"Topaz, you must remember, we are merchants. 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 mentioning. Furthermore, he is one of the Nameless. 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 came 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 time we see him, he's suddenly an Envoy of something 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 excitement that wouldn't subside.
Initially, she had only taken on this thankless project because Jarilo-VI's plight reminded her of her own homeworld. But now, it seemed that if she could establish a good relationship with Fu Zhu on behalf of the Strategic Investment Department, her performance review would see a massive boost!
Realizing this, Topaz put her phone away and immediately turned back towards the iron farm.
Inside, Fu Zhu was explaining the mechanics of the machine to Himeko and the others. Seeing Topaz return, he paused the conversation. All eyes turned to her.
Topaz took a moment 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 repayment and is willing to gift that batch of sealed, inoperable mechs to Jarilo-VI, free of charge. This time, of course, they will come 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 me, 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 mentioning Redstone Technology again. Their relationship with Fu Zhu had just started to mend; bringing up Redstone Technology now might just make things worse.
"Well now..."
Fu Zhu didn't immediately 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 investment. The favor you all owe me 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 mean, 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 procurement 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 come 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 mean... 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. Himeko stood to the side, smiling and shaking her head. She then addressed the three younger members of her crew.
"Alright, now that things here have come to a close, I'll be heading back. You three, remember to come back to the train after the Sun-Soaring Festival. It's time we set off for our appointment in Penacony."
"Okay, Miss Himeko," the three replied in unison.
Hearing that Himeko was leaving, Bronya quickly tried to persuade her to stay.
"Miss Himeko, 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."
Himeko smiled and shook her head, politely declining Bronya's invitation.
"No, the navigator has a lot to attend to. Next time, perhaps. Taking good care of these three is the same as hosting me. Goodbye, and I hope you all have a wonderful time on Jarilo-VI."
"Alright then. Miss Himeko, Belobog will always welcome you."
"Mm."