A tall figure in purple, with a mysterious smile and a powerful aura, was slowly walking toward her!
Jade had arrived!
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Under the orange-yellow lights, Jade's tall figure looked even more mysterious.
Whether it was the clothes on her body or the hat on her head, all showed Jade's unique aura.
Especially as the background music began to play at this moment.
Jade walked up to Topaz, without a word reached out her left hand, and tucked a strand of Topaz's hair behind her ear.
This movement made Topaz's cheeks instantly blush.
The interaction between the two on screen, matched with the lighting.
It actually gave off a romantic atmosphere.
...
: ??? Bro, even a return break road can prosper?
: Wait, am I watching the wrong show? Is this still Honkai, where did this go?
: The presentation here really makes the two of them look a bit ambiguous.
: Damn, is this really region expansion prosperity?
: Oh wow, Topaz why are you blushing! Damn, it was all fine and suddenly this atmosphere got weird.
: Yuri stance strong!
: What are you guys talking about, can't this perhaps... erm... be something else?
: I'm shipping them directly!
...
No one expected Jade's appearance to be like this.
Especially the always strong Topaz, actually showing such an expression in front of Jade.
It inevitably made people speculate. Topaz is, oh no., can't be saved.
In short.
Jade's dominance and strong aura, through this strange scene, also left a deep impression in the audience's hearts.
On screen.
Clearly Topaz had already gotten used to Jade's actions like this.
After blushing slightly, she quickly returned to normal.
At the same time, the relationship between the two was obviously closer than it seemed on the surface.
Jade took great care of Topaz, and Topaz also showed great respect for Jade.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries.
The two naturally began to discuss the purpose of The Family this time.
Whether it was Jade or Topaz, both could see.
This was definitely Old Oti's own idea, trying to use this to probe The IPC's strength and weaknesses.
However, Jade's thinking was not quite the same as Topaz's.
"This is better, do you know why?" Jade smiled.
"Eh..."
Topaz thought for a moment before speaking: "If we can reach some sort of consensus with Old Oti, then understand the other party's bottom line, future negotiations will go much smoother. Of course, that's just one layer on the surface."
As she finished speaking.
Jade gave Topaz a look of appreciation, then continued in a low voice:
"And the unspeakable layer is... through the Alfalfa Family Head's actions, we can capture a signal: the Five Great Families may not be as united as The Family claims."
In Jade's eyes.
What she saw was not just Penacony's great Harmonious Family.
But the weakness and cracks within the families.
Since the Alfalfa Family Head had the thought of secret contact, it proved that Harmony's influence had not penetrated to the bone.
At least here.
There wouldn't be people who had abandoned all personal desires due to excessive harmony.
Just like the open and hidden struggles within The IPC, the so-called "unity of all" among the Five Families, now that the Dream Master had lost position, was just an empty slogan.
After the Oak Family's collapse, Oti became the most influential figure in Penacony.
Even without campaigning, his qualifications alone already made him the most experienced, deeply rooted person.
"So, we must follow the plan."
"Like playing a game of chess, every move must be made carefully."
Jade set the tone for the meeting.
"Understood, just like you taught me, first listen, then test, and finally strike."
Topaz nodded.
Their conversation deeply interested the audience.
Just as everyone expected.
Jade and Topaz's perspective shaped the narrative with almost realistic rules.
The Family was not a monolith.
Even within Harmony, not everyone was a "saint."
...
: Jade's perspective is really sharp, worthy of being Topaz's senior.
: The vision and composure of an old-generation capitalist, this directly established Jade's character.
: Penacony no longer feels so illusory, but more realistically oppressive.
: But the more cautious and prepared Jade is, the more it proves Old Oti is no simple character.
: Aside from hot-bloodedness, the cunning between old foxes is also wonderful!
...
Amid the audience's expectations.
A messenger came to the two, formally inviting them to join the meeting.
Under the messenger's lead, the two IPC executives entered the core area of the Radiant Feldspar.
Here, an unexpected person sat on the chair.
He was short, wearing a green coat, and a white pants.
