Shadow of Deep Space

Chapter 520 Visit
Starlight City·Dawn Hall 1

Lords Faron and Alicia sat in the first row.

Many congressmen and military officers sat in the back, talking with sad faces.

"Oh, the end of the year is coming soon, and the financial accounts are empty, there is no money at all, and the people below have not been paid for two months."

Lin Aojun said with a sigh.

"Okay, that's nothing. It's only been two months. District 13 is not only unable to pay salaries, but now we are also short of water, and the price of food has doubled. The council sent me three warning letters in a row, asking me to lower the prices, but what can I do?"

Xiao Lie felt more and more aggrieved the more he spoke.

"Everyone, your problems are nothing. We are in an even worse situation on Diyan Star. We are short of water, money, and equipment is aging. Even breathing is a problem. If the funds are not approved today, we will be finished."

Just then the door of the conference room was pushed open, and Long Bai walked in with Secretary Yun Rou.

The noisy conference hall suddenly became quiet.

Long Bai walked up to the parliament platform, glanced at everyone present and began to speak.

"Everyone is here, let's start today's meeting."

"Chairman Long Bai, I have something to say."

Lin Aojun stood up.

"You said."

Long Bai replied calmly.

"We are in a very difficult financial situation right now and we can't even pay salaries. It's almost the end of the year and I wonder if the federal government can allocate the funds."

Lin Aojun also gave it his all.

"We on Diyan Star are not only in urgent need of funds, but also water resources and food."

"The weapons production commissioned by the Federation and some construction projects also need to be settled."

Seeing this, everyone started to speak up.

After listening to everyone's demands, Long Bai frowned. In fact, it was not that she was unwilling to allocate funds, but that the federal treasury was out of money.

Thinking of this, Long Bai turned his head and looked at City Lord Faroen.

"Don't look at me. I'm so poor now."

The Lord Mayor of Faroun replied with a stern face.

Long Bai then looked at City Lord Alicia.

"I don't have much money either."

City Lord Alicia replied helplessly.

After hearing this, Long Bai was silent for a few seconds, and then spoke.

"In that case, let's use the ore to offset the funds."

"Ah, another ore!"

"No!"

"This ore can't be eaten."

When Xiao Lie and the others heard Long Bai's words, they all looked worried.

In fact, Long Bai didn't want to distribute the ore, but there was no way now. The treasury was really out of money, and the only things left were the large amount of mineral resources shipped back from the three restricted areas.

In other words, the Federation is now so poor that only ore is left.

"quiet!"

Long Bai said to everyone.

Everyone at the scene suddenly fell silent.

"I know it's not a good idea to send you ore, but there's nothing we can do about it now. When the federal finances ease a bit, we will allocate materials and funds to you."

Long Bai said calmly.

"Ok."

Everyone could only agree reluctantly.

"The meeting is dismissed!"

Long Bai immediately gave the order.

"Yes!"

Xiao Lie and others responded one after another.

A few days later.

The outer starry sky of the old Milky Way and the Turquoise Star Defense Line.

The starry sky shook and ripples appeared, and then the Holy Punishment Fortress, Grey Angel and other ships emerged from the subspace.

Inside the central control room of the Grey Angel.

Long Chen sat in the command chair, with Su Ming and Long Ying standing on both sides.

Long Ying reported to Long Chen.

"Grandpa Zeng, we have reached the outer side of the defense line of the Emerald Blue Star."

"We are finally back safely. Immediately let the defense line of the Emerald Blue Star let us pass and we will head directly to the Sky Blue Star."

Long Chen breathed a sigh of relief and gave instructions to Long Ying.

During the return flight, they did not stop except to wait for the cooling of the superluminal flight device. They also kept silent the whole time, fearing that something might go wrong.

"Yes!"

Long Ying immediately sent a message to the Cuilan Star Defense Line.

Soon after the Turquoise Star Defense Line received the information and verified the identity and authority, it shut down the curvature interference devices in some areas.

The Grey Angel and other ships once again entered superluminal flight, entered the defense line and flew towards the Emerald Blue Star.

At this time, Long Chen stood up from the command chair and said to Su Ming with a smile.

"Su Ming."

"Master Long Chen, please speak!"

Su Ming replied politely.

