The three creatures were brought into the laboratory, and dozens of researchers—whether relevant or not—crowded inside, eager to uncover the principles behind these Shadow Creatures' existence in the vacuum of space and their ability to evade radar detection.
Liu Hai and the others had initially been excited to watch the entire biological experiment via projection. Unfortunately, after witnessing a biology professor skillfully dissecting one of the nearly roasted Shadow Creatures with a Laser Knife, revealing its twisted and grotesque internal organs, everyone except Li Yali and Elena couldn't bear to watch any longer.
The waiting period was long, so Liu Hai decided to have a frank conversation with Irina.
In the lounge, Liu Hai and Irina sat facing each other, while Li Yali and the others occupied the nearby sofa.
"Irina, what are your thoughts on this incident?" Liu Hai got straight to the point. The potential gains were significant, but the risks were equally high—too much for him to handle alone.
Irina regained her elegant demeanor, meeting Liu Hai's gaze without backing down.
"Are you referring to these miraculous vacuum-dwelling creatures, or the civilization behind the space station and the Life Planet?"
"Both, naturally." Liu Hai pressed further. "What do you intend to do?"
"What do I intend to do? Nothing at all. We have a contract—whatever you gain, you must share with me. Why should I overthink it? Don't you agree?" At this moment, Irina was as cunning as a thousand-year-old fox, a stark contrast to her earlier naive demeanor.
Liu Hai stared into her eyes for a long time but ultimately couldn't withstand her evasive, noncommittal attitude—neither initiating, compromising, opposing, nor taking responsibility.
Originally, Liu Hai had been an ordinary man. But after being molded by the Intelligent Nexus for so long, even someone as simple-minded as him had grown. Though he still hadn't met the passing standards set by the Intelligent Nexus in all aspects, he had at least developed into a competent leader.
"Li Yali, come here. Have a proper discussion with our partner on this topic."
Yes, Liu Hai decided to unleash Li Yali. As a leader, wasn't it normal to leverage one's strengths effectively?
He wasn't Han Xin, after all—someone who believed more troops meant better odds.
Li Yali wasn't the least bit surprised by Liu Hai's choice, and even Igor wore an expression that said, "This was always the way it should be."
Li Yali and Elena both stood and took seats beside their respective bosses, launching into a fierce verbal battle. As for why they didn't send professional administrative teams to resolve the issue—that was precisely the problem.
Professional teams deliberated too slowly, and they didn't have the luxury of wasting time.
After Liu Hai's group discovered the alien civilization's space station, the military had also been informed. Though the military wouldn't intervene for now, there was no guarantee someone might exploit the information gap to gain an advantage over Liu Hai.
Thus, both sides tacitly agreed to resolve matters themselves first, establishing a general framework before letting their administrative teams draft detailed plans.
"We're claiming the planet, but we're willing to concede up to sixty percent of the Shadow Creature research profits," Li Yali declared with unyielding dominance, immediately aiming to secure the Life Planet.
"Impossible!" As the commander, Elena stood her ground just as firmly. "The value of a Life Planet far exceeds any benefits from a stealth device. This also violates our signed agreement."
Li Yali attempted her persuasion tactics: "A mere forty percent share of the Life Planet would be a losing proposition for both of us. Besides, with the Third Spiral Arm repeatedly discovering Life Planets, there might still be undiscovered ones in this Star Region. We could assist you in securing those."
"Your calculations are quite audacious. Do you really think such uncertain conditions can easily sway us?" Elena's face was full of disdain. "No one can predict Life Planets with certainty. The central region has only discovered three so far, while the sparsest Third Spiral Arm has already yielded six. Who's to say there won't be more?"
"And as for 'helping' us secure them—with what? No funds, no fleet? Just your empty words?"
"This is only our beginning, not our future. You should understand that well," Li Yali shifted her approach. "Our potential is beyond your imagination. All we lack is time and resources to develop. Meanwhile, your family is based far in Federation territory—your strength in the Hera Star System is likely no match for my Li family, is it?"
"And compared to the Xue Jia, you're even further behind. Even if you obtain the Life Planet, what will you use to develop it?"
"That's none of your concern. With even partial access, funding and manpower won't be an issue," Elena firmly rejected, though unsure where Li Yali's confidence in developing the planet came from. Still, having partial rights was better than nothing—perhaps they could seize full control later.
"Then let's change the subject," Li Yali suddenly redirected the conversation to the Shadow Creatures. "Regarding the research results on the Shadow Creatures, we're willing to forgo all external profit shares."
"Huh?" Both Irina and Elena were taken aback. What did she mean?
"You're saying you'll give up all shares?" Elena wondered if she'd misheard. This involved research worth two or three main fleets—just abandoned, just like that? What was the plan?
"Yes, aside from the rights for our own use, we'll relinquish all profit shares—if you're willing to exchange for partial rights to the planet," Li Yali explained earnestly. "The benefits of a Life Planet only materialize after massive investments, and it's far from enough to make anyone a Lord. So, why not consider your personal interests instead?"
"A family's fleet ultimately belongs to the family, not to you personally."
This last remark was directed at Irina. Her so-called fleet was, in reality, still the family's. She only had command authority, not full control over its affairs.
Irina fell silent, offering no immediate rebuttal. Elena also stayed quiet, waiting for Irina to make her own decision.
A few minutes later, Irina spoke up: "From the moment we signed the contract until now, all my share of the gains technically belongs to the family. How exactly do you plan to transfer it to my personal name?"
"Simple—we just void the contract and go our separate ways," Liu Hai said with a shrug.
"Go our separate ways?" Irina understood what Liu Hai meant.
Terminating the contract now meant that the discovery of life signs—made prior to the contract—would remain jointly owned. However, since the Life Planet itself hadn't been found yet and required further exploration, Liu Hai's approach was straightforward: nullify the contract, let both parties explore the Life Planet independently, and whoever found it would claim it—with the other party privately compensating them accordingly.
—Don't insult people's intelligence. No sane person would sell themselves out and then happily count the money for their buyer. Imagine a woman saying, "I'll follow you, but I won't lift a finger. You have to protect me. Any benefits you get, I demand at least half. If there's danger, you go first. You bear all the losses, but the spoils must be more than half mine." And then acting all pleased? Stop grinning like an idiot, you fool—come over here and sign this contract already.
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