"Old Huang, how can you speak with such an attitude! Zhao Chen is a junior, and there are some matters he hasn't fully considered yet. Of course, he needs time to think things through slowly."
Governor Bilan looked at Zhao Chen with a kind and benevolent expression. "Student Zhao Chen, do you feel that what we're offering you isn't enough?
Well then, how about this? I feel a connection with you, and I'm willing to adopt you as my godson! I'll give you the 20% profit share originally meant for me.
Hand over these Starship Technologies to the Hurricane Consortium for operation, and Chairman Feng will give you 50%!
Moreover, I can guarantee that within five years, you'll be promoted to Viscount, and within twenty years, you'll become a Count!"
Godson?
Even if you wanted to be my son, I wouldn't be willing.
Zhao Chen could see it clearly now—these people were putting on a show, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop!
Using both kindness and intimidation, they wanted to win Zhao Chen over first.
As for whether Zhao Chen would actually receive that so-called 50% profit share later, that wouldn't be up to him.
Compared to these cunning individuals, Zhao Chen trusted Governor Chu more.
Based on past records of Governor Chu, he was at least a man of his word, loyal to his principles, and hated evil. Under his management, the Chu River Star Sector was several times better in terms of public security compared to other star sectors, and there had never been any reports of nobles causing trouble in the region.
"Governor, I still think we should drop this proposal. I've attended enough of this banquet and am feeling a bit tired, so I'll take my leave now." Just as Zhao Chen was about to stand up and leave, a circle of light screens rose around the crescent-shaped booth where he was seated. Simultaneously, four men who looked like bodyguards positioned themselves on the path Zhao Chen needed to take to exit.
"Student Zhao Chen, are you really going to deny me this face?" Governor Bilan narrowed his eyes at Zhao Chen, the smile on his face now filled with a chilling intent.
It was time to lay the cards on the table.
Zhao Chen smiled, leaning slightly toward Governor Bilan and whispering into his ear in a voice loud enough for everyone in the booth to hear.
"What if I say no, what can you do to me?"
Zhao Chen's words were like pouring oil on a fire.
Governor Bilan's gaze turned icy as he looked at Zhao Chen.
At that moment, Marshal Huang Zhixiong beside him spoke up. "What can we do? I now suspect, in my capacity as an Imperial Army Marshal, that your Starship Technology is related to the Mechanical Race!
We will detain and interrogate you! I hope Student Zhao Chen will cooperate. Otherwise... you might suffer some physical discomfort."
Zhao Chen smiled calmly. These people were prepared to resort to force when persuasion failed, completely disregarding the presence of Su Lan and others.
Their behavior was truly unsightly.
However, judging by the expressions of the banquet guests around them, they likely hadn't heard the conversation inside. The light screen didn't block outside noise but prevented internal voices from being transmitted outward.
"Nonsense! How could Student Zhao Chen possibly be related to the Mechanical Race? He's a hero who saved the Faculty and Students of the Two Academies! You have no evidence! You can't make such baseless accusations!" Xue Xiaoxiao, straightforward as ever, stood up immediately to defend Zhao Chen.
This surprised Zhao Chen, who hadn't expected this cannon-loving loli to speak up for him.
"Is the word of an Imperial Army Marshal not evidence enough? Are you questioning the authority of a Five-Star Marshal of the Empire?"
"If he truly has no issues, I will naturally release him after the interrogation!" Marshal Huang Zhixiong raised his head and declared.
Interrogation?
Letting this guy take him away for interrogation—even if there were no problems, he would likely fabricate some. Zhao Chen chuckled inwardly.
Teacher Qin stood up, her expression serious. "Esteemed sirs, Zhao Chen is a student of our North Star Starship Military Academy! You cannot treat our student this way.
I can see it now—you are after the starship technology Zhao Chen possesses.
Regardless of where Zhao Chen obtained his starship technology, according to the laws enacted by the Empire, any starship technology developed by individuals, organizations, or research institutes is protected by Imperial law as private property.
Even the Imperial Royal Family cannot forcibly demand the surrender of such private starship technology!
This is illegal!
Aren't you worried that I will spread your words and tarnish the reputation and authority of all three of you?"
Governor Bilan shook his head with a light laugh. "Since I dared to say these things in your presence, do you think we are concerned about that?
I know your identity—the daughter of the dean of the North Star Starship Military Academy.
But don't forget, this is the Azure Star Domain, not your North Wind Star Domain.
Here… I call the shots!
Today, Zhao Chen must stay. The three of you are free to leave.
I don't care what you say outside."
Governor Bilan's utter fearlessness made it clear that he and the forces behind him simply did not care about such matters.
As long as Zhao Chen was in their territory, they were confident they could control this minor Baron.
"You…" Teacher Qin's expression darkened. She hadn't expected these people to be so shameless.
Zhao Chen looked at Teacher Qin. This teacher was still too naive.
Those Imperial rules were only meant to restrain the middle and lower classes. For those standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid, those rules were merely tools.
As long as sufficient benefits were placed before them, they would naturally ignore those rules.
And Zhao Chen was now the immense benefit that made them willing to disregard the rules.
That T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser—no matter what, they had to get their hands on it!
Not even the North Star Starship Military Academy could stop them!
"What if I said Zhao Chen is a member of our Su Family?" Su Lan, who had remained silent until now, spoke up.
Governor Bilan stared at Su Lan, smiling as he said, "I know who you are—the illegitimate daughter of the main branch of the Su Family in the Purple Perilla Star Sector.
Let's not even discuss whether your words carry any weight given your status.
Even if the Su Family truly wanted to protect this Zhao Chen…
Don't forget what I just said!"
Governor Bilan's eyes now gleamed with menace as he slammed his palm on the table. "This is my Azure Star Domain, not your Su Family's Purple Perilla Star Sector!
Your Su Family has no authority over my territory!"
Su Lan's expression was complicated. She, too, knew this would be the outcome, as the Su Family had an extremely poor relationship with this Governor Bilan. Since he dared to do this, he naturally wasn't afraid of trouble from the Su Family.
Even if they sought trouble, would they truly dare to lead an army in retaliation?
The Royal Family would be the first to disagree.
Now that Zhao Chen was in his hands, he held the initiative!
Only now did Xue Xiaoxiao sense the tense atmosphere. She looked at Zhao Chen with concern.
Now, they no longer even regard Su Lan's Su Family or the North Star Starship Military Academy behind Teacher Qin.
Could Zhao Chen really be detained here?
If that were the case, then Zhao Chen would truly be like a lamb entering a tiger's den—even if he didn't die, he'd be skinned alive!
"Governor Bilan, Marshal Huang Zhixiong, Chairman Feng. I wonder if you've ever heard this old saying:
Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—do not bully the youth for his poverty." Zhao Chen looked teasingly at the three big shots before him.