Upon closer investigation, Kira's family mining company, though only established a few years ago, already showed signs of rapidly rising to dominance.
Controlling 70% of Orb's metal import and export, it was crushing some local family businesses.
In East Asia, such a monopolistic enterprise would have been suppressed, but who could dare break the unwritten rules when Orb's upper echelons were dominated by family industries?
Moreover, Yamato Mining's metal supply chain was exceptionally well-developed, even maintaining exchanges with Mars to directly obtain small quantities of rare Martian metals.
Haruma-Yamato might appear to be an ordinary, dull man at first glance, but his behind-the-scenes methods were anything but—firmly holding 51% of the company's shares.
Truly, appearances could be deceiving.
Sighing in amazement, Zhou Tianming pondered and ultimately decided to collaborate with Yamato Mining.
When it came to mystical things like the Protagonist Aura, it was better to believe in it than not.
Since he had spare funds, why not invest and bask in some of that luck?
Besides, considering future Gundam repairs and production would require materials, having an additional supply channel would reduce limitations.
He immediately made a call to schedule a meeting.
Upon learning it was Zhou Tianming, the head of the Junk Guild, the other party offered the highest priority, promising to notify Haruma-Yamato at once.
Within a minute, a response came.
"Please hold, we'll connect you to Mr. Yamato's private line right away."
After a few rings, a clear, composed male voice answered, "Hello, this is Haruma-Yamato. I've long admired the reputation of the Junk Guild's leader."
After brief pleasantries, Zhou Tianming got straight to the point.
Haruma, after understanding the requirements, paused in thought before replying, "No problem, our company can meet all your demands. However, if you're in a hurry, some materials would need to be diverted from other product inventories, which—"
"Money isn't an issue. I'll cover the penalties. Once I get the formula, I want the first batch of finished products for inspection as soon as possible. After that, I'll need at least 500 tons."
"I'll need to review the formula before giving a definitive answer."
Zhou Tianming then sent the encrypted formula to Haruma via email. A full hour later, the reply came: "500 tons is unlikely. Some of these materials are too scarce. Even with my mining resources, production capacity is already maxed out. Moreover, initial yields for such complex alloys tend to have high defect rates."
"What's the maximum for the first batch, then?"
"Around 100 tons."
100 tons...
Compared to the 3,000 tons needed for Xuanwu, it was far too little. At this rate, the Psycho-Frame couldn't be fully implemented.
"How long would 500 tons take?"
"Without any unexpected incidents, it would take over six months."
That's quite a while. Without the Black Tortoise, I'll have to lay low for now.
"Agreed. Pleasure doing business with you."
"Pleasure doing business."
"I'll transfer the first payment shortly. Give me your account details."
This deal had practically drained him dry. Years of savings were nearly exhausted, leaving only 10 million for living expenses. Money troubles were back. "Truly worthy of being the Junk Guild president," Haruma-Yamato praised Zhou Tianming's straightforwardness before shifting topics. "Now that business is concluded, may I discuss something personal?"
Did he recognize me?
Well, I am quite famous now.
"Go ahead. Theoretically speaking, we are connected."
"Thank you for your advice to Caridad back then. She was overly anxious at the time, making both herself and Kira quite tense. Their situation has improved these past few years, and they've become much more relaxed."
Haruma's tone softened with a gentle smile.
Hearing about their improvement pleased Zhou Tianming greatly. That guy Kira had been too passive in the original storyline—it was frustrating to watch.
"No need for thanks. It was just a casual remark."
"If you have time, visit Copernicus City. Caridad has something for you."
Puzzled: "What is it?"
After a brief silence, Haruma's voice turned solemn. "Just go. It's related to you—she'll explain." Frowning: "Understood."
Hanging up, Zhou Tianming felt dazed.
Related to me?
His fists clenched tightly as an inexplicable unease surfaced.
Could it be...?
"Master, your full-body examination is scheduled for 10 AM tomorrow at Capital City's First Medical Center."
White Rabbit's voice suddenly came from the computer on the desk.
"Got it."
Suddenly, memories flashed through his mind—the late Elder Long Ye, the aged Li Chuang, and others—making him reluctant about the checkup.
"White Rabbit, have I had any recent episodes of prolonged unconsciousness?"
"Yes, but the duration has slightly decreased."
Sighing, he thought about Caridad's matter, the Black Tortoise, and the Gundam. "Postpone it. I'm busy lately, and since there aren't any major issues, delay the examination for now."
"Understood. I will cancel the appointment."
"Book me a shuttle to Copernicus City on the Moon."
"Understood."
That evening, he bid farewell to Zhou Junguo and Gao Jing and boarded the shuttle to Copernicus City.
After being accustomed to the Black Tortoise, civilian shuttles felt painfully slow.
It wasn't until the next morning that they landed at Copernicus Spaceport.
After contacting Haruma to confirm the visit time, he obtained the address.
Arriving around noon, he reached their residential area.
Upon meeting, Zhou Tianming immediately noticed Caridad's much-improved demeanor. The tension and worry from years ago were gone, replaced by a gentle warmth.
Kira's home wasn't large—about 200 square meters—but it was lively and comfortable with its light-colored decor.
Caridad asked Zhou Tianming to wait on the living room sofa while she retrieved a thick brown leather notebook from another room.
Sitting down, she leaned forward and placed the notebook on the glass coffee table before him. "This is my sister's research notes. I believe you'll need it."
Hearing this, he froze, his gaze falling on the notebook as an even stronger sense of foreboding rose in his chest. His fists unconsciously tightened around his pant legs. "Why would I need this...?"
Caridad pressed her lips together, averting her eyes. "I'm sorry."
The chill in his heart deepened, making it hard to breathe. Zhou Tianming forced a stiff smile. "What's inside—" "It's your sister's research materials on [Artificial Wombs]."
Zhou Tianming exhaled deeply in relief.
This probably had little to do with him.
Even if there were issues with artificial wombs, being born meant it was already a success.
His expression relaxed. Seeing this, Caridad hesitated before speaking: "I don't want Kira to find this. Since it concerns you, I'm giving it to you."
Picking up the notebook, he opened it to see densely packed, neat handwriting with colorful square tabs attached. Without examining further, Zhou Tianming closed it. "I'll keep it safe."
"There's no need. I don't want Kira to ever learn about this. Though I followed your advice, I still believe keeping him away is the right choice."
"Unfortunately, the world doesn't operate by our will. Our paths will cross eventually."
Dong! Dong! Dong!
The wall clock in Kira's home chimed. Seizing the moment, Zhou Tianming stood. "It's getting late. I should go."
Caridad saw him to the door.
As Zhou Tianming reached the stairwell corner, Caridad's voice came from behind: "Thank you."
Turning back, the door had already closed.
Smiling, he descended the stairs.
Just outside the building, the voices of two boys in the midst of voice changes carried from afar.
"Athrun! Slow down!"
"Hurry up, Kira! Mom prepared lots of ingredients—she's making a feast tonight!"
Two 13-year-old figures in identical school uniforms came running, one after the other.
Kira spotted Zhou Tianming first, his cheerful expression fading as he grabbed Athrun's arm, tilting his head in thought. The halted Athrun turned with a start, then paled dramatically.
"Big bad Zhou Tianming!"
"Brother Tianming!"
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