Dongming Shuliu: Oh, damn, you even have a source like that

As night fell, the Pioneer Team's convoy silently drove across the snowy plains of the Great Wilderness. Its metal hull reflected eerie arcs of light from the horizon, resembling a migrating Shell.

"Alright, Arthur... your Partner should be joining us soon," Nightless Sky Fire Apricot casually put the Communicator back in her pocket. "The recording has already been sent... Hmm, you called them back to deal with that possible 'Creator'?"

Lin Yu nodded. "That's part of the reason... On the other hand, I sensed that they had already met up and stayed in one place for a long time, so I think they have most likely finished this phase of the investigation. Therefore, calling them over can also allow them to exchange their findings."

"If we corroborate each other's information, it might give us even greater insights."

As Lin Yu spoke, Nightless Sky Fire Apricot nodded.

"Alright, I won't ask about that... but Huo Ming might not welcome these guys' sudden visit."

Nightless Sky Fire Apricot, who had already obtained permission from Dongming Shuliu to remove his Headphones, interjected.

"I don't think Boss Huo Ming is as rigid as she seems. Although she may seem unapproachable, she's actually quite warm-hearted—especially towards the two guests and their Partner who came over. To our Boss, they're practically family."

Nightless Sky Fire Apricot tilted her head and looked at Dongming Shuliu: "Really? Count Arase Nian's is in there, he's Joe Solence's confidant... In Nightless Sky Huo Ming's heart, Joe Solence is probably one of the top three guys she'd hate to get rid of."

Dongming Shuliu's expression changed slightly.

"Arase Nian?"

Nightless Sky Fire Apricot looked at Lin Yu: "Look, Arthur... Vice Minister Dongming's reaction speaks volumes, doesn't it? Didn't you realize this before you invited them?"

Lin Yu shrugged.

"How could anyone not realize that? Even a fool would know that the head of the Universal Chamber of Commerce's Great Wilderness branch and the head of the Truth Company's Great Wilderness branch couldn't possibly have a good relationship! They're direct competitors!"

"And they're all 'Royal Nobles' who were 'exiled' here and have to work their way up... No matter how you look at it, they're like two peas in a pod."

"Xiao Nian saved Joe Solence's life... Someone with that kind of feat must be a thorn in the side of Nightless Sky Huo Ming."

To draw an analogy, it's roughly like how Sun Quan and Cao Cao viewed Zhao Yun.

Although Cao Cao admired Zhao Yun in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it's clear that the way Nightless Sky Huo Ming and Chancellor Cao thought about problems was quite different—she preferred to eliminate Zhao Yun directly rather than poach him.

This is also the common mindset of the group of company employees from City That Never Sleeps who were sent to the Great Wilderness.

Honestly, employees who have spent a long time in the Great Wilderness sometimes share more in common with those in the Black Marsh World than people from the City That Never Sleeps.

Moreover, even if it were Cao Cao, he wouldn't want Zhao Yun to come uninvited directly into his central army camp.

Nightless Sky Fire Apricot raised an eyebrow. "You know the two of them don't get along, so why did you let her come over like that?"

Lin Yu didn't answer, Dongming Shuliu spoke up first to help Lin Yu make amends.

"Supervisor Arthur's decision... well, it might not necessarily make the situation worse."

"After all, Supervisor Arthur just helped the Boss resolve the 'ritual' issue, and also incidentally captured two leaders of the 'Supreme Evolution' Remnants, and even tied up someone like 'Omia Bosen'..."

"Given the Boss's clear-cut nature regarding rewards and punishments, it's not impossible that he would accept being summoned by Count Arase Nian now."

Dongming Shuliu analyzed, then added a sentence.

"Uh, of course, that's assuming you, Supervisor Arthur, can do a good job Count Arase Nian."

"Don't worry, she'll give me face," Lin Yu said. "She shouldn't do anything out of line."

After all...

Lin Yu felt that Xiao Nian probably didn't care that much about Nightless Sky Huo Ming from City That Never Sleeps —even though Nightless Sky Huo Ming was considered Royal Nobles and a powerful executive in the Truth Company, and even though everyone said she was Concubine-born child with no right to inherit... that was all relative.

No matter what, a member of Royal Nobles family, and the biological daughter of the current Family Head, is at the very top of the pyramid in the City That Never Sleeps.

But...

For "Player," this identity is important, but it's not something they absolutely must take seriously.

Moreover, Lin Yu could sense that Xiao Nian was the type who wouldn't care too much about such trivial details.

Certainly...

If these words were said directly to Dongming Shuliu, they might sound like an insult.

Therefore, Lin Yu naturally didn't elaborate, only saying that he would give him face on the Xiao Nian.

After all, this wasn't entirely untrue—although within the "Order," Xiao Nian, the head of the North China Region, certainly held a higher rank, Xiao Nian was also somewhat in charge of this operation.

But...

Lin Yu has already proven his abilities.