His beard was long, braided into a plait, and the hair on his head was tied into a small bun.
"Hohohohoho, two smart and beautiful ladies, welcome aboard my Radiant Feldspar."
"Come, please sit, we must have a good chat."
Oti was very enthusiastic, letting out a strange laugh.
Who would have thought the current big figure of Penacony, turned out to look like this.
But this contrasting appearance only made the audience look forward to what would happen next even more.
Jade and Topaz both took their seats.
"You must have waited a long time outside, blame me for poor hospitality."
"No problem at all, Mr. Alfalfa. It's my honor to meet you in person. You may not be aware, but the book Oti Alfalfa: The Biography is a must-read for all Strategic Investment Department employees."
"After all, to many, you are the legendary figure who single-handedly built the Penacony economy."
Upon meeting, the two sides did not go straight to the point but exchanged pleasantries.
Jade's words further revealed that this Oti was no ordinary person.
"Ohohoho! I expected no less from the Ten Stonehearts from the Strategic Investment Department! You're definitely skilled in the art of conversation."
Oti laughed heartily, looking very happy.
But then, with that same relaxed and easygoing smile, he said: "I always enjoy talking to smart people because we don't have to beat around the bush, we can just get straight to the point instead. Since I invited you IPC ambassadors on board, I'm sure you've figured out the topic I'd like to discuss, yes?"
Out of nowhere, Oti suddenly cut straight to the heart of the matter.
However, Jade's expression remained unchanged, still wearing a faint smile: "The future of Penacony, if I'm not mistaken."
"Ohohoho! Precisely! Those few words represent a terribly complicated situation indeed!"
Oti's tone was exaggerated and a bit ostentatious, like an old man boasting in a bar.
But then, he shifted the tone: "Let's take that golden-haired guy who's not showing up for example. He put in great effort and almost got himself killed, but what was it all for?"
"Wasn't it eventually to create an opportunity for you IPC to regain control of the precious Asdana Ohohoho ..." Behind Oti's seemingly cheerful and nonstop laughter, his words were absolutely unreserved.
From the start, he seized the initiative.
Interests, entangled and complicated. These were all words with hidden meanings. And him saying golden-haired kid to refer to Aventurine was an obvious, deliberate slight.
...
: Hiss... such strong aggression!
: Not to mention Old Oti's appearance, just this tone is oppressive enough!
: First hinting to Jade that Penacony's waters run deep, its history ensuring it involves more forces than just The IPC and Harmony.
: Right! Then directly and unceremoniously calling him the golden-haired kid, clearly showing he knows about Aventurine's actions and intends to hold The IPC accountable through them!
: Looks like when Aventurine acted before, the whole Alfalfa family already knew! But why did they stay silent in the end?
: Just a few words, and the situation tilted in his favor! Oti Eiferfa truly lives up to being a "big shot."
: How will Jade respond? If they argue back, they might fall into a self-proving trap!
...
At this moment.
The viewers of the drama were already fully engrossed.
And Jade's response was even more unexpected.
"The wisdom and experience you've accumulated over ten Amber Eras are truly impressive."
"Let's assume your assumptions are correct, Mr. Alfalfa. How would you respond to the IPC's actions?"
Jade's expression did not change, not even blinking, still maintaining that smiling demeanor, replying lightly.
The hypothetical in those words could be directly ignored.
The meaning was obvious.
You're absolutely right, The IPC indeed intends to swallow Asdana, so what are you going to do about it? Whether the act was despicable or not. Whether morality had flaws or not. In the face of such huge interests, we, the IPC don't care at all and want everything.
Not even caring about so-called "right or wrong."
The touching parts previously shaped by Topaz Aventurine ultimately were not The IPC's true nature.
In the end. The IPC is a huge capitalist organization.
And Jade's response now perfectly matched what the audience imagined of the IPC and it's real nature.
Shameless enough, direct enough, results-oriented, completely unconcerned about the process.
At the same time, Jade's "words about experience accumulated over ten amber era's" provoked an even bigger laugh.
Translated, it basically meant: Old undead.
A thought rose in everyone's mind.
