Although the final amount of degenerate neutron matter obtained was only a few tens of cubic centimeters, the group of scientists still smiled with relief. They had finally succeeded. Although they did not directly transport the neutron star, having these few tens of cubic centimeters of degenerate matter gave the fleet some confidence.
On Planet Three, Hu Yu was receiving a report from businessman Old Li.
Over the past three hundred years, Old Li has monopolized 80 percent of the entertainment and food industries in Wind Star Civilization by controlling the Feng Jun clones. These industries may seem insignificant, but they are very important. Of course, such achievements would not have been possible through normal business operations. Behind the Feng Jun clones lies a huge network of relationships.
This network of relationships extends from the numerous crew members of the fleet to the highest levels of civilization. Apart from the leader of the Wind Star Civilization, Feng Jun has connections at every level. It is through this vast network that Feng Jun has gradually grown in Wind Star by employing business strategies from the Earth era, along with various shady methods. Now, Feng Jun is no longer just a dockyard operator, but the commercial manager of three planets within the Wind Star Civilization.
" Old Li, well done," Hu Yu praised.
"General, that's nothing. I recently secretly tested addictive ice and flour from Earth's era, and the results were surprisingly good. The Wind Star People are just as addicted as Earthlings."
"Real?"
"Yes, General."
"Don't use it yet. Your main task now is to build a vast business empire, infiltrating every aspect of society. Every piece of intelligence could be key to our victory. Causing trouble too early would be counterproductive."
"I understand. I've already quietly disposed of the test subjects. The Wind Star People will never find out." With the Feng Jun's energy, it's easy to get rid of a few people without anyone noticing. Just a word from it, and plenty of Wind Star People will be willing to do it.
"Very good."
"Also, General, I've already made connections with the Minister of Military Affairs and the Minister of Industry of the Wind Star Civilization. Those two are nothing but vampires, but they're just what I need to use. They'll strongly advocate for me to become the Vice Minister of Commerce."
"Why not directly establish a relationship with the Minister of Commerce? Wouldn't that be more direct?"
"Alas, General, you don't know, that Minister of Commerce has already amassed enough wealth. Unlike the Minister of Military Affairs and the Minister of Industry, who are so poor. Even if I gave him all my possessions, he might not even be interested. Besides, he's afraid I'll threaten his position. However, I've still put a lot of effort into demonstrating my loyalty and have brought him many novelties. I believe he won't object too much to me becoming the Deputy Minister of Commerce."
"Go ahead. I told you, once we conquer the Wind Star Civilization, I'll award you the Gold Ship Medal."
"Yes, General, I guarantee the mission will be accomplished."
In a shipyard in the Wind Star Territory, warships were still bustling about, and the Wind Star People were pushing and shoving each other, creating a lively scene. No one noticed that a secret passage had been opened simultaneously in rooms thousands of kilometers apart on either side of the shipyard. Two small cars carrying two Wind Star People were traveling towards each other and soon met in a luxurious secret room at the bottom of the shipyard.
"Manager Feng, you're really careful, always choosing this place to meet." The speaker was none other than the Minister of Industry of the Wind Star Civilization. Wind Star People rarely get fat; their bodies are as thick as bamboo, except for this one, whose body is like a water bucket.
"My lord, I'm doing this for your safety. It's precisely because I'm always careful that I've reached this position," said Feng Jun, the clone controlled by the businessman Old Li.
"Yes, doing business with you is definitely the safest option." The Minister of Industry stroked the long-haired man, a satisfied expression on his face.
"My lord, please accept this little trinket." Feng Jun produced two fleshy balls from Planet 97 from the secret suite.
"Manager Feng, you still understand me so well. The two you assigned me last year have already been ruined, so this is a good replacement."
"Sir, there's also this; this contains 50 billion civilization contribution points."
Feng Jun took out a tiny chip. The Wind Star People had integrated everything into this small chip. The chip was implanted in their bodies at birth and required a random password to use. The owner of this chip had disappeared forever. Feng Jun transferred 50 billion contribution points earned by the business empire to the owner of this chip. Now this chip belongs to the Minister of Industry. In the future, Feng Jun will help the Minister of Industry to make this 50 billion legitimate through various means.
"Oh dear, this won't do, this won't do."
"My lord, this is only half of it. Once you help me secure the position of Vice Minister of Commerce, there will be the other half, and I will offer you even more in the future."
"Director Feng is very straightforward. In that case, I'll accept it. Don't worry about the Vice Minister of Commerce; I've already spoken with the President, and he didn't object. The chances of it going to happen are very high."
"That cunning old fox neither objected nor agreed," the businessman, Old Li, cursed inwardly from 4,000 light-years away.
"Ah, I really envy you, sir, being able to see the Führer whenever you want. I've never even seen the Führer in person; what a pity."
"I believe that it won't be long before Director Feng is able to see the Führer at any time, just like I am."
"How can I compare to you, sir? Ten thousand years ago, you and the military magistrate helped the leader quell a rebellion, eliminating the previous Minister of Industry who was preparing to rebel, and then strangling his accomplice, the previous Minister of Military Affairs. Your achievements are beyond the reach of a small merchant like me. Even if I become the Vice Minister of Commerce, I can't possibly see the leader as often as you do."
"Let bygones be bygones, but meeting the leader isn't a good thing either. Sigh, these past few years, the military commander and I have worked tirelessly for civilization, but we're the ones who get scolded the most. The leader has become very irritable, and we dare not speak out when he's around. If he weren't the leader, I would have... Sigh, never mind, never mind."
"My lord, if you wish to live comfortably, money and power alone are not enough. Unless you move your chair up a bit more, you will not be wronged. If you are willing, I am ready to serve you at any time."
The businessman Old Li, keenly sensed the conflict between the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Military Affairs and the head of state. Judging from their tone, this resentment had been building up for years, not just overnight.
"Manager Feng, do you know that these words are a capital offense? If they get out, you'll be sent to the Wind Cave."
The Wind Cave is the execution ground for serious crimes committed by the Wind Star Civilization. A type of Wind Star Man-Eating Worm lives in the Wind Cave; a bite from it will render one unable to move. The Wind Star People strictly control the number of these insects, and those thrown into the Wind Cave often take several days to be eaten bit by bit. The terrifying scene of watching one's flesh being gnawed away without being able to resist is a horrifying experience for every Wind Star People.
"My fate is intertwined with yours, sir. Why test me? I am a businessman, and I only strive to maximize my profits. If you were to rise another step in your career, my gains would certainly far exceed what I have now."