Sky-cracking Rider

Six Battle Axe-style steaks lined up in a row on the grill, the aroma of the meat wafting through the air.

Although Zuo Gengming hadn't uncovered any leads, he had received a message that was still open for discussion.

Since Chen Fei hadn't outright denied any possibility, it was enough to be considered good news.

In the blink of an eye, eight Battle Axe-style steaks were devoured, not leaving a single shred of meat on the ribs piled high on the plate. Chen Fei still seemed to want more, while the enthusiastic Zuo Gengming watched him with eyes that nearly bugged out.

He himself had grown satiated just by watching, yet this guy wasn't stuffed to death?

Just as Chen Fei was enjoying his hearty meal, a server came over, bowed slightly, and said, "Mr. Chen, Mr. Xia Ji invites you to meet with him."

"He's inviting me?"

Chen Fei pointed at himself with his greasy fingers, as no matter how careful he was, his hands were still oily.

He had no prior interactions with the owner of this private estate, the military contractor from Aircrew Base 909, and the chairman of Ballistic Sax Military Limited Company, Xia Ji. His attendance at the feast was solely due to basking in his boss's glory.

Hearing this sudden invitation for a chat, Chen Fei was somewhat puzzled and didn't understand why.

"Yes, the lord specifically instructed to extend a personal invitation for you to visit his study, where he awaits your arrival."

The server bowed again.

As Chen Fei was enjoying his meal and chat with the friendly Zuo Gengming, Zuo waved his hand generously, saying, "No worries, go ahead, we can talk later."

"Then, we'll talk later!"

This salon would last for three days, plenty of opportunities to enhance their connection.

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An automated, electric viewing car arrived at the main house's front door in the main garden.

After getting out, the server led Chen Fei to the study door and knocked.

"Come in!"

A young voice came from inside the study.

It seemed that Mr. Xia Ji was not some old fogey, but Chen Fei wondered what could be the reason for summoning him—perhaps a poaching attempt?

Chen Fei speculated.

Seducing one's own boss while simultaneously poaching seems quite gentlemanly.

After all, the precursors to Western nobility were almost without exception robbers.

Those who steal hooks are executed, those who steal countries become lords!

Another server inside the study opened the heavy wooden door for Chen Fei.

Surprisingly, although it was called a study and there were rows of tall bookshelves against the walls, there weren't many books on the shelves. Instead, various computers took the place of those weighty books—it was almost like a museum of old laptops, where one could find models dating back over fifty years, some even in their original packaging.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Xia Ji!"

A young man with a noble air stood up from behind the desk.

It seems the host here knows how to treat guests—the Battle Axe-style steak was delicious; I'll have to order more later.

Chen Fei, with a smile, stepped forward a few paces to shake hands with the other party.

"May I ask, Mr. Xia Ji, what is the purpose of inviting me here?"

"Sit!"

Xia Ji pointed to the luxurious sofa set in front of the large desk, where the coffee table was adorned with delicacies and Darjeeling black tea.

Host and guest took their seats.

The young man named Xia Ji had a server pour a cup of black tea for Chen Fei, and after gesturing towards the selection of pastries that included scones and chicken biscuits, he began, "I invited you over simply to satisfy a small personal curiosity of mine, to see for myself what the most outstanding combat pilot of Aircrew Base 911 is like."

"I am also somewhat curious as to why Mr. Xia Ji not only took the initiative to broker peace with Boss Hana, turning hostility into alliance, but also found her a logistics supplier."

Since Chen Fei was already there, he decided to speak frankly and not hide his thoughts.

"That you are curious does not surprise me but remember, we're all in the same industry. Harmony is more profitable, and we shouldn't let internal conflicts over petty disagreements waste precious profits. I've already reprimanded my people who didn't understand that. After all, Aircrew Base 911 didn't suffer any loss."

Xia Ji picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, and continued, "Furthermore, Aircrew Base 911 is adjacent to Aircrew Base 909. For Tao's Security Service Company, this deal is all benefit, no detriment, and I also have shares in Tao's—they listen to what I say!"

"So that's how it is!"

Chen Fei finally understood why Tao's Security Service Company dared to defy those industry heavies, conducting business directly with the pressured Jiu Defense Company. The connection was right here.

Xia Ji held the teacup leisurely, saying, "You must have heard about the Small and Medium Military Contractor Alliance, haven't you?"

Chen Fei probed, "Is it spearheaded by Mr. Xia Ji?"

The linked clues suddenly all made sense.

No wonder Aircrew Base 909 would rather swallow its pride and resolve the situation amicably, even letting Tao's Security Service Company take over the business of Aircrew Base 911. On one hand, it's a natural expansion of services based on experience; on the other hand, it is a proactive gesture of goodwill.