Indeed. Jade truly embodied the "IPC" flavor!
This is the kind of sharp, veiled negotiation they wanted to see!
On screen.
Old Oti laughed and "praised": "I appreciate your composure, Miss Jade! You must have witnessed much in your worldly experiences."
He understood Jade's words.
Naturally, he returned the favor.
"World experiences" was also an indirect, polite way of saying old.
We're about the same, you're not that young yourself, old thing.
Then Oti laughed: "However, perhaps you don't know much about Penacony... Ohohoho... Old Oti won't sit idly by when faced with a greedy wolf."
Jade said nothing, and the scene fell into an awkward silence.
Meanwhile, the comment feed exploded with excitement.
...
: Damn, these two are throwing jabs back and forth! Hahahahaha! So awesome!
: Jade called Oti an old undead, and Oti said you're an old thing too. These two experienced adults' conversation is so entertaining!
: This dialogue is so satisfying, especially the silence at the end, pure gold.
: Both sides realized that neither of them were any "good people," and also stopped the previous probing with hidden meanings.
: It seemed like the silence before the climax of the drama!
: Topaz was so cute, glancing at Jade one moment and at Oti the next.
: Topaz really needed to learn the art of speaking from the older generation.
: No way, I have to act out this part myself!
: I also need to take notes!
...
Just as the audience had guessed.
The verbal sparring between Jade and Oti was becoming more and more direct.
Both of them had noticed how troublesome the other was.
And this time, Jade chose to kick the ball away.
After Oti expressed his "determination," she said calmly: "Please go ahead... I'm all ears."
She made no moves to interrupt, her words purely polite.
Because Oti was waiting for her to respond, but she didn't want to, directly indicating, you continue, I'm listening.
"Ohohoho ... then I'll be straightforward. I requested this meeting before the official conference to dissuade the Strategic Investment Department from trying to lay a finger on Penacony.."
"If you back off now, you can make a smooth exit... and prevent the IPC from losing face during more important negotiations."
Oti's words were anything but polite.
Some of the audience already felt confused by this "arrogance."
Even with Harmony's support behind him, wasn't Oti's attitude towards The IPC a bit too much?
But many people hadn't realized that Jade's words revealed a very important piece of information.
Oti had lived for ten Amber Eras. (Very long-lived)
He came from the era of the Frontier prison, one of the few remaining old people who had lived through that time.
For Oti Alfalfa, back in the days when he had nothing, he had worked with Mikhail against The IPC without hesitation.
Now that he had become a big shot in the Alfalfa family line, there was even less reason for him to fear them.
This confidence was exactly what Oti relied on when facing Jade, rooted in his long history.
Because Oti was an extremely complicated person.
Even with all The IPC's information, it was easy to simply regard him as a "local nationalist capitalist of Penacony" or "Mikhail's traitor who stole the fruits of victory."
And that mistaken judgment of Oti could become the very point where Oti would break the deadlock.
At that moment, Jade's gaze became sharper, slightly lowered, making her look even more dangerous on camera.
Meanwhile, Topaz, as if receiving a signal, crossed her arms and said calmly:
"One of our P45 executives was attacked and nearly killed in the Dreamscape. The IPC can't simply ignore this incident. Moreover, considering the turbulence during the Charmony Festival... Penacony's credibility has taken a hit in the public's eyes."
"Despite your determined attitude, the issues plaguing Penacony are real, are they not?" Topaz directly hit Penacony's weak point.
No matter how impressive your words were, the problem still existed.
Without a solution to this problem, Penacony would remain passive.
And at that moment, Oti's laughter became even more hearty.
"You used the term "real," Miss Topaz, but let's not forget that this is the realm of dreams! If you want to succeed here, you need ambition and unconventional thinking!"
Oti spoke out with confidence as if he was expecting them to ask this question and then continued,
"Curious about how I plan to respond to the IPC? Well, I don't mind sharing. My actions will help Penacony take a significant step forward by "self-listing" and going public!"
The negotiation between the two had reached the most critical point!
The audience was also shocked by Oti's plan. Make Penacony public?!