"Well... Mr. Lin Chen, that seems a little unfair."
"Across this vast universe, there aren't many means of transport that can cross countless worlds the way the Astral Express can."
"Traveling with the Astral Express might help you realize your dream sooner, Mr. Lin Chen..."
Faced with Lin Chen's rebuttal,
Himeko did not get angry.
After a moment of thought, the mature beauty wore a warm smile.
Then she offered the most fitting answer.
"I'm afraid that benefit alone isn't enough to persuade me to establish a partnership with the Express."
"And Ms. Himeko, please don't underestimate the Conqueror Legion's resources and strength."
"Crossing countless worlds is simply another way of saying long-range jump."
"The Astral Express may possess miraculous power, but the Legion's starships are no less capable."
His playful streak resurfaced.
Lin Chen's mind raced as he tried to keep this back-and-forth with Himeko going a little longer.
If Himeko had not come to discuss cooperation in her capacity as Navigator,
but had instead invited him as his dear Himeko,
Lin Chen felt he would have been more than happy to accept.
But since Himeko had chosen to keep her distance and draw a clear line between them,
Lin Chen could not help weighing the gains and losses a little.
After all, constantly making deals at a loss
not only made it easy for people to see him as a hopeless doormat, but as a fool, too.
"You..."
Already sensing the hostility in Lin Chen's words,
Himeko knitted her delicate brows slightly.
On her lovely, flawless face,
the pupils of her beautiful amber eyes contracted slightly.
A trace of surprise and displeasure resurfaced.
Himeko had not expected this.
She had come in person today,
and had invited Lin Chen to join the Express as a completely equal partner.