You said mechs were going to fight monsters, but instead you're destroying stars with your bare

Chapter 158 The Art of Compromise

"Have you heard? All those 'private soldiers' that Vice Minister Liu was keeping outside were wiped out by the 'Haidongqing'!"

"It's not just a complete sweep! I heard they caught them red-handed, with the evidence all behind them, leaving them no chance to deny it!"

"Tsk tsk, this is going to be good. Vice Minister Liu is probably going to suffer a big setback this time."

"Tumble? I think being sent straight to a Siberian labor camp would be the least of your worries! This is blatant robbery of strategic materials, what's the difference between that and treason!"

"Speaking of which, that 'top courier' is too strange, isn't he? I've looked at his resume, how come he always runs into trouble whenever he's involved in air freight?"

"Who knows? Anyway, I'll definitely avoid his flights from now on. It's too weird..."

Various rumors circulated wildly in private.

As the center of the storm, Vice Minister Liu Hong, who should have been sent to a military court, was unexpectedly "raised high and then gently put down."

The official statement from the coalition government characterized the incident with a subtle "artistic" quality.

[Preliminary Investigation Report on the Terrorist Attack on GPSLN-7 Transit Hub Port]

The report characterized the incident as "a premeditated and organized terrorist attack launched against important strategic materials by a group of terrorists lurking inside the port and colluding with the remnants of the Abyss."

The "private soldiers" planted by Liu Hong were described as "poor people whose minds were manipulated by the Abyss Meme Virus."

As for Liu Hong himself, he was punished with "one major demerit and probation" for "failing to properly select and supervise personnel, failing to promptly uncover the conspiracy of his former subordinates in Southeast Asia being infiltrated by the Abyss Forces".

It seems strict, but it's actually ineffective.

This result left many who knew the inside story bewildered and puzzled.

But the powerful figures at the center of the power vortex are well aware of this.

This is not about covering up, but rather a kind of...

A governance approach that shifts the blame to the abyss...

……

Huazhou Beidu, the strategic command center of the United Government.

A closed-door meeting with only a handful of participants is underway.

Only three people were sitting around the huge circular conference table.

At the head of the table sat the leader, whose face was as calm as water and whose eyes were as deep as the sea.

To his left was a high-ranking officer of the East China Fleet, an old commander with white hair but still vigorous.

To his right sat an economist with a refined demeanor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, but whose eyes revealed a hint of weariness.

"The matter concerning Liu Hong is settled."

The leader's voice, though calm, carried an undeniable weight.

"I know that many people are dissatisfied with this outcome, and may even feel that it is unfair."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two colleagues beside him, whose expressions were complicated.

"However, comrades, we must see the current situation clearly. Although Operation Sunset has achieved a phased victory, the threat of the abyss has not been eradicated, and human civilization is still walking on a tightrope."

"Behind Liu Hong is the interest group of the entire Southeast Asian Federation. It was a necessary compromise we made in the early stages of the crisis in order to unite all forces that could be united."

"Making a move against him at this time would have far-reaching consequences."

"Stability is paramount." Upon hearing this, the old commander slammed his hand on the table.

His cloudy old eyes were filled with rage.

"Stability? Does stability mean we can tolerate this kind of parasite remaining in our ranks?! He dares to steal supplies today, he'll dare to sell out the entire coalition government tomorrow! This kind of person deserves to be killed to appease public anger! He deserves to be killed to serve as a warning to others!"

“Old Chief, I understand your feelings.” The economist sighed and pushed up his glasses. “But have you considered that turning against the Southeast Asian Federation now would be tantamount to digging a huge hole in our giant ship that is already sailing in turbulent waves! Our enemy is the abyss, not each other.”

"We can't just let him off like that!" the old commander insisted.

"Of course we can't just let him go like this."

The leader's voice rang out again, carrying a chilling undertone.

“I have instructed the disciplinary inspection department to provide him with 24-hour ‘close protection.’ His every move will be under our control. If he dares to make any further moves, not even a god can save him.”

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful.

"Moreover... sometimes, a visible enemy is much easier to deal with than an enemy hidden in the shadows."

The old leader fell silent upon hearing this.

He knew that this was the safest, but also the most reluctant, option under the current circumstances.

"Alright, that's enough about Liu Hong." The leader steered the conversation back on track. "Now, let's talk about another 'hero'."

His gaze fell on the holographic screen, on the legendary personal file about Li Zhe.

"'Top Courier'... Hehe, that title is really fitting." A rare smile, full of appreciation and curiosity, appeared on his face. "This young man always brings us quite a 'surprise'."

"It's more than a surprise, it's downright terrifying!" The old commander exclaimed, his beard bristling and eyes wide. "I've seen this kid's resume; he's practically a plane killer! Wherever he flies, something bad happens! I seriously suspect he might have some kind of special 'disaster-attracting' constitution!"

"Hahaha..." The economist was amused by his words. "General Manager, you're wrong. He's a victim himself. Besides, if it weren't for him, who knows how many officials in the East China Shipping Group would have lost their jobs."

"Hmph, then I think we shouldn't let this kid fly anymore."

Although the old leader was sharp-tongued, the admiration in his eyes was undeniable.

“Speaking of which…” the commander tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, “this young comrade has never seemed to be very enthusiastic about joining our core team.

“I can understand a proud and arrogant young man,” the old leader said. “However, gold always shines. I believe he will eventually understand that individual strength is ultimately limited, and only by integrating into the collective can he realize his greatest value.”

"Perhaps." The commander smiled noncommittally, a deep glint in his eyes. "However, we can't always wait for him to 'figure it out' on his own. We still need to give him the 'sweetness' he deserves."

He looked at his secretary beside him and gave the instructions.

"Issue my order to issue a commendation to Comrade Li Zhe, the 'top courier,' in the name of the Joint Government Committee."

"In recognition of his composure, bravery, and courage in the 'GPSLN-7 transit hub port terrorist attack,' which successfully protected important national strategic assets and prevented significant losses, his personal reputation and credit rating within the GPSLN system are hereby upgraded to the highest level—SSS!"

These words surprised even the old leader and the economist.

"Chief, this..."

"No need to say anything more." The commander waved his hand, interrupting their doubts. "It's easy to find a thousand soldiers, but hard to find a good general. We must give such a talent enough trust and support. I believe he will not let us down."

His gaze seemed to pierce through time and space.

It landed on that distant starfish island.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing what surprises this top deliveryman will bring us in the future..."

(End of this chapter)