Chapter 68: The Negotiation

When Feng Mo answered the video call, Chu Yunjian appeared on the other side, dressed in a delicate, translucent white gown that accentuated her alluring curves. It was a tantalizing sight—truly tempting! Feng Mo's eyes briefly revealed a look of appreciation, thinking to himself, What a beauty. I wonder who the lucky bastard will be in the future. Or maybe... who knows? It could be me.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he composed himself and asked seriously, "So, what's the matter?"

Chu Yunjian, having caught his admiring gaze, felt a flutter of satisfaction. Still, she composed herself and replied, "The head steward of the Tianqi Qiao Family reached out to me. He asked if we could show the Bai Family some mercy. They're willing to offer compensation, and the specifics can be negotiated."

Feng Mo sneered, "Compensation? What does the Bai Family even have left to compensate with? Their dying starship trading company? Or a handful of resource planets? Unless they're willing to hand over their T4 fleet, there's nothing to discuss."

Chu Yunjian chuckled. "You really want to finish them off, huh? That's not going to happen. The T4 fleet is their last line of defense, and there's no way they'd give that up. If you don't want to negotiate, I can decline on your behalf."

"Negotiate? Of course, we'll negotiate," Feng Mo said coolly. "If we don't, things really will end in a life-or-death struggle. They do have a T4 fleet, after all, which gives them some leverage for negotiation."

Chu Yunjian's eyes lit up, realizing Feng Mo's strategy. "So, you're suggesting we use the negotiation as a ruse to distract them while we plan to deal with their T4 fleet? But how exactly do you plan to take them down?"

Feng Mo shook his head. "I haven't worked out all the details yet. But if we don't either destroy or seize that fleet, we'll never truly eliminate the Bai Family. Leaving things unfinished will only damage my reputation. People will think I'm just a naive upstart, not ruthless enough."

Crushing the Bai Family was also about making a statement. Feng Mo hadn't mentioned it, but he also needed to complete his mission from the Spark System. The temporary mission would reward him with 1000 points, bringing his total to 2160, just shy of what he needed to redeem another T4 starship. For the sake of his future fleet, the Bai Family had to be wiped out entirely.

"If that's the plan, then join me in the Star Network. I'll have my family notify the Bai Family head," Chu Yunjian said, ending the call.

Feng Mo logged into the Star Network, arriving at the luxurious private room. Fengyun Starship Trading Company had rented this spot long-term, turning it into their little base.

When Feng Mo entered, Chu Yunjian handed him a cup of freshly brewed tea. He downed it in one gulp and asked, "So, when is that old bastard supposed to arrive?"

Chu Yunjian rolled her eyes playfully. "You really have no sense of decorum, do you? He's an imperial marquis, and you keep calling him an old bastard. Where are your manners?"

Feng Mo laughed. "Why should I be polite? He's my enemy. Just the fact that I'm willing to talk to him is enough courtesy. What more does he want?"

Chu Yunjian teased, "Oh, you're such a big deal now! If I ever need a favor from the Great Earl, will I have to bow at your doorstep first?"

Feng Mo waved dismissively. "Don't tease me. If you need anything, I'll help you without question. You've done so much for me—how else can I repay you except by offering myself?"

Chu Yunjian blushed, playfully scolding him, but before she could respond, there was a knock at the door. Of all times! she thought, annoyed. How rude to interrupt just as we were flirting.

Suppressing her irritation, Chu Yunjian opened the door to see Bai Yanbing standing there. She forced a professional smile. "Ah, what an honor to have you here, Marquis Bai. Please, come in."

Bai Yanbing, full of false humility, showered her with compliments as he entered, following her into the room.

"So, you must be Earl Feng Mo," Bai Yanbing said, extending a hand. Feng Mo reluctantly shook it, then gestured for him to sit.

"Please, have a seat. I'm a straightforward person, so let's get to the point. I assume you're here to negotiate. State your terms. As long as they're reasonable, I won't be difficult," Feng Mo said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Bai Yanbing forced a smile, but inwardly cursed Feng Mo's entire lineage. Outwardly, he maintained a courteous facade. "Earl Feng Mo, our families have had some... misunderstandings. If we can put this matter to rest, the Bai Family is willing to offer 30 million star credits to appease your anger."

Feng Mo was taken aback. The Bai Family still has that kind of money? Their resources ran deep, as expected of an old noble house. Though tempted, he shook his head decisively.

"Marquis Bai, your second son committed atrocities in the Storm System. I had no choice but to respond, and you compensated me with 30 million star credits then. This time, your family invaded with three fleets, causing massive damage. Thirty million isn't enough," Feng Mo declared.

His demands were high, and he made no pretense of bargaining. He truly believed 30 million wasn't sufficient.

"Oh? Then please, name your price. The Bai Family will do whatever it takes, even if it means borrowing from the Tianqi Qiao Family," Bai Yanbing replied, his voice laced with barely concealed menace. He emphasized the Qiao Family's name, hoping to intimidate Feng Mo.

Feng Mo smirked. "Very well. Since you asked me to name a figure, I'll be generous. Let's say ten times that amount. How about it?"

"What? Three hundred million star credits?" Bai Yanbing's voice cracked. Realizing he'd lost his composure, he hastily grabbed his teacup with trembling hands, using the drink to mask his shock.

Feng Mo found his reaction amusing and pushed further. "You heard correctly. Three hundred million star credits. Not Yunshan credits or Snowhawk credits—only star credits. I'm sure the Bai Family can manage it. If not, you can always sell your T4 fleet to the Tianqi Qiao Family, right?"

He made the suggestion mockingly, emphasizing the Qiao Family to provoke Bai Yanbing. Chu Yunjian joined in, adding, "Don't worry, Marquis Bai. If the Qiao Family can't afford it, Yunjian Trading Guild will gladly take your fleet. We'll offer a fair price—how about 250 million star credits?"

"You... you're pushing this too far!" Bai Yanbing slammed his cup down,

stood abruptly, and stormed out, his face flushed with rage.

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