Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
KO Tita Business Organization was panicky these days. The last two days had been tough going. They had spoken with many investors, but the result was unsurprising. Oh, so sorry, they were not too interested in the Titatitan side, but did they want to talk about cooperating under the new economic model of Lya Sphinx? “Pila, that dog, he’ll be the death of me.” Jasper had not worked himself into such a rage in a long time. A quick check readily revealed who was playing tricks behind his back. Pila had not intended to conceal it too deeply either. This was his territory, and he had Aegentos backing him up. Pila’s rumors were flying thick and fast. Titatitan was a slump. Why else would the financial chain be broken? Do you believe that nothing is going on behind the scenes? Investing with them was like throwing your money into the ocean. At least in the latter, you would be rewarded with a plop sound. Minerals? Could they be extracted? It’s just another of their hooks to lure you in. By the time you responded, it would be too late.
Don’t believe him? Then see what kind of cooperation they would offer! Why did he speak so much? That was because he was their earliest victim!
Rumors were things that got exaggerated as they went along. By the time they reached the ears of Yan Xiaosu and the rest, it was already blown out of proportion.
Jasper was gnashing his teeth in anger. A tiger left alive would come back to bite. If he had known, he should have strangled Pila to death back on Titatitan. He would at least see him incriminated with corporate espionage.
Yan Xiaosu heard him out without much response. He chuckled. “This Pila is quite capable, isn’t he? In just a day, he managed to spread the rumors thus far. That Aegentos has a good eye.”
Everyone was speechless. Did he really still have the mood to joke around at this time?
The thing had soured until now. If they could not respond, then the Tita Business Organization’s carefully built-up reputation could be finished. If a business negotiation did not work out, you could take it as a vacation, and a reading of the ground. But a puncturing of business reputation was no joking matter that self-consolation could solve. Especially since those on business here came from all parts of the Milky Way, and from all levels. Once they returned to spread the news…
The entire Tita Business Organization’s credit rating would fall. It might even drag down the reputation of Titatitan Star.
They must counter the opponent.
But the problem was that they were in foreign territory! How about a press announcement to explain the situation? That was exactly what Pila was hoping for. Such business matters only led to more doubt when subject to gossip. It also gave the opponent more chances to express their doubts. After all, some things were business secrets that could not be revealed, and the moment you said the information was classified, then doubt would deepen.
Yan Xiaosu smiled. “Panicking will not help one bit. That’s it for today then. Tomorrow is the opening ceremony. When we get to the mountain, there will be a way through.”
So the proverb went, but there might not be such a light at the end of the tunnel…
At that moment, Laurel, who had not spoken thus far, pulled Zhao Elin to one side. “Brother Yan speaks the truth. I’ll be borrowing the beauty of your house. Let the men worry about it. They’re in charge of earning money and supporting the house. We’re in charge of looking good.”
Zhao Elin obediently turned towards Yan Xiaosu, and Yan Xiaosu nodded and smiled. “Go on, and don’t save my money. I’m just about to go find a masseur… Don’t worry, I’m looking for a master, a guy.”
Jasper and Gabre left the massage place before too long. Both had much to discuss.
Yan Xiaosu could be relaxed, but they had not the mood. This could not be Yan Xiaosu, testing their ability. Even someone with no ability could not have made things this bad.
Jasper lit a cigarette, but did not smoke it. He pincered it between his fingers, and inhaled the smoke. After a while, he said, “Gabre, we can’t just leave this as it is. If we sit terrified, I won’t be able to face myself, even if Brother Yan can.”
Gabre was not surprised by Jasper’s words. He was of the same mind. He nodded. “We’ve ridden on his coattails long enough. D*mn, I don’t’ believe that Pila trash is so powerful.”
In truth, ever since they had come under Yan Xiaosu, both had left behind their playboy ways. In their own family hierarchy, one was beginning to be groomed as the heir, while the other sat in a stable position. Most importantly, they were beginning to be regarded well by their families. This was a feeling they had never experienced before. And Yan Xiaosu was a chivalrous and magnanimous man who treated his brothers well. This was a completely different feeling.
“This time around, we must at least settle the matter. I’ve thought about it. To strike back at Pila, there is but one move. In truth, as long as we can get the investments, then the rumors count for nothing.” Jasper kneaded his fist. He had introduced Pila. Now that he was the problem, Brother Yan did not hold it against him, but Jasper felt responsible.
Before, he could have fooled around a little, and laughed it off and feigned indifference. But now things were different. What he pursued was also different. Now he faced his responsibilities head-on so that he could go further.
Gabre nodded. “I’ll go ask for some favors tomorrow. I’m sure I can pull some funds…”
Jasper nodded. “We’ll divide and conquer. You do that, and I’ll try something else. Let’s drop the subject for now. Oh, and no matter how much we can raise, we must hype the atmosphere.”
