Dual-Pronged Approach

Yang Ming rushed back to the luxury hotel's parking lot and dove into the rented luxury hovercar.

Ding ding!

A virtual anime girl peeked out from the edge of the car's fixed screen, smiling as she popped out.

She had switched from her combat form to her normal, casual form—changing into a simple dress.

"Good cooperation! Boss! You were so cool when you threatened that guy!"

"More importantly, Lü, how did Kolev manage it?"

Yang Ming started the hovercar, asking with a hint of confusion.

He had received a message from Kolev. The message was simple: Kolev first reported that he was safe, then began to boast about his astonishing achievements.

Kolev had officially become a member of the local Industrial Federation!

In the time it took Yang Ming to have a casual meal with the military's deputy chief of staff, Kolev had already infiltrated Yilando's wealthy circles and established initial friendships with several old timers in the Industrial Federation.

Yang Ming wondered, "Did he show them his asset list?"

"Not directly, but a few of the elders investigated Kolev—or rather, the assets under Mr. Haddon's name."

Little Lü analyzed seriously:

"The other party recognized Kolev's net worth, which was the main reason. This old pirate has been working for over forty years, essentially dealing with those capitalists. I mean, after attacking their merchant ships, he always had to find a way to get ransom money."

"So, I found the right person then?"

Yang Ming narrowed his eyes and smiled, starting the hovercar and circling halfway around to slowly approach the hotel entrance.

"Lü, please book me a physical check-up. I've been feeling a bit irritable lately."

"Okay, boss. To be safe, it's best if you're transmitted from the far side of Yilando."

Yang Ming said in a low voice, "They're coming out, let's hide for a bit."

Lü's projection immediately disappeared.

Seven or eight old gentlemen and ladies escorted Kolev to the hotel entrance, hugging him goodbye.

Kolev's 'Einstein classic' hairstyle at the moment looked both wise and dashing.

Yang Ming pressed a button by his hand, and the rear seat slowly opened. Kolev's voice drifted in:

"It's truly an unforgettable evening. Thank you all for your warm hospitality. I think next time, it should be me hosting a small gathering. I hope we can continue our in-depth discussions then."

"We eagerly anticipate it!"

"Mr. Haddon, your erudition has completely convinced me," an old lady in an evening gown said gently. "Have you found a place to stay? My estate is always available to receive distinguished guests."

"Haha," Kolev laughed. "I wouldn't dare visit your mansion. My dissolute nephew would surely be charmed away by your beautiful and gentle granddaughter! We still have to conduct on-site inspections and choose a province to set up a factory. Tonight's conversation has been very fruitful, and I will carefully consider the suggestions you've all given. Yes, everyone is after Rhodium-6, but they overlook the already weak light industrial system here. Alright! This is as far as you need to see me off. Farewell!"

Kolev gave an elegant, hat-tipping bow and, under the reluctant gaze of several old ladies, slid into the rear seat.

The car door closed, and the hovercar slowly pulled away.

Little Lü activated the internal and external shielding.

"Hoo—"

Kolev let out a long sigh of relief, leaned forward, and patted Yang Ming forcefully on the shoulder.

"It's good that you're alright, oh, it's good that you're alright... Little Lü messaged me earlier saying you were taken away by the military and to be ready to evacuate at any moment. Did you handle them?"

"Mhm," Yang Ming smiled, his eyes narrowed.

"How did you do it?"

Kolev asked in a low voice, his old face showing a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Yang Ming said calmly, "I grabbed the neck of the fourth most important person in this country's military and made him kneel and sing 'Conquer'. That's how."

"Who would believe that," Kolev laughed and cursed. "You'd have been blown to smithereens by naval guns by now!"

"Fine," Yang Ming said helplessly. "I impersonated a high-ranking special agent of the New Federation. They're wary of the New Federation."

"So that's how it is," Kolev said, suddenly enlightened.

The old man started to worry again. "If they have connections with the New Federation, we might be exposed. Why don't we leave first? That would at least be safer."

"No need to worry," Yang Ming said. "The military won't cause us any trouble for now. Let's find a place to rest tonight, and we'll discuss our next steps tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll listen to you."

Kolev yawned, exhaling a breath of alcohol.

"Those old women actually had improper thoughts about me. My damn charm, Milili doesn't need a stepmother."

Yang Ming smiled without a word, calculating in his mind how to best utilize Gudunmaha as 'resource'.

He had him now, so he might as well use him.

"How do you feel?" Yang Ming asked. "Can the merchants here be used?"

"Merchants are all the same everywhere," Kolev said with some disdain. "I think we can go the route of a super conglomerate. We can monopolize the economy of a poor Administrative Planet in the shortest amount of time. This way, we can earn a lot of money and also complete your assessment."

"It's not that simple," Yang Ming said. "We need to consider all the indices, but the super conglomerate idea is good. It can be a parallel plan."

Kolev chuckled, "Simultaneous progress? Do you have other plans?"

"I've already explained in detail why I chose this place," Yang Ming said with a smile. "This country is still ruled by the emperor and his ministers. I need to find a way to get close to the Emperor of Luofeng and then ask him for a fief."

