Having an eye for discovering value and the means to enhance it is far more important than simple transactions of equivalent exchange.
When Topaz and her team arrived at the edge of the Jarilo star system, they had already submitted their identification to the patrolling warships blocking their path. The border security department had long been aware of their presence. Yet, aside from being attacked for deviating from their designated flight path and ignoring warnings, they had neither been formally arrested nor outright expelled from the system.
It was… a rather delicate situation.
Fortunately, Topaz had encountered similar tactics before when handling cases. These kinds of ambiguous signals typically fell into the category of “negotiable.” So no matter how long they were left waiting, she wouldn’t let herself lose composure.
She had expected to be sitting here for hours—maybe even having the meeting postponed for several days—but to her surprise, movement came from outside far sooner than anticipated.
Topaz and Pela both stood up at the same time. However, when Topaz looked toward the door, she was startled to see a rather familiar face.
That fox-eared woman from yesterday?
Her expression flickered with surprise, though she quickly masked it. She wasn’t some rookie fresh on the job—her initial shock was swiftly suppressed as she redirected her attention to the man and woman walking at the front.
The woman’s attire seemed to be a modified military uniform, her long leather boots striking the floor with a steady thud as she walked. Her tall, imposing figure, combined with her meticulously composed features, left no doubt—this was Bronya Rand, the Supreme Guardian of Belobog, the very person Topaz had first seen through her communication terminal.
Her presence was sharp, almost chilling. Even with just a casual glance, Topaz could immediately tell—this woman does not hesitate when it comes to decisive action.
Of course, it was only natural to instinctively focus on a familiar face first. But when Topaz’s attention finally shifted to the real leader of the group, she found herself momentarily at a loss.
The young man leading the way had a warm and amicable smile. His appearance, his physique—they defied description. The word “perfect” hardly did him justice. At first glance, he seemed merely pleasant to look at, but the longer she stared, the more breathtaking he became.
Uncontrollably, Topaz felt a rush of positive emotions toward him. He seemed approachable, down-to-earth—less like a ruler and more like a caring older brother from next door.
And when she recalled the understated decor of this office, she instinctively revised her impression of him upward before they had even spoken.
Wait! My judgment is being influenced!
Just as this realization hit her, the young man in question stepped forward with a bright and welcoming smile, instantly throwing off the careful mental preparation she had laid out.
Pela quickly stepped aside and introduced him.
“Governor, Supreme Guardian, this is Miss Topaz, a senior executive from the Strategic Investment Department of the Interastral Peace Corporation.”
“A pleasure. I’ve long heard of your esteemed company, Miss Topaz. It is an honor to finally meet you today. No need to stand—please, have a seat.”
Chen Lin reached out to shake hands with Topaz, his demeanor completely lacking the arrogance typical of imperial rulers. There were no unnecessary formalities, no oppressive sense of superiority—just a straightforward invitation for them to sit.
The two employees accompanying Topaz were utterly stunned.
They had spent the entire trip imagining the worst—that the Governor would be a pompous bureaucrat, maybe even someone who would demand they kneel before him. They had even mentally rehearsed how they would defend their boss’s dignity if things escalated.
But now?
This highest-ranking leader of Jarilo-VI, dressed in casual clothing, was actually… reasonable?
All the frustration they had bottled up had nowhere to go. Silently, they took their seats.
Topaz maintained her professional smile, but she couldn’t shake a nagging feeling—something about this man’s scent was oddly familiar. Even her companion, Accountant, was subtly signaling that her sense of smell wasn’t mistaken.
And then, there was that fox-eared woman standing behind the two leaders—why did she seem so out of place here?
Something doesn’t add up…
“Your Excellency, have we met before?” Topaz asked politely. “I can’t shake the feeling that you seem familiar.”
As she spoke, her eyes were actually focused on Phantylia, who merely smiled in response, offering no answer.
Bronya, of course, knew all about Chen Lin’s little excursion the previous day. Pela had briefed him on the company’s personnel and provided photos of their visiting employees. It was then that he had recognized Topaz—after realizing they had coincidentally crossed paths in the streets.
And so, Bronya answered calmly, “Miss Topaz, the Governor encountered you yesterday while returning to the city. Do you recall?”
Chen Lin then added, “Perhaps this will help jog your memory.”
In an instant, his appearance subtly shifted before reverting back.
“It was never my intention to deceive you, Miss Topaz,” he explained. “I was simply inspecting how our policies were being implemented among the people. Revealing my identity at the time would have been… inconvenient.”
The sudden connection of two vastly different images in her mind—one a casual bystander, the other a high-ranking ruler—left Topaz momentarily speechless. The contrast in demeanor, in presence… The disguise was too damn convincing.
But what was even more embarrassing… was the fact that she had tried to recruit him yesterday.
That was… mortifying.
With an awkward chuckle, she said, “So it was His Excellency conducting an incognito inspection. No wonder I found the lady behind you so familiar. If I said anything inappropriate yesterday, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Chen Lin waved it off dismissively.
“Pela,” he called.
“Yes, Governor.”
Seeing that everyone was seated, Pela began the formal introductions.
