Chapter 296: Trading on One's Face

"Please take a look at this battle report. If there are no issues, I'll submit it."

In front of the porthole, Li Yu looked at the Flowing Light-like tunnel in the Warp Lane, then looked down at the Holographic Screen handed over by Hannes.

"...Remove the prefixes like 'great' and 'revered' before my name. Are you afraid others won't see there's something fishy?" Li Yu shook his head and made modifications in a few places.

Hannes's battle report was roughly done according to Li Yu's instructions, but due to certain reasons.

It resulted in the forms of address for Li Yu within the battle report being overly fawning, making anyone feel something was wrong at first glance.

"Yes..." Hannes left respectfully, preparing to submit this modified battle report.

After every large-scale battle, a detailed battle report was required. However, there were no A-Tier Lifeform casualties this time.

Nor was there an extremely exaggerated casualty ratio, so it basically wouldn't trigger the review procedure; the battle report was just a formality.

Although there was no Recording of the final decisive battle, they could Shift Blame to Rohan's influence, and those Transformers were described by Hannes as technological weapons rather than a living race.

Claptrap's notification sounded, and a screen popped up. It was a message from Max. The gist was telling him that Returning Star was about to publicly announce the vaccine matter, and a storm of Public Opinion was likely coming, advising him to be prepared.

Nearly twenty days had passed since Li Yu left the Return Star Central Star System until now on his return voyage, and Returning Star was finally ready to publicly announce the Bounty situation for the Xinhuo Virus.

During these twenty-odd days, it wasn't that no external Laboratories attempted to claim this fairly generous reward.

Unfortunately, none could achieve such outstanding efficacy as the vaccine Li Yu provided.

Even though it had been cooling down for over twenty days, once this Bounty was claimed and the identities of the claimers exposed, it would still cause a huge uproar of Public Opinion in Returning Star.

Li Yu casually replied to Max and didn't take this matter to heart. Public Opinion was just Public Opinion; it wasn't a tangible attack. Only one's own Strength was the ultimate truth.

That's why he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to any support groups on the internet before. Unless they could reach the Mermaid Princess's level, so-called "fans" were only slightly useful.

.........

The next day, countless Return Star Citizens had just crawled out of bed, ready to start their boring and dull day.

However, as soon as they turned on their home terminals, they were startled by the popping official news.

"Xinhuo Virus Bounty Claimed, Returning Star Dark Night Fleet Will Escort Medical Team to Xinhe Galaxy in the Coming Days."

Official news Headlines always adhered to the style of 'the fewer words, the bigger the matter.' A short line of text contained a massive amount of information.

Little Mo rubbed his bedhead, his eyes still somewhat bleary, and took out the leftover [Mr. Good Parama Meat Roll] from the constant-temperature sterile storage box.

The meat roll was still warm. He then casually grabbed various sauces and squeezed them indiscriminately on top.

Plopping down on the sofa, he rubbed his eyes and woke up the home Smart Terminal. The glowing blue projection outlined an Alluring Virtual projection, speaking in a voice full of Charm:

"Good morning Master. Today's temperature is 26 degrees, the weather is clear, suitable for going out."

This was a popular star in Returning Star who had sold the copyright for her Virtual projection.

Many fans were happy to pay the bill for this, and even used special channels to crack the built-in [Security Treaty] to do some indescribable things.

"Master, there's a national discussion-level news today, do you want to take a look?" The Virtual projection bowed and asked in a playful tone.

"National discussion?" Little Mo was somewhat surprised, chewing on his food. "What was the last national discussion-level news... I've forgotten..."

"Bring it up for a look..."

Little Mo crossed his legs and looked at the virtual screen projected in front of him. "Xinhuo Virus Bounty? Seems a bit familiar..."

"Isn't this the virus that caused a huge uproar a while ago? It's finally been resolved..."

Little Mo muttered: "It took so long to resolve it, the efficiency is too low..."

"Huh... The one who resolved this issue wasn't some large Laboratory..." Little Mo's eyes widened slightly, carefully reading the official announcement: "Li Yu... Max... and Edwin..., all three of these names are so strange..."

"This Li Yu also seems quite familiar..."

"Automatically switching to the news commentator with the highest views for you..." The Virtual projection automatically switched based on usage habits.

Because Interstellar news covered a very broad range of aspects, involving a massive number of Star Systems and civilizations, ordinary Citizens simply didn't understand it all.

