Cocolia's Confession
Topaz stared at Lin Hai, trying to discern his unfathomable secrets beneath his calm exterior.
She adjusted her posture, making her tone sound both professional and authoritative:
"Mr. Lin Hai, I admit that your appearance and everything you've done have exceeded the company's expectations. Your origins are a mystery, and your power is extraordinary. But above all, I hope you will seriously consider the consequences of standing against the overall strength of Interastral Peace Corporation!"
Lin Hai's gaze remained unwavering, as if he had already seen through all possibilities.
"This is the answer I've given after careful consideration."
Topaz took a small step forward, lowering his voice:
"You need to understand that once Interastral Peace Corporation officially initiates its armed debt collection process, there will be no turning back... That will be a completely different game."
"If this is the company's choice," Lin Hai replied decisively, with an almost cold-blooded madness, "Then don't look back."
This uncompromising response deeply moved Topaz.
She quickly composed herself and tried a different strategy, approaching the issue from a pragmatic economic perspective:
"Forgive my frankness, but from a purely asset valuation perspective, this icy planet itself has rather limited resources, and it may not be worth the company making such a large investment; the return on investment may not be proportional."
She tried to soften the other party's position through rational calculations.
Lin Hai grasped the logic in her words: "That's right. Therefore, the wisest business decision for Interastral Peace Corporation might be to abandon the idea of pursuing this debt."
Topaz realized that simple pressure wouldn't work, so she escalated the conversation to a broader level.
"This matter is of great importance and cannot be concluded in a single meeting. The company needs to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which includes not only the potential value of Jarilo-VI, but also you, Mr. Lin Hai, and all the unknown forces you represent."
Just then, Lin Hai made an unexpected suggestion.
"Interastral Peace Corporation, what kind of treatment and platform do you offer? If I promise to provide resources and support far exceeding this, would you be willing to consider a new possibility?"
Topaz was slightly taken aback, but her professionalism allowed her to quickly regain her composure, and she shook her head, saying:
"This isn't just about salary or position; I have responsibilities to the company."
Lin Hai did not press the matter, but instead took the opportunity to explain his core stance.
"I respect your choice. I, and the projects I promote, have always adhered to the principles of respecting talent and seeking win-win outcomes. We have no intention of engaging in a direct conflict with Interastral Peace Corporation."
He then changed the subject, revealing a strong sense of confidence and determination.
"But if the company insists on making conflict an option, then I can assert that the final result will only be unimaginable huge losses for the company, a defeat that even with the company's financial strength, will be heartbreaking!"
Lin Hai had a clear plan for this.
He knew all too well that Interastral Peace Corporation was, in essence, an extremely rational interest-driven entity.
Every action decision stems from a precise cost-benefit calculation.
If the cost of using force to collect debts is so high that it inevitably leads to total loss, and may even shake the foundation of part of the business.
Therefore, even companies must re-examine its feasibility.
Topaz admitted, "Your tough stance will make any subsequent negotiations extremely difficult."
Bronya, who had been observing quietly from the sidelines, stepped forward and said loudly:
"If the basis for negotiation is unfair coercion, then such negotiation is better left undone!"
Topaz took a deep breath, knowing that there was no way to make progress today.
She needs a reassessment; she needs more intelligence.
So she softened her stance. "I will report all the contents of today's meeting to the company's senior management truthfully. To be honest, I see the world recovering and everything is in need of rebuilding, and I don't want to see it dragged down by heavy debt."
These words were partly based on genuine feelings, but more so a delaying tactic.
Topaz needs time.
This is to conduct an in-depth investigation into the true potential of Lin Hai and Belobog, analyze uncertainties, and then submit a more persuasive assessment report to headquarters that could influence decision-making.
This confrontation has temporarily come to an end, but a deeper game has only just begun.
Topaz stepped out of the gates of Kliperburg, the crisp, cool air rushed towards him.
She felt as if she had broken free from some invisible constraint.
She slowly and deeply exhaled a breath of stale air that had been trapped in her chest.
The confrontation with Lin Hai inside the hall had put her under immense pressure.
This pressure did not stem from a direct threat of force, but rather from the composure and confidence emanating from the young man.
What exactly gives him such confidence?
Topaz frowned, his mind racing.
In her view, there are very few forces in the entire Star Sea that have both the strength and the courage to confront the Interastral Peace Corporation so forcefully.
Xianzhou Alliance?
Perhaps only those ancient and powerful beings would dare and be able to act in this way!
Topaz immediately reported the situation.
She took out a beautifully crafted, round communication device from her bosom, which looked like an ornament.
Start up.
The device projected a faint halo of light. Topaz lowered his voice and, as objectively as possible, reported to the other end what he had seen and heard in Belobog, especially every detail of his encounter with Lin Hai.
The voice coming from the other end of the communication was Aventurine's somewhat cynical tone.
After listening to Topaz's report, Aventurine said:
"This sounds like a tough opponent. If the assessment shows you can't handle it alone, I'll personally lead a team to provide support."
After a moment's hesitation, Topaz decisively replied, "I'm afraid... we really need you to come over. The situation here is far more complicated than we anticipated; it's very complex."
Belobog, a frozen city that was originally inconspicuous on the star map.
The emergence of the Lin Hai as a variable is rapidly turning it into the eye of a storm.
Deep beneath Kliperburg lies a renovated, elegantly furnished room.
Cocolia was sitting by the window, surrounded by a simulated landscape.
She was quietly reading a book.
The conditions here were far beyond those of an ordinary prison cell; it was more like a high-level form of house arrest, yet she still maintained an elegant lifestyle.
Clear footsteps approached from outside the door.
The door was gently pushed open, and Lin Hai and Bronya walked in.
Bronya's gaze fell on her mother, her expression extremely complicated.
There is concern, regret for the past, and heartache for the mother's past madness, but deeper still lies an unbreakable bond of family and worry.
She sat quietly on a chair to the side.
Lin Hai, on the other hand, appeared more calm; his gaze was scrutinizing and rational.
Cocolia saw them, a relieved smile appeared on her face.
She greeted Lin Hai first, her tone sincere. "Sir, thank you, thank you for finally stopping me and preventing the situation from sliding into the worst possible abyss."
Lin Hai nodded, his tone calm. "You weren't entirely without resistance. In the final moments, I could sense that you were still trying your best to resist the seduction of the Stellaron, attempting to maintain a sliver of clarity."
Upon hearing this, Cocolia's face showed shame.
She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of the book.
Regardless of any objective reasons, she was ultimately corrupted by the Stellaron, nearly destroying the Belobog she had sworn to protect.