Enterprise was very respectful, and his female secretary was very nervous.
Han Xiao sized up the two people and realized one thing: he really had no impression of them, which meant they were not famous NPCs in his previous life, at least not well-known among players.
However, being unknown doesn't mean lacking ability. The Galaxy Sea is vast, and there are always many characters that players haven't encountered. Perhaps Enterprise didn't achieve much in his previous life, or perhaps he died young, which is why he remains unknown.
Han Xiao's main approach to finding potential talents is to use information from his previous life as a reference, but in addition to that, it is also possible to discover potential talents.
Before coming here, Master Han had already checked this person's past—a complete resume, a clean background, and a self-made local conglomerate. He had made several strategic decisions with good foresight and managed the conglomerate quite well. If he hadn't caught his attention, he wouldn't have bothered to investigate such a nobody.
In his view, although Enterprise had little combat ability, he had good talent in handling affairs and could be brought back to Sylvia as an assistant.
With various thoughts swirling in his mind, Han Xiao remained silent for a moment. His silence, however, caused Enterprise's psychological pressure to rise exponentially.
A glistening bead of sweat slid down his temple, Enterprise remained bowed, not daring to raise his hand to wipe it away.
Han Xiao put aside his thoughts and joked:
Are you going to just leave me standing here like this?
"I'm sorry, it was my oversight. Please come with me, I've already made all the arrangements." Enterprise hurriedly responded, secretly annoyed. Han Xiao's intense pressure from his life level had made him lose his composure, and he was afraid that his oversight would displease Han Xiao.
Enterprise led the way, guiding Han Xiao and Aurora onto the flying vehicle, separating them from all the bodyguards, leaving only the four of them in the private cabin.
The vehicle started moving and Luffy the city center. Inside the carriage, Enterprise and his female secretary sat opposite Han Xiao and Aurora, their demeanor rather reserved.
"You invited me, why are you so nervous?" Han Xiao chuckled.
"There are probably no more than a hundred people in the entire universe who can remain calm in your presence, and that doesn't include me," Enterprise said, regaining his composure.
Unfortunately, Master Han wasn't buying into flattery. His attitude remained unchanged; suddenly, a smirk appeared on his lips, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, it seems you lied to me. You are not yet the lord of this planet."
Enterprise's spirits lifted, and he thought to himself, "Here it comes!" He steadied himself, forced a smile, and said, "It's only temporary. With my current approval rating, being elected planetary lord is only a matter of time."
Han Xiao remained noncommittal, chuckling, "So, you're saying your promise to help the Black Star Army establish a branch here can only be fulfilled after you become the planet's lord?"
This pointed question hit the nail on the head. Although Enterprise thought so, he didn't dare to admit it verbally and simply remained silent to show his acquiescence.
The other party's reaction was not beyond Han Xiao's expectations. He paused, then smiled with interest, "In that case, why don't I just cooperate with the current planetary lord?"
"Election day is fast approaching, and I'm certain I'll be elected planetary lord. In the end, I'll be the one responsible for cooperating with you, so I'm taking advantage of your proximity to extend this invitation in advance." Enterprise knew this reason was flimsy, but it was just an excuse to save face.
Before inviting Han Xiao, he had considered the consequences of angering Black Star, knowing that Black Star might turn around and cooperate with the major families. However, this was a gamble. If Black Star didn't come, he would have no chance to turn the tables. Even if Black Star cooperated with his rivals, what difference would it make from his previous situation? After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to use Black Star's influence.
However, while the explanation was "exploitation," Enterprise knew very well that this was an act of assistance. His methods were unlikely to fool a big shot like Black Star, and whether Black Star would even come was uncertain.
Now that they've come, it means Black Star is fully aware of his unspoken message and is willing to help him. So as long as it's not said outright, both sides will understand each other implicitly.
Hearing this, Han Xiao stopped pressing him and shook his head with a smile.
He was very familiar with Enterprise's methods, which included the "empty check" from the "72 Strategies of Deception".
He couldn't help but recall a similar story he had read in his previous life: A young man wanted to become the son-in-law of a world-renowned tycoon, so he went to apply for a job at a famous bank, claiming that he was the son-in-law of a very wealthy man and wanted to get a high-level position. Then he went to the tycoon's place, claiming that he was a high-ranking executive at a famous bank and wanted to marry the tycoon's daughter.
