win this war?"

"Don't use questions, First Mate," Yang Ming laughed, "You're the one who told me, never lose the heart to challenge the strong."

"Yes," Kolev nodded.

Yang Ming's gaze grew distant: "Remember the time we sat in the cloaked boat? Witnessing the Imperial Dreadnought shattering the battleship where Lina was."

"That's something you can't forget."

"Since then, I've been pondering, if a Dreadnought locked onto me, how could I escape?"

Yang Ming said blandly:

"The pinnacle of military might in the Milky Way doesn't lie with powerful individuals, but with invincible fleets. I've recognized this issue since then.

"After that, I've been striving in this direction, until the Dreadnought can no longer be a threat to me; only then will I feel some sense of security.

"Facing the Empire, I am a challenger, but not the only one.

"Internal turmoil within the Empire provides the best opportunity for challengers.

"Uniting these challengers to collectively resist this mighty enemy and push the Sherman Empire into the depths of disintegration is what I'm currently working on.

"The independence of the Luofeng Empire not only aims to liberate the billions of its people (with a rapid increase in immigration) but also serves as a sharp dagger pointed at the Sherman Empire.

"Trust me, the Guel Alliance will seize such an opportunity. Soon, an official representative will reach out to us... and that will be your responsibility."

Kolev jokingly scolded: "I knew you wouldn't kindly arrange for me to come here just to admire the Guel beauties!"

"Alright, let's rest up," Yang Ming laughed, "I'm going to chat with my girlfriend."

"Hey!"

Kolev glared at Yang Ming, gritting his teeth slightly but ultimately helpless.

He whispered:

"I know I should give my children freedom, but I only have this one daughter.

"Even though it was her initiative to develop a relationship with you, I still hope you'll take it seriously. Break-ups are normal, but please don't emotionally harm her.

"Also, you'd better limit your interactions with other women!"

Yang Ming chuckled twice and quickly disappeared.

Old Kolev watched the direction Yang Ming vanished, and after a few seconds, he smiled wryly, then pushed the door open and returned to his room.