"That sounds good, but the Luofeng Empire only has these few Administrative Planets. They won't give you one."

Yang Ming said calmly, "Becoming the highest administrator of an Administrative Planet is enough."

"That's less reliable than a super corporation."

"So, we need to plan carefully," Yang Ming yawned. "Let's get some good rest first, and make a decision after the on-site inspection. It's best to have both plans proceed simultaneously, there won't be any conflict."

The hovercar merged into the slow-moving traffic, heading towards a high-spec administrative hotel. Kolev had booked the penthouse suite on the top floor.

Yang Ming felt it was a bit extravagant, but Kolev was set on his decision.

He lacked nothing right now, except money.

"Molly, are we almost unable to pay salaries?"

On that somewhat dilapidated Pirate Ship.

Milili crossed her arms, staring at the Captain's panel in front of her.

Molly's life-sized projection stood beside her, looking like a pair of pirate sisters from a distance.

Milili's loose nightgown still couldn't hide her excellent figure, her skin exuding a crystal-clear luster.

Molly, on the other hand, had 'adapted to local customs,' wearing jeans, a cowboy hat, and even an eyepatch.

She enjoyed this part-time job as the Pirate Ship's First Mate.

Molly explained, "Because we purchased new assault boats, reinforced the hull, and replaced the high-power main cannon energy storage module, our previous funds have been completely depleted. We must find a merchant ship to rob as soon as possible."

"But," Milili frowned, "our plan was to upgrade the Pirate Ship first, then recruit new crew members. The existing crew are too old and not suitable for assault operations."

Molly muttered, "It's all because you saw that assault boat and your eyes lit up. You wouldn't be stopped no matter what."

"What do you know," Milili said seriously, "this is about improving combat effectiveness!"

"Yes, yes," Molly pouted. "Actually, you don't need to be so stingy at all. At the very least, you should go to the old master for some startup capital. He actually has some money with me, prepared just for you. As long as you want to use it..."

"An excellent Pirate Captain should not live in the shadow of their predecessors."

Milili tilted her head slightly, the smooth curve of her chin reflecting the light from the dashboard.

"Molly, give me a list of the poorest and most poorly governed Administrative Planets right now."

Molly snapped her fingers.

A projection screen appeared in front of Milili, with information on over thirty Administrative Planets displayed in a list.

"Exclude the Administrative Planets of the Kashi Federation," Milili reminded her. "I want to avoid Dad as much as possible."

"Understood, Master."

"Randomly select one."

"Selected."

"The Luofeng Empire? This seems to be a subordinate of the Sherman Empire. The index of its Fifth Administrative Planet fits our requirements for recruiting pirate warriors."

Molly sighed, "With all countries possessing near-infinite energy, there are still Administrative Planets where the citizens can't get enough to eat and struggle for basic survival. Such places are indeed prone to producing desperate outlaws."

"This is it!"

Milili's spirits lifted.

"Prepare to Warp Jump to the target Star Domain. Conduct deployment and investigation in advance, and strive to complete the first batch of recruitment within half a month."

"But, Master," Molly reminded her, "what about the money? If we can't pay salaries, the crew's professional experience will be very poor. Not to mention recruiting new crew, we might even face a mutiny from the old crew."

"Alright, I know. I'll find a way."

Milili was getting a bit anxious from the AI's nagging.

"Don't worry, Molly, I'll make sure this assault boat realizes its full potential!"

"Then you go for it!"

Molly made an encouraging gesture, while Milili wore a troubled expression.

"I'm going to have insomnia again, probably."

Gudunmaha couldn't sleep all night.

As soon as he closed his eyes, he saw that rapidly enlarging fist in front of him.

The next morning, he looked at his disheveled reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but punch it... then gasped in pain, clutching his right hand.

How did that man do it?

Gudunmaha refused to admit that he was defeated head-on by that young man.

He believed that the one who truly had him cornered was the powerful force behind the opponent.

That hypocritical New Federation!

Greedy, despicable vampires!

Gudunmaha cursed them fiercely in his heart, then forced himself to continue thinking.

He had struggled for most of his life, clawing his way up from the bottom of the military to his current position, battling countless enemies, yet he had never felt so passive.

'Yang Ming' must be an alias.

An agent's name meant nothing; they could change their identity and face whenever they pleased.

The opponent's formidable individual combat ability, while insignificant before starship cannons, was indeed symbolic. It symbolized that this man held a significant position within his intelligence organization.

"What is he doing in Luofeng?"

Gudunmaha tried to shift his train of thought, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes.

The current military corruption case was already making all factions within the Luofeng Empire nervous. Everyone in the military was on edge, constantly uniting to pressure the royal family.

Directly killing that maidservant was also a way for them to exert pressure.

At this critical juncture, if 'Yang Ming' wasn't here for this case, then what was he here for?

Or rather, what was the New Federation's mission for 'Yang Ming'?

To instigate reform?

To overthrow the imperial power, transform the Luofeng Empire, and make it a subordinate of the New Federation?

"Highly possible."

If that were the case...

Gudunmaha unconsciously sat back down behind his desk. His eyes gleamed faintly as he made a difficult decision and picked up the secure communicator.

"Have Calumi bring her 026 to see me, immediately."