“Miss Topaz, allow me to introduce you properly. This is His Excellency Chen Lin, Governor of the Jarilo Sector. This is Her Excellency Bronya Rand, Supreme Guardian of Belobog. Both are the highest governing authorities of this star system.
“And this is Miss Phantylia, the Governor’s personal guard.
“I, Pelageya Sergeyevna, will be recording this meeting in full. Due to the officials’ busy schedules, this discussion will last no more than two standard cycles.
“As per the agenda, we ask that Miss Topaz, as the company representative, first state the reason for requesting this meeting.”
Taking a deep breath, Topaz activated her terminal. A holographic projection appeared before them.
“This is the company’s loan ledger,” she began. “It records a transaction from 725 years ago—when Jarilo-VI was struck by a Stellaron disaster and the Legion invaded. Before our company’s representatives evacuated, they left behind a significant sum of financial aid. The total amount owed is—”
Seated at the head of the table, Chen Lin and Bronya silently watched as Topaz’s presentation unfolded like a corporate PowerPoint.
But while their expressions remained neutral, the rest of the room was abuzz with telepathic conversations.
‘Mentor, she really did bring this up first, just as you predicted.’
‘Of course. Debt collection was never their real goal. I may not be a businessman, but even I know that the first one to strike in a negotiation sets the tone. They’re trying to establish an early advantage.’
‘Master, you are truly wise!’
Phantylia, having had her latent psionic potential forcibly awakened by Chen Lin, now possessed the passive ability to participate in these telepathic discussions.
Bronya nodded slightly and glanced at Chen Lin from the corner of her eye.
‘So the two-cycle time limit you imposed… that was also part of your strategy?’
‘Exactly. Making them feel the time crunch will put them under pressure and make them slip up.’
‘Then I’ll leave the rest to you, Mentor. I won’t intervene.’
‘That’s fine. But for now, let’s discuss something more important—what are we having for dinner tonight?’
Chen Lin frowned.
Pela’s voice chimed in, brimming with enthusiasm, ‘How about crane fish? It looks a little ugly, but it tastes amazing! Also, our food science division just developed a new sparkling fruit bread wine—I’ve already pre-ordered a few cases!’
‘You ordered HOW many cases?!’
…
Topaz meticulously laid out the details of the outstanding debt, presenting recordings from the time as well as corroborating records from Jarilo-VI’s historical archives to establish the legitimacy of the claim.
Meetings like this were routine within the company—every day, there were at least a dozen of them, even among the top executives. Sometimes, even when there was no pressing business, they still had to find something to discuss, just to follow protocol. So, when it came to conducting negotiations, Topaz was well-experienced.
She even accounted for the possibility that these two leaders might get distracted or lose focus, carefully making her explanations more engaging and dynamic.
Yet, to her surprise, both high-ranking officials appeared to be listening intently.
This meant they took the matter of repaying the debt quite seriously—an excellent sign. As long as they acknowledged and prioritized the issue, negotiations would be much easier. Encouraged by this, Topaz delivered her presentation with even more enthusiasm and confidence.
Little did she know…
The so-called “attentive” leaders, along with Pela and Phantylia, weren’t listening at all.
They were, in fact, deep in discussion about what to have for dinner.
Five minutes later, Topaz concluded her report and took a seat.
The two leaders at the head of the table remained silent, still staring at the projection as if in deep thought.
Are they intimidated?
Impatience creeping in, Topaz decided to press the issue.
“Your Excellencies, what are your thoughts on this case?” she asked, intentionally disrupting their supposed contemplation.
Chen Lin, having just finalized the evening’s menu in his mind, straightened up and spoke with a composed expression.
“We take this matter very seriously and fully understand your company’s concerns. Miss Topaz, your role requires you to follow corporate directives, but you must also consider the unique circumstances of our nation.”
“…Huh?”
Topaz blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Was that… an admission of the debt?
That easy?
Typically, when someone phrases a response using ‘must do this, but also must do that,’ the first half (‘must do this’) is usually just a formality, while the real emphasis lies in the second half (‘must also do that’).
In this case, it meant considering the special circumstances of the Jarilo sector.
Not only was Topaz stunned, but even the two employees accompanying her looked visibly surprised.
Jarilo-VI… is actually this soft?
“So, Your Excellency is confirming that you will repay this 700-year-old debt?”
“Of course,” Chen Lin replied with a smile. “It’s only natural to repay one’s debts.
“According to the records provided by your company and our own archives, the funds left behind by your predecessors played a crucial role in the survival of the Jarilo civilization until the Empire’s arrival.
“As such, we acknowledge this debt and are prepared to repay it.”
For a moment, Topaz felt like she had struck gold.
Wasting no time, she gestured to one of her subordinates, who quickly produced a pre-prepared contract and handed it to her.
Grinning, Topaz said, “I’m sure the people of Jarilo-VI will be deeply moved by the Empire’s integrity. Your nation’s example will undoubtedly serve as a model for the galactic financial market.
“Since you’ve recognized the legitimacy of this debt, please sign this debt confirmation agreement.”
