Chapter 8: Angels and Demons, Section 3

“Uh…” Not only Blood-Pupiled but also the bald chief was suddenly choked off speech. Sweat poured down from his forehead. His small eyes stared fixedly at Koko, yet he couldn’t say a word.
In fact, he had long known this visit would yield no results. After all, Koko was the head of the Creek Merchant Guild. Before entering Silver Star, a huge sum of three million crystals had already been deposited into his account. Not only him but also the head of the security force knew that his superiors and the chief commander of Silver Star must have received their share as well.
What he never expected was that this Ganluo Star native would have such boldness. After all, whether in the past or now, Ganluo Star natives were synonymous with cowardice. Though they might be somewhat skilled in business, they would run faster than rabbits at the slightest sign of violence. Let alone the idea of someone daring to provoke them. From this perspective, the head of security could confidently guarantee that Koko must have strong backing.
Thinking of this, the bald chief’s eyes glanced sideways at the dark-haired man.
There were only a few people in this room. Those three short Ganluo Star natives surely lacked the courage. So, the only one who could provide support for Koko was this dark-haired young man. The chief quickly went through the most dangerous figures near Silver Star in his mind but couldn’t recall anyone like him.
Straightening his appearance, he first combed through the few strands of hair on his head. The head of security finally calmed down. After sitting back down, he stretched out his hand, and his assistant immediately handed him a leather folder.
“Lord President, whether you’re involved with those thugs or not isn’t what I want to discuss now. However, I have a document here—a security report on the Creek Merchant Guild in Silver Star. I wonder if you’re interested?”
At these words, Koko’s expression immediately darkened. The three major shareholders from Ganluo Star beside him turned ashen.
This was already the fifth time. As the only merchant guild on Ganluo Star, the Creek Merchant Guild’s vast wealth had long been known throughout the universe. Yet they had never been able to officially enter Silver Star’s market. Ultimately, it was due to these damned security reports. No matter how much money they invested or how upright they appeared, Silver Star always used such excuses to turn them away.

But he’s not an idiot—he certainly knows this is Silver Star’s form of local protectionism, the most direct way to curb the Creek Merchant Guild’s massive funds from manipulating the market. Yet he’s powerless to do anything about it.
What good would it do even to oppose them? The Creek Merchant Guild, lacking any military force, is undoubtedly the perfect target in the eyes of Silver Star’s government. First absorb their resources, then strike—a strategy that clearly works for them. After all, unlike other large merchant guilds, they don’t have enough strength to protect themselves.
But this time… Keko’s small eyes suddenly emitted a ferocity completely at odds with his usual demeanor. He tilted his head slightly and glanced at the black-haired man.
“Bang!!”
A large foot clad in military leather shoes swept through the air in a perfect arc before slamming down on the table. The wallet just thrown by the minister didn’t even have time to hit the ground before being caught mid-air by that foot and crushed onto the table, splintering and revealing its contents.
“You!?” The bald minister’s pupils constricted instantly, his muscles tensing to the max.
In his eyes, the black-haired young man who had been sitting aside drinking alone finally turned his head, meeting his gaze calmly.
Heavens! What kind of gaze was that… The bald minister was on the verge of screaming. He had never imagined such a cold gaze or such a sinister person could exist in this world.
He hadn’t felt it before the man turned his head, but once he did, the bald minister realized he seemed to have fallen into an endless abyss. The naked murderous intent in the other man’s eyes was unmistakable. Though still lying back in his chair without getting up, the bald minister had no doubt that if he did anything to displeasure him, that black-haired young man would instantly turn into a venomous snake and devour him completely.
Yes, a venomous snake— the minister reaffirmed his feeling. A deadly poison known as Blood Fangs, something that could only exist on the coldest planets in the universe.
But that thought flashed by in an instant. Before he could process it further, the bone-chilling coldness faded quietly. Before his eyes, the black-haired young man had put on a gentle, gentlemanly smile. Such a drastic change almost made the bald minister believe what he had just seen was just an illusion.

“A safety report? There’s no need to produce that, right? It’s better if everyone just understands without words. Besides, the Ganluo starlings are just hardworking merchants who earn a living through their labor. Why go out of your way to make things difficult for them?” He stared intently at the red wine in his glass as if admiring the most beautiful artwork, while the dark-haired man didn’t even glance his way before speaking indifferently.

