Three hours.
That was all it took.
Inside Beiyan Interstellar Trade Group's starship research laboratory, the atmosphere transformed completely.
At first, there had been doubt.
Then curiosity.
And finally—unrestrained shock.
The white-haired chief technical engineer stood trembling in front of Li Yaqi, clutching the data disk as though it were a relic.
"Ms. Li… where did you obtain this starship technology?" he asked, voice hoarse with excitement. "Even though only eighty percent of the data is present—and key manufacturing parameters are deliberately removed—
"This design is absolutely feasible.
"And not just that… the T1 Wolf Lice–class medium star destroyer has absurd cost-performance efficiency. I've never seen a starship this cheap achieve performance at this level!
"If this enters the market, it will become a phenomenal bestseller."
Li Yaqi accepted the data disk with shaking hands.
Moments ago, she had been standing at the edge of an abyss.
Now—
This disk felt like a rope thrown down from the heavens.
"Drop all current projects," she said without hesitation. "Focus everything on this design.
"I want in-depth analysis. Full scalability reports. Cost projections. Immediately."
The old engineer hesitated. "Ms. Li… may I ask where this design—"
Before he could finish, Li Yaqi was already turning away.
She ran.
Inside her flying car, Li Yaqi immediately contacted her brother.
First call.
Disconnected.
Second call.
Disconnected again.
Her brows knitted.
Third call.
Disconnected.
Unease crept in.
Then a text message arrived.
Sis, I'm taking a shower. We'll talk after I finish.
Black lines practically appeared across Li Yaqi's forehead.
She typed furiously.
If you don't answer right now, Li Wei, next year's memorial offering will be prepared in advance.
The fourth call connected.
Li Wei appeared on the screen wrapped in a bath towel, hair still wet.
"Sister… what's wrong? Why are you so urgent?"
"Who gave you that starship blueprint?" Li Yaqi asked bluntly.
Li Wei froze.
"…That?" he coughed. "Well… my friend is very low-key. It's inconvenient to reveal his identity.
"Sis, just tell me—do you want the technology or not?"
Li Yaqi stared at him, then softened her tone deliberately. "Tell me who he is, and I'll triple your living expenses next semester."
Li Wei struggled visibly.
In the end, he shook his head. "No. I promised him.
"And honestly… if he gets angry and cuts off cooperation, you'll lose more than I will."
Li Yaqi exhaled slowly.
He was right.
She suppressed her curiosity.
"Then contact him for me," she said. "Tell him I'm very interested. I want to discuss cooperation."
Li Wei blinked. "You're really interested?"
"Did you even read the design?"
"…No." Li Wei scratched his head. "I can't understand that stuff."
Li Yaqi closed her eyes.
"Go," she said. "I'll wait."
Ten minutes later, Li Wei reappeared.
"He said there's no need for a face-to-face meeting," Li Wei reported. "If you have ideas, discuss them in an online room."
A link followed.
Li Yaqi hesitated for only a second before clicking it.
A text-only interface opened.
Not video.
Not voice.
Just words.
She inhaled deeply and typed.
Li Yaqi: Hello. I'm Li Wei's sister—Li Yaqi, head of Beiyan Interstellar Trade Group's starship arms division.
Thirty seconds passed.
Then a reply.
???: Hello.
Just two words.
For the first time in years, Li Yaqi felt… nervous.
Li Yaqi: I'm extremely interested in your T1 Wolf Lice–class medium star destroyer technology. I hope we can discuss a cooperation plan.
The response came after a brief pause.
???: No need for a plan. Quote a price. If I'm satisfied, transfer the money and I'll send the complete technical data.
Li Yaqi stiffened.
So direct?
No negotiations. No preamble.
She typed carefully.
Li Yaqi: What price do you consider reasonable?
Minutes passed.
Then a number appeared.
???: 3,000,000 star coins.
Li Yaqi's heart skipped.
Three million.
For a T1 starship design, that price was outrageous.
Market value for a finished T1 ship was only twenty to thirty thousand star coins.
Before she could respond, another message appeared.
???: Buyout.
Her pupils contracted.
A buyout.
Meaning full ownership.
No royalties.
No shared rights.
Exclusive control.
She typed rapidly.
Li Yaqi: Confirming—three million star coins for complete buyout of the T1 Wolf Lice–class star destroyer technology?
???: Yes. Do you agree?
Li Yaqi didn't hesitate.
Li Yaqi: Agreed.
Across the star network, Zhao Chen stared at the screen.
"…Agreed?"
He covered his chest, expression pained.
"Damn it," he muttered. "The price was too low."