Tempest of the Stellar War

Panda Novel

Yan Xiaosu had perked up as well, enthusiastically selling his bid.

“Stop. Forget the introduction. I’ll support you in this endeavor. Just bring me the letter of intent.” Mance shook his head. He did not want to waste his time. He would directly sign the letter of intent. But as he did, he added a caveat. “Of course, this is just a token. Whether I follow up on this will depend on your early results.”

Yan Xiaosu smiled. Breaking the zero was still a happy occasion. “Mr. Mance, our program is really quite something. And it might surprise you.”

Mance laughed. This guy was really into it. Just a token to save all their face. A surprise?

Seeing how deserted this area was, it was indeed a “surprise”.

Gabre was a little embarrassed. “Uncle…”

“Relax. I’ll support you on this one to the bottom. Youngsters must not be afraid of failure when they try. It’s nothing.” Mance smiled.

At his age, he was not petty about such things. And his status lending weight would be enough to save Gabre’s face. Gabre was very clear on this. In the past, he might not have dared to ask, but this time he really needed Mance’s support. As for how he would pay Mance back, that was a matter for the future.

Seeing that the other party was not too interested, Yan Xiaosu casually struck up small talk with Zhao Elin, which left Mance shaking his head slightly.

Just at that moment, at the entrance of the Trade Fair…

A figure, clutching a thick stack of leaflets, frantically distributing information.

It was no one else but Jasper!

At first, he had intended to solicit customers on the spot. His target was those development companies that specialized in the tourism sector. But he had not anticipated that Pila would pull that stunt with Kusima. That was a real blow, which had left him at a loss. He had only just realized that they had been gunning for them from the start. He had been too naïve.

Titatitan Star? They gave their deepest regrets, but their company’s personnel was currently in talks with GLP. Please leave a message, and we will return your call…

When he went in person, he could not even meet someone in charge, but was fended off by a small fry receptionist. Besides, the tone was clear. They purposely revealed GLP’s Kusima planet agenda, which meant: don’t come looking for us, and we won’t call you either.

Total rejection.

Jasper did not have Gabre’s luck either, to meet with a friend of his father. And now it was not only too late to solicit for supporters, but also meaningless. The Tita Business Organization needed partners with real value, and not flag-waving supporters.

Jasper himself could not accept this result. He had not used all his strength. He could not admit defeat! He had printed a stack of information sheets about Titatitan and leapt back to the venue entrance. In the venue, with the influence of Kusima, everyone shook their heads automatically when they heard “Titatitan Star,” with no intention of listening further. But what about those who had just arrived?

Jasper, sweating profusely, handed out his sheets one by one. At this time, the sun had already reached its zenith. Perhaps it would not be felt in a few minutes, but Jasper had already been handing out leaflets for more than an hour.

Many had received the leaflets, paying little attention to both the person handing them out, and the information on the sheet. “Hello, Jasper representing the Tita Business Organization. Titatitan welcomes…” A majority waved him off after having heard this much, and entered the venue with an apologetic expression.

Did he really think them ignorant of the proceedings inside just because they were outside?

Naïve. But it seemed like Titatitan Star’s side was not short of drive.

A pity that in the language of business, drive could not save the world.

In every place that Jasper could see, sheets of new leaflets had been carelessly tossed aside, and into the garbage cans within the venue.

Wasn’t he angry?

He was! But they had been willing to stretch out a hand, and smile and listen to his pitch. That was already giving him face.

Since he was here giving out flyers, he was not some prince. He was not Tadinger Group’s vice chairman, and not a core member of the Tita Business Organization. He was just a worker diligently looking for customers.

All of this was witnessed by Laurel, who had been looking for him all day. Was this really the playboy heir of the Tadinger Group?

A man’s worth was seen not by how high he could hold his head, but how much he could lower it in tough times.

Laurel did not disturb Jasper, but slowly retracted her footsteps. She had finally found a dependable man.

Another group of late-arriving investors had just dismounted from their cars. From the looks of it, they had finished their own discussions outside before deciding to enter the venue.

Jasper sprang up, smiling brightly. “How do you do? Representative of the Tita Business Organization. Titatitan Star welcomes…” Jasper had even dropped his name from the pitch.

“Tita Business Organization? Keke…”

The one in front received the leaflet with a chuckle. Just as he was about to wave a hand of refusal, he looked at Jasper and started. “Eh? You… aren’t you Tadinger Group’s Jasper?”

Jasper started as well. He had actually been recognized. “I am Jasper. And you are…”

“Torres. Mig Group’s Torres. Do you remember me? Haha, I even brought you hunting before. How old were you then? Not even 10?” Torres looked at Jasper’s face, flushed red from the sun, and was so shocked his jaw almost fell off. “I heard you were doing quite well recently. Why are you standing here all by yourself?”

Jasper smiled. “Ah, Big Brother Torres. As you can see, the sun has scorched me of my wits. How fortuitous – are you interested in learning more about the Titatitan program?”

At this moment, someone was whispering in Torres’ ear. Jasper knew it could be nothing good. But he had learnt a measure of composure from Yan Xiaosu. The Jasper of the past would have rushed forward to start a quarrel.

Torres waved the person off. “Enough of that yes and no thing. Rumors are abundant. Everything else aside, seeing you so intent and willing, I think this program is worth learning more about. Esteemed friends, what do you think?”