Although the story is fictional, this tactic of getting something for nothing is very similar to what Enterprise is doing now.
"This maneuver was alright, although it was a bit risky and the success rate wasn't high..."
Han Xiao nodded secretly.
However, while others might see this as getting something for nothing, in his eyes it was blatantly inviting a wolf into his house. A wild leek had willingly jumped into his bowl, and he would be doing himself a disservice if he didn't take it!
Establishing a branch on an ordinary planet was a trivial matter, and Han Xiao didn't care about it at all. What he wanted was Enterprise.
Talent is an important resource in any era.
A quest was triggered on the panel, but it only rewarded a small amount of experience, which was better than nothing, so Han Xiao accepted it without hesitation.
Arriving at Enterprise's villa, Han Xiao and Aurora in. Enterprise, fearing to offend the big boss, only breathed a sigh of relief after arranging everything.
The bodyguards all returned to their posts. In the corridor, seeing that no one was around, the female secretary couldn't help but wrap her arms around Enterprise's neck from behind, her face full of excitement.
"Great! With Black Star's help, we're guaranteed to win!"
Enterprise forced a smile, then shook his head and said in a deep voice, "The arrival of the Black Star people is enough. I'm only using their intimidation. As long as the major families don't resort to tricks, I can win the election fair and square!"
"You have no idea, I was almost scared to death when Black Star appeared just now." The female secretary rolled her eyes. "This was really too risky. Don't do it again."
"If we hadn't boldly used this tactic, our fate would certainly have been dire." Enterprise's eyes were resolute. "Constantly guessing what the important figures are thinking is useless. How will we know if they'll help us if we don't try? Opportunities need to be seized proactively!"
On the other side, Han Xiao's arrival startled several powerful families on Planet Ladebudo. Upon hearing the news, the heads of the families immediately gathered to discuss what to do.
Inside the conference room, the heads of several major families and their key members all wore serious expressions, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.
"Our records don't show that Enterprise has any background, so why did Black Star come to see him personally?" one of the family heads asked, his face full of doubt.
"There must be a gap in our intelligence. Investigate his relationship with Black Star immediately! Before that, all plans and arrangements targeting Enterprise must be halted!" another person shouted.
Black Star's existence disrupted their entire plan, becoming a huge obstacle that could not be ignored in their strategy. The consequences of every action had to take Black Star's attitude into account.
Everyone present was filled with suspicion and uncertainty about the relationship between the two, which was exactly what Enterprise wanted to mislead the major families.
With Black Star around, the assassination plan is impossible; the success rate is zero. If Enterprise is truly Black Star's friend, they would be doomed if they dared to act recklessly.
The members of the major families knew their place; at most, they could lord it over this planet, but compared to Black Star, they were no different from ants.
Even if Black Star wiped them out, it wouldn't cause a ripple in the universe. As a vassal civilization under the Empire's jurisdiction, the central government wouldn't stand up for them.
If you die, you're just wasting your life!
"Fortunately, we stopped the assassination in time, otherwise we might be..." one of the family heads said with lingering fear.
"The current planetary lord is still a member of our family. Let's pay a visit to Black Star first. There's nothing wrong with that, and we might even be able to gather some information."
A few hours later, the current planetary lord of Planet Ladebudo, carrying gifts and accompanied by a group of people, paid a visit to Enterprise's villa.
Han Xiao was staying at the villa, but he acted more like the owner. Enterprise didn't dare to overstep his bounds and refuse visitors on Han Xiao's behalf, so he obediently reported it to the authorities.
Planet Ladebudo waited outside for a while before being allowed to enter. Suppressing his nervousness at the prospect of meeting an important figure, he made his way to the reception room.
Upon entering the room, he was stunned. Han Xiao was nowhere to be seen; instead, there was only a petite and adorable girl sitting solemnly on the sofa.
Coming to his senses, he remembered that this was a subordinate who followed Black Star, and quickly suppressed his surprise, sitting obediently opposite him.
"Just tell me what's wrong." Aurora tried her best to maintain a serious expression.
The Lord of Planet Ladebudo smiled awkwardly, rubbed his hands together, and his usual dignified demeanor was nowhere to be seen; his tone was obsequious.
