Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2031: Bad situation

The hatch ascended, and Ye Zhongming's eyes met Jie Su's smiling visage.

"White Robe just messaged me, accusing me of being fickle. He said I forgot him the moment I saw you, and that in this short span, we've met more times than I did him over several years." After the multitude of events they'd navigated, Jie Su and Ye Zhongming had grown quite familiar. Jie Su clapped Ye Zhongming on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

However, Ye Zhongming nearly buckled under the force of the pat.

Jie Su's expression shifted instantly, his gaze hardening into a sharp point.

"Who?"

Ye Zhongming shook his head. "It was my own doing; it has nothing to do with anyone else. We can discuss the specifics when we have more time. For now, please brief me on the current situation."

Jie Su observed the Bronze Camp assault team disembarking from the spacecraft, one by one. Though he didn't grasp why Ye Zhongming had brought these individuals, he refrained from asking at that moment.

As he guided Ye Zhongming toward a transport vehicle, Jie Su spoke in a low tone, "The spacecraft and flight route matters have been finalized—twelve vessels in total: four 'Tao Hai'-class cargo ships and eight 'Lov'-class frigates. Sixty percent are brand new. Barring external interference, they should remain operational for at least another thirty years."

A soft, surprised 'oh' escaped Ye Zhongming. This was an unexpectedly welcome development. Both the quantity and quality of the vessels far surpassed his projections. If this held true, and the mining operations could keep pace, their efficiency would soar far beyond initial estimates, translating into substantially greater profits.

Involuntarily, Ye Zhongming inwardly sighed, marveling at the sheer efficiency of powerful races in accomplishing tasks, settling such a significant matter in such a brief period.

Jie Su deliberately withheld the fact that he had personally managed this entire affair, lest Ye Zhongming form a different impression.

The entourage boarded the transport vehicle, commencing their journey from the spaceport into the depths of the Survivor Fortress.

"Regarding Yisewei, the intelligence from Sheke Star is rather grim. The faction advocating for the marriage alliance appears to hold the dominant sway within their society. I've attempted to reach Yisewei multiple times without success. White Robe harbors deep feelings for her, so we must address this situation urgently. Once Sheke Star solidifies their decision, altering it will become an insurmountable task."

In the privacy of their shared space, Jie Su confided this to Ye Zhongming.

Currently, within their burgeoning alliance, Yisewei, Jie Su, White Robe, and Ye Zhongming comprised the undeniable core. Any impediment or restriction placed upon a core member due to such personal matters would represent a devastating blow. Moreover, this predicament wasn't solely Yisewei's concern; it profoundly impacted White Robe as well. Should the dreaded outcome materialize, he too would face immense emotional distress, a consequence neither Jie Su nor Ye Zhongming wished to bear.

"Can the Su Race lend any influence to this matter?" Ye Zhongming inquired, his brow furrowed.

Jie Su sighed and shook his head. "Are you not already well-acquainted with the Su Race's modus operandi? Why would they intervene in such a personal affair? Furthermore, from their pragmatic viewpoint, they would undoubtedly endorse Yisewei's union with a royal from the Huo'er Star people. In truth, this sentiment reflects the vast majority's perspective."

If the Su Race refused to step in, what recourse was left? Ye Zhongming's frown deepened. The stark limitations imposed by a lack of potent personal strength or influence were undeniably palpable at this critical juncture.

Previously, the two had casually discussed the possibility of eliminating the intended groom!

However, uttering such a plan was far simpler than executing it. Ye Zhongming had nearly paid with his life just eliminating a minor figure from Huo'er Star. Attempting to assassinate one of their princes would present an astronomically low probability of success.

"I shall continue my inquiries. If time permits, we will proceed with caution, allowing the people of Sheke Star to witness White Robe's inherent potential. However, if time becomes a critical factor, we will indeed be compelled to take direct action. Though exceedingly difficult, I believe eliminating him is not an impossibility."

Jie Su and White Robe were bound by sworn brotherhood; he absolutely would not permit his brother's destined spouse to wed another.

Ye Zhongming nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps we could initiate the dissemination of certain rumors first. For instance, exposing scandals and the unsavory past of the prospective groom, hinting at the Huo'er Star people's insidious intentions towards Sheke Star, or even implicating those within Sheke Star who most vehemently support this alliance—we could spread whispers of their clandestine dealings with Huo'er Star..."

"Such tactics might be transparent to the exceptionally astute, yet they would find fertile ground among the common populace. Once the issue gains traction and opposition mounts, even if we cannot entirely halt this union, at the very least, we could secure a crucial delay. What we lack most acutely right now is time."

Upon hearing Ye Zhongming's strategic suggestion, Jie Su readily concurred. This particular type of underhanded maneuvering was a task only he could presently undertake; Ye Zhongming and the Star-Eye Clan currently lacked the established infrastructure to propagate such rumors effectively within their own Survivor Fortress.

With the Yisewei situation settled for the moment, Jie Su turned his attention to the primary subject.

"The cooperation talks with the Su Race are not proceeding as smoothly as we'd hoped," Jie Su stated.

Ye Zhongming, unsurprised, simply replied, "Go on."

"I had approached several individuals within the Su Race who are well-disposed towards me and my ideas. These people hold some influence, and their support would have greatly eased the process," Jie Su explained.

Jie Su's brow, much like Ye Zhongming's, creased with concern, hinting at the difficulties encountered even before he detailed them.

"However, only a scant few openly pledged their support. The most favorable responses were a 'wait and see' attitude or a commitment to abide by the clan's ultimate decision. The rest outright refused, believing this matter should not be pursued and even advising me against involvement."

"Gradually, I disseminated the various advantages and justifications for this cooperation throughout the clan, encouraging broader discussion. Under this sustained effort, the Clan Leader was compelled to convene a high-level meeting. I was summoned to present my case, and after I concluded, I was asked to withdraw while they deliberated."

With a sigh, Jie Su recounted the events and continued, "Despite the backing of a few individuals, the overwhelming majority opposed the cooperation. Thus, the decision was made: we will not cooperate with you."

Ye Zhongming let out a wry laugh upon hearing this. "That's more than 'not too well'; it sounds completely impossible."

"Do you truly believe there's no possibility whatsoever?" Jie Su challenged.

After a brief silence, Ye Zhongming responded, "Not entirely hopeless. There remains a sliver of a chance."

"Ah, you always manage to find hope in dire straits. Let's hope it's the same this time," Jie Su remarked with a chuckle.

"Is there anything else?" Ye Zhongming inquired further.

"Yes," Jie Su confirmed.

"The reason you were granted this audience stems from your Novice reward. Our Clan Leader cannot simply refuse to meet you under such circumstances. At the very least, a single meeting is permissible. This will be your opportunity, perhaps your only one. Furthermore, our Clan Leader, from my personal assessment, doesn't seem as rigidly against this cooperation as many others. That's the sole piece of good news I can offer."

Jie Su then added, waving a hand, "Let me be clear: this is merely my personal feeling. How it truly stands, only the heavens know."

These words left Ye Zhongming uncertain whether to laugh or despair. One thing was certain, however: this negotiation for cooperation was destined to be fraught with challenges.

The transport vehicle gradually decreased its speed. Ye Zhongming gazed out the window, and a massive city came into view below.

He knew they had finally reached the Su Race territory.