Chapter 135 Negotiation

Chapter 135 Negotiations

Ji Anjue ignored the appraising looks of Levin and Lin Dusheng, walking directly to Ji Anzhi's bedside to check on him.

"Are you alright?"

His voice was clear, cold, and noble, just as it had always been.

Ji Anzhi smiled and shook his head: "I'm fine. Would you like a flower cake?"

Ji Anjue nodded reservedly and handed Xiaoxue to Ji Anzhi.

Of course, he had already sealed its mouth with psychic power, preventing it from tattling.

From the Space Bracelet on his wrist, he took out two soft chairs and a small square table. He placed the small table against Ji Anzhi's bedside; the height worked well, making it easy to reach things placed on it.

Ji Anjue gestured to Chi Yan: "Care to join us?"

What else could Chi Yan do? There was only one seat left. Besides, Anjue had already invited him; he couldn't very well refuse.

In the end, Chi Yan sat behind the small square table, making tea for Chief Ji. To the left of the table lay Ji Anzhi on the bed, and to the right sat Ji Anjue, leaning back leisurely while eating rose flower cakes.

It felt just like being at home.

Not only that, but there was also a sense... of interrogating the Marshal and the Principal. This made Chi Yan feel a little flustered inside, so he decisively chose to lower his head and scroll through the StarNet.

Levin and Lin Dusheng had not made a sound. Firstly, Ji Anjue had ignored them both upon entering, so it wasn't appropriate for them to speak first.

Secondly, they had just received news that right after his starship docked at the spaceport, he had found Qi Yanshen and beaten him up. Clearly, he knew what had happened and was displeased.

However, wasn't it way too much to so leisurely take out chairs and a table, eating as if no one else was around?

Ji Anjue took a bite. It was delicious, and he wanted to take a second bite immediately. But he still remembered his current persona: reserved and dignified.

So after one bite, he reached for the flower tea Chi Yan had brewed for Ji Anzhi. Just as he touched it, Chi Yan snatched it away and handed it to Ji Anzhi's side...

Ji Anjue: "............"

Truly his Ji-daddy's number one little fanboy.

But Brother Yanyan, you're really putting me in an awkward position.

Ji Anjue ranted inwardly, stiffened for a second, then naturally picked up a cup of warm water Chi Yan had poured. After taking a sip, he spoke leisurely.

"You want my help?"

Levin nodded in response: "Yes, we hope Your Excellency can lend a hand to assist the Federation."

Before an SSSS-level psychic, all disguises and lies are laid bare.

So Levin and Lin Dusheng had planned from the start to speak directly, with no need for beating around the bush.

Ji Anjue showed little emotion: "I can."

Levin and Lin Dusheng did not show delight; they didn't believe the other party would help for free.

Sure enough, Ji Anjue lowered his gaze to the rose flower cake in his hand and continued: "I won't help for free, so it depends on the Federation's sincerity. However..."

Ji Anjue looked up, meeting Levin's eyes directly, and smiled amiably: "I think I still need to be cautious. To have someone infiltrate and cause such a low-level mistake under tight security... Is this the Federation's capability?"

These words could be considered extremely sarcastic, but they were irrefutable. Although the Bug Swarm ruins zone had only been established for a little over a year, due to its importance, its defensive level was comparable to that of the Legion headquarters.

Yet, even under such defenses, the alpha old guard still seized the opportunity to deploy aphrodisiac drugs, causing chaos and reducing available military strength.

This was their Federation's problem; the other party wasn't wrong.

Levin said sincerely: "This is indeed our problem, but there will absolutely not be a next time. We hope Your Excellency won't mind."

Ji Anjue originally wanted to add a few more pointed remarks. After all, because of this incident, if he hadn't left a strand of psychic power on Ji Anzhi, Ji Anzhi might have died that day.

But Ji Anzhi stopped him, telling Ji Anjue to know when to stop. If he wanted revenge, the main targets should be those alpha conservatives who deployed the drugs; the Federation was secondary.

Ji Anjue knew this, but he just couldn't swallow his anger. However, since Ji Anzhi had spoken, Ji Anjue let it go for now and didn't press further.

He took another bite of the rose flower cake, drank some water to swallow it, and said: "Just this once. Then, please demonstrate the Federation's sincerity and tell me what you want me to help with."

Both Levin and Lin Dusheng were prepared for Ji Anjue to stubbornly cling to this point, only agreeing to help after various compensations. But the other party lightly brushed it aside, which surprised them, making them wonder if there was a trap later.

But even if an unfathomable pit awaited them, they had to try to jump.

The Federation's two-hundred-year foundation, the sacrifices of countless predecessors, had only brought about this nation of equality among the three ABO sexes. The public's mindset had only recently begun to change; they couldn't gamble with the future of omegas at this time.

