Industry: Cthulhu

Chapter 26 Cooperation
Back on the sofa, Fang Yan briefly outlined his intention to cooperate with the Merchant Alliance, hoping that the other party would ensure the stability of the supply chain and sales channels in the two major star regions of the Edge and the Dark.

After hearing this, Mary frowned and said, "There's no problem purchasing parts from the inner galaxy. In fact, our Merchant Alliance not only has its own procurement channels, but also has established a good network of relationships with many well-known companies and forces in the galaxy."

"After all, besides trade, the Merchant Alliance also has another function that is very important to the Inner Galaxy, and that is intelligence."

"Intelligence!?" Fang Yan was stunned.

Mary said frankly, "Those gentlemen far away in the inner galaxy live a life of luxury and extravagance every day, while we merchants go deep into the most remote and dangerous corners of the galaxy, dealing with all kinds of indigenous peoples, even rebels and pirates every day. We have a unique advantage in obtaining information."

"For example, if a precious mineral deposit is discovered in a remote galaxy, or if a rebellion or war breaks out within the rebel army, we will naturally be the first to know about this intelligence."

"In order to obtain firsthand intelligence about the two major star regions, the Marginal and Dark, they will turn a blind eye and secretly provide some resources to the Merchant Alliance, even if it is dangerous goods that are officially prohibited from sale, or high-level core technology products."

After hearing this, Fang Yan nodded repeatedly and gained a deeper understanding of the capabilities of the Merchant Alliance. They were indeed a group of pioneers wandering on the edge of the Milky Way. The real power and value of the merchants might be far more powerful than most people imagined.

After a pause, Mary continued, "As for the marine reactors you mentioned, the market is currently very large, and resources are scarce in the fringe and dim star regions. They mainly purchase second-hand goods discarded by the inner three rings. I'm afraid your product won't sell very well."

Fang Yan was stunned. It seemed that Mary really didn't understand the technology. She thought that quantum field fusion was about the same level as other types of reactors.

After thinking for a moment, Fang Yan got straight to the point in a way Mary could understand: "Ms. Mary, you may not understand that our reactors are completely different from the ones you sold before."

"Simply put, at the same power, the volume of a quantum field fusion reactor can be one-third of that of a magnetic confinement or laser confinement reactor, or even smaller."

Uh-huh~
After hearing this, Mary jumped up from the sofa with her eyes wide open, as if she was strongly stimulated.

"One third! Your reactor is only one third of its normal size!?"

Fang Yan nodded. "That's right. Currently, the three major technologies in the Milky Way—magnetism, lasers, and ion beams—although each has its own merits, they all share one common characteristic: they can't be miniaturized to the extreme."

"If it's one of those large ships weighing hundreds of thousands of tons, it's fine. They have enough space to install reactors, so size doesn't matter."

"But small ships are different. The internal space is already very limited. If a large amount of volume is taken up by the reactor, the space for cargo and passengers will be reduced."

"It's no exaggeration to say that quantum field fusion reactors were born for small and medium-sized ships. The smaller the ship, the more urgent the need for this technology."

"From what I know, the Merchant Alliance, as well as the two major star regions, the Marginal and the Dusk, generally rely on small ships due to their relatively backward technology and economy. Our products shouldn't be unpopular."

Mary nodded excitedly. As a merchant, she knew very well what the miniaturization of reactors meant to small and medium-sized ships, and she also knew how strong the Merchant Alliance's demand for this technology was.

Although Gu Yufei did not interrupt, her gaze towards Fang Yan was even more scorching, even mixed with a lot of admiration.

At this time, Brown finally put away his beloved figurine and walked out of the next room. He said from a distance: "Fang Yan is right. Quantum field fusion reactors can be extremely miniaturized. It is very suitable for your Merchant Alliance."

"It's hard to imagine that you are on Earth, and Earth has just joined the Alliance and its civilization level is only level one. How can you build such a powerful reactor!?" Mary asked.

Without waiting for Fang Yan to reply, Brown continued, "Don't look down on me. The quantum field reactor wasn't just manufactured by Fang Yan's company, it was invented by him himself!" "I've already told you that while Fang Yan isn't a registered engineer, he's far more capable than most senior engineers. If you can collaborate with him, not only will you not suffer any loss, you'll likely benefit greatly in the future."

"Brilliant!"

Mary cursed excitedly and gave Fang Yanliang a thumbs-up, saying, "I can't believe you're so talented at such a young age! Earth is truly a place full of hidden talents!"

"I will definitely explain this matter clearly to the president and the board of directors when I return. I believe they will not refuse such an opportunity."

……

Mary and Gu Yufei traveled a long distance and decided to rest on Earth for a few days before returning home.

It just so happened that Fang Yan had also finished the most difficult stage of the quantum field technology, so he simply took the two of them on a tour.

Since I am in Beijing, I must visit the Forbidden City.

The three of them walked across the bluestone slabs between the red walls and yellow tiles. The palace was majestic, but also spoke of the weight and vicissitudes of history.

Fang Yan and Mary just took a quick look, but Gu Yufei seemed to understand art very well. She stopped at every detail in the palace, gently stroking her fingers over the exquisitely carved stone pillars, looking thoughtful.

Fang Yan also took them to Hangzhou. The lake was sparkling, willow trees were drooping, and the mountains in the distance were shrouded in mist, like an ink painting.

Mary stood by the lake, took a deep breath, the breeze rustled her short hair, and she smiled a rare relaxed smile, seeming to enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Gu Yufei walked gently on the lakeside path, quietly admiring the scenery, her eyes full of appreciation for the beauty of the earth.

However, although the scenery on Earth is beautiful, what the girls are most interested in is the Earth's delicacies, such as roast duck, stir-fried tripe, boiled pork slices, chopped pepper fish head, and Chaoshan hot pot. Mary and Gu Yufei praised all kinds of delicacies. After three days, they both gained weight.

In the blink of an eye, it was time to say goodbye.

Before leaving, Fang Yan asked someone to bring over a box that was more than a meter tall and sealed with alloy material. He then said with a smile, "This is a gift for the Merchant Alliance. If possible, I hope you can help me deliver it to the president or the board of directors."

Mary frowned and reached out to touch the box, while Gu Yufei looked a little disappointed.

How could Fang Yan not understand what they meant? He asked someone to bring a wooden box and opened it. Inside were vacuum-packed roast duck, pork elbows, and countless snacks.

"The previous box was for the Merchant Alliance, and this box is for you two. Keep it for yourself while you travel." Fang Yan said with a smile.

"Long live!"

Gu Yufei picked up a roast duck in her arms without caring about her image, and a long string of tears flowed from the corners of her mouth.

(End of this chapter)