Chief Financial Advisor Acquired

Tang Xiao asked with great interest, "So, the accounts in your possession contain dirt on Ford Tonneth?"

"That's right. They contain evidence that Ford Tonneth manipulated InterGalactic Banking Clan funds during his term, providing financial support to the notorious underground syndicate, Black Sun, and a terrorist organization called Bando Gora. He also interfered in conflicts among the Hutts, causing the InterGalactic Banking Clan to bear unnecessary infamy and risks," Semir answered truthfully.

Even though Tang Xiao had been mentally prepared and had long known that Hego Damask II was an enormous Black Sun, he still had not expected the first commission Hego gave him to involve waters this deep! It was actually tied to the election for the position of co-chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan!

But now that Tang Xiao had decided to take the risk and make a gamble on Hego, he only felt that he had struck it rich.

The InterGalactic Banking Clan was absolutely a colossal behemoth in this galaxy. Together with the Trade Federation, Corporate Alliance, Technological Alliance, and Merchant Guilds, it formed the oligarchy that controlled the economic lifelines of the entire galaxy.

One could even draw a direct conclusion—the InterGalactic Banking Clan was the largest economic entity in the entire galaxy. Its sheer scale was enough to make one tremble!

Not to mention that Hego Damask II himself was also a deeply concealed Sith Lord!

Tang Xiao's body trembled slightly as excitement surged within him. The corners of his lips rose uncontrollably. Familiar with the story, he also knew who would emerge as the final victor in this struggle within the InterGalactic Banking Clan.

It was none other than San Hill, the man supported by Hego!

In that case, he would keep Semir's trump card in hand for now. When necessary, he could use it to secure ample benefits from the future co-chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, San Hill.

"Since you were able to access such core secrets of the Tonneth family, your position must not have been low. What did you do?" Tang Xiao asked.

"I am... no, I was a senior actuary and sector financial director of the InterGalactic Banking Clan," Semir answered.

"I'll make arrangements for you. You'll be hidden away by me. But you'll need to do some work as well. From now on, you'll be the financial advisor of our Fourth Group," Tang Xiao said, directly assigning Semir a position.

"Very well, sir." Semir accepted calmly, then asked, "May I ask what the Fourth Group is?"

"Of course it's a company." Tang Xiao had not expected Semir to ask such a question.

"No, I'm quite certain that you are not a company. There is no registration information for this company in the Galactic Republic Department of Commercial Administration, which means your existence is illegal," Semir replied. "I can remember the information of every major corporation in the galaxy, and a company capable of possessing such an enormous mothership could not possibly fail to exist in my mind."

Tang Xiao nodded and asked, "Would that have any impact?"

"A very great impact." Semir elegantly folded his hands and immediately slipped into his professional mode. The Muun's long index and middle fingers tapped rhythmically against the back of his hand. "Because it means that none of your actions will be protected by the Republic. Not only will your colonization efforts receive no subsidies, they will not even be recognized."

"I always thought that the Republic had no control at all in these remote Outer Rim Territories. Also, there are subsidies for establishing colonies?"

"Although the Republic's control over the Outer Rim Territories has been steadily weakening, it still retains a certain degree of cohesion overall. Development and colonization in the Outer Rim are also regarded by the Republic as the foundation for expanding its influence, so it will naturally offer support—as long as you swear allegiance to the Republic on behalf of your colony," Semir said.

He was now clear-headed and concise, even seemingly completely confident, neither servile nor overbearing. But Tang Xiao knew perfectly well that this was merely the professional bearing of a senior manager. Everything Semir displayed before him now was in service of authority, hoping that his every action would earn him more favors from that authority.

But authority was authority, and a manager was a manager. The panic Semir had shown when Tang Xiao rescued him was the true expression of someone like him when truly confronted with the power of authority.

Tang Xiao folded his hands, leaned back on the sofa, and said indifferently, "So all we need to do now is register a company?"

"It's not that simple, Mr. Tang Xiao." Semir shook his head. "Registering a company alone is not enough. You need to obtain a colonization permit, which involves a series of agreements. These include colonial taxation, protection of indigenous species, the Population Census demanded by the Jedi Order, mutual defense agreements, and so on. It is a tedious process, but one well worth the time and money."

"Money..." Tang Xiao frowned. "What we lack most right now is money. But that is precisely why I appointed you as our financial advisor."

"Indeed, this problem is not unsolvable. Based on my preliminary understanding of you, you possess independent manufacturing capabilities—this is money. But please allow me to gain a deeper understanding of your circumstances. I will draw up a business plan to help us complete our initial capital accumulation," Semir said. "However, given my current identity, it would be best if I did not appear before anyone. So I need an attendant. If it is a droid, I believe you will be more at ease."

Tang Xiao was not embarrassed in the slightest. He said to the T-850 behind him, "From now on, you will accompany Mr. Semir. Provide him with anything and any information he needs."

The synthetic skin used by this T-850 gave it the appearance of an utterly ordinary middle-aged man. Compared to it, Tang Xiao still preferred the T-850 originally assigned to him, the one that looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger. That T-850 had been damaged previously, but it should be nearly repaired by now and could return to his side.

The T-850 nodded, moved to stand behind Semir, and remained silent.

Semir stood and bowed to Tang Xiao. "I believe my body still requires some recuperation. Please allow me to take my leave first, Mr. Tang Xiao. Once I have recovered, I will formally serve you as your financial advisor."

"Very well. Please rest well." Tang Xiao nodded.

After Semir left, Tang Xiao smiled in satisfaction. Setting everything else aside, it was obvious from their conversation alone that this Muun possessed at least Master Class professional ability. Winning over a Master Class figure so familiar with the Galactic Republic's economic system was extremely important to the current Fourth Civilization.