Levin said resolutely: "We would like to request Your Excellency's assistance during the Bug Swarm period to deal with the insectoids within the swarm that can use psychic power. Regarding material compensation, as long as it doesn't involve the Federation's foundational industries or museum artifacts, you may choose freely. Other forms of compensation can also be discussed."

Ji Anzhi raised an eyebrow. At first glance, these words sounded very sincere, but there was an easily overlooked trap.

Putting down his teacup, Ji Anzhi said: "Marshal Levin, do the insectoids capable of using psychic power include the Queen Insect?"

Levin nodded. Ji Anzhi said decisively: "The Queen Insect is out of the question."

The Queen Insect would most likely be under heavy protection, meaning it would be located at the center of the Bug Swarm.

He wouldn't agree to let Ji Anjue, a three-year-old child, charge alone into the heart of the Bug Swarm to face an enemy of unknown strength.

Ji Anzhi automatically ignored Ji Anjue's current capabilities.

Although Ji Anjue could silently and effortlessly wipe out everyone on the Mothership, in his heart, Ji Anjue was still that adorable three-year-old little dumpling who loved to eat, drink, and play.

Levin mostly guessed why Ji Anzhi refused. This was itself a test, probing the bottom lines of the two.

So Levin conceded: "He won't face the Queen Insect alone. The Federation will do its utmost to eliminate other threats."

This time, it was Ji Anjue who spoke: "Too vague."

The meaning was clear: there must be a standard, otherwise they would not accept.

Levin actually couldn't provide a standard either. After two years, he didn't know the current state of the Queen Insect and couldn't make any standard judgment.

Seeing Levin in difficulty, Lin Dusheng sighed: "It is a bit vague, but there's no other way. We only know the Queen Insect's psychic power was at SSS-level two years ago; its current state is unknown. That's why we wanted to request Your Excellency's assistance."

Ji Anzhi asked Ji Anjue in his mind: 'Is that true?'

'It's true.'

Ji Anzhi pondered. He hadn't deeply studied that Queen Insect himself, but one thing was certain: that Queen Insect was extremely "fond" of Ji Anjue—fond to the point of wanting to tear him apart and devour him.

As long as that Queen Insect lived for a day, Ji Anjue would forever be targeted.

That way, he himself couldn't explore and wander, and Ji Anjue couldn't go find his homeland.

Therefore, the Queen Insect must be eradicated.

But he couldn't agree too readily. Ji Anzhi took a sip of tea, pondered for half a minute, and quietly told Ji Anjue.

After listening, Ji Anjue swallowed the rose pastry in his mouth and said, "Since the Federation cannot provide a standard, then it shall be as I see fit."

Levin nodded. "That is acceptable."

"Now, let's discuss the compensation. I will only deal with psychic-type insectoids. For each one I take out, I require one ton of high-grade energy stones. If it's the Queen Insect, I want two things in return. First, the Moon Goddess or a small battleship comparable to it. Second, resolve the issue with Father Ji's health."

The first part was no problem; from the perspectives of high-ranking officials like Levin and Lin Dusheng, they were even getting a bargain.

High-grade energy stones were precious, but compared to wartime losses, this cost probably wouldn't even amount to one-tenth—unless there were over a hundred thousand psychic insectoids. As for the Moon Goddess and Ji Anzhi's health, the former was troublesome but with some effort it shouldn't be a problem, and the latter—even if the other party didn't mention it—they would try their best to treat him.

However, the last phrase, "Father Ji," left the two men utterly shocked.

They had their suspicions about Ji Anjue. After all, before the Star Eagle departed from the military academy port, Ji Anjue was the only child on board.

A child absolutely could not operate the Star Eagle alone. Even with autopilot, a lot of manual operation was required—something a five- or six-year-old simply couldn't manage.

Yet, despite their conjectures, learning the truth was still profoundly astonishing.

Before this, they had thought the man was more likely a blood relative of Ji Anjue.

Levin tentatively asked, "You are Ji Anjue?"

Ji Anjue nodded. After all, the Federation would eventually notice something amiss. Rather than letting them grow suspicious and investigate covertly, it was better to reveal the truth proactively and seize the initiative.

By disclosing information voluntarily—a mix of truth and falsehood—they couldn't tell the difference and would have to believe all of it.

Lin Dusheng pulled up photos of Ji Anjue from his Little Dumpling days. Comparing the images to the person before him, the resemblance was striking; they could easily be the same individual.

Lin Dusheng cautiously inquired, "May I ask, Your Excellency, how did this come about?"

Ji Anjue trotted out the explanation he had used to convince Chi Yan. Whether they believed it or not, they had no choice but to accept it.

When Levin learned that Ji Anjue was the guardian of the plant—the so-called "Divine Tree"—a strange look flashed in his eyes.

