In Fuli's view, this symptom of Bronya's could generally be called "poverty disease."
Someday in the future, when Hyperion truly possessed inexhaustible wealth, this penny-pinching Financial Director would naturally be cured.
What? You ask why Jail-Li knew about the girls' conversation?
It was simply because he, standing at the door of the meeting room, was currently shifting his footsteps backward silently.
He had even activated his presence concealment, terrified of being dragged into the exceptionally tragic Shuraba between the Super-Electromagnetic Doctor and the Bright Knight.
"Ah-Li! Ah-Li! Why are you blocking the doorway?"
There's a traitor in Hyperion!
Catching a glimpse of the undisguised wicked smile on Kiana's lips from the corner of his eye, Jail-Li roared frantically in his heart.
He then let out a light cough, pretended to be calm under the varying gazes of the three girls in the room, walked in, took a seat naturally, and poured himself a cup of Luofu-provided Scalegorge Waterscape specialty ice spring water.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, drinking this tea is truly a beautiful death."
He sighed in a low voice, making a pun as if completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the room.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he looked up at the little secretary Big Bronya in her OL suit. "Sis, you contacted me earlier saying a high-level executive from the Interastral Peace Corporation was visiting to discuss matters related to the Light Cone press conference. Where are they?"
"I sent them a communication notification when you were on your way back. Logically, it should still be a while before they arrive—hmm?"
Noticing the blinking location dot on her wristwatch, Bronya curled her lips in pity. "They just arrived and are waiting in the reception room."
She made no effort to hide her "wow, you're so lucky, bro" attitude, clearly dissatisfied that she couldn't witness a good show with her own eyes.
"In that case, as the shot-caller of Hyperion, I can't neglect our esteemed guest."
A certain someone took the opportunity to put down his empty porcelain cup, stood up solemnly, adjusted his collar, and strode next door under gazes that felt like pinpricks.
Pushing open the door to the reception room, he was greeted by a classic, spacious, and bright interior.
The beautiful scenery of the sea of stars outside the curved floor-to-ceiling windows could be seen at a glance. The room was carpeted in dark red velvet, and the Tang-style tea table in the center emitted a warm wooden glow, the celadon teacups upon it curling with hot steam.
To the right of the tea table, a pretty girl who frequently appeared in Honkai-related news caught Fuli's eye:
Her silver short hair with red inner highlights made her look very bright and capable. Her slender, peacock-like eyebrows slanted upwards, and her sapphire eyes reflected a pure, sky-like radiance as she looked around.
Her exquisite, petite body looked slightly slender wrapped in that tight-fitting uniform. Her perky and full peaks on her upper body were cupped by the white shirt inside, and a bright red short cloak was draped casually over her shoulders, perfectly bringing out her aura that was both valiant and sexy.
It was exactly the senior cadre of the IPC's Strategic Investment Department, one of the Ten Stonehearts, the debt retrieval expert, and the leader of the Special Debt Picket Team—Madam Topaz.
"Hello, Director Topaz."
Fuli stepped forward and actively reached out his hand to greet her. "I assume Asta has already introduced me to you before you came. Fuli, the representative of Hyperion, and also the creator of the Light Cones."
In the intricate factions of the IPC, even the Ten Stonehearts had their own allegiances.
The Topaz before him, along with her sponsor Madam Jade, both belonged to the faction supporting Board Member Fleming. Given her level, she naturally knew the core value and strategic significance of the Light Cone technology.
According to Fuli's expectations, this silver-haired girl, who always appeared straightforward, confident, and highly capable in videos, should have shaken his hand gracefully.
And then cut straight to the chase, efficiently discussing the specific details of the Light Cone technology cooperation or release.
To his surprise, the other party's reaction was actually somewhat similar to that Reverie Butterfly from earlier—facing his polite friendliness, she almost subconsciously took a half-step back.
Although this action was extremely brief and she quickly stood firm again, how could it escape the eyes of a Critical-Class powerhouse?
Fuli was immediately puzzled.
His face was originally the type that aged well, the kind that looked more pleasing the longer you spent time with it. After imprinting multiple Sequence Stigmas, the minor flaws at the genetic level had been perfected. His appearance and physique seemed unchanged from the past, but the details were more refined and harmonious.