"We will arrive at Tianlan Star later. I will go to settle the people who migrated from Saint Jox. You go to the Speaker of the Longbai Council to report this matter and ask her to prepare for the negotiations."

Long Chen explained to Su Ming.

"it is good!"

Su Ming nodded and replied.

A few hours later, at the Starlight City Central Interstellar Airport.

The level 5 mothership Prica slowly landed at the designated parking space.

click!
The exit is open.

Su Ming walked out, entered the underground passage, and headed forward in a good mood. He was finally back.

However, just as Su Ming arrived at the exit, he suddenly heard two guards standing in front of him complaining.

"Oh, when will the salary be paid?"

"It will be sent out immediately, but it will be ore."

"No way, mining ore? Is that even possible? The price of ore is plummeting right now!"

"Then you have an idea. It's better to have it than not, right? Sell it as soon as you get it, otherwise the price will drop even more when you come back."

"Too."

Su Ming was also stunned, with an expression of disbelief on his face. The Federation actually paid with ore. It seemed that the situation on Long Bai's side should be very difficult.

Su Ming thought of this and immediately quickened his pace to leave.

at dusk.

Federal Administration Building, City of Stars.

Su Ming walked through the gate and into the hall. The whole hall was very lively, with officers chatting everywhere.

Su Ming took a quick look and found many unfamiliar faces.

But he didn't care and walked towards Long Bai's office.

"General Su Ming!"

Officers and officials along the way saw Su Ming and greeted him respectfully.

Su Ming nodded slightly in response.

Not long after, he arrived at the door of Long Bai's office.

The office door was open.

Su Ming walked in directly and saw Deputy City Lord Okens reporting something to Long Bai.

Firion and Jon were standing nearby. When they saw Su Ming come in, they greeted him in a low voice.

"Su Ming!"

"What are you two doing here?"

"We are here to report our work. Where have you been? I haven't seen you for a long time."

"I went to St. Jox to do some business and now I'm back to report."

"Did you do it?"

"Hard to say."

"Then you'd better not report it yet."

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"Listen for yourself."

Firion gestured to Su Ming.

Su Ming looked at Okens curiously, only to see him holding a pile of application forms and speaking with an embarrassed look on his face.

"Lord Long Bai, the Ministry of Materials has been trying its best to suppress domestic prices, but the effect is not ideal. A lot of money is needed in all aspects. Especially with so many people withdrawn this time, the Federation needs to pay for pensions, resettlement, bonuses and other expenses. Each of these items alone costs a huge amount of money."

After listening to Okens' words, Long Bai became even more silent.

She knew very well that what Okens said was right, but the problem was that the Federation was really stretched thin right now, so she spoke up.

"Okay, I understand. Please compile a list based on the lowest standard for me first."

"Oh~Okay, I'll go down first."

Okens could only respond helplessly.

At this time, Su Ming saw that Okens had finished his report and walked up.

"Lord Long Bai, Lord Oakens."

When Okens saw that it was Su Ming, he said with a smile.

"Su Ming, you're back."

"Yes, Lord Oakens."

Su Ming responded politely.

Long Bai turned his head to look at Su Ming and spoke coldly.

"Su Ming, how is the matter with Saint Jox going? Did you get the things back?"

“I didn’t get it back.”

Su Ming shook his head and replied.

"I see."

When Long Bai heard this, his brows knitted. Although he had expected this result, he was still a little disappointed after hearing it.

"However, although we didn't get the things back, we brought the people back."

Su Ming said with a smile.

“Who did you bring back from St. Jox?”

After hearing this, Long Bai and others were also slightly stunned?
"Everyone."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

When Okens and Firion heard Su Ming's words, their eyes widened and they spoke in horror.

"Su Ming, are you crazy? You couldn't get the things, so you kidnapped them?"

"It's not about tying, it's about inviting!"

Su Ming explained with a smile.

"It's still the same, what's the difference?"

The three Okens felt like the sky was falling.

The current situation in the Federation is terrible. The people of Saint Jox have close ties with various forces in the Federation. If they are all tied up, the country will explode.

Long Bai also frowned, but she still asked calmly.

"what happened?"

"You misunderstood. They came back with us voluntarily."

Su Ming explained to Long Bai and the others.

"how is this possible?"

Okens found this explanation extremely absurd.

