Star Dome Railway, I am surrounded by strange things!

A: Xingtie's fighting power is much stronger than that of the original god. Don't worry, there will be fighting scenes and fierce fighting. I have written a whole book, how can I not make progress?

Q: Huanlong is obviously a bad guy, why does he treat a thief as his sister?

A: There's no need to be so immersive... Aren't there a lot of plots where the protagonist uses his charisma to win over the villainous female cadres? Don't worry, don't rush to report me to the Land and Investment Bureau yet. I'll continue to develop this story later, so stay tuned.

Writing a new book is not easy. If you are looking forward to the follow-up work, please vote for it.

See you all at the end of Volume 2!

Oops, I'm being harassed by the Immortal Boat people! : Chapter 41 Being Targeted

Just as Jiang Yan was returning to Luofu anxiously, Topa, who had returned to Pierpoint, was in a similar mood.

Although Topa had relied on his own wisdom to successfully obtain the research rights and future ownership of the star core, discovered the huge hidden dangers on the planet, and even earned the favor of two geniuses, for the Interstellar Peace Company, it was already the best possible outcome after cutting losses in time.

But for the Strategic Investment Department, the results of Topa's work are calculated in a different way.

The planet she was in charge of provided important evidence to other departments, and she successfully backstabbed her own department at the executive meeting, causing the department's major plans to come to a serious standstill and seriously affecting the work progress of her colleagues. It would be strange if she didn't hate others!

So even if he successfully completed the task, Topa was still aware that his performance report at the department roundtable meeting would not be so good.

So, on the night she returned to Pierpoint, she, under the guidance of her benefactor, Emerald, conducted a detailed interview and briefing with her leader, Diamond. The biggest reason she found for her choice was the friend she had made with Jiang Yan, whom she had spent a huge amount of money on friendship fees:

"Jiang Yan, a seventeen-year-old foreigner from the Xianzhou Luofu. His profile shows that he was brought to Luofu by Tingyun, the chief representative of the Tianbo Siminghuo Merchant Corps. He was raised by him and has lived in Luofu ever since."

"On Yarilo VI, the enemy successfully mastered the path of preservation in just three months. Thanks to their military merits, they were granted a protective shield left behind by the city builders who served as messengers of the Amber King seven hundred years ago. A few days later, they even managed to awaken a dormant will within it. This is the footage of their battle with me. Please review it."

This is completely different from the footage edited for March Seven. The entire scene in Topal's video is dedicated solely to highlighting the amber flame on Jiang Yan's shield of preservation. In March Seven's version, while Jiang Yan still has a significant role, the amber flame on the shield is minimized, seemingly a mere afterglow from the flaming spear.

When Topa saw the moved expressions of the two leaders as she wished, she knew that she had passed this time.

It was certainly difficult to offend Jiang Yan's numerous connections, but if that were all, Topa wouldn't make decisions on her own. She would simply report the problem and be content to be an undefeated executor. What made her dare to risk her position and take on such a large responsibility was actually the amber flame on the Shield of Preservation.

Contrary to outside perception, within the Interstellar Peace Company, "Everything for the Amber King" isn't just an empty slogan. Even if the Amber King cares nothing for the petty pursuits of mortals, his very existence and path are a force in themselves. Anyone who follows this path to gain power will naturally become his follower. Who represents the Amber King's will, and where it leads, naturally determines the power and influence of each department within the company.

There are countless ways to reach the top of the mountain. No one's way is more correct, but most people will only follow the path taken by those who have reached the top.

In this situation, who would refuse to win over a young man who could ignite the amber flame? If it were a little later, how could Osvaldo, a conservationist fanatic, miss this opportunity?

As long as the young man who was the object of God's gaze chose the path of the cornerstone, it would be a great success for Diamond.

Because of this, Topa didn't hesitate to use all her strength to pay the friendship fee. She knew that Diamond was known for its generosity in sharing its strength, and this time would be no exception. Not only would she not lose money on the friendship fee, she would likely even recoup it in no time.

As Topa expected, not long after confirming the image, two boxes with even more jewels and larger foundation stone fragments appeared in her hands:

"Continue to maintain contact and create opportunities whenever possible. If the opponent needs strength and guidance, please report to me at any time."

Who would blame a subordinate who would rather take the blame himself, even at the expense of the company's own interests, than seek benefits for his leader or department? Not only should they not be blamed, they should be greatly encouraged.

Therefore, when the roundtable meeting of the Strategic Investment Department was held the next day, colleagues who had wasted a lot of their previous work due to serious delays in the project progress found that the siege tactics they had prepared long ago were completely ineffective.