Next to him, Blood-Pupiled also raised his glass, showing support for his seemingly plausible arguments. With a slight pull of his left leg, he had already withdrawn from the table. The so-called safety report in his wallet scattered everywhere.

“Who are you?” The bald minister realized he had probably run into a tough opponent. Though this young man was not old, he gave off an extremely cunning and dangerous aura. With such backing, it wasn’t surprising that the cowardly Ganluo starlings dared to cause trouble.

However, the turmoil in recent days had been too severe. Even if the bald minister wanted to back down, he was powerless. The attention from higher-ups already left him overwhelmed.

“Who I am isn’t important,” the dark-haired man said with a faint smile before sitting up straight. He finally got up from the lounge chair.

“But I think it’s rather pointless for someone in your high position to come to this shabby small trade association just to deliver safety reports. If I were you, I’d be more interested in the recent changes in the situation.”

“Hm?” The minister froze momentarily, his expression changing slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“No, I didn’t say anything. I just think that since there’s been turmoil recently, it might be part of the laws of nature—weak ones being consumed by the strong. Of course, because of this law, the government of Silver Star might also face some upheaval. A smart person wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.” The dark-haired man turned his head, and Sulei behind him immediately filled his glass again.

A threat! An outright threat!

The bald minister understood. This young man meant that the turmoil had just begun and wouldn’t end in the short term. If he didn’t position himself well, he might lose everything in the chaos.

“I don’t need you to tell me whether I’m smart or not,” the minister’s voice turned harsh. The guards behind him sensed this as well and stepped forward together, each hand reaching into their chests as if holding something.

“I’m quite curious, though. What exactly makes you so certain about how things will develop? Could it be that you’re the one behind the recent turmoil?” The bald minister narrowed his eyes, growing impatient.

“No, I deny your slander,” the dark-haired man smiled.

“I just think that if Minister, sir, could set aside some of his preconceptions, he might be able to work well with the Creek Merchant Guild. Believe me, for an excellent official like you, the future holds vast opportunities, as boundless as the ocean.”

“The ocean?” The bald minister frowned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But perhaps I do need some time to think. This isn’t quite the right place for a conversation, do you think?”

As he spoke, his gaze subtly scanned the surroundings.

Understanding immediately, Koko burst into laughter. She stood up, walked over to the bald minister, ignoring the fact that he was much taller than her, and gave him a fierce hug.

“Ah, Minister! You know, you’re my favorite official from Silver Star. Compared to you, those guys from before were downright disgusting, like vampires. By the God of Dry Law, I’m proud to have a friend like you. To celebrate our harmonious conversation, I suggest we find time to celebrate tonight. Well, I hear that the Paradise Nightclub in Silver Star is the best in the world. Are you free?”

A faint smile appeared on the serious minister’s face. He didn’t answer right away but turned his gaze toward the dark-haired man.

“I hope so too, Minister. If possible, include me as well. Dining with you would undoubtedly be a pleasure,” the dark-haired man said, standing up and smiling as well.

Only then did the bald minister nod slightly and smile faintly before turning away.

“Alright, I’ll be there tonight. I hope you can give me a satisfactory answer—I have too many doubts these days.”

“As you wish, Minister,” Koko said, bowing with a flattering smile.

“Just call me Kuris,” the bald minister waved his hand dismissively, then left without further ceremony, accompanied by his subordinates.

As his figure disappeared through the door, Koko’s smile vanished instantly. She stood up and walked over to the dark-haired man.

“Mr. Dark Hair, I really owe you this time.”

“You’re welcome. It’s what I should do,” the dark-haired man said, waving his hand. “Have you arranged everything for tonight?”

“Yes, this is an important moment for our guild, and I certainly can’t take it lightly. I’ve reserved a spot on the fifteenth floor of Paradise Nightclub. If this minister is really as the rumors say, he will definitely come aboard.”
“Alright, alright. These are matters related to your guild—don’t discuss them with me. I need to go see how things are going over there. I hope Baroka can satisfy me. After all, he’s facing a black-haired boss…”
With light teasing, the black-haired man and the one with blood-red eyes both smiled.