Chapter 19: Preparing to Meet

Chapter 19: Preparations for the Meeting

Xie Chi put the gun back into his space and looked toward the source of the sound.

There stood a young Omega draped in a cyan robe, his long black hair half-tied back, holding a black long-stemmed pipe in his hand, smiling warmly in their direction.

Behind him followed Shopkeeper Wang, looking anxious and deferential.

"It's Mr. Ai! Mr. Ai is here!"

"Mr. Ai hasn't shown himself for over three months—why the sudden appearance..."

The crowd murmured among themselves and immediately parted a path for Mr. Ai, clearly holding this smiling, gentle man in great awe.

Viper let out a cold sneer: "Your guests? Looks more like troublemakers to me. They come in and wreck my people's establishment, and if I just let that slide, then how can I still hold my head up on this street?"

Mr. Ai remained unruffled, his voice mild: "Mr. Viper is a man of his word, loyal to his code, with countless brothers—naturally you should settle scores. But I've heard that some days ago, you personally ordered that anyone from the Second Prince's camp who comes to the black market be given special treatment."

"Now that His Highness has personally come to expose counterfeit goods, resorting to violence might not be the wisest move."

Viper's expression darkened.

Mr. Ai was all but calling him a bullying, unscrupulous merchant to his face.

Though that was indeed the truth, who besides Mr. Ai and Yan Wanqiu would dare say that to his face?

This stuck-up Omega from out of town! Always putting on that holier-than-thou act just to make his life miserable!

Viper fell silent, and Mr. Ai, knowing when to quit, shot a glance at Shopkeeper Wang.

Shopkeeper Wang immediately understood, produced a small box, and made his way through the crowd and presented it to Viper with deference.

"Calm down—peace and harmony bring prosperity." Mr. Ai said in a gentle tone. "I'll apologize to you on their behalf."

At his cue, Shopkeeper Wang opened the box.

Inside lay a striking ruby necklace.

The gem wasn't top-tier, but the craftsmanship was exquisite, clearly expensive. The onlookers all gasped, stunned by Mr. Ai's extravagance.

Publicly humiliated, Viper had no choice but to release Shi Peijue and snatch the box from Shopkeeper Wang, taking the out he was given.

"Who cares about your overpriced rocks that are all the rage on the main planet? You'd better pray I don't get anything on you..."

Viper muttered curses under his breath but ultimately let it go, turning to leave with his men.

"Wait." Xie Chi spoke up.

Viper turned back in irritation: "What now?"

Xie Chi pointed to his backpack: "I still haven't returned these."

Viper finally lost it: "Are you out of your mind?!"

Yan Wanqiu and Mr. Ai had clearly been in cahoots, using the counterfeit goods to put the screws to him, and now that their goal was accomplished, this guy still wanted his refunds?

Even mooching had its limits!

Xie Chi blinked, puzzled: "You still want to fight?"

With no hostages in Viper's hands now, Xie Chi was game for a fight.

Viper: "..."

Yan Wanqiu chuckled lowly, and Mr. Ai took a puff from his pipe to hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"Young man." Mr. Ai barely held back his laughter, gesturing at Xie Chi with his pipe. "Leave your stuff with me. I'll have my men handle the returns for you later."

Xie Chi looked at Yan Wanqiu—this was Yan Wanqiu's contact, someone he didn't know.

Yan Wanqiu nodded: "Give it to him."

Only then did Xie Chi agree: "Okay."

Rid of Xie Chi's pestering, Viper stormed off with his men.

Xie Chi, carrying his backpack, followed Mr. Ai alongside Yan Wanqiu as the crowd watched them leave.

Shi Peijue hastily wiped his tears and scurried after them.

Watching them leave, the crowd murmured among themselves.

"Judging by Mr. Ai's attitude, is he trying to court Yan Wanqiu? Over the thermal ore?"

"No way? The main planet would never let a new energy source like that slip through its fingers. Yan Wanqiu probably won't even live to see the freezing period. Would Mr. Ai really be that lacking in foresight?"

"Exactly—the Third Prince came in person with several thousand soldiers, personally escorted by Lord You. Even if Yan Wanqiu survives this, he won't hold on to the thermal ore..."

"Mr. Ai has been scaling back his territory lately. It can't be that he's so desperate he's grasping at straws because he can't outdo Viper, right?"

"Anyway, the Fortune Pine was fake. Good thing they raised a stink—I almost bought one."

...

North Street, teahouse private room.

The room was toasty warm. Mr. Ai sat across from Xie Chi and the others, taking a light puff from his pipe and exhaling a thin wisp of smoke.

He was smoking a refreshing thin-leaf blend rather than tobacco, and a faint, clean fragrance filled the room.

Mr. Ai smiled at Yan Wanqiu: "Coming to find a commoner like me with such a grand show—does Your Highness have something important to discuss?"

Yan Wanqiu got straight to the point: "A partnership. On mining thermal ore."