"...In summary, I firmly believe that making friends with this human, who has deep connections to the Immortal Ship, Yalilo Six, and the Genius Club, is the greatest gain of this mission."

"Is this why you gave away all our 'foundation' fragments? Are you investing, or killing someone with a borrowed knife?"

The speaker was none other than the colleague most affected by the project's delay—"Gold Dust." He was in charge of the non-performing asset liquidation team. The situation, the policies, the mortgages, the depreciation—every element of his work depended crucially on the right timing, and the losses were naturally devastating. Returning to Pier Point, seething with rage, he simply wanted to rally his colleagues to bring down Toppa's P45 by several figures. Even better would be to annex the debt investigation team.

But when he saw the video Topa released, he knew his newly formed Plastic Alliance was doomed to collapse. They were doing this to benefit the department and their boss. How could you object? How dare you object?

However, it would not be acceptable to have no opinion at all after suffering such a huge loss for no reason. Only the crying child gets the milk. Sha Jin quickly found a tricky angle and launched another round of attack.

Although everyone's "foundational foundation" comes from the gift of "diamond", it is obvious that "diamond" is not a mine, nor is it a scallop spirit. It is impossible for subordinates to rub stones every day. Most of the various foundational fragments in everyone's hands come from redistribution or exchange.

But Topa used other people's stones to help his "friend" open the road, and took all the favors for himself, without even any intention of sharing resources. This doesn't make sense.

Faced with this sinister accusation, Topa remained unmoved and responded pointedly:

"If he's capable of following this path to its end, he'll naturally come to us. Whether he joins us or conducts a trade, that would be a good thing. Of course, if someone surpasses him with a few grains of gravel, then eliminating this unqualified waste would be an even better thing for the Strategic Investment Department. What do you think, gold dust?"

"Yes, who can resist using someone else's power to make a friend? When I have the chance to meet Mr. Jiang, I will definitely bring my gem bag with me. After all, with such a powerful friend, how can I become an unqualified waste?"

Shajin's tone was full of exaggeration and sarcasm. As an expert in the liquidation of non-performing assets, he was in charge of the debt inspection team and he had to fight with Topa frequently. This time he suffered a great loss. If he didn't fight back, wouldn't he appear weak and vulnerable?

"Oh? We don't need an opportunity. We can organize a dating event for Mr. Gold Dust on the Interstellar Peace Broadcast right now and see which fool is willing to be friends with the famous Mr. Gold Dust for a one-time date?"

Faced with the opponent's active provocation, Topa, who had the advantage, would certainly not be polite and would retort without hesitation.

The event, the referee, and the witnesses are all mine. What do you have to fight me?

"enough!"

Diamond, who was sitting at the center of the round table, interrupted the farce with a deep voice:

"Even if there are obstacles, the plan must continue to move forward. Shajin, the resource support for the Pinot Cone region you are responsible for will continue to increase."

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire round table fell silent.

Despite his merits, the damage Topal had caused his colleagues was substantial, so it would be surprising if others had no objections. However, the department's compensation represented Diamond's personal endorsement of the matter, and any further objections would have been seen as opposing leadership, and naturally, the matter was dropped.

"Okay, BOSS."

"Topa, the department will impose the following penalties on you: your rank will be demoted from P45 to P44, and your base salary will be adjusted accordingly. All incentive plans you participated in for one period, including stock options and performance bonuses, will be canceled. Do you have any objections?

"I have no objection."

Topa wasn't surprised by the outcome. His manipulation of the video could only create a time delay, not completely conceal it from other departments.

Although everyone is doing this kind of behavior of prioritizing departmental interests and taking all the spoils, no matter how meritorious they are, they should not be encouraged openly to avoid being criticized. Instead, they need to be punished to show other departments and to help colleagues who have suffered heavy losses to feel psychologically balanced.

As for after the punishment? Is it difficult to find a reason to get a promotion and a bonus?

However, Diamond's next move was somewhat unexpected to Topa:

"Next, you will serve as one of the managers of the Pinoconi project and cooperate with Operation Gold Dust."

Toppa had originally been on the same level as Gold Dust, so this demotion was nothing more than a disguised punishment. Looking at Gold Dust's smug expression, Toppa could only turn his head away in disdain. However, his eyes held no trace of anger, only the calmness of rapid thinking.

Of course, Diamond couldn't have done this on purpose to humiliate him, so why did he ask him to assist with the Pinocchio project?

Make yourself look pitiful in exchange for Jiang Yan's guilt?

Let the people from Yalilo No. 6 see the world and support the Star Core Project?

