Chapter 320: Boss, about the dividends—what do you think?

Xia Wan returned home, and naturally, there was another wave of warmth and surprise. Xia Tian's recovery had improved steadily; he could now move about the house freely. Seeing his daughter safe and her aura even more profound and unfathomable, he felt deep satisfaction and pride. Xia Madam held her daughter's hand, eyes moist, muttering that safety was all that mattered. Nanni clung to her sister like a little ornament, unwilling to let go, chattering excitedly about all the amusing things that had happened while her sister was away.

The warmth of home slightly diluted the grimness of the Trial and the tension of the looming storm ahead. But Xia Wan did not indulge in it; she knew her responsibilities had grown heavier. After a brief rest, she plunged back into intense preparations.

As the annual meeting drew near, the entire New Era Base operated like a finely wound instrument, spinning at high speed. All departments collaborated closely, pouring their full effort into this grand event that would shape the future.

That day, Xia Wan was in her private training arena, adapting to the surge of power after her breakthrough, attempting to integrate foundational techniques from the Tiankong Guardian Inheritance with existing technology. Her communicator buzzed—it was the head of Logistics and Resource Management, a middle-aged man surnamed Wang, his voice tinged with respect and nervousness.

"Miss Xia Wan, I apologize for interrupting your training. Regarding some resource allocations for the annual meeting… and, uh, a list of materials related to Mr. Qin, we need final confirmation. Would it be convenient for you to come by?"

Materials related to Mr. Qin? Xia Wan's heart stirred slightly, and she agreed.

Arriving at the Resource Management office, Director Wang was already waiting at the door, leading her into an internal meeting room. The conference table was spread with thick lists and budget reports.

"Miss Xia Wan, please take a look," Director Wang pointed to a line on the list, specially highlighted in red, followed by a long string of zeros, his tone cautious. "This is the budget allocated for Mr. Qin's… uh… 'special dining' and 'leisure supplies.'"

Xia Wan's gaze swept over it, and her lips twitched slightly.

The items on the list were dazzling—and remarkably "down-to-earth."

Premium Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao (annual yield only a few catties): 500 grams

Antarctic million-year ice core meltwater (for tea brewing): 1 ton

Fresh milk from a specific Alpine pasture, air-freighted daily (same-day delivery): 100 liters per day

Kobe A5+ grade Wagyu beef (specific cuts): 100 kilograms

French Egon Müller TBA Riesling (specific vintage): 50 bottles

Cuban master-rolled cigars (collector's edition): 20 boxes

…

Behind them came a long list of other "leisure supplies" that seemed utterly incongruous with Mr. Qin's usual demeanor: "Full-immersion holographic fishing simulation system (top configuration)," "Custom lazy sofa (memory foam with constant-temperature tech)," "Latest ultra-high-definition gaming console with full collection of limited-edition games," and more.

This level of treatment… it was as if they were worshipping Mr. Qin as an ancestor… no, as the ultimate homebody!

"These…" Xia Wan looked hesitantly at Director Wang, "were all requested by Mr. Qin?"

Director Wang quickly waved his hands, smiling bitterly. "No, not at all. Mr. Qin only said 'feed me.' He mentioned nothing else. These were personally approved by Commander Lei, who instructed us to prepare them according to the principle of 'highest standards, satisfying all potential needs.' Commander Lei said: don't worry about the cost or the trouble—make sure Mr. Qin feels our sincerity and… thoroughness."

Xia Wan understood. Lei Dong was treating Mr. Qin as the most vital "strategic resource," terrified of any slight neglect.

"Is the budget an issue?" Xia Wan asked.

"No issue at all! Absolutely no issue!" Director Wang immediately assured her. "Even if this budget were multiplied tenfold, the Base would not hesitate! Mr. Qin's value is immeasurable!"

At that moment, the meeting room door was gently knocked and then pushed open.

Lei Dong entered, his face weary but energetic, clearly just returned from handling external affairs. Seeing Xia Wan, he nodded with a smile, then his gaze fell on the list on the table.