After the Shenzhen incident, the "Director's " voice within the "Order" is now definitely not insignificant.

Moreover, the "Professor" granted Lin Yu considerable authority during this operation in the Barren Realm.

The fact that Lin Yu is able to act alone here at this moment already proves this point.

But...

After Lin Yu said that, Dongming Shuliu stopped asking questions.

Lin Yu could also see that the Vice Minister Dongming still had doubts in his heart.

Her attitude, to some extent, reflects the attitude of Nightless Sky Huo Ming.

Now, Dongming Shuliu has some doubts...

When Nightless Sky Huo Ming hears this news and sees Xiao Nian later, he may not say anything on the surface.

After all, Lin Yu had indeed helped her a lot all along, and had just given her a generous gift.

However, psychologically, Nightless Sky Huo Ming might still harbor some resentment.

Lin Yu naturally hoped that Nightless Sky Huo Ming would accept the arrival of the Xiao Nian without any reservations.

So, he casually remarked.

"Rest assured, Vice Minister Dongming... I won't make things difficult for Nightless Sky Huo Ming."

"Although Count Arase Nian might bring people here, I can assure you that this will not only not cause Her Your Excellency Huo Ming any loss, but will actually bring her some benefits."

Upon hearing Lin Yu's words, Dongming Shuliu indeed showed some concern.

"Benefit?"

She asked curiously.

"Yes, there are benefits," Lin Yu nodded. "Admittedly, allowing Arase Nian to enter the Truth Company's base without permission, and even sending a car to pick her up, might be risky for Nightless Sky Huo Ming himself. Even putting aside his personal grudges and past frictions with Joe Solence, if this matter is reported to Truth Company, Nightless Sky Huo Ming will inevitably get into some trouble..."

"But what if this event itself could be transformed into some kind of opportunity?"

Lin Yu spoke earnestly, "What if... this could become an opportunity to 'break the ice'? We all know that although Truth Company and Universal Chamber of Commerce have had many frictions in the past, and the relationship between the Solence Family and the Nightless Sky Family isn't so harmonious now, in City That Never Sleeps, the Five Great Families and Three Great Corporations have always coexisted with friction and cooperation."

"As long as there is no full-scale war, in the business areas of this Great Wilderness... Truth Company and Universal Chamber of Commerce might not be unable to cooperate."

"After all, although the two companies are competitors, it's not a true 'zero-sum game'—because in this Great Wilderness, the market share isn't solely occupied by Truth Company and Universal Chamber of Commerce."

"The real majority of the profits... isn't it the 'Divine Power Group'?"

"Imagine if Your Excellency Huo Ming could stabilize the situation in the Great Wilderness amidst the relative turmoil within the Inner City, and even establish a cooperative relationship with the Universal Chamber of Commerce, and launch a series of strategic collaborations with Lord Joe Solence, smoothly transitioning until the power transfer is complete... that would undoubtedly be a tremendous 'achievement'—even if there are no real benefits from the cooperation in the Great Wilderness, simply stabilizing the situation would greatly enhance Lord Huoming's influence in the Nightless Sky Huo Ming."

"Furthermore, Your Excellency has just completed the 'Hand of Alchemy' ritual and needs time to bide your time and develop your own strength, doesn't that mean Nightless Sky Huo Ming would be a bad thing for you to gain an alliance agreement at this time!"

As Lin Yu spoke, Dongming Shuliu listened to Lin Yu's analysis and nodded repeatedly.

"That makes a lot of sense... If Boss Huo Ming heard your analysis, he'd probably be persuaded too..."

"But Count Arase Nian is a notoriously stubborn person... and besides, she's not really here on behalf of Joe Solence this time, is she? Even if we can persuade her... can she really represent Joe Solence's will?"

Lin Yu laughed when he heard Dongming Shuliu's words.

"Vice Minister Dongming, my information network is far more extensive than you imagine... The reason I proposed this plan is because I know a fresh, recently occurred secret that is likely known to no more than twenty people."

"The current Count Arase Nian no longer simply represents Joe Solence —in some ways, she can even represent Kim Solence."

"The recent press conference held by the Universal Trade Association, the one announcing a new round of retaliation against the Remnants 'Supreme Evolution,' was conducted at the behest of Lord Kim Solence."

"The reason is naturally... during that attack, Arase Nian once again saved Joe Solence's life, and also met and spoke with Lord Kim Solence."

Dongming Shuliu exclaimed in surprise, "There's such a thing... If it's true, then it's truly a wonderful thing that you, Supervisor Arthur, summoned Count Arase Nian."

"But... is it guaranteed to be authentic?"

Lin Yu did not answer, Nightless Sky Fire Apricot couldn't help but speak up.

"It's absolutely true, Vice Minister Dongming —let me put it this way, because the one who attacked Joe Solence and Arase Nian at the Universal Building wasn't some Remnants of 'Supreme Evolution' at all, but me!"