Or is it that something beneath Pinocchio's deep dream is finally about to erupt, and "Diamond" wants to strengthen his friendship with Jiang Yan in the crisis and guide him to pursue power?

Countless plans flashed through Topa's mind. She wasn't disgusted by being suddenly thrust onto this huge stage. Instead, she was eager to try. Ultimately, it all morphed into a promise:

"Understood! I will complete the task."

None of the "Stone Heart Ten" qualified to attend the Round Table were fools. If the demotion and salary reduction were just a pretext, then demoting Toppa and assigning him to temporarily assist the always-at-fault Shajin was the real "Diamond"'s explanation to everyone. Any further dissatisfaction would be sheer ingratitude.

Soon, the roundtable meeting ended smoothly and harmoniously, and the temporary leader, Jin Sha, was so proud that he pulled Topa, his temporary subordinate, into his office as soon as the meeting ended.

"What? Are you already impatient to exercise your authority?" Even though he knew the other party was not that stupid, Topa still sarcastically said so.

Even though there are countless means and techniques in the work, Topa has always disdained to deceive his opponents with lies, and he doesn't get along at all with the liar in front of him who is full of lies.

"Can you really listen to me? If you can, I will adapt as soon as possible!" The exaggerated tone of "Gold Dust" made Topa too lazy to respond. The lack of feedback and interaction finally made Gold Dust shrug and give up the performance.

"The reason we've called you here is simple. Since the company sent someone like me, rather than Opal or Dragon Crystal, to handle this business, they clearly don't want me to go to Pinocchio to make any deals. Naturally, your debt collection tactics won't be necessary."

At this point, Shajin deliberately changed his tone:

"So, when will you introduce me to that boyfriend you've been hiding so well? I never have too many weapons to break the deadlock, but I don't want to be kicked in the back by my own people like this time."

"I'm sorry, I don't plan to let my friend get to know you before he has a comprehensive understanding of the company, so as to avoid some inevitable misunderstandings between us." Topa's refusal was very decisive.

The reason why the reputation of Interstellar Peace Company is so bad now is due to the efforts of some colleagues who have no faith and no scruples, and the Gypsygian in front of him is the most outstanding among them.

After finally establishing some basic trust with his friends, Topa didn't want his reputation to be damaged because of this guy.

Gold Sand paid no attention to Topa's sarcasm. He had heard things ten times worse than this countless times before. He simply continued to refute with a businesslike smile:

"Look, that's the misunderstanding! With the boss's orders, would I let your friend suffer? Do you want this kind of misunderstanding to happen to Pinocchio? If we want to have a smooth cooperation at Banquet Star, I have to explain my work style to him."

Gold Sand's words successfully silenced Topa.

If given a choice, Topa would definitely tell Jiang Yan, "Don't believe even the punctuation in this guy's words. The best way to deal with him is to avoid him."

But if you don't warn them ahead of time, in a few months, Pinocchio will become an unprecedented grand stage, and the performances will definitely not be all beautiful dreams. How many misunderstandings will your friends cause if you suddenly encounter this guy who is full of "untrustworthiness"?

It seems that if a person is bad enough, he can also be a deterrent. Thinking of this, Topa responded helplessly:

"After arriving at the Daydream Hotel, I'll have him meet you. Of course, I won't embellish my impression of you in the slightest. Furthermore, I'll report any actions against him to Diamond and prevent them. Don't blame me for not telling you."

"Target? Why would I target my future friend? If necessary, I will offer him a deal he can't refuse." Shajin said confidently.

"So now, where is this guest at the special table?"

Hearing this, recalling the angry expression on the Skyship Commander's face during the communication, Topa couldn't help but laugh, revealing the gloating expression of a true friend:

"I think he is currently being held at home and ordered to reflect on his mistakes."

Oops, I'm being pestered by the Immortal Boat people! : Chapter 42 Physical Examination

"It hurts, it hurts, Sister Qingni, I'm not a fox, be gentle!"

Jiang Yan, who had just landed at the airport, was brought to Tianbosi by Qingni, using the educational method passed down from generation to generation by the fox people.

Although Qingni had almost no fighting power, Jiang Yan still couldn't resist this little sister who had taken care of him a lot when he was a child.

Qingni, who was born during the Third Fengraomin War, was already an adult, but as a "child who grew up in front of everyone", she could only tragically become Jiang Yan's "peer" in everyone's eyes. Not only was she often ordered by Yukong to take care of little Jiang and play with him when Tingyun was away on business, but she was also often implicated by Jiang Yan in any occasion and was inexplicably classified as "the child's table", which made Qingni depressed.