"As the ruler of Ladebudo, I would very much like to pay a visit to Lord Black Star Black Star and arrange his reception..."
"Don't worry about it. Lord Black Star isn't someone you can just see whenever you want." Aurora waved her hand, mimicking Han Xiao's tone perfectly. "If there's nothing else, please leave."
Lord Planet Ladebudo. Seeing Aurora frown, he dared not linger and immediately stood up to take his leave.
Stepping out of the villa, Planet Ladebudo's face turned extremely grim. He couldn't even get a glimpse of Black Star Black Star, yet Enterprise was able to personally receive him. The implications of this made his heart sink to the bottom.
Han Xiao's current status can simplify many low-level, complex matters. His reputation has intimidated several major families, who are hesitant to act rashly for fear of incurring Black Star's wrath. They dare not use excessive means and can only watch helplessly as Enterprise continues his campaign and his approval ratings rise.
While training his strength, Han Xiao waited for a while on Planet Ladebudo, and soon the election day arrived.
On election day, Enterprise won the election with an overwhelming majority, a victory that was hardly in doubt.
He delivered a passionate inaugural address broadcast globally, went through the ceremony, and most of the day was gone.
As dusk fell and night descended, the inaugural address was played on the external screens of the city's high-rise buildings. Passersby stopped from time to time to look up at it, and cheers and clinking glasses could be heard from the small bars along the street.
The flying vehicle moved slowly through the air. Sitting in the carriage, Enterprise gazed intently through the window at the city lights, which streaked across his eyes.
As night fell, his excitement and joy gradually faded. The thought that there was a powerful figure waiting for him at home made him unable to be happy.
The vehicle stopped in front of the villa. It was his own home, yet it made him hesitate to enter, like a lurking monster. Enterprise took a deep breath, steadied himself, and strode into the villa.
You're back?
As soon as he entered, he saw Aurora leaning against the wall, waiting for him in the entryway hallway. She pointed upstairs and smiled gently.
He's waiting for you in the study.
Enterprise nervously clenched his fingers as he went upstairs to the study.
Han Xiao was alone in the room, standing in front of the bookshelf with his back to him, holding a book and reading. He knew Han Xiao had arrived without Han Xiao turning around, and spoke softly:
"Please have a seat."
"Okay, okay."
The atmosphere in the room made Enterprise involuntarily swallow hard as he sat down in the chair in front of his desk.
Han Xiao closed the book, turned to Enterprise, and remained expressionless.
"Now that you've won the election, it's time to fulfill the conditions."
Enterprise breathed a sigh of relief and said respectfully, "I understand. I will immediately use my authority to arrange full cooperation between Planet Ladebudo and the Black Star Army, and provide maximum support for the Legion to establish a branch here. I..."
However, before he could finish speaking, Han Xiao waved his hand to interrupt him.
"I'm not talking to you about this trivial matter."
Enterprise's heart skipped a beat.
Han Xiao stared at him calmly and said slowly, "Now that things have come to this, I'll be frank. You used my power to intimidate the major families, but that was only your surface objective. Your second goal was to establish a branch here through the legion and gain its long-term support... Only in this way can you ensure that you can secure your position as lord."
Upon hearing this, Enterprise remained silent.
That was indeed his plan.
His election victory was just the beginning. The major families had been operating on Planet Ladebudo for so many years and had long since controlled officials at all levels. Even if he became the lord, he would only be an empty shell with virtually no power. Once Black Star left and the major families investigated the relationship between the two, his life would still be in danger.
Therefore, for the long term, he needed to find a backer, a powerful patron.
The nearby Black Star caught his attention and became his first choice. Another objective of this plan was to turn the Black Star Army into his patron and, through cooperation, solidify his position as lord.
What do you want?
Enterprise pursed his lips, his expression somber.
Han Xiao looked at him and suddenly smiled, instantly dispelling the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"Don't be so nervous. Since I've chosen to help you, I certainly wouldn't harm you."
Enterprise thought about it and realized it made sense; his tense nerves immediately relaxed.
However, before he could even catch his breath, Han Xiao's next words froze him in place.
"Alright, you've had enough fun. Pack your things and come aboard the ship."
As soon as he finished speaking, Enterprise's expression froze.