Chapter 802: Chapter 672: Rhine’s Goodwill

Rhine nodded upon hearing, "Since you’re the vice-captain, you can make decisions as well. Do you need more weapons and ammunition?"

If possible, of course I want them, Qu Jianlei pondered for a moment and answered earnestly.

"It’s just about the supplies. As you might have heard, I want cheap stuff, but the quality can’t be compromised."

Rhine spoke casually, "That guy spilled everything. Give me a list, I’ll get you some good ones, guaranteed to be cheap."

"This..." Qu Jianlei looked slightly embarrassed. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

But thinking about it, after dealing with the other party, he hadn’t taken advantage of them. The offer was relatively fair.

So he still nodded, "You arrange it, then I’ll definitely want them... Are you worried someone who fought against you might target me?"

"That’s one reason," Rhine calmly replied, "The Haiyin Clan considers your side to be worth associating with."

These past few days hadn’t been wasted, besides contacting the family, she was also inquiring about that dilapidated merchant ship.

The people who were shipwrecked once analyzed together and discovered that the situation at that time was indeed very subtle.

They could be sure that the rescuing group had the confidence to wipe them out, or else how could they dare to put people in the cargo hold?

Combat inside the starship depended on the combat power of the Awakened, coupled with a large amount of A-level Crystal; the opposing party should have more than one or two A-level members.

The attitude demonstrated by the opposing party was indeed strong, yet willing to be reasonable, which was very rare.

From a conventional analysis, the opposing party, if willing, could have killed them all inside the starship.

The opposing party not doing so likely had two possibilities.

One was that their power was immense, looking down on these trifling individuals, feeling it’s not worth the effort.

The second possibility is that the party has a moral code, such individuals are quite rare in the interstellar realm.

Of course, a third possibility exists where the opposing party intends to use a long-term strategy—how much can one carry on their person?

But the third possibility was quickly ruled out because after arriving at Lanyun Market, the opposing party hasn’t contacted them at all.

The two starships are not far apart, yet the other side hasn’t even moved, let alone pressed for any debts.

Without maintaining contact, how can one fish with a long line in deep waters?

Earlier, they thought this group was somewhat arrogant, now they realize it’s not fake aloofness, but genuine arrogance.

Moreover, the equipment purchased by the opposing party includes a computational unit worth fifty million, something even the Haiyin Clan doesn’t have.

It’s not that they can’t afford it, it’s simply unnecessary—such items can’t be bought just to show off.

After analyzing various aspects, Rhine felt that maintaining some sort of relationship with a power like this could be beneficial.

Qu Jianlei was startled hearing this, then smiled, "Thanks for the compliment, have you figured out who is battling against you?"

"No," Rhine shook her head, a cold gleam in her eyes, "Better not let me find out."

Then she asked, "Are you planning to upgrade the starship’s propulsion system?"

Qu Jianlei raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at her coolly, "Are you investigating us?"

Despite showing no real expression, this was indeed an imposing manner without anger.

Rhine felt a sudden chill, instantly sensing a huge threat, feeling even more terrifying than facing the Supreme directly.

She steadied herself, then replied in a low voice, "There are no secrets at Lanyun Market, investigation is not even needed."

Qu Jianlei was startled for a moment, realizing this reasoning, he nodded, "Alright, I did overlook that."

The faint sense of pressure flashed by, as if it had never appeared.

But Rhine believed her feeling couldn’t be wrong: could this person be... Supreme?

She didn’t find this speculation absurd; for the common folk, Supreme is untouchable, but she had met several.

Moreover, this is the Asteroid Belt, a place of entwined interests, mixed with dragons and serpents, encountering a concealed Supreme here isn’t strange.

But even given another dose of courage, she dared not directly ask the opposing party; her backers didn’t fear Supreme, but she certainly did.

After hesitating for a moment, she asked, "Do you need assistance with the propulsion system upgrade?"

"Hmm?" Qu Jianlei glanced at her, thought for a moment, and spoke, "What do you want in return?"

Though their previous interactions were somewhat elusive, the Imperial society is relatively straightforward.

Especially in chaotic zones like the Asteroid Belt, direct communication can save a lot of trouble.

Such as when Qu Jianlei encountered a starship during navigation, he always avoided it, ended up having more entanglement, and cursing ended up settling it.

Rhine finally had the opportunity to probe once more; she looked at her own people, "All of you, step outside."

Once everyone exited, she answered candidly, "To gain the friendship of Supreme."

"Friendship with Supreme?" Qu Jianlei was taken aback, then responded, "You really think highly of me... What attribute of Supreme?"

What attribute of... Supreme? Rhine felt a bit overwhelmed.