Even if he couldn't captivate thousands of girls just with his looks, it absolutely shouldn't be enough to make a corporate executive, who was meeting him for the first time and supposedly had intentions to cooperate, reveal an almost disgusted posture of avoidance, right?
Or could it be—
His expression remained calm, his right hand seamlessly resting on the hilt of the Plasma Kagehide.
He entered a state of readiness that looked relaxed but could erupt with a devastating strike at any moment, prepared to deal with any potential emergencies.
"I'm sorry—no, you misunderstood!"
As a member of the Ten Stonehearts, Topaz had a special, ancient Cornerstone implanted in her body. Once its power was fully stimulated, her combat strength was enough to climb to the Critical-Class level.
Therefore, the girl saw through his intention of being ready to strike at a moment's notice.
She bit her lip somewhat anxiously, as if making up her mind, and suddenly lowered her voice to a whisper. "What do the Bishops of Schicksal envy most about the Far East?"
Fuli answered without thinking. "They envy the most that 'Little Boys' drop from the sky in the Far East—wait, it's you?!"
On the eve of the Third Eruption, in order to gain the power to slay the demon fox formed by the Key of Corruption, the newly reborn Fuli had taken the train back and forth several times, finally finding the secret branch opened by the "Future Fund" in the Far East region.
At the cost of completing a task for the Future Fund in the future, he exchanged for that famous anti-biological special-attack sword, Mikazuki Munechika, and the demonic sword Shiranui, which could burn life force to briefly enhance physical attributes, from a mysterious hooded figure.
"It's me."
The mysterious hooded figure—Topaz—nodded, getting up to walk to the window and draw the curtains.
Her tight, bulging, and perfectly round buttocks swayed gently with her steps, outlining a breathtakingly full curve. The shorts that wrapped just right around her waist and hips made those fleshy, jade-like legs look even longer.
Fuli thought to himself that this was the true definition of 'plump is beautiful', unlike certain slightly chubby little fairies who were 1.6 meters tall and weighed over two hundred pounds.
After blocking any possible prying eyes from the outside, the girl turned around, her demeanor becoming much more formal. "Let me reintroduce myself—Topaz. True name Yelena, one of the IPC's Ten Stonehearts, and also the Branch Director of the Future Fund's Far East Branch."
"It's certainly been a long time."
Since there was this connection between them, Fuli still didn't move his hand away from the hilt of his sword, but the atmosphere around his body clearly softened a lot.
The initial help provided by Mikazuki Munechika and the demonic sword Shiranui was no less than the End-Time Assistant System; it could be said to be the cornerstone of his entire journey after his rebirth.
Even if it was just a transaction where each took what they needed, it was hard for him to harbor any genuine ill will toward the pretty girl in front of him.
Well, her high beauty and super fantastic figure were also part of the reason.
Topaz's booty! The soul of the IPC!
"You actively exposing your identity this time—is it time to execute the task we agreed upon earlier?" the boy asked. "What are the specific details?"
"That's not it. Headquarters hasn't issued any clear instructions yet." Feeling the surging energy almost overflowing within her body, Topaz smiled bitterly. "I specifically came to find you this time because I actually hope we can sever the link between us."
"Link?"
This time it was Jail-Li's turn to take a step back. I only took two things from you, why does this complicated tone sound like you're pregnant with my baby?
"Have you ever heard of the Secret of Success?"
The Secret of Success was a unique secret technique that Topaz practiced.
Its core lay in investing in others. By providing help or resources, based on the magnitude of the investment, once the other party's combat strength increased and they achieved success, the secret technique would feed back to the practitioner, causing their cultivation to advance as well.
It is worth noting that this feedback was absolutely not stealing or depriving the invested party. It was more like a wondrous resonance, exceptionally conscientious—closer to the concept of "when one person attains enlightenment, even their pets (include chicken too haha) ascend to heaven."
"The moment we reached that transaction, this invisible link was established between you and me through the Secret of Success."
Topaz leaned forward slightly, a lock of silver hair slipping from her shoulder. "Logically speaking, this is just a normal investment behavior. Other branch directors of the Future Fund will also sign similar contracts with potential stocks they favor."