"Really, what happened is this. The main forces of the Apocalypse Kingdom and the Dark Star Empire attacked Saint Jox with the intention of taking over the entire Saint Jox, so we took action to rescue the people."

Su Ming explained to Long Bai and others.

The three Okens said in great shock.

"Are the Dark Star Empire and the Kingdom of Apocalypse idiots?"

"Damn, have they been kicked in the head by a donkey? If they do this, won't they be pushing Saint Jox to our side?"

"Aren't we just winning by doing nothing?"

"well done!"

Long Bai's cold eyes flickered as he spoke very happily.

At this time, Okens asked very puzzled.

"Su Ming, I still don't quite understand why they suddenly went crazy and attacked Saint Joe? This is no less than stabbing themselves in the back!"

"yes?"

Filion was also puzzled.

"I got an insider tip that the economies of the Apocalypse Kingdom and the Dark Star Empire have completely collapsed."

Su Ming explained to them.

"Haha, I see. I was wondering why they would do this. But they deserve it. After fighting us so hard, they finally can't hold on, right?"

When Okens heard this, he laughed so hard that he couldn't stop.

In fact, war is a double-edged sword. Unless it is a crushing victory, it often results in mutual destruction.

Therefore, the frequent wars between the Dark Star Empire and the Apocalypse Kingdom could not have been without any problems. Especially in the end, they lost more.

Moreover, their foundation is no match for the Federation, so it is normal for them to collapse.

"Su Ming, where are the people from Saint Jox?"

At this time, Long Bai asked.

"They are all in the Holy Punishment Fortress. Lord Long Chen is settling them in. They will come to the federal government in person tomorrow."

Su Ming said to Long Bai.

"Okay, Okens, go and prepare for the reception the day after tomorrow.

"understand!"

"And spread the word about St. Joe's visit."

Long Bai instructed Deputy City Lord Okens.

"Okay, I'll do it right now!"

Deputy City Lord Okens was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling.

I was worried to death, but now everything has been solved, and I might even make a fortune. The people in St. Jox are really rich.

After Long Bai finished his explanation, he turned to look at Su Ming and said.

"Su Ming, you did a good job this time. Go down and have a good rest first, and attend the reception the day after tomorrow morning."

"it is good."

Su Ming nodded, then turned and left.

at dusk.

Throughout the City of Stars, suddenly all virtual advertising spots, TV channels, newspapers, and star forums were all broadcasting and reporting on the visit of St. Jox.

L1 area·Su Family Castle·Observation deck.

Su Mulong, Berudo and Fassad sat at the dining table, eating dinner and discussing things with worried faces.

"Lao Su, how is your funding?"

"Don't mention it. All the money has been invested in weapons production. The federal government won't pay back for the time being, and any payment will be offset with ore."

Su Mulong replied irritably.

"We can't go on like this. We need money for everything. We will collapse!"

Fassad said worriedly.

"Fuck it, I know that, but the problem is that the Federation doesn't have the money to pay us."

Su Mulong had a terrible headache.

Just when the three of them were filled with worry, Butler Xi Lun hurried in and shouted to Su Mulong.

"Master, good news, very good news, the federal economy is saved!"

"What good news?"

Su Mulong and the other two were also startled and turned to look at Butler Xi Lun.

“The people from St. Jox are visiting!”

"real or fake?"

Su Mulong and the other two were also stunned.

"Really? Just look!"

Butler Xi Lun quickly raised his wristband and clicked a few times, turning on the projection equipment on the observation deck to display the news.

"Hello everyone, I'm the host Danny. This time we have invited the famous economic expert Mr. Mankoli. Now let's ask him to comment on the sudden visit of St. Jox!"

At this time, an old man wearing a white shirt and glasses said.

"I believe everyone is well aware that the federal government has been reporting deficits for 100 consecutive years. Our economy has been in a very bad state for a long time, and the situation has become more and more serious in recent years! Recently, the CMT indicator of economic health has hit a record high."

"If cooperation can be successfully reached during this negotiation, the federal economy will be saved."

Berrudo and Fassad looked at this scene and discussed it in amazement.

"Why did these guys from Saint Jox suddenly come here?"

"That's strange. Aren't they afraid of the wrath of the Apocalypse Kingdom and the Dark Star Empire?"