A news commentator's job was to integrate the news and use Sensible Talk to try and make every ordinary Citizen understand.

"...A piece of news this morning jolted my groggy head awake..." The commentator on the screen talked cheerfully and humorously...

"We are not unfamiliar with this person Li Yu. A possessor of the Golden Cross Medal and an Honorary Baron. And according to the official announcement, he is not even twenty years old... yet he has already achieved such dazzling success..."

"A while ago, because of the Vittel Galaxy incident, he was hailed as the Guardian of Returning Star, possessing a large number of fans..."

Little Mo suddenly realized, "So it's him, almost forgot..."

He remembered that he had even praised him with a few words online back then.

"However, compared to the identities of the next two people, this Guardian is still a bit lacking..."

"Max... this isn't his full name; his father is a military bigwig in Returning Star..."

"Edwin... the same goes for him. His Identity is even more mysterious than Max's..."

The atmosphere on Returning Star's network was relatively free, as long as it didn't involve overly sensitive topics.

"...We once thought that the reason a Bounty was issued externally was indeed because there was no solution..."

"Yet now it was claimed by three young people with mysterious backgrounds... This forces one to think deeply..."

"The last Professor Morse, who was awarded the Sword-Bearer Medal, solved the war that almost broke out between us and the Spirit User civilization..."

"Damn it!" Little Mo cursed angrily, quickly understanding the news commentator's implication.

"These Bastards, actually playing like this, coming up with all sorts of tricks to get Merits for themselves?"

He was furious, quickly opening the Interstellar Network. As a virtual keyboard appeared, his eyes became sharp.

He swore to fight for a clear sky for Returning Star!

This matter fermented very quickly. Almost most people could discover the problems within it. Countless news commentators and conspiracy theorists vigorously promoted various rhetorics.

As for the current situation in the Xinhe Galaxy, conversely, no one cared.

"...The ugly faces of Vested Interests; the so-called Guardian has also become a member of the Special Interest Group!"

Many people Verbally and textually denounced Li Yu, but were much more restrained towards Max and Edwin.

However, as the event fermented and a large number of netizens with unknown IP Addresses entered, there weren't so many scruples towards Max and Edwin anymore.

"...Dark Curtain! Countless Citizens in the Xinhe Galaxy and surrounding Star Systems are waiting for rescue, yet you guys are trying every means to calculate your own interests!"

"...Too terrifying! Too dark!"

"..."

.........

"The online evaluations of you right now are very bad." Hunter put his legs on the Command Console, browsing the network.

"...A black-hearted Troll in sheep's clothing, deceiving the masses... tsk tsk."

Trolls didn't have a good reputation in Returning Star. Because they were enemies, it was considered a curse word.

"There's also this one: Looks gentle and refined, but is actually full of conspiracies and calculations." Hunter grinned widely and secretly gave a like.

"These ignorant and stupid people are simply courting death!" Hannes was furious and was about to find the IP Addresses through internal channels to drive a warship directly to their homes.

"No need to pay attention." Li Yu shook his head. Regarding this network Public Opinion, he always adhered to the principle of utilizing it if possible.

But he also never thought he could stay completely aloof and not suffer a backlash. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. Wanting to use Public Opinion without suffering a backlash from it—how could there be such a good thing?

Therefore, continuously becoming stronger himself was his firmest choice.

He was now an A-Tier Lifeform and naturally had his reliances. He was no longer a low-tier lifeform that still needed to leverage Public Opinion.

Hunter also closed the Interstellar Network. As someone who could once be considered half a High Echelon member, he knew that the true big shots didn't care about this Public Opinion.

As long as the foundation wasn't shaken, most people would forget this matter after a while.

Beep beep—

The Patrol Fleet's communication link rang. Hannes glanced at Li Yu, and seeing him nod, he stepped forward to answer.

The screen popped up, showing a rotund fatty with a crooked tie and few hairs on his head, a lazy look on his face.

"Is this Commander Hannes?" His tone was casual; it seemed that Hannes, an A-Tier Lifeform and Patrol Fleet Commander, didn't catch his eye.

"It's me..." Hannes frowned slightly, clearly feeling the casualness of the other party's attitude. He glanced at the source of the link; it was an internal transfer.

This indicated the other party was from Returning Star's internal administrative system.