Unlike other logistics suppliers who might take advantage of the situation to jack up prices, Tao's Security Service Company offered a very attractive quote, with no intention of profiteering from the situation.

Xia Ji intends to unite a group of small and medium-sized military contractors and must first establish a positive image for himself. If he's only seen as fighting tooth and nail with Jiu Defense Company, presenting a fierce and bloody visage, then it's likely that nobody would take the proposal of a small and medium-sized military contractor alliance seriously. People would suspect a trap and avoid it at all costs, let alone join it.

Xia Ji candidly said, "I am only one of the initiators; there are other like-minded individuals. We all agree that small and medium-sized military contractors need to unite to compete against the monopoly of the large and even giant military contractors, to secure more benefits and fairness, and to be more proactive in our relationship with the Global United Defense Committee."

According to the salon's schedule, there will be a speech on the first afternoon, mostly about the proposal to unite, giving everyone a preliminary understanding. Then, in the following two days, efforts will be made to convince the military contractors as much as possible.

After all, involving over a hundred aircrew bases and nearly a hundred small and medium-sized military contractors, forming an alliance of common interests cannot be achieved overnight; it requires time to unify thoughts.

Once the alliance is established, the more members in the first batch, the better.

The military contractors invited by Xia Ji all possess a certain level of strength; they are not vassals of the large or giant military contractors and can make their own decisions without having to yield to others.

"It seems that Mr. Xia Ji has put a lot of effort into this salon," remarked Chen Fei.

Chen Fei was not the tall guy who would proactively catch the sky if it fell, and he did not comment on the plan for an interest alliance.

"Mr. Chen Fei, I would like to ask you, based on your understanding of Ms. Hanna, do you think she would agree to join this alliance?"

Xia Ji had invited Chen Fei not only to meet the combat pilot who had once defeated a Giant Dragon and had caused significant losses to his own Aircrew Base 909, but also to gauge the real thoughts of the boss of Jiu Defense Company and to use this information as a reference for preparing the formation of the alliance.

"Uh, as for the boss, I can't say for sure; well, it's hard to say!"

Chen Fei intentionally played down the situation with a bit of Tai Chi Fist.

He never speculated about higher intentions; just get the job done, that's all.

Better straighten things out before the boss finds out and restore peace.

Securing Old David's old comrades was done this way.

Extorting the "Flying Dragon" Tactical Armor from Henghai Tactical Weapons Group was also in the same vein.

Boss Hana was left utterly exasperated by his series of bold moves; modern college graduates, damn, they are all geniuses!

"No worries, I'll ask her about it later!"

Xia Ji wasn't upset by Chen Fei's deflection; instead, he took it in stride, as if he had anticipated it.

Hanna Gagel had brought this young man to the salon with her, which evidently meant that he held a special place in her esteem. Could the extraordinary woman who made Apocalypse Defense Group, one of the top hundred military contractors, bow down to her, choose a fool or a blunderer as her confidant? The answer doesn't even need guessing!

"My Lord, there's half an hour left until the speech," came a voice from outside as someone gently knocked on the office door.

"I know!"

Xia Ji responded and then looked at Chen Fei apologetically, "Please forgive my rudeness; the salon's schedule is very tight, you're free to do as you wish."

"Don't mention it, Mr. Xia Ji, you go ahead with your work," Chen Fei replied, understanding the situation.

Given Xia Ji's economic strength and status, taking the time to meet with him was already a great honor. Anyone with a bit of sense would know to follow the host's convenience.

Since Xia Ji still had some preparatory work, Chen Fei left for the venue ahead of time, planning to meet up with Boss Hana and also curious to hear what the small and medium-sized military contractor alliance was all about.

Having come all this way, it wouldn't hurt to listen.

The speech venue was set up on a lawn, with tall oak trees planted nearby and unusually bold deer peeking curiously from behind the bushes. A majestic white peacock strutted with head held high, walking unperturbedly in front of the gathering.

Thirty minutes quickly passed, and the military contractors who arrived at the venue were whispering among themselves, creating a buzzing sound.

People lowered their heads to check their watches or phones to confirm the time, and expressions of surprise appeared on their faces.

The manor lord, who was scheduled to give the speech, had not arrived on time, which was an exceptionally rare breach of etiquette.

Observing time is the first step in keeping a promise, and if even this cannot be achieved, how can one be trusted?

Gathering over a hundred military contractors and then pulling a no-show... seemed unlikely.

The chatter at the scene was getting louder.

"Where is this guy?"

Hanna Gagel looked at Chen Fei with questioning eyes. Not long ago, Chen Fei had just met with the man in question.

"Not sure, he might be held up by something important."

Chen Fei shrugged.

This "important thing" didn't show up earlier or later but chose this moment to appear, making it hard to imagine what kind of emergency could be more important than a military contractor alliance.

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