"Never mind, this is a good thing!"

Su Mulong replied excitedly.

"Correct!"

Berudo and the other two responded with a smile. At this moment, the people in the Federation were extremely excited after receiving the news.

Almost everyone was talking about St. Jox's visit.

The next morning.

All the main streets of Starlight City were blocked by fully armed soldiers, and traffic entered a level one control state.

There was a huge roar coming from the sky, and mechas were patrolling in the air, with the security level reaching the maximum.

Crowds of people gathered on both sides of the street, watching excitedly.

At this time, a number of top-level black hover cars drove over from a distance, and many people at the scene waved and shouted excitedly.

"Look!"

"It's the Saint Jox convoy!"

"welcome!"

Federal Government Building.

Strips of colorful ribbons were pulled up and the ground was covered with bright red carpets.

Countless reporters stood on both sides of the gate, reporting on the scene with great excitement.

"Dear ladies and gentlemen, I am Zhang Ya, a reporter from the World Journal. We have just received exciting good news. Saint Jox was attacked by the Kingdom of Apocalypse and the Dark Star Empire, and now they have all moved to the Federation. Today, the acting president of the Federation, Long Bai, will personally receive them for consultations. Once cooperation is reached, the Federation's decadent economy will take off."

At this time, a number of black hovercrafts drove over from a distance.

Click!

Countless flashes of light rang out.

These black hovercrafts drove straight into the federal government.

Inside the Federal Government Banquet Hall.

Long Chen, Okens, Faroun, Alicia and others were waiting for the arrival of the guests.

The people at the scene discussed anxiously.

"Why haven't you come yet?"

"Why are you in such a hurry? This time is different from the past. It will definitely come!"

"Too."

At this time, the etiquette officer at the door shouted loudly.

"Master Mokdo of the Morris family has arrived with his family!"

"Master Taifalu of the Shenji family has arrived with his family!"

As the etiquette officer finished speaking, Mokto and others, dressed in black suits and looking energetic, walked in with their families.

"welcome!"

Long Chen and the others immediately stepped forward enthusiastically and shook hands with Mokto and the others one by one.

"Lord Long Chen, Lord Faroen, Lady Alicia, you are too polite. I don't know if my hasty visit will disturb your country."

Mokto and others replied with a smile.

"It's a rare opportunity for you to visit us. We are so happy that we can't express it in words."

Alicia replied with a smile.

"That's good. By the way, where is Lord Long Bai?"

Mokdo turned his head and looked around, but did not see Long Bai.

"It's still early. Lord Long Bai will be here soon. How about I send someone to urge him?"

Long Chen said with a smile.

"No, I just happen to have a lot of old friends I haven't seen for a long time, so we can chat."

Mokto said with a smile.

"it is good!"

Long Chen and others nodded.

At this time, Chief Komit, Su Mulong, District Chief Xiao Lie, many congressmen and generals rushed forward to greet them.

At once, the shorter Su Mulong, Berudo and Fassad were squeezed out.

"Fuck, there are so many people."

Su Mulong said unhappily.

"Oh, there's nothing we can do! How about we go up later?"

Looking at so many people, Berudo felt a bit of a headache.

"All right!"

Su Mulong also looked helpless.

At this time, Chief Kermit excitedly stretched out his hand to shake hands with Chief Mokdo and greeted him warmly.

"Lord Mokto, long time no see!"

"Kermit, long time no see."

"You didn't even tell us in advance that you were coming so that we could pick you up!"

"No need to bother. Eh? Why don't I see Su Mulong? Didn't he come?"

Mokdo turned his head and looked around, but didn't see Su Mulong, so he asked in confusion.

Chief Kermit and others were also startled.

At this time, Su Mulong, who was outside the crowd, heard Mokdo calling his name, so he stretched out his hand and shouted.

"At this!"

When Mokdo saw Su Mulong waving, he quickly spoke to Kermit and others.

"Please give way!"

Comet and others were also confused and moved aside.

Mokdo immediately walked towards Su Mulong and shook hands with him enthusiastically.

"Brother Mu Long, it's been a long time since we last met. I even miss you!"

"what?"

When Su Mulong heard Mokdo's words, he was stunned.

"I've always wanted to come to the Federation to visit you, but I didn't expect it to be delayed for so long."