Mr. Ai paused mid-motion, opening his eyes to look at Yan Wanqiu meaningfully: "Can you guarantee a long-term partnership?"

Yan Wanqiu curled his lips, giving an answer that seemed to sidestep the question: "Some things were already set in stone the moment I was diagnosed with Pheromone Dysregulation Syndrome. If I want to survive, my only option is to be completely at odds with Yan Huishi."

Mr. Ai fell into thought.

Yan Wanqiu's exile here wasn't a big deal in itself, but he had discovered thermal ore within Blizzard City's territory—an energy source several times more efficient than existing ones.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted, but with the main planet already making its move, a mere black-market street boss like him could only watch from the sidelines.

Moreover, his identity was hardly suited to appearing in the main planet's line of sight.

Recalling the electromagnetic gun he'd seen at the port recently, Mr. Ai's gaze darkened.

The Mechanical Civilization had already emerged, and as the first line of defense on the border, the Northern Domain Star would soon descend into chaos.

He had only arrived in Blizzard City six years ago, with a weaker foothold than Viper. After five years of conflict with Viper, his rapid retreat now looked like defeat but was actually preparation for escape.

But Yan Wanqiu's appearance showed him a new possibility.

Blizzard City was easy to defend and hard to attack, and the Northern Frontier Star had a natural climatic barrier. Though exiled, Yan Wanqiu was still a legitimate prince.

He hadn't thought highly of Yan Wanqiu initially, but the other's every step in Blizzard City was more steady and rapid than he'd expected—even managing to completely level the Night Owl Syndicate headquarters, which had once stood alongside the black market, just recently.

Even he hadn't known the Night Owl Syndicate's headquarters was in Windcliff Village.

After the Windcliff Village incident, he immediately ordered his men not to cause trouble for Yan Wanqiu's people.

Mr. Ai was a shrewd man. Unlike You Fuzhu, who hedged his bets between the main star and Yan Wanqiu, Mr. Ai's situation was unique.

He knew full well that if Yan Huishi took power, he'd never have a chance to align himself with the main star and would have to keep fleeing.

But if Yan Wanqiu could truly establish himself through the energy source and turn the tide, even if Yan Wanqiu eventually died of illness, he'd be able to inherit the other's legacy...

Mr. Ai's eyes flickered. Instead of answering Yan Wanqiu immediately, he looked at the black-haired youth beside him.

"That young friend's moves earlier were truly impressive. I wonder if you had anything to do with the Windcliff Village incident?"

"Hm?" Xie Chi, who had been searching for Mr. Ai's information on his terminal, snapped out of it.

He looked at Yan Wanqiu.

He'd only come to shop and return stuff. He had no idea what Yan Wanqiu was planning. After searching the terminal and finding no similar historical events, he naturally deferred to Yan Wanqiu to avoid messing up his plans.

Yan Wanqiu nodded, acknowledging the credit for Xie Chi.

The sincerity in Mr. Ai's smile deepened as he turned back to Yan Wanqiu. "You've got yourself a loyal and capable subordinate. So, what would you have me do for you, Your Highness?"

In his view, Xie Chi's lavish spending, his troublesome returns, and even his display of skill were all orchestrated by Yan Wanqiu to show sincerity.

Since Yan Wanqiu's original intent was to let things play out, he naturally didn't over-explain. He merely glanced at Xie Chi, who was staring blankly at his terminal glasses.

That guy was probably chatting with Yan Baiyue at this very moment. From the moment he'd met Xie Chi, he'd smelled that sweet pheromone scent of Yan Baiyue on him.

Loyal? He'd be grateful if Xie Chi didn't suddenly stab him in the back.

Yan Wanqiu grumbled inwardly while continuing to negotiate with Mr. Ai. "Nothing too difficult. Mr. Ai, do you know about the thermal ore field under the Night Owl Syndicate's casino? It's also the largest ore field known to us. I need you to provide the manpower and equipment to mine it and train the professionals. As a technical investment, you'll get a share of the thermal ore output."

Mr. Ai's eyes widened a little in surprise. "Your Highness, you're saying...?"

Yan Wanqiu spoke plainly. "I don't have enough manpower or equipment. I hadn't expected to find thermal ore before coming here. The smaller veins can sustain us for now, but as development continues, I need professionals to manage it. Since you control part of Blizzard City's old energy mines, your tech must be solid."

Mr. Ai composed himself and asked again, "Then what do you need me to do for you?"

There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. The thermal ore had already drawn greedy eyes from all sides. Once he got his hands on it first, whether he developed it further or flipped it, the profits would be astronomical.

Yan Wanqiu looked at him and said slowly, "I know there are still a few pricey shipping routes during the freeze period. I need those cargo lines completely at my disposal during that time, and within the next half month, you need to fully assist me in stockpiling supplies with money and some of the ore."

As Yan Wanqiu finished speaking, Xie Chi blinked.

He finally matched Yan Wanqiu's words to the history books.