He introduced himself: "I am Kevi, the director of Returning Star's Disaster Reconstruction Department. You applied for post-disaster reconstruction for the Hengfeng System..."

"The project includes a planet-level Ecological Regulation Device, continental plate repair equipment, alien immigration application, and basic resource support..."

"That's right..." Hannes nodded. The Hengfeng System was the Star System he was responsible for patrolling, so he submitted the application.

"Alright... the post-disaster reconstruction for the Hengfeng System will proceed after some time. Just wait quietly for the notice." Kevi said casually, seemingly not taking this matter to heart.

"Specifically, how long do we have to wait?" Hannes pressed. The Hengfeng System was now Li Yu's Reserved Territory, so he couldn't afford not to care.

"How long to wait?" Kevi seemed somewhat surprised that Hannes would ask such a question. He said somewhat impatiently: "I don't know, there are many places queuing up ahead. The post-disaster reconstruction for Erdos hasn't even started yet; the Hengfeng System will have to wait longer."

"The problems in the Hengfeng System are major." Hannes emphasized.

"Which place's problems aren't major?" Kevi sneered: "If I move the Hengfeng System to the front, go ask if the Ordos System will agree."

"I don't have time to bicker with you here. You're delaying simply because you want to resell some of the allocated resources; don't think I don't know." Hannes said coldly.

"Bullshit!" Kevi slammed the Table fiercely. The two were in completely different systems, Completely Unrelated, and separated by the Quantum Network; he wasn't afraid of Hannes at all.

"Don't think that just because you are a Patrol Fleet captain you can frame me at will!?" Kevi was exasperated. Many things were Unspoken Rules; post-disaster reconstruction was inherently a highly lucrative position.

Ordinary people couldn't get in at all, and Kevi wasn't without backing. His neck flushed red, and spit flew: "So what if the Hengfeng System is in terrible shape? You just have to f*cking queue up."

Hannes's face grew increasingly ugly. Losing so much face in front of Li Yu made him extremely ashamed, and he wished he could tear this fatty to shreds.

"Director Kevi?" Li Yu motioned for Hannes to step aside and walked to the screen.

Seeing the change in person, Kevi gave a cold snort but didn't speak. He cast a sidelong glance at this overly young Interstellar human, and his expression suddenly became somewhat uncertain.

"You are?" Kevi asked cautiously, not appearing hysterical like he was facing Hannes.

"My name is Li Yu."

Kevi's pupils contracted, his face changing drastically. He subconsciously stood up from his chair, swallowing involuntarily.

"You are Li Yu?" He couldn't help but ask, naturally knowing that Li Yu was one of the main characters in today's much-talked-about Bounty incident.

Regarding this useless question, Li Yu was too lazy to answer, just quietly looking at the other party.

Kevi also realized this was a useless sentence and hurriedly said: "My apologies, I didn't recognize you just now."

"I didn't expect you to be here too. As for the post-disaster reconstruction of the Hengfeng System, I'll arrange it right away, right away..."

His attitude was the complete opposite of when he faced Hannes.

For ordinary Citizens, what they saw were three guys with deep backgrounds snatching Merits.

But the Higher Echelons saw that General Aethel and Prince Connor had actually joined forces.

At the same time, Li Yu, who occupied the center position, also caught many people's eyes. This guy's relationship with General Aethel and Prince Connor was probably quite good for him to get a piece of the pie.

Even if Public Opinion was full of curses, with those two bigwigs joining forces, no accidents would happen at all.

Even if Kevi wasn't in the Military system, for a bigwig like Aethel, handling someone across departments was very simple.

And Prince Connor needed no mention; that was his direct superior's superior's superior...

Therefore, he could shout at Hannes, but didn't dare slight Li Yu.

"The post-disaster reconstruction of the Hengfeng System needs to be done as soon as possible, and..." Li Yu's expression was indifferent. "I don't want any resources to be skimmed; they need to reach the hands of every Citizen who needs them."

"Understood, understood..." Kevi nodded hurriedly: "I will personally keep an eye on this matter; no one will be able to interfere."

"Mm..." Li Yu nodded, then added: "The next time I see Edwin, I will mention you to him."

Kevi's apprehensive expression quickly turned into excitement, becoming even more thrilled: "Thank you for your promotion; I will definitely keep it in mind."

Amidst the other party's profuse thanks, Li Yu ended the communication. As his Status gradually rose, he could already Trade on His Face for some things.

(End of this chapter)