Terms

After directing the communicator's camera toward the sprawling mining site, Hebrew's gaze fell upon the colossal operation. He could not help but inquire, "Xiao Feng, where exactly are you now? What is the purpose of showing me this?"

"Heh, we're currently in Africa. This is an iron mine of such magnitude that I believe you'll be quite pleased. Moreover, we can claim it at any moment."

"But isn't your X Legion currently engaged in battle against the Alliance forces surrounding New City? How have you ended up in Africa?"

"That's not something I intend to explain. What I want to ask is—are you interested in this mine?"

"Interested? Of course I am. If you can seize this mine—"

"Heh, I certainly can. Do you want it?"

Hebrew's voice grew uncertain. "Xiao Feng, I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean."

"It's quite simple, isn't it? I offer you this mine, but naturally, you must provide something in return."

Hebrew grasped Xiao Feng's implication and responded with mild displeasure, "Xiao Feng, for you to say such a thing—it feels rather formal. After all, we're family."

"Heh, spare me the family talk for now. Didn't Kelly's actions make that clear to you?"

Hebrew furrowed his brow. "What has Kelly done?"

"Heh, you really don't know? Kelly has shifted her affections; she's now with that Jason's son—what's his name again?" Though Xiao Feng was inwardly vexed, his expression remained composed.

"You mean William?"

"Yes, that must be him. You can ask Kelly if it's true. I saw it with my own eyes."

Hebrew fell silent for a moment. "Very well, if that is the case, let us not dwell on personal matters. Tell me, what terms do you propose?"

"I want one hundred sets of mechs, the most advanced models, enhanced and upgraded. That's not unreasonable, is it?"

"Ah, you're mad! Why would you need so many mechs? Besides, we haven't even produced that many."

"Heh, for your mighty Sam Corporation, is that really an issue? I'll take control of the mine now. Whenever you need it, you can come take it over. But my mechs must be delivered to the X Legion within one week."

Hebrew frowned. "Fine. Agreed."

"Heh, heh... a pleasant cooperation," Xiao Feng said with a smile as he shut off the communicator. But his smile faded into silence, clearly his thoughts returning to Kelly. He started the vehicle and charged toward the mining site.

Meanwhile, on Hebrew's end, he connected with Kelly, who greeted him warmly. "Uncle, what can I do for you?"

Hebrew, who always treated Kelly like his own daughter and rarely lost his temper with her, now spoke coldly: "I've heard you're involved with William."

Kelly hesitated. "Yes, that's true."

"Outrageous! Foolish! Why are you with William?"

Kelly was taken aback. "Uncle, please hear me out. You know Xiao Feng has been away from me for a long time. William took advantage of that. Honestly, I had no choice..."

"Nonsense! What do you mean you had no choice? Kelly, you've done very well. By leaving Xiao Feng, do you realize what that means for our company?"

"What could it mean, Uncle? Please don't be so harsh," Kelly said tearfully.

"It could mean ruin... Do you understand that?" Hebrew's anger flared, and he slammed the communicator onto the ground.

Kelly might not have foreseen so far ahead—her momentary loneliness causing her to be swayed by William was perhaps forgivable.

But Hebrew thought otherwise. As the true operational CEO of Sam Corporation, his concerns were broader, deeper. He understood what a blow Kelly's departure was to Xiao Feng. It meant Sam Corporation and Victoria Corporation would gradually distance themselves from Xiao Feng—and distancing from Xiao Feng meant severing ties with the X Legion.

If the X Legion remained under their control, they would gladly arm them with weapons. But if the legion slipped away, it would become a formidable threat to both companies.

Without the support of such a force, Sam and Victoria could easily be swallowed by the Alliance Army.

Although the Alliance had suffered losses in recent battles, controlling vast territories worldwide, a counterattack remained an ever-present threat—after all, a dying camel is still bigger than a horse.

Leaning back in his chair, Hebrew's anger only grew as he picked up another communicator to call Jason.

Jason was dining, noticing Hebrew's grim expression. "Hebrew, you don't look well. What's wrong?" He took a sip of red wine.

"Something I need to ask you about. Do you know—"

"What is it?"

"Do you know your son is involved with Kelly?"

Jason was taken aback. "I didn't know. I honestly didn't."

"Good. You didn't know. But do you understand what that means?"

Jason set down his cutlery, wiping his mouth with a white napkin. "Yes, it's serious. You're right. I'll stop them."

"Stop them? It's too late. Xiao Feng is already angry. There's a rift between us. I see a dark future."

Jason frowned deeply. "Is there no chance to mend it?"

"No chance. What's the point of trying? If they want to be together, let them. At least our two companies won't fall apart. That's what matters most now."

Jason nodded. "You're right. Under these circumstances, we must not fracture."

"Yes. Well, it is what it is. I'll hang up now."

After the call ended, Jason drained his glass of red wine and, visibly frustrated, rose from the table.