Later, upon hearing that the plant could enhance one's psychic power, he lost his composure and demanded, "Is that true?"

Understanding Levin's feelings, Ji Anzhi nodded in confirmation. "Yes. My psychic power underwent a second development during my first year because of it."

Recalling Ji Anzhi's records, it was indeed after the appearance of the plant that symptoms of psychic development emerged, later confirmed as a second development after he fell into a coma.

Moreover, most of those close to Ji Anzhi had healthy, active psychic threads with slightly greater potential than others. It seemed to be true.

Levin's tone grew somewhat excited. "May I ask—"

Before he could finish, Ji Anjue refused. "No."

Levin didn't get angry. When seeking help from others, lowering one's posture was necessary. So he patiently asked for Ji Anjue's reasoning.

"There is only one such plant in the entire galaxy. It cannot reproduce. Moreover, I have a contract with the Divine Tree. If it is injured or dies, my psychic power will also sustain damage."

In short, it was unique and not for lending.

Don't even think about conducting experiments or taking samples. If you dare try, our cooperation ends.

Here, Ji Anjue cleverly revealed his weakness—his vulnerability—making them believe he wasn't omnipotent and indeed had a fatal flaw.

This sense of authenticity prevented the Federation from becoming overly wary and potentially resorting to desperate measures.

Sure enough, Levin and Lin Dusheng's emotions settled. A partner with flaws was more reassuring than a perfect one.

Levin apologized, "Sorry, we were presumptuous."

Ji Anjue had just picked up his third flower pastry and started eating. Upon hearing this, he took a sip of water and said, "I hope your side won't repeat past mistakes. As for other matters, the Bug Swarm will officially arrive tomorrow at noon. We can discuss them then."

As if suddenly remembering something, Ji Anjue added, "Oh, by the way, this information comes with a fee. Let the Star Eagle dock at the port for free."

"Agreed," Levin immediately responded.

"Then the two of you may leave."

"Alright."

Levin and Lin Dusheng departed. After they had walked a few hundred meters, Levin's expression grew somewhat grave. "His psychic power has grown even stronger."

Lin Dusheng, due to the vast gap, hadn't sensed anything and asked for clarification. "How so?"

A year ago, Levin could barely perceive the other's psychic fluctuations. Now, he couldn't sense them at all. What this implied was self-evident.

"It seems we should treat him even better... Tsk, can we take back some of the nonsense we just said?"

Levin walked ahead and said with a laugh, "What are you thinking? Once words are spoken, they're out. But perhaps it's for the best. The Federation's soldiers will be safer this way."

Lin Dusheng didn't dwell on it further. In all things, gains come with losses; one can only strive to minimize the losses.

Rather than obsessing over what had already happened, it was better to plan how to make amends. One must learn to look forward, toward the distant future.

Lin Dusheng threw himself onto Levin. Levin naturally carried him on his back. Lin Dusheng's legs swung restlessly as he buried his head in the crook of Levin's neck, saying listlessly, "Why are there so many issues... Levin, I'm so tired."

Levin smiled. "No helping it. You're the teacher's favorite student, after all."

Lin Dusheng sulked. He truly was exhausted...

But luckily... what was his name again? Ji... Ji Anjue. Fortunately, there was Ji Anjue; otherwise, he really wouldn't know what to do.

Though aware of his own selfishness, he didn't want Levin to face the Queen Insect. So, before today, he had threatened Levin.

Regarding dealing with the Queen Insect, even if the Federation fell, Levin must not die.

Unconsciously, Lin Dusheng tightened his hold. He hoped Ji Anjue's strength exceeded his expectations. He didn't want to lose Levin.

Sensing Lin Dusheng's emotions, Levin didn't stop but gently asked, "What's wrong? Still thinking about earlier?"

In response, Lin Dusheng mumbled a quiet "No."

Seeing that Xiaoxiao wasn't willing to elaborate, Levin didn't press further. Carrying Xiaoxiao, he walked quietly toward the office.

They still had a pile of matters to handle, especially regarding what Ji Anjue had said: the Bug Swarm would arrive tomorrow at noon.

It was earlier than the data from the Bug Swarm Monitoring Bureau, but he trusted Ji Anjue and, even more, believed in his capabilities.

Levin said gently, "Let's go. The Bug Swarm officially arrives tomorrow. We still need to personally inspect energy information and such; we can't delegate it. There's still much to do."

Ignoring the odd looks from passersby, Lin Dusheng wailed, "Ah—so annoying!"

"Annoying or not, there's no choice."

"...I know. Just venting. I feel exhausted."

"After the Bug Swarm is over, let's get married."

"...Let's go. I'm not tired. Let's work harder and end this Bug Swarm sooner."