Gabre agreed deeply. A no-show was scary.
At the flourishing night market, Zhao Elin and Laurel had purchased a small heap of things. Some were souvenirs, and other small things that girls liked. Brand was not necessary. What they liked, and thought was special, they bought.
Zhao Elin was enjoying herself. Laurel was a shrewd girl, while Zhao Elin was simple. Laurel would have no problems getting along with her.
When they were resting, Zhao Elin eventually could not help but ask, “Sister Laurel, will there be any problems? They all seem very troubled.”
She was not worried about the business, but about Yan Xiaosu.
Laurel smiled and said heartily, “Don’t worry, sometimes taking a setback is not a bad thing.” Capability wise, she was definitely stronger than Jasper. But the problem was, if she was going to be serious about a guy, she hoped it would be someone she could entrust her future to, and not some weakling.
Laurel batted her eyes. “Your husband is a very remarkable man. At least in terms of his personal qualities, he’s far ahead of Jasper and Gabre.”
“Oh, him. He only knows how to act. All of you have been dazzled by his show.”
Laurel laughed. Was that truly the case? She had seen far too many people who put on airs, and Yan Xiaosu did not seem like that kind.
The Galaxy Trade Fair had formally begun. A grand opening ceremony and fanfare, but it was all for nought. The Tita Business Organization had been shamed.
The Tita Business Organization’s position…
It was quite removed, and surrounded by other small and medium enterprises. Clearly, they had been purposely set up by somebody.
But there was nothing they could do. Booths were not strictly regulated. It all depended on the organizer’s status, and there was no one they could even bring it up to. And this was clearly Pila’s work. Rumors still had an effect. If it were not that the name of KO group still had some influence, they might have been chased out.
“This isn’t too bad. Anyone who is willing to look for us here must already be a genuine person.” Yan Xiaosu’s optimism in the face of trouble got a laugh out of them. And the regular workers that were here to suffer with the few big bosses would definitely be looking at a raise or promotion.
In the centre was GLP Group’s booth. Pila was full of himself, dominating the field. GLP’s program was very popular. Talks had gone well in the past few days, and they had also sealed two huge orders in just the past hour.
They saw off another customer, and Pila had just taken a seat when a worker in a blue suit approached and said in a low voice, “Young Master, they are so pitiful over there that there isn’t even a kitten nearby.”
Pila took a drink of tea. The Tita Business Organization’s position was his doing. “Keke, carry on monitoring them. Call me directly if anything happens.”
“As you say, Young Master.”
The position of one’s booth was not the key, but merely a spiteful move. On his side, he had prepared something even more cruel: GLP Group’s alliance with Aslan’s Magic Group to develop Kusima, the primitive planet.
Although Aegentos had been actively welcoming, there were still many interested in the potential of Titatitan Star’s tourist industry. Many family businesses specialized in this, and were big investors. That the recouping would take a long period of time did not bother them at all. They prioritized stability and set returns. Stability over everything.
In the last two days, they had not contacted the Tita Business Organization, hoping to use their predicament to gain better terms from the Tita Business Organization. Should they not be rewarded for their timely and needed business?
But when this day had begun, a few professional tourism development companies were just preparing to go to the Tita Business Organization when they saw the announcement from GLP!
Kusima Star!
They were equally rich in resources. Although they were not rare minerals, they were rich in crystals and jewel ores. To the tourism developers, these were even more lucrative than the supergravity ores. A bauble program could attract the money of a huge number of quality customers. This was a violent and straightforward tactic. Besides, speculation would not affect this program as much. Most importantly, the Milky Way Alliance would not impose stringent control on these ores.
Besides, Magic Group’s cooperation meant that it had the trust of Aslan’s financial plutocracy. It was capable of fending off risk by itself.
Lastly, and the most crucial point, was Kusima Star’s position. It was not far from a business transport line. Tourists headed to Kusima need not transit too many times. The further stars might require two transits, whereas the more developed planets might only require 1.
In comparison, Titatitan Star’s program was a little…
Deserted.
An occasional person dropped by to inquire, but left after exchanging a couple of words. It was about the same as Kusima Star’s offer, with less favorable terms.
There was no such thing as hate or love without reason. Although Pila bore resentment towards them, even more so was that Tita Star’s program was in direct competition to them. He would settle accounts, old and new, all at once, and crush Tita Star here.
Just at this time, Gabre, sweating profusely, had dragged someone over.
“Let me introduce – this is Uncle Mance, Executive Chairman of the Mance Investment Group. My godfather…”
At the last line, Gabre’s face blushed a little. His luck was not bad. Just as he was about to return empty-handed, he had met Uncle Mance.
Mance was in a tough spot. He was not at all interested in Titatitan Star’s murky situation.
But he had been the one present at Gabre’s baptism, and he was long-time business partners with Gabre’s father. If he did not help them out, then what kind of old friend could he call himself?