Of course, Qingni, who was well protected by Yukong, and Jiang Yan, who returned to his original intention, were indeed equally matched opponents. The two quickly got along well and became good friends.

But this time, it was clear that no matter how good the relationship was, there was no room for negotiation:

"You deserve it. Who asked you to implicate me?" Qing Ni responded angrily in response to Jiang Yan's question.

Ever since Jiang Yan went to Yalilo No. 6 and did a lot of tough work, Qingni, his "peer", has been in bad luck.

When Jiang Yan successfully opened up the trade route, he said, "Little Jiang is already so sensible even though he's only a teenager. Qingni, you should learn from him."

When Jiang Yan got into a scandal, she said, "Xiao Jiang is only in her teens and wants to get married. Qingni, you are already in your forties and you haven't found a husband yet?"

When Jiang Yan did something cruel, he said, "Kids nowadays love to get into trouble when they go out. Qingni, you always talk about going out on the Xingcha, but look at what the result is?"

You stinky little Jiang, why do I always get scolded for good or bad things?

Thinking of this, Qingni pinched Jiang Yan's ears a little harder.

The fox people had touched their own ears so often that they didn't feel anything for the furry fox ears. The immortal boat people, who were often hundreds or even thousands of years old, were too embarrassed to touch them. But Qingni pinched Xiao Jiang's round, smooth little ears and couldn't let go, turning them red in the blink of an eye.

"Hey, hey, hey, it hurts! This is a bone! If you pinch it again, the souvenir will be gone!"

"I can't do that. Mom told me to 'bring Xiao Jiang here!' How could such an obedient child like me disobey the order of the helmsman?"

"Stop talking nonsense. When did you become an obedient child? How come I didn't know?"

"Just today, a voice told me that good and obedient children can turn round-eared fools into pointy ears!"

The two of them quarreled all the way to the Tianbo Division, and were immediately cruelly watched and ridiculed by the crowd:

"Hey, isn't this Prince Jiang? Should we kneel down and pay our respects?"

"Xiao Jiang, we've even prepared the betrothal gifts, why are you back?"

"Xiao Jiang, you're done. Master Yukong has been waiting for you for days."

"We can't plead for you this time. Just accept your punishment."

For the people of the Tianbo Division, ever since Tingyun's "sacrifice," they had placed their feelings for the young girl on Jiang Yan, the "orphan." After learning that he had no regard for life for power, everyone agreed to "let Master Yukong teach him a lesson," and naturally, no one would defend him. In a flash, they formed a semicircle, like someone being led to the execution ground, and watched Qingni carry Jiang Yan to the Tianbo Division's main console.

"Master Siduo, the prisoner has been brought here!" Qing Ni excitedly let go of Jiang Yan and pressed his head down.

Jiang Yan, who cooperated well with Qing Ni, of course knew that this was a way for her to save face, so he quickly bowed and said, "I plead guilty!"

Under the jokes, Yukong's originally planned stern reprimand also lost its atmosphere. Looking at Jiang Yan's red ears, he could only glare at his naughty daughter, waved his hand and told her to go play somewhere else. After that, he helped Jiang Yan up, straightened his collar, which had been tangled from being dragged all the way here, and said helplessly:

"You know you're wrong?"

"I understand." Jiang Yan's expression at this moment was extremely well-behaved.

"According to the regulations of the Land and Investment Bureau, those who impersonate public officials to commit fraud are subject to imprisonment for thirty to one hundred years, depending on the severity of the offense. If Tingyun hadn't added you to the Minghuo Merchants' staff roster for convenience, you would be reflecting on your actions in the Land and Investment Bureau's prison right now."

Jiang Yan felt a great deal of pressure from this statement. The Immortal Boat was good in every way, except for the sentence that was formulated based on the lifespan of the immortal species. For him, any crime he committed was equivalent to a life sentence, which was really scary.

The helmsman before her was no one who would abuse his power for personal gain or bend the law. If Tingyun hadn't helped her get into the merchant group, she wouldn't have been able to posthumously recognize her as a trade representative. At most, she would have helped appeal for a minimum sentence and had Qingni bring her food every day.

"The posthumous recognition will not happen again. I would rather let you live your life in peace in Dihengsi than hear in the communication that you had an accident. I believe Tingyun would think the same if he were here." Yukong advised earnestly.

Really? I don't think she would. She's already planning to run away with me for the second time.

Of course Jiang Yan was not stupid enough to say what was in his heart, but he honestly lowered his head and nodded to admit his mistake.