"But the problem is, Mr. Fuli, your... your growth speed is simply too fast!" An almost absurd expression appeared on the face of this young and charming corporate executive. "So fast that I... I'm about to be burst wide open by your astonishing feedback!"
Unbelievable! Inconceivable!
Half a year ago, she was a Ten Stoneheart with an infinitely bright future, and he was just an ordinary person with slightly special potential. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the difference between them was like clouds and mud.
But after just over a hundred days, the other party actually came from behind and stepped into the Critical-Class domain that she could only reach through trickery!
At the same time, the energy feeding back from him also changed from an initially insignificant trickle into a terrifying torrent roaring like the Amazon River, continuously battering her body and mind day and night!
Topaz was completely numb. The excessively outrageous development made it impossible for the girl to even muster up feelings of jealousy.
Her only thought was to quickly find Fuli and sever this link that was already giving her severe indigestion.
She was terrified that if she was even a step too late, her delicate body would truly be completely filled to the brim and even overflow with that massive amount of feedback!
It wasn't that Topaz didn't want to come earlier, nor was it that this secret technique lacked corresponding countermeasures.
When the Secret of Success was created, its developer had considered similar situations and designed an accompanying ability called Stock Market Circuit Breaker.
By choosing an invested target to activate the Stock Market Circuit Breaker, a rather obscure marking effect would be produced on the other party, ensuring their strength could never surpass the caster's own.
In addition, when the other party's cultivation level matched the caster's, all of their subsequent cultivation growth would preferentially be converted into the caster's power.
However, casting the Circuit Breaker had two strict prerequisites:
First, the target's combat strength had to be lower than the caster's for it to succeed.
Second, the person subjected to this technique would faintly notice it over time, and gradually develop an extreme, undying obsession and hostility toward the caster.
Before Fuli stepped into the Critical-Class, the energy feedback was insignificant to Topaz; after he stepped in, he basically stayed on the heavily guarded Hyperion.
Feeling guilty in her heart, Topaz dared not charge over single-handedly, much less actually use a method like the Circuit Breaker on him that would forge a deadly enmity. Thus, the situation had to remain stalemated until now.
After learning all this, the only thought in Fuli's mind was one word: Amusing.
He complained, "Truly worthy of the Honkaiverse where everything is possible. There sure are a lot of messy abilities and cultivation techniques."
"So, could you please agree to sever the link?"
Forcibly suppressing the increasingly surging energy impact in her body caused by being close to the source, Topaz's exquisite face was full of hope.
Her full and perky breasts heaved slightly with her increasingly rapid breathing, and fine beads of sweat oozed from her temples, exuding an irresistible sexy charm.
"It sounds like there's no loss to me."
Fuli stroked his chin, acting as if he was thinking.
"Then—"
The girl's slender and soft waist unconsciously leaned forward, her voice carrying an imperceptible tremble and excitement.
The next second, a certain someone's tone suddenly shifted. "But, I refuse!"
"Wh-What?!"
The worst expectation came true, and Topaz only felt her vision go dark.
"I remember the contents of the transaction back then very clearly," Fuli pointed out righteously. "I obtained Mikazuki Munechika and Shiranui on my end. In exchange, on some future day, I need to do one thing for the Future Fund."
His gaze was sharp, staring closely at the increasingly flustered silver-haired girl. "However, this link produced by the Secret of Success was something you, Director Topaz, arbitrarily attached to me without my consent. This is an extra forced-bundle sale!"
The person in question was instantly rendered speechless.
Strictly speaking, she had just conveniently used the Future Fund's resources as the investment capital for Fuli to trigger the effects of the secret technique.
Similar operations were common within the Future Fund. After all, the Foundation itself could be seen as one of the IPC's front aliases in the Imaginary Tree.
The only problem was: who could have expected that in less than half a year, Fuli would leap up enough to crushingly defeat her!
Damn it! If I had known he had such potential, the investment back then would absolutely not have been so perfunctory and opportunistic. I would have definitely brought out the greatest sincerity and resources!
As an investor, this would become Yelena's lifelong shame!
[By that logic, does this Miss Topaz have the potential to become a heroine?] Dr. MEI stroked her chin. [Imagine if this Critical-Class powerhouse stayed by the host's side to take meticulous care of you right when you were reborn, and then relied on her outstanding appearance and... well, extremely proud physical capital.]