She understood every word, but strung together, couldn’t comprehend what it meant... Does your household have so many Supreme beings?

After deliberating for a while, she asked in a low voice, "Don’t you want to see the scenery beyond Supreme?"

Qu Jianlei was dumbfounded upon hearing this—it was a genuine state of being stunned.

After quite a while, he started laughing, "Haha, do you, a mere A-level, have the right to discuss this topic?"

Rhine’s eyes fixed on him: "A little" A-level, so are you really Supreme?

However, this sentence isn’t just understood this way; if you belong to a group, you have the right to satirize that group.

So she decisively ended this topic.

"Anyway, I have no ill intentions, but if you need help, you can contact me, since you saved my life."

Qu Jianlei shrugged with a smile, "If I hadn’t saved you, you wouldn’t have died anyway. Who would dare to kill Rhine of the Haiyin Family?"

Rhine, indeed worldly-wise, was not fazed during normal communication, even knowing the other might be Supreme.

"Even the Duke’s daughter might be killed on the street, let alone someone like me?"

The Duke... Qu Jianlei was a bit speechless, okay, I don’t quite understand the system you’re talking about.

He nodded, "You have some transformation materials, just get me some."

He’s working behind closed doors, just like Little Lake. Many things can only be completed through calculations.

Though the Big Head Butterfly’s intelligence can deduce many impressive achievements, its thinking isn’t broad enough.

Comparing the imagination of artificial intelligence with humans, that’s purely wishful thinking.

So it’s really necessary to read more related materials.

"That’s simple, I’ll get it for you right away," Rhine answered unhesitatingly, then asked, "Is there anything else you need?"

Qu Jianlei pondered for a moment, then asked, "Is Celestial Handle Star still strictly checking for stowaways?"

This question might seem to hint at revealing identity, but it really doesn’t.

The Asteroid Belt holds countless underground identities.

Here, several major forces monopolize it, with many of such identities under them, even Star Thief organizations.

In such circumstances, the Empire’s thorough investigation faces numerous constraints, even the military is not free to act.

But fortunately, chaos reigns here—a closed entertainment, and others are too lazy to meddle.

Rhine furrowed her brows, answered frankly, "It’s a bit strict, but... do you need help?"

Strict checks on stowaways could affect others, but the Haiyin Family doesn’t really care.

"Then forget it," Qu Jianlei waved his hand; he never likes asking for favors and it’s not an urgent matter.

The key is he’s currently abundant in resources and ammunition, capable of cultivating for three to five years without issues, no need to ask favors.

However, Rhine spotted his need, "How about... when you’re done, escort us to Celestial Handle Star?"

"Done?" Qu Jianlei blinked, then smiled and shook his head, "Not done anytime soon."

What a joke, after this market trip, he still has loads of work.

"Then next time," Rhine being decisive, understanding she mustn’t entangle with a Supreme.

So she stood up and said, "Haiyin Rhine, trust that if you wish, you can find me, then I won’t disturb further."

Though her tone switched to formal, she nodded and left.

Qu Jianlei paused, couldn’t help but nod slightly, this woman... has indeed seen the world.

The opponent probably guessed he’s Supreme, yet didn’t cozy up, just left openly.

Sometimes, you must admire how years of family heritage cultivates a person differently.

But next moment, Rhine returned, "Can’t sell your attack ship?"

Qu Jianlei smiled, shook his head, "Not can’t sell, just others don’t recognize good goods."

Which seller says their product’s not good?

"Thirty million isn’t a low price," Rhine replied frankly, "Need me to help you sell it?"

Listen to the confidence in her tone, if one lacked backing, they might be intimidated.

Qu Jianlei, however, remained unaffected, smiled, then nodded, "Alright, thanks."

Rhine returned this time, still probing, she couldn’t truly believe he had no other needs.

See, with one question, he revealed the need to sell the attack ship.

Why not ask for this then? Easy to explain, he considers it trivial, not worth requesting a favor.

See, a Supreme force indeed holds arrogance, wanting to owe nothing.

However, this is a thirty million attack ship, yet to him, it’s a matter not worth asking.

Rhine, though wealthy, isn’t that bold.

But since she offered goodwill, might as well fulfill it thoroughly.

"We’re indeed short of an attack ship for escort, just sell it to me."

Qu Jianlei understood she intended goodwill, smiled, nodded, "Alright, by the way, do you have connections in the Maiden Star Realm?"

Indeed difficult to approach! Rhine understood.

If she hadn’t shown more value, or deliberately offered favors, he wouldn’t seek proximity.

(Updates complete, asking for monthly tickets, subscriptions, and recommendations.)