This was the matter of Yan Wanqiu taking over the black market's shipping routes—except in history, there was no such person as Mr. Ai. Yan Wanqiu had seized a window of internal chaos in the black market after dealing with Yan Baiyue, directly swallowing up half the market. Later, he killed Viper, turning Blizzard City into his absolute domain, laying the material groundwork for everything that followed.

Now it seemed he'd accidentally done something again that changed the course of history.

Food...

Xie Chi thought of the crates of nutrient solution in his spatial ring.

One bottle could provide an adult's energy needs for a full day. But such conspicuous items—Xie Chi had no idea how to bring them out without putting Ji Chou in danger again.

While Xie Chi was lost in thought, Mr. Ai had already set down his pipe, smiling as he shook Yan Wanqiu's hand to seal the deal. "No problem. Here's to a smooth cooperation."

Shi Peijue, who'd been forced to listen to the whole conversation: "..."

TvT

Was this really the kind of secret a nobody like him should be hearing? Was he about to get whacked?

Shi Peijue's trembling caught Mr. Ai's attention. Mr. Ai smiled at him. "Xiao Shi, you did good this time. I've kept your shop for you—you can come back whenever you want."

Shi Peijue was about to nod emotionally when he saw Xie Chi and Yan Wanqiu, then jolted, suddenly remembering he was no longer a free man. He shook his head over and over. "Thanks, Mr. Ai. I'm doing fine at the camp."

Mr. Ai had only made a half-hearted attempt. He'd already resolved to distance himself from anything involving the Mechanical Alien Race, and a mechanic wasn't much use to him. He said nothing more.

He glanced at his smart device, then looked at Xie Chi with a smile. "Alright, young friend. Your items have all been returned. How should I send you the money?"

Xie Chi snapped back to attention and showed his payment code. "Just scan this. Thanks."

Mr. Ai transferred fifty thousand directly.

Xie Chi saw the amount and looked up, startled. "That's too much."

The items had cost just over thirty thousand in total.

Mr. Ai had already picked up his pipe again, taking a light sip and smiling at Yan Wanqiu with an expression that said everything without words. "Consider the extra a welcome gift for the young friend. Here's to a smooth cooperation ahead."

He believed he saw things clearly—for Xie Chi to be kept so close by Yan Wanqiu with such impressive skills, he had to be the most trusted of confidants.

Showing favor to Xie Chi was showing favor to Yan Wanqiu.

Yan Wanqiu: "..."

He could understand Mr. Ai's gesture.

But this man was hardly his confidant—he was his biggest headache.

.

The black market trip ended with everyone returning fully loaded.

By the time they left the teahouse, it was already past midnight. Xie Chi hitched a ride on Yan Wanqiu's aircraft back to camp, said goodbye, and headed to the camp's delivery station to sign for his mountain of packages.

It hadn't seemed like much while shopping, but after hauling everything home and seeing the packages filling his forty-square-meter space to the brim, Xie Chi realized he'd overestimated the size of his quarters.

Everything he'd bought was meant for two people living together, but he was staying in a standard single dorm. Fine for one person, but cramped for two.

Just the two-meter bed alone—placed where the original bed had been—left no room for even a nightstand beside it.

Xie Chi had to first sort out the things his wife would take away tomorrow, then replace essentials like the bed, and stack the rest with their packaging outside. Only then did he manage to make enough space to move around indoors.

By the time he finished, dawn was nearly breaking.

Xie Chi's room was now completely transformed.

It had been thoroughly cleaned, the tile floor gleaming under the lights. After fixing the window, Xie Chi had hung a new pair of floral curtains. The showerhead in the bathroom was new, and the range hood, stove, and dishes in the kitchen were all purchased today. The double-door refrigerator was too large, so it could only stay indoors for now.

The shabby bed inside was thrown out, replaced with a brand-new 2x2-meter bed and new bedding set, with the foot of the bed pressed firmly against the storage cabinet, a new fireplace burning thermal ore, and behind the dining table by the entrance sat the double-door refrigerator that couldn't fit in the kitchen.

Xie Chi stood at the door looking at his room, happy for a moment, then his spirits sank again.

It was a total eyesore.

Stuffing a pile of brand-new furniture into such a small, shabby home—not only did the style clash, but every few steps he'd trip over a piece of furniture.

Human desire really was insatiable. At first, Xie Chi only thought that as long as he had family, even living on scraps would be fine. Once he actually had family, Xie Chi then thought that no matter what, he had to give his wife a cozy little home. Now that he'd worked hard to replace the furniture in the little home, Xie Chi wanted an even bigger house.

So, at seven in the morning, Yan Wanqiu had just opened his eyes and saw a message from Xie Chi on his smart device.

"Xie Chi: Your Highness, does our camp have bigger houses? How much would it cost to buy a three-bedroom, one-living-room unit?"

Yan Wanqiu: ?

Was Xie Chi really placing an order at this hour?