Not happening, Fuli interrupted unceremoniously. How could I bring a stranger of unknown origin to go find the Jizo Mitama?
He pulled his attention back to reality, looking at Topaz, who was full of unwillingness due to her failed investment. "In other words, the current situation is largely your own fault, Director Topaz. And as a result, you actually expected to just open your mouth and have me sever the link? Wouldn't it be unreasonable not to give some benefits?"
"You can rest assured about that!"
Upon hearing that there seemed to be room to turn things around, the girl grasped it like a lifeline, instantly recovering some of her confidence as a business elite. "Having struggled up to this point, I can at least be considered quite wealthy. If you want it, you can take it all!"
She even owned a dedicated aerospace lifestyle ship used to raise and accompany the small animals she took in. The extent of her wealth was evident.
The problem was, for Hyperion, which was gradually getting on the right track and had relatively ample cash flow, Fuli's interest in pure financial compensation was no longer great.
He once again sized up the corporate executive in front of him. From her exquisite and beautiful face to her jade-like neck, to the full apple peaks cupped by the white shirt, the slender and powerful glamorous waist, the breathtakingly curved peach-like buttocks, and the fleshy snow-white thighs—his mind continuously pondered over a more practical, and more realistically valuable compensation plan.
This gaze, as if scrutinizing pork waiting to be slaughtered, made Topaz sit on pins and needles.
It wasn't that she hadn't considered preparing some backup plans or bargaining chips before coming. But after thinking it over, she ultimately decided to come single-handedly to show her sincerity.
Mainly because it was useless. Hyperion was parked in mid-air, this was still Luofu territory, and the two sides were currently in a honeymoon period stuck together like glue, with a whole bunch of cooperative projects. Any forceful measures would not only be futile but also highly likely to trigger severe consequences.
The reception room fell into an eternal silence. After a long while, Fuli shook his head. "I can't think of anything specific I want for the moment. How about this: let's put it on hold for now."
"No! You can't!"
Hearing this, Topaz grew extremely anxious and violently took two steps forward, so much so that the collar of her uniform opened slightly, revealing a small patch of snow-white delicate skin and a deep, alluring cleavage. "If that happens, I'll constantly be—Ugh!"
The feedback in her body, which suddenly intensified due to approaching Fuli, hit her so hard she let out a muffled groan. Her sapphire-like beautiful eyes rolled up slightly, exposing the whites of her eyes. She was clearly about to reach her limit of endurance.
Unexpectedly, this wave came fast and went just as fast.
In the next second, the intensity suddenly diminished, rapidly dropping back and stabilizing at a low-efficiency state only equivalent to a B-Rank level.
"This is?"
Feeling the suddenly lightened pressure, the girl looked at Fuli in shock and uncertainty.
The Stigma of Death, duh.
The boy glanced at her without stating it explicitly.
The Secret of Success was indeed miraculous; it acted directly on the essence of life and origin of energy. Coupled with the fact that it was established before the Third Eruption, it cleverly bypassed the reduction effect of the Golden cloth, which primarily targeted external attacks.
Moreover, it didn't forcibly interfere with Fuli's own state, which meant the Stigma of Death's permanent passive of granting 80% immunity to physical interference effects failed to be triggered.
—The prerequisite for all the above was that Fuli didn't actively notice its existence and intend to interfere.
Once he clearly perceived this link and actively drove the Stigma of Death, he could, to a certain extent, reversely interfere with and regulate the output power of this link.
However, doing so brought a rather subtle side effect:
As long as Fuli was willing, he could magnify the intensity and flow of the feedback again at any time, thereby in a sense controlling Topaz's life.
He himself didn't feel anything wrong with this. He wasn't one of those foolishly "yasashii" (gentle) pushovers who would sever it just because she asked.
At the end of the day, you were the one who wanted to have your cake and eat it too—not to say double-dipping is bad; given the chance, Fuli would do it too.
But who told you to screw up? Since you screwed up, on what basis shouldn't you pay the corresponding price?
Could it be just based on this impeccably beautiful face, these cherry lips as delicate and dripping as peach petals, and this sexy, moving, and provocative body?