Chapter 228

After Ji Zi simply introduced herself, Tuo Pa was very excited. She even chatted with San Yue Qi and Xing Xian, with no trace of hostility or tension, just like a few friends chatting.

"Your communication is so harmonious, I'm delighted. Miss Tuo Pa, from the tone of your greeting, you should be clear about the current situation, right?" Ji Zi gradually wiped the smile from her face.

"Of course~ the deadline has passed, but Bronya hasn't signed the contract yet. The resistance behind this can be guessed with a little thought." Tuo Pa remained in her light, cheerful tone.

Ji Zi said they had no intention of opposing the company's board; they acted only because here they had friends they cherished, and friends of friends. They couldn't just watch them sign an unequal treaty.

Watching Ji Zi speak so bluntly, the situation was racing toward a military solution. San Yue was still very worried, but Ji Zi simply shook her head calmly and said lightly, "No need to worry about that, San Yue. She decided what to do ten minutes ago."

——

DC Universe.

In the study of Weienzhuangyuan, A'erfuleide placed a cup of steaming black tea before Bruce; the silver tray touching the oak table made a faint sound.

"It seems even interstellar business negotiations cannot avoid moments of tension. This Miss Tuo Pa reminds me of Lucius's expression when facing the Wayne Enterprises board—smile hiding calculation."

Bruce's knuckles rested on his chin as he lightly sighed: "The situation is already irreparable; from the moment Miss Ji Zi spoke of the 'unequal treaty,' the battle between the two sides became inevitable."

"That Miss San Yue seems like an idealist… her first reaction lacks vigilance. Once Tuo Pa has made up her mind, negotiations will only buy her more preparation time. Speaking of which… Miss Ji Zi is indeed perceptive."

"From your tone, young master, you seem eager to see these two sides erupt in battle?" A'erfuleide wiped the tea stain that had accidentally dripped onto the table.

"Of course, it seems we haven't yet seen the company truly act, have we? As the largest commercial company in the galaxy, followers of the 【Preservation】 Star God, don't you expect them to have some means to deal with the train squad?"

Nowadays, threats from the universe are increasing, and Bruce also needs to include the Stellar Peace Company within the scope of threats. The company's philosophy, means, and military strength are all targets to consider. The most important of these is the military strength the company displays outwardly.

Whether to use that unfathomable technological combat, or to use the power of the 【Preservation】 path—he knows nothing about any of these.

"Of course… compared to their underlings' mechs, I look forward to Tuo Pa herself fighting."

The old butler chuckled lightly: "But Miss Tuo Pa doesn't look like a martial type."

"That's merely appearance."

Bruce rose and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window; Gotham's neon in the rain twisted into specks of light, "To capture a planet—such an important project, I don't believe the company would fail to make full military preparations."

"Miss Tuo Pa… perhaps she possesses the military power sufficient to suppress all problems in Belobog. She is the company's first played card, and also the final trump card of this project."

——

"Tuo Pa praised Ji Zi's observational skills, lightly laughing: "You're right—often, differing positions don't mean who's right or wrong—but to keep work moving forward and avoid stagnation, there's usually only one way…"

"Mid-sentence, Tuo Pa suddenly stopped speaking, and the entire venue fell into an eerie silence."

"She picked up her phone, nodded with a smile, and said: "…The reply above, approval has been granted."

""Approval? What approval?""

""What's wrong? So curious about my work process?" Tuo Pa crossed her arms, wearing a confident expression: "If you want to know, I'll tell you——"

""——The request for permission to launch a special attack on the Star Rail members has already been approved!"

After saying that, Tuo Pa waved her right hand; Zhangzhang's two ears rose like wings, flying over everyone's heads, stirring up countless tornadoes wherever it passed. Once the gale strong enough to block vision dissipated, countless fully armed company employees had already readied themselves, aiming their guns and cannons at the three individuals on the train.

"The secret to smooth sailing in the workplace is to always be prepared to turn an unfavorable situation around."

"The project I'm in charge of—cannot afford any slip-ups!"

——

Dungeon Meals.

"Ahhh that little pig can fly! How adorable!" Marulsi's eyes sparkled as she pointed at the small creature floating above Tuo Pa's head on the screen: "I really want to raise one too! It's so convenient! It can even teleport company personnel to the scene! Cute and capable!"

"Hmm… it just looks like a pig, right?" Senxi rubbed his chin, eyes slightly narrowed: "Its build is quite proportionate, limbs short, fat distribution should be even; if roasted, the skin would become crispy."

Lai os beside them also observed seriously: "No no, considering its flying ability, the muscle tissue near its ears might be more developed, suitable for stewing or making into steak. But considering it can open a dimensional channel to escape, how to catch it is the difficulty."

Marulsi, with pointed ears, heard the two's conversation behind her, snapped her head back, and glared at them: "What are you saying? You couldn't be thinking——"

"I'm just objectively analyzing the ingredient's characteristics." Senxi answered honestly.

Lai os nodded in agreement: "Yeah, after all, one day our world will connect with the Stellar Peace Company, and we'll eventually encounter this strange creature; if we could study its ecology in advance——"

"Study ecology?! You're clearly just thinking about 'how to make it taste better,' right!?"

"If it's edible, of course we should try it." Looking at Zhangzhang curled adorably on Tuo Pa's shoulder in the screen, and imagining it grilled, stewed, or wind-dried, tears… unconsciously welled up from the corner of Lai os's mouth.

——

"Even Huanlong's stellar destruction can't blow up a star, let alone the company's pile of scrap copper and iron."

When the smoke cleared, Xing walked out of the mech disassembled into scattered parts, holding a flame gun, and Tuo Pa involuntarily applauded them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you truly are the ace of the Star Rail! Absolutely spectacular!"

"Is the warm-up over here? Next it's my turn——"