The atmosphere of the conversation stiffened instantly.
Facing Rudolf's staunch refusal, Ai Qing was not annoyed. Instead, she interlaced her fingers and placed them on the desk. "May I have a reason, Mr. Rudolf? You didn't even let me finish. It's only about cooperating with a minor operation. I just want to check the passenger list of the Group Star, which shouldn't be difficult for you, should it?"
"This is the private property of the Fred Family, ma'am."
Rudolf frowned, replying unhappily, "On the Group Star, the Astronomical Society has no enforcement rights. We will not allow our guests to be disturbed because of some nonexistent problem."
Ai Qing fell silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What if I insist?"
"Then I will insist too."
Rudolf said indifferently, "I am obliged to do so. Please excuse me."
The influence of the Astronomical Society might work elsewhere, but not on the Group Star.