"Little Wang, everything arranged?" Lei Dong asked.

"Commander Lei, everything has been prepared according to your highest directives, awaiting final confirmation," Director Wang replied respectfully.

Lei Dong nodded in satisfaction, then seemed to remember something, his expression shifting to one of anticipation mixed with nervousness. He turned to Xia Wan and lowered his voice: "Xia Wan, there's something… you might need to help me sound out."

"Commander Lei, please speak."

Lei Dong rubbed his hands, looking reluctant, but finally spoke: "You see… this year's annual meeting, Mr. Qin has agreed to attend—this is tremendous support for our New Era. Previously, the oil field coordinates Mr. Qin provided have been confirmed by G. S. C., and preliminary exploration results far exceeded expectations. I hear they're going wild internally—stock prices have skyrocketed, and they're already frantically mobilizing resources to begin extraction…"

He paused, his voice dropping even lower: "According to our prior 'deal,' they're temporarily preoccupied, giving us a precious strategic window. This… this is equivalent to Mr. Qin saying one word, granting us immeasurable strategic benefits and… indirect economic gains."

Xia Wan seemed to understand, listening silently.

"So," Lei Dong licked his dry lips, forcing a smile, "I was thinking… Mr. Qin has contributed enormously to our New Era. Though he himself is indifferent to fame and fortune, we can't be clueless, right? So… could you, at a suitable moment, gently ask Mr. Qin…"

He took a deep breath, as if summoning all his courage, and finished: 【36】 "About the… uh… 'dividends' from that oil field… what does Mr. Qin intend to do about the split?"

"It's... about the 'dividend' brought by that oil field, you see... how does Mr. Qin, the venerable elder, plan to divide it up?"

Xia Wan: "!!!"

She nearly choked on her own saliva!

Div… dividends?!

Commander Lei was actually thinking of this?! To split a portion of G. S. C.'s massive profits from that oil field and give it to Mr. Qin?!

What a bizarre train of thought!

Would Mr. Qin even care about such worldly money? The coordinates he casually gave might have meant as little to him as tossing a pebble.

Seeing Xia Wan's stunned expression, Lei Dong also felt awkward and quickly explained: "That's not what I meant! I mean, this is about showing our sincerity! It's a matter of attitude! He can refuse, but we can't fail to offer! This concerns… uh… Human Sentiments and Worldly Ways!"

He had even quoted Mr. Qin's own words.

Xia Wan couldn't help but laugh and sigh. Looking at Lei Dong's hopeful yet anxious face, she realized he genuinely wanted to draw closer to Mr. Qin—or express, in a worldly way, gratitude and dependence beyond words.

"Commander Lei," Xia Wan chose her words carefully, "Mr. Qin… probably has no concept of money, nor any need for…"

"I know! I know!" Lei Dong interrupted quickly. "That's why I'm just sounding you out! What if… what if Mr. Qin has some special preference, or needs something else as 'equivalent exchange'? For example… does he collect unusual stones? Or need special energy crystals? We could prepare in advance, cater to his tastes!"

Xia Wan looked at Lei Dong's earnest expression and knew he was determined to "show appreciation." She sighed helplessly: "Alright, Commander Lei, I… I'll find an opportunity to ask. But don't expect too much."

"Good! Good! That's all I need!" Lei Dong beamed, as if he'd accomplished a major feat. "No rush, no rush—wait until after the annual meeting, when Mr. Qin's in a good mood!"

Leaving Resource Management, Xia Wan walked down the bright corridors of the Base, thinking about Lei Dong's "dividends" proposal—absurd, yet somehow amusing.

To "dividend" G. S. C.'s massive profits to Mr. Qin?

This was probably the most fantastical "business deal" in this century… no, in the history of this planet.

She shook her head, pushing the thoughts aside.

The urgent task now was preparing for the upcoming annual meeting.

As for "dividends"…

Let's wait until a proper opportunity arises.