“Keke, I think that anything that can make Tadinger’s Jasper put his whole heart in is worth a listen.”

Those around had begun to nod as well. They were not particularly impressed by an heir giving out leaflets. On the contrary, they felt that this program must have some problem. But the important thing was Jasper’s expression when giving out the flyers. He had been earnest and focused, speaking of his confidence in this program.

Why not hear out such a program?

Mance took his time with his tea. Virtually nobody had come here, while the other side was roaring with business. Until Jasper led a group of people over. Laurel’s face broke out into a smile. Jasper’s background and ability were far from hers, but his performance today had impressed her.

Yan Xiaosu was shocked. He had not expected Jasper to be able to pull such a large crowd. And they were laughing and talking. It seemed like they were interested in their program.

“Laurel, these are company representatives interested in our program. Please give them an introduction.” Jasper smiled.

“Welcome, everybody. Allow me to begin by talking about the general situation on Tita Star. Titatitan’s nature…”

Laurel was unquestionably a charismatic girl. Her logic was crisp, her point clear, and everyone was nodding nonstop. If some companies preferred the short term programs, others preferred the long term program. Tita Star’s program already had a few companies backing it, and was viable.

“Everyone, see for yourselves that this is a dirty proposal.” At this time, a voice of dissent rose. It was Pila again.

“Pila, what do you mean!?” Jasper was really angry now. He was being tested past his limits.

Beside Pila, that Aegentos was smirking. He feigned indifference, but was flanked by a large crowd of business representatives.

“Why, Jasper, I don’t mean anything. Firstly, as a member of Clark, I hope that all friends who come to attend our Trade Fair can get the best programs. Coincidentally, what we offer is very similar to yours. Of course, the important thing is that I came to tell the friends here that Tita Star’s program is problematic, and not to be swindled by you!” Pila scoffed, completely ignoring Jasper’s murderous glare. If it was not for Laurel holding him back, Jasper would have rushed over.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I participated in Tita Star’s program before, but gave up eventually. The planet is indeed worth developing, but the transport routes are complicated. Moreover, they are unsafe. There are too many barbarians yet to become civilized. A small taster might still be viable, but large-scale development is unsuitable. Of course, some might feel that they could build a cooperative relationship, and perhaps gain access to the super-gravity energy ore? Then let me tell you all that it is impossible. It will never appear on the contract, and if they secretly promise it, then they will not follow up on it. It’s thievery. On the contrary, our program has a safe route, and is a beautiful colony planet of Aslan…”

It had to be said that Pila had a silver tongue. It was black and white, with logic and rhetoric. His continued pitching moved a few hearts.

Yan Xiaosu was not worried?

D*mn, he wanted to beat this bastard to death with a shoe. But that was not possible. He had to continue putting up a show; otherwise, they would really be finished. This guy was a snake. If they made a move on him, that would become another joke, and ugly news.

Luckily, a Skylink tone shook Yan Xiaosu from his reverie. Seeing the news, his anger evaporated. Tyrant Su motioned for everyone to be silent, and walked onto the platform. If he had a halo around his head, the moment would be perfect.

Pila smirked. This Tyrant was trying to put on airs again. He was actually interested to see what he would come up with this time.

What???

Yan Xiaosu mounted the stage and looked at everyone. “You see, after this Lapi guy has said so much, I’m sure that everyone more or less is leaning towards a decision. Jasper, Gabre, the two of you have worked hard. There are so many people. Enough mingling. Those who wish to understand our Tita program, please step to one side. The rest, please go to the other side.”

[TL Note: Lapi is the reverse of Pila, Xiaosu is insulting him by calling his name backwards.]

Jasper and Gabre exchanged looks. He seemed like he was… trying to insult everyone until they left. This seemed to be a forced hand.

Although Laurel had no idea what was going on, she was more aware than the other two. “Jasper, what are you waiting for?”

Mance had not thought he would meet such a dunderhead who would actually ask his customers to divide themselves. That seemed like digging his own grave. But at this point, all they could do was tolerate him.

Torres was smiling, and motioning for the rest to comply. He wanted to see what Jasper was up to.

Yan Xiaosu smiled slightly. “Thank you, everybody, for your cooperation. And our thanks to Mr. Lapi for his concern and fabrications towards our program, which brought us so much attention. Our program uses the Tita Ecological Area as a base… which connects to Maklou’s brand new rare-mineral transport route, which links the two planets. At the same time, we have been awarded part of Maklou’s trade rights. Of course, as to the question that worries everyone – mining – we will definitely be selecting sincere and excellent partners to work on it. A mining route is not something that a few companies can handle. Besides, why enjoy alone when we can enjoy together, right?”

Yan Xiaosu’s voice was exceptionally loud, and he used the amplification effect on his Skylink. His words silenced the entire venue. No one made a sound.

What???

New transport route??? New rare minerals transport route? New free trade line?

What did this mean?

Everybody with a business mind could hear the sound of their own heart beating…

Yan Xiaosu sauntered off, leaving them in his wake.

“Dear, I’m a little tired. Let’s go to a spa. Jasper, I leave this in your hands. When I do business, I’m about the loyalty. Money? Those are external things, don’t worry too much about it.”

Zhao Elin clutched Yan Xiaosu’s arm. “Hubby, you’re so cool!”

Instantly, Jasper was swarmed by the crowd from all sides…