Mokto said apologetically.

Su Mulong's brain suddenly crashed. He even suspected that Mokto had taken the wrong medicine. Why was he so enthusiastic today?

Although the relationship between them is okay, it is very difficult for him to visit and see Mokdo normally.

Berrudo and Fassad looked at this scene with disbelief on their faces.

At this time, the six clan leaders including Taifalu, Jinris also stepped forward and shook hands with Su Mulong enthusiastically.

"Brother Mu Long!"

Su Mulong was confused and shook hands and greeted them one by one.

Chief Kermit and others looked at this scene, all with astonishment on their faces, and discussed in confusion.

"What's going on today?"

"Does Lao Su have such a good relationship with them?"

"Didn't you hear that?"

At this time, Su Feng, Su Zhentian and others were also shocked to see that all the people from Saint Jox were surrounding their father.

"Am I seeing this correctly? The seven major families of Saint Jox are all greeting father?"

“Are we on such good terms with them?”

"How is that possible? Even the Shenji Family, with whom we have a relatively good relationship, rarely interact with each other."

Su Feng said with certainty.

For a moment, everyone was confused.

Jon said to Firion in the corner.

"Filion, aren't we going up to say hello?"

"There are too many people, and it's useless to go. No one will pay attention to us. Look, apart from the mayors of the three cities, the seven arms dealers and the senior councilors, how many people can get a say?"

Firion said to Jon.

"That's true. But then again, the young ladies from these big families in St. Jox are all very beautiful, just like lotus flowers emerging from the water. I wonder if those brats in my family have a chance?"

"I advise you not to have any illusions. Those who are able to be brought around are all very favored. Each of them is the apple of your eye and will not marry off easily."

"I know."

Jon replied awkwardly.

At this time, Su Ming walked in wearing the general's uniform. He looked around the hall and saw Firion and the other man standing in the corner, and then walked towards them.

"Su Ming, you are finally here."

When Filion and the other man saw Su Ming walking by, they smiled and said.

"You guys came so early. Wasn't it announced at ten o'clock?"

Su Ming raised his bracelet and checked the time and said.

"Notification is notification, but who wouldn't come earlier for such an occasion?"

Jon smiled back.

"Too."

Su Ming nodded in response.

Mokdo, who was chatting with Su Mulong at this time, saw Su Ming at a glance and immediately spoke to Su Mulong.

"Brother Mu Long, I have to excuse myself for a moment and say hello to General Su Ming."

"Uh, okay."

Su Mulong was stunned for a moment, then reacted instantly and understood what was going on.

Then Mokdo walked straight towards Su Ming, and Taifalu and others followed him upon seeing this.

"General Su Ming!"

Mokdo walked up to Su Ming and spoke with a smile.

Su Ming saw that Mokdo and others had arrived, and he responded politely.

"Lord Mokto."

"I didn't treat you well at my last birthday party, and so many things happened afterwards that I haven't had a chance to talk to you properly. Come to my house and sit down when you have time."

Mokto invited enthusiastically.

"Okay, definitely."

Su Ming replied politely.

Then Su Ming noticed that Moyet beside Mokdo had been staring at him, and then he said apologetically.

"Mr. Moyet, I apologize for any offense I caused by the hangar incident."

"It's okay, thanks to you. If it was me driving, it would be very difficult."

Mayet replied with a wry smile.

"Ah."

Su Ming nodded.

At this time, Taifalu and others also came over and greeted Su Ming enthusiastically.

"General Su Ming!"

"Lord Taifaru, Ginris."

Su Ming replied politely.

Everyone in the hall focused their attention on Su Ming, and discussed in low voices.

"It's strange, why are these people from Saint Jox so enthusiastic towards Su Mulong and General Su Ming!"

"Yeah, I've never seen them be so enthusiastic about anyone."

"I remember that Lord Jakkers sent three consecutive letters of invitation to the Morris family, but they were all rejected!"

"Did the sun rise from the west today?"

"Yes!"

At this time, Mokdo and others chatted with Su Ming for a while, and then said to him.

"Su Ming, we'll excuse ourselves first. We have some friends over there."

"it is good!"

Su Ming replied politely.

Mokdo and others left with a smile, but Shiris, Violelo, Helena, Orisa and others did not leave. When they saw their elders leaving, they came up.

