"For them, a sentence of lifeti labor reform would have been more satisfying."
"The politician with a technology background who pushed for the bill that established ’Soul Imprisonnt’ as a penalty was nad Wu Qiqiang; he also held another position as a lifeti advisor at the Mingdian Research Institute."
"After ’Soul Imprisonnt’ beca a legal penalty, the Star Nation, orchestrated by Wu Qiqiang, conveniently purchased a batch of ’Soul Cages’ from the Mingdian Research Institute. However, no one could find any evidence of improper financial dealings. The Mingdian Research Institute’s models were advanced and inexpensive; with only five units purchased, the total sum wasn’t particularly large."
Aviloya faintly sensed a trace of unease. "No matter how you look at it, it seems like the Mingdian Research Institute orchestrated everything from behind the scenes. They were well-prepared, which is why their ’Soul Cages’ are both advanced and cheap!"
"The Mingdian Research Institute is one of the most mysterious research establishnts within the Confederation," Rainbow continued, noncommittal. "For hundreds of years, their sponsors have remained hidden. Every ti they faced a crisis, they sohow managed to turn danger into safety at the last mont."
"Then we found sothing else. So far, three inmates have been sentenced to ’Soul Imprisonnt.’ However, during the trials, this punishnt wasn’t the judges’ first choice. As you know, it’s very expensive, and judges have to consider the prison’s budget. But the Mingdian Research Institute played a pivotal role in these three sentences, offering to cover the energy costs incurred during incarceration."
Aviloya frowned. "They’re worried that if this punishnt isn’t used consistently, it might eventually be abolished."
"But why?" Rainbow shrugged. "After selling the first batch of five ’Soul Cages’ to the Star Nation, the Star Nation made no further purchase plans. The Mingdian Research Institute didn’t lobby politicians for more purchases either. So, their entire profit from this penalty was just from selling five ’Soul Cages’?"
"And what did they spend?"
Rainbow calculated. "First, hiring Wu Qiqiang as a lifeti advisor cost about 17.5 million Starshield."
"Then, promoting the entire bill was a major expense, totaling 240 million Starshield."
"Finally, the energy costs for the three ’Soul Imprisonnt’ inmates were much less—around 10 million Starshield."
"So, what was their profit in this whole affair? Five ’Soul Cages’ sold for a total of 38 million Starshield."
"Moreover, their R&D and production costs for the ’Soul Cages’ must have been significant."
Aviloya’s expression grew increasingly somber. "They’ve incurred a huge loss—what on earth are they doing this for?"
Rainbow spread his hands. "I don’t know either. The Mingdian Research Institute is very insular; our people can’t get in to investigate. But if I were you, I’d definitely sign an order to dispatch special operatives to investigate them secretly!"
Aviloya fell into deep thought and did not imdiately agree with Rainbow.
...
When Qiao Shuangyi and Lin Xiaochen saw Chen Gu in class, their jaws dropped in astonishnt. "My god, Bro, you’re actually attending class?"
Chen Gu glared at the two of them.
When class ended at noon, Qiao Shuangyi sidled up, fawning. "Brother Chen, let’s go! I’ll treat you to lunch. I’ve saved up so allowance these past few weeks."
Lin Xiaochen shot him a glare. "Listen to your pathetic self! Brother Chen, *I’ll* treat you. I even set up a special ’Treat Brother Chen’ fund!"
Chen Gu was caught between laughter and tears. Were these two bootlickers deliberately trying to make squirm?
Chen Gu straightened his clothes. "Alright, alright, you don’t have to treat . Today, it’s my treat. Yours truly is now an A-list star in the Alliance; I’ve got money."
Their eyes lit up, and they chuckled. "HEH HEH HEH. That’s right! We totally forgot about that."
"Let’s go, let’s go! We’re eating big today!"
They hadn’t even reached the cafeteria when Qiao Shuangyi started acting up. The chubby guy squinted, a lecherous look on his face. "Brother Chen, all those superstars in the Alliance marry famous models or celebrities. What about you? When are you going to show us around the dazzling world of showbiz? HEH HEH HEH!"
Chen Gu snorted. "Wipe your drool first."
Lin Xiaochen shot Qiao Shuangyi a disdainful look. This fatty is really lowering the standards of our ’Bootlicking Duo.’
Chen Gu said, "Don’t get into trouble. I know your older brother, and now I know your grandaunt too. If I take you carousing in the entertainnt circles, those two will have my hide."
Families like the Qiaos and the Lins had strict upbringing. Dating was permissible, but ssing around was forbidden, especially with the n and won from the world of fa and fortune.
For example, the Qiao Family allowed its core mbers three years of sowing their wild oats after college graduation. Once they’d had their fill, they were expected to return ho, marry, start a family, and manage the family businesses.
Before graduation, however, they were expected to focus on their studies.
Soone like Qiao Shuangyi needed to focus on his advancent even more, without any distractions.
When Qiao Shuangyi first heard the word "grandaunt," it didn’t register. A mont later, realization dawned, and he shuddered. "You... She..."
"My god... I should’ve known! We’re all from the Bureau of Mystic Security; of course, we’d run into each other eventually."
"My life is so hard—"
"You have no idea! That woman, in our family, she absolutely calls the shots. No one dares to cross her. Last year, my seventh uncle got so young starlet pregnant, and she had him strung up and whipped! A man in his forties—he lost all face!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)