Chapter 1532: Agreeing to the Transaction

Three hundred ships.

The list on the Data Pad occupied a full four screens, each line corresponding to a ship's serial number, model, and a summary of its maintenance status.

Kedi Zao quickly scanned the content of the first few lines, confirmed that the serial numbers and parameters of those ship models roughly matched the market prices he had previously learned about in the Greer Union, and then spoke.

Three hundred ships—you managed to sort out three hundred ships in just one night?

Sula smiled and nodded.

The total number of items in the inventory that meet your described specifications is more than this. The first batch that can be mobilized is three hundred ships; the rest are still in other warehouses and require time for transport. If this batch of transactions goes smoothly, subsequent new batches can be mobilized.

Kedi Zao's gaze lingered on the Data Pad screen for a moment, and he said with an accelerated speaking pace.

I am very satisfied with this batch of goods. The specific ship conditions and modification plans can be examined in detail later; at this stage, I want to confirm the pricing issues first. What method do you intend to use to settle the payment for this batch of ships?

Sula took back the Data Pad and placed it back on the tabletop.

Regarding the price, we currently prefer a material exchange transaction rather than monetary settlement. The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is not short on universal currency right now, but there are some gaps in demand for specific resources that need to be filled.

Kedi Zao asked curiously.

What resources?

Sula said in a calm tone.

There is a type of ore in the Greer Union called Brocade Ore. Its energy properties are very special; if used in the agricultural sector, it can accelerate the growth rate of crops while increasing yield.

The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is currently conducting yield-increase projects on planets in its agricultural zones. If this ore can be imported steadily, it can shorten crop cycles and increase overall food production.

Kedi Zao's brows twitched slightly upon hearing the three words "Brocade Ore."

He first picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip, then spoke.

Brocade Ore is classified as a non-tradeable item on the Greer Union's mineral directory. The Union's Mineral Administration has strict control procedures for its mining and export; without special authorization, no individual can take it out of the territory.

The fact that you know about this ore shows that you indeed have sufficient understanding of the Greer Union, but you should also know that the channels through which I can access this ore are very limited, and the quantity will not be large.

After listening, Sula continued.

I know that Brocade Ore is a non-tradeable item, but there must be precedents for this ore flowing out of the Greer Union through unofficial channels. Once an item has market demand, someone will always bypass those controls.

The fact that you can operate as an independent merchant in the northern star sector of the Union, running routes through no-man's-land, shows that you are no stranger to the processes of bypassing controls.

Kedi Zao looked at Sula without denying it, then steered the topic toward a more practical direction.

Even if there are unofficial channels, the quantity will not be large. Moreover, the risks and prices will be significantly higher than normal trade. Do you mean to settle everything using Brocade Ore?

Sula shook his head and said.

It doesn't need to be all of it. I have looked at the mineral resource distribution data of the Greer Union; besides Brocade Ore, there are other ores on the non-tradeable list that can be purchased through normal channels.

You can use a portion of Brocade Ore plus a portion of other ores to settle the payment. In terms of ratio, Brocade Ore should account for about half, and you can make up the other half with other categories of mineral resources.

Kedi Zao's fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop.

A ratio of half Brocade Ore is still too high. The channels are limited, and concentrating a large amount of goods in a short time will attract the attention of the Mineral Administration. Furthermore, the cost of a single transport will thin out the profit margin. Can the ratio be lowered to about thirty percent? Can the remaining seventy percent be made up with ordinary ores and some universal currency?

Sula clasped his hands together on the table and looked at Kedi Zao, saying.

This ratio has been calculated; it is the lowest compromise condition. The material value corresponding to thirty percent Brocade Ore is not enough to cover the modification costs of three hundred ships.

This batch of ships consists of complete, mothballed stock; the hull structures and weapon systems are in a state ready for immediate activation. Once you get your hands on them, you only need to perform external marking adjustments and main control system replacements to put them directly into the market.

The profit margin under this premise is already sufficient to support you in bearing the procurement costs. If you cannot accept this ratio, then let us consider it as if we never talked, and I will go back to report.

Seeing that Sula showed no signs of relenting, Kedi Zao could only shrug and say.

Fine, let's go with this ratio. Brocade Ore will account for half, and the other half will be supplemented with other ores. I need time to go back and procure the goods; the Brocade Ore must be collected in batches from several different channels, otherwise, there will be records on the Union side.

Sula nodded in agreement.

Very well. In terms of time, how long of a preparation cycle do you need?

Kedi Zao thought for a few seconds before answering.

From procurement and packaging to transport to the border of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, it will take about three to four standard weeks at the fastest. If there are delays in the procurement channels for the Brocade Ore, it might need to be extended by one or two weeks. Can your ships wait for this cycle?

Sula closed the screen of the Data Pad and looked at Kedi Zao, saying.

Yes, a cycle of three to four weeks is within an acceptable range. If you encounter matters that need coordination during the procurement process, you can directly contact this communication code.

He reached out, took a card from the inside of his coat, and placed it on the table.

If there is progress, notify us synchronously.

Kedi Zao reached out to take the card and tucked it into the inside pocket of his coat.

He stood up and extended his hand toward Sula.

Then let's proceed with this plan. After I go back, I will start the procurement preparations; within three to four weeks, the first batch of materials will enter the transshipment process. I will contact you then.

Sula only nodded slightly.

Good, then I will wait for your news.

Seeing that the other party had no intention of shaking hands, Kedi Zao did not mind; after all, he had heard that for the Humans of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, being able to hold a normal conversation with an Alien was already quite good, and most people were unwilling to have excessive physical contact.

Kedi Zao sat back down in the booth, pushed the untouched plate of tea snacks back to the center of the table, picked up the now half-cool teacup to finish the remaining tea, and placed it back on the coaster.

As he passed the counter, the waitress was tidying up an empty tray. After she looked up and saw Kedi Zao, she smiled and said.

Finished talking?

Kedi Zao turned his head to look at the waitress.

Yes, finished talking. The efficiency of you people in the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is indeed very high.

He nodded slightly as a farewell and then left the tea house.