Chapter 49: The Manifestation of Money Power

Logistics Department of the Base

When his guard shift ended, Tian Xiao piloted the Qing Niao back to the logistics department. He had found a meteorite during his mission, so he was unloading three tons of Purple Sales Ore as an excuse.

Unfortunately for him, it was once again the turn of Li Ying, the squad leader, to oversee the shift.

Li Ying had already heard about Tian Xiao's rapid rise in the security team. Not only had he taken out Wu Hao, Tie Xiong, Zhao Jia, and others, but he had also been promoted to squad leader.

Seeing the vehicle that had once belonged to Tie Xiong now driven by Tian Xiao, Li Ying immediately went over with a fawning attitude. He even set up a conveyor belt specifically to have Tian Xiao's Purple Sales Ore tested.

"Captain Tian Xiao really is a blessed man."

"H7-grade Purple Sales Ore is in high demand."

"Tsk tsk… You've struck it rich this time."

To be honest, Tian Xiao had a very poor opinion of Li Ying.

But...

You don't strike those who offer a smiling face.

It was hard to bear, but he held back.

After all the Purple Sales Ore was tested and the 27 million in credits for the ore was transferred into his account without a hitch, Tian Xiao finally smiled.

"Captain Tian Xiao, safe travels."

Li Ying sent Tian Xiao out of the logistics department, only then rubbing his stiff face as he returned to his workstation.

His sharp eyes scanned the room, causing the staff to quickly lower their heads, avoiding his gaze.

Back at the security department, Tian Xiao immediately informed Luo Fei about his haul, transferring 10 million credits directly to him.

Tian Xiao felt it was only right to show respect to Luo Fei, who had once helped him, since this news would definitely reach him eventually—there was no point in creating tension over such a small matter.

Luo Fei stared blankly at the 10 million credit transfer.

After hearing Tian Xiao's story, he was both amused and bewildered.

"You really are my lucky star."

"I was just worried about not having enough funds to upgrade my chip to G11, and here you've sent me 10 million. Now I have the G1 chip secured, and my major plans are set."

"What major plans?"

Tian Xiao asked knowingly.

He already understood that Luo Fei had always wanted to get promoted.

Being the leader of a base's security team was just a stepping stone for him.

Luo Fei had bigger ambitions.

Feiying 3, the company he worked for, was currently just a subsidiary of the Yunzhong Group. It operated four bases, with plans to launch two new resource planets within two years.

Despite these being the leftovers from Yunzhong Group, they still held massive appeal for Luo Fei.

A resource planet that had been over 70% developed still had enough scattered resources to sustain an entire nation.

Luo Fei wanted to become the base's highest-ranking official!

However...

Feiying had strict requirements for the position of base leader.

The candidate needed to have at least a G-level chip, G-level physical conditioning, and a minimum of three years of work experience on a resource planet, along with loyalty and reliability.

Luo Fei met most of the criteria, except for the chip and physical condition.

In fact, Luo Fei was just over 10 million short of being eligible to compete for the position of highest leader for a new base.

Tian Xiao's 10 million was a timely blessing!

Luo Fei smiled mysteriously.

"Some things I can't share now, but you'll find out later. This 10 million you've sent has truly helped me a lot."

"You're too polite, Boss Luo."

Tian Xiao replied half-sincerely, "If it weren't for your support, I'd still be working as a miner. How could I have had the chance to get my hands on these resources? I still have 17 million here, and if you need more for your big plans, just say the word."

"You're really a man of action!" Luo Fei laughed heartily.

"Alright! When the time comes, I'll let you know. Also, I have three pieces of good news to share with you…"

"Has the company's reward arrived? How much is the prize?" Tian Xiao had already anticipated this.

"You're still concerned with that small reward?" Luo Fei chuckled and said, "The company has already issued the reward. You uncovered the spy's identity, remained calm under pressure, and successfully downed two modified Qing Niao aircraft, saving the base from further damage. The company plans to promote you to deputy squad leader of the security team to replace Wu Hao."

"What?!"

Tian Xiao's heart surged with excitement.

He hadn't expected to be promoted to deputy squad leader of the security team.

But more than anything, he felt disbelief.

Although he had earned real merits, Wu Hao had strong connections at the company headquarters, and it shouldn't have been so easy for him to secure the position.

After all...

Doesn't it all come down to the word of those above?

"Is this true?"

Tian Xiao fixed his gaze on Luo Fei.

Luo Fei smiled and explained, "There were originally some objections. They thought it would be difficult for a 24-year-old newcomer like you to gain the respect of the team. But Captain Zhang Lian of Feiying 3 strongly recommended you. After the company gave it careful consideration, they asked for my opinion, and I agreed."

What Luo Fei didn't say was:

He only agreed after receiving the 10 million transfer.

Initially, he had planned to have Chen Wuling take the position.

But Tian Xiao's boldness with the 10 million gave him a new option.

Luo Fei suddenly felt that nurturing Tian Xiao might not be a bad idea after all—he could potentially become a valuable ally in the future.

"Thank you, Boss Luo!"

Tian Xiao knew that the authority of a deputy squad leader far exceeded that of a regular squad leader.

Every month, when the squad leader personally escorted the Feiying 3 ship, the deputy squad leader either traveled to New Moon City with the team or stayed behind at the base to manage the security department's operations.

Moreover, the deputy squad leader had the authority to direct the squad leaders.

The deputy squad leader also had managerial authority over the base and direct contact with the headquarters.

These...

More importantly, the deputy squad leader was part of the Feiying Company's administrative structure. Gaining experience in this position would allow for smoother transfers to other roles in the future.

"Stay calm."

"There's a second piece of good news to share with you."

Luo Fei wore a mysterious expression as he revealed the second piece of good news:

"We've obtained the modified Qing Niao materials and technology from the biochips of the two interstellar bandits. To prevent the base from being threatened by bandits again, and to avoid major casualties, the decision has been made to modify two Qing Niao aircraft using the existing resources."

At this point, Tian Xiao's eyes brightened.

Two Qing Niao aircraft, upgraded.

One of them was undoubtedly Luo Fei's own 001 aircraft.

The other...

Was likely for him.

Sure enough.

Luo Fei announced that the two modified aircraft would be 001 and 02, the aircraft of Wu Hao. Other Qing Niao aircraft would undergo modifications in the coming period.

It was indeed good news.

Upgrading the Qing Niao would not only increase its ammo capacity, but also enhance its fire control system, while the stealth coating would improve its maneuverability and close-quarters defense capabilities.

"What's the last piece of good news?" Tian Xiao asked.

Luo Fei rubbed his nose and said, "The investigation team sent by the headquarters, besides taking Wu Hao and Tie Xiong, is also planning to raid the nearby interstellar bandit hideouts. We need to send a team to support the operation. I've recommended you as the leader of the team!"