"Su Ming!"

"You are here too."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

"Why? You don't welcome us?"

Violet replied with a smile.

"how can that be possible."

Su Ming replied with a smile.

"If we settle down in the Federation in the future, will Mr. Su Ming take good care of us?"

"Yes, we left our hometown and came here. We don't have many friends here."

Helena and the others said with a chuckle.

"Ahem, I'll definitely take care of it."

Su Ming replied, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Shilis looked at this scene and smiled with her hands covering her mouth.

"Mr. Su Ming, don't be so nervous, we are just chatting with you."

"correct."

Orisa echoed.

Jon, who was watching this scene, said with an envious expression.

"Old Fei, how can the gap between people be so big?"

"Don't compare yourself to Su Ming. He is just a monster. Not only is he incredibly strong, but he is also quite handsome and popular."

Filion said with emotion.

"Makes sense."

Jon nodded in response.

At this time, Long Bai walked into the banquet hall wearing a Star Council robe.

Now, when many parliamentarians and generals saw Long Bai, they immediately stopped talking and saluted respectfully.

Although Long Bai has only been in office for a short time, she has already successfully established her prestige in parliament.

At this time, Long Bai was also stunned when he saw Su Ming surrounded by Shiris and others, chatting and laughing.

But she just took a look and walked towards Mokdo and others.

When Mokto and the others saw Long Bai, they hurried over to greet him respectfully.

"Chairman Long Bai!"

"Lord Mokto, and all the distinguished guests from Saint Jox, on behalf of the Federation, I welcome you. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Long Bai said coldly.

"Lord Long Bai is so polite. We wanted to visit you when you took over as acting parliament chairman, but we were delayed by too many things."

Mokto and others said.

"Well, it's getting late. Let's talk in the conference room at the back."

Long Bai nodded slightly and said.

"it is good!"

Mokto and others responded.

"this way please!"

Long Bai took Mokto and others and walked towards the small meeting room at the back.

Su Ming took a look and saw that those participating in the negotiations on the Saint Jox side were the patriarchs of the seven major families, while on the federal side were the Speaker of the Longbai Council and the three city lords, Okens and several important parliamentarians. The rest did not follow in.

It can be seen that they did not want people to know the specific content of the negotiations.

At this time, the people who were unable to participate in the negotiations were discussing in low voices.

"It's finally time to start. I wonder if we can get it done in one go this time?"

"I'm not sure about that. I hope the deal can be concluded soon. I'm almost dying of poverty here."

"What's the big deal about being poor? I'm just looking forward to the Federation overcoming the crisis so that my brothers who died in the war can get a higher level of pension when they receive it."

At this time, Helena and others asked Su Ming with some concern.

"Mr. Su Ming, the Federation won't make things too difficult for us, right?"

"Yeah! Will the negotiation fail?"

In fact, the people of St. Jox were even more nervous. They had nowhere else to go now. If the federal lion asked for too much, they would be really finished.

"Don't worry, Lord Long Bai is a very principled person."

Su Ming comforted Helena and others.

"Ok!"

When Shilis and others heard Su Ming's words, they felt a little relieved.

In the conference room.

Long Bai, Mokdo and others sat down at the oval conference table, and then the door of the conference room was closed.

"Lord Mokto, we are deeply sorry and saddened by what happened in St. Jox."

Long Bai spoke calmly.

"This time, thanks to the timely intervention of the federal government, we are very grateful."

"These are all things we should do, but there are some things we should talk about."

"no problem."

“What are you going to do with the resources we pledged in St. Jox?”

"Lord Long Bai, we will definitely return all the federal resources, but a portion of them have been made into the sixth-generation mecha, Dark Dragon God, so we will directly transfer the ownership of Dark Dragon God to you. As for the rest, we will make up for it, and we will not charge you for breach of contract."

Mokto said with a smile.

Long Chen couldn't help but glance at Mokdo. The old man was the shrewdest. This guy had solved the problem of misappropriation of their supplies with just a few words, and he even did them a favor by not charging them the penalty for breach of contract.

"Okay, so what are your plans next?"

Long Bai agreed to the plan proposed by Mokdo, and then asked with concern.

What we are going to talk about now is the real priority and it concerns the future direction of the federal economy.

(End of this chapter)