As long as they signed, what was once an inactive, stagnant claim would suddenly become a fully realized financial asset—one that would significantly strengthen the company’s position.
Creating value for the company truly is a wonderful thing…
As for whether the Empire actually had enough credits on hand to repay the debt?
That didn’t matter to Topaz in the slightest.
No money? No problem! They have resources, manpower, and technology.
There are plenty of ways to settle the debt.
Chen Lin took the confirmation document, skimmed through it, then…
Did not sign.
Instead, he simply smiled and said, “It seems Miss Topaz has misunderstood my meaning.”
The change in tone—especially the shift in how he addressed her—immediately set off alarms in Topaz’s mind.
Something was off.
Maintaining her professional composure, she asked, “Your Excellency, is there some issue with the terms of the confirmation? If there’s any misunderstanding, I’d be happy to clarify.”
“No, no misunderstanding,” Chen Lin replied casually, placing the document back on the table. “The terms are quite clear and reasonable—I understood them perfectly.”
“But it seems Miss Topaz has overlooked something: the matter of your company’s outstanding debts to our nation.”
“…What?”
Chen Lin turned to Pela.
“Pela, would you kindly retrieve Miss Topaz’s terminal?”
Not knowing what they were up to, Topaz saw no reason to refuse. The terminal only contained materials related to today’s meeting, nothing sensitive. She handed it over without hesitation, curious to see what would happen next.
Chen Lin didn’t keep her waiting.
With a snap of his fingers, the terminal floated into his grasp, and he quickly pulled up a specific recording.
“Please, have a look, Miss Topaz.”
As the projection played, Chen Lin explained,
“The records you’ve presented here—both the text and audio—never explicitly state that this sum was a loan from the company to the Architects.
“Now, before you worry, let me clarify: I am not trying to argue for Jarilo’s exemption from its debt obligations. Rather, I’d like to introduce a concept—‘expectation investment.’
“Miss Topaz, as a corporate elite, I’m sure you understand this term?”
“Of course. Please continue.”
“Good. The funds your company left behind were, in essence, an expectation investment—betting that Jarilo-VI could hold off the Legion’s invasion and, in turn, protect the company’s interests in the region.
“If the civilization managed to survive, all the better—a win-win outcome.
“Here, take a look at this corporate document.”
The projection displayed an official statement from the company itself, explicitly stating that the funds were left behind ‘to minimize the company’s losses in the region.’
The more Topaz listened, the more she realized that nothing he was saying was wrong.
But her position didn’t allow her to simply remain silent.
“Are you suggesting that, because this investment failed, the company is not owed repayment?” she asked, trying to regain control of the conversation.
“No, no. Loans are indeed a form of investment with interest-based returns, and I assure you, we will not dispute that fact.”
Chen Lin continued,
“However, records also show that when Belobog received these funds, Jarilo-VI’s military was already incapable of resisting the Rift’s encroachment.
“In an effort to maximize the funds’ impact and honor the company’s expectations, the Architects allocated them toward Belobog’s fortifications—constructing part of its defensive strongholds and walls.
“In other words, Belobog effectively held onto these funds on behalf of the company… safeguarding both the money and the company’s remaining assets in the region.”
“…What exactly are you implying?”
Topaz had a sinking feeling, but she couldn’t find an immediate rebuttal.
After all, everything Chen Lin was citing came directly from the company’s own documentation.
If she denied his reasoning, she’d be invalidating her own evidence.
Chen Lin chuckled.
“Pela, please show Miss Topaz the documents.”
“Understood.”
Pela placed two documents on the table.
The first—an official property deed for Belobog’s ancient walls and fortresses.
The second—
Topaz froze in shock.
“1.671 sextillion credits in maintenance fees?!”
Chen Lin’s smile widened.
“You see, these fortifications—built using your company’s funds—are, in essence, the result of the investors’ expected returns.
“However, maintaining such military infrastructure, capable of resisting the Rift, has required astronomical upkeep costs every year.
“Thus, the debt that Jarilo owes is tied to these tangible assets.
“Now that the Empire has incorporated the Jarilo sector, these structures have become historic relics—symbols of our capital’s heritage, granting them even greater value.
“Of course, your company is under no obligation to recognize that additional value.
“But… if your investors wish to reclaim their investment, we have no objections.
“However, that also means the company must first settle its own debt—the 700 years of custodial maintenance fees accrued in preserving these structures.
“And, since your company calculated this loan using compound interest, naturally, we will be doing the same for the storage fees.
“Surely, that is a fair and reasonable expectation, wouldn’t you agree?”
He leaned back with a knowing smile.
“So, Miss Topaz, I suggest you consult your superiors in the Strategic Investment Department.
“You may also wish to discuss appropriate compensation for the 91 escort ships, 28 destroyers, 9 cruisers, and three planetary evacuations mobilized in response to your unauthorized intrusion into our military territory.”
“We may be a bit poor, but we’re reasonable people.
“I’m sure we can work something out, don’t you think?”
—
This is a fan translation of 在星穹铁道点群星科技树真的没问题吗? by 杏雨诗韵 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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