Standing beside them was the deputy leader of the security team, smiling obsequiously.
When he spoke, however, he placed heavy emphasis on the word "deputy."
Elvin himself wasn't even part of the docking department.
He was a personnel inspection officer sent by the HR division.
Technically, this was a very comfortable position.
He couldn't single-handedly decide who got promoted or demoted.
But if he wrote a report praising someone while stepping on another—
Nine times out of ten, the outcome would follow his suggestion.
Naturally, the deputy team leader had already given him some benefits.
Elvin had arrived at an unfortunate time.
Right when Lin Yi's docking request came in.
Under normal circumstances, such a request would be immediately reported upward, and senior personnel would come to greet the visitor.
But this wasn't a normal situation.
Elvin had seen the news.
"SHOCKING! Genius Society #85 – Lin Yi Assassinated on the Xianzhou."
Official news.
Something this major couldn't be fake.
The great genius was already dead.
The Luofu was currently in chaos.
At first, the Xianzhou tried to seal the news.
But the incident happened in a public area with too many witnesses.
And unfortunately—
There happened to be an IPC reporter nearby.
What a coincidence.
Now the entire galaxy knew.
The Xianzhou had no choice but to confirm the assassination.
General Jing Yuan himself was leading the investigation.
They had even requested reinforcements from other Xianzhou ships.
After all—
A Genius Society member being killed publicly on the Xianzhou…
If they failed to catch the culprit, the political consequences would be enormous.
So if Lin Yi was dead—
Then who exactly was this person requesting docking under his name?
Elvin didn't even need to think.
Obviously this was someone trying to impersonate the genius before the news fully spread.
A classic opportunistic scam.
So instead of reporting it—
He immediately mobilized the security forces to arrest them.
"What's going on?"
Lin Yi looked at the charging IPC combat mechs.
He activated his omniscient eye.
Just got stabbed in the back once… and now this again?
"Careful!"
Argenti raised his shield to block incoming fire and counterattacked.
"With the name of Beauty—"
"Let us perform a magnificent symphony!"
Argenti charged forward.
In a dazzling and elegant display—
He single-handedly defeated the entire group of combat mechs.
"You—you—don't get cocky!"
Elvin shouted while retreating.
"I warn you! Causing trouble on IPC territory is a serious crime!"
"Surrender immediately, or the charges in the Interstellar Court will be even worse!"
"Bring him back."
"We'll ask a few questions."
Lin Yi's face looked calm.
But he was actually getting angry.
Before Argenti could move—
Zhuxing raised her rifle.
Whoosh.
Everyone collapsed instantly.
But they were still conscious.
Then Zhuxing raised her hand—
And Elvin flew straight toward them.
Simple neural disruption and gravity manipulation.
Genius technology.
Kid.
"W-What did you do?!"
"Why can't I move?!"
Elvin shouted in terror.
Zhuxing tilted her head.
But after glancing at Lin Yi beside her—
She obediently lowered the gun and hid it behind her back.
Remaining silent.
"I ask. You answer."
"Less nonsense."
Elvin responded instinctively:
"…Yes."
Then his face turned even more terrified.
"HELP!"
"Bandits are attacking IPC headquarters—!"
"AHHH—!"
"Quiet."
"You're hurting my ears."
"Do not speak unless I ask."
"Mmm—!"
"Mmm!"
"Now explain."
"Why were you ambushing me?"
After a brief but effective interrogation—
Lin Yi fell silent.
"…I see."
"No wonder I felt like I forgot something."
Lin Yi rubbed his forehead.
The situation became clear.
"This man was simply doing his job."
"Restore him and let him go."
Lin Yi waved his hand toward Zhuxing.
Then he took out his phone.
Planning to call someone.
But before he could—
Someone was already approaching.
The leader of the security team arrived.
Along with one of the Ten Stonehearts.
Jade.
The team leader followed a simple workplace philosophy:
Rule #1:If something happens, report it upward immediately.
Let the responsibility fall on your superiors.
The deputy leader mocked him for not understanding workplace politics.
But the team leader just thought:
That deputy idiot is going to get himself killed.
Jade wasn't actually the superior he called.
His rank wasn't high enough for that.
His real boss hadn't even responded yet.
But after hearing the battle noise—
He immediately requested emergency assistance.
And by coincidence—
Jade happened to be nearby.
So she came to investigate.
The team leader had another philosophy.
Rule #2:When danger appears, retreat as much as possible.
Don't risk your life unnecessarily.
Your salary isn't worth dying for.
Why was he the leader?
Because he outlived five reckless leaders before him.
Security work was dangerous.
"Mr. Lin Yi."
Jade spoke calmly.
"My subordinates lacked experience and offended you."
"Allow me to apologize on their behalf."
She turned toward the security team.
"Why are you still standing there?"
"Embarrassing yourselves."
"Apologize immediately and withdraw."
Though she wasn't their direct superior—
Her authority was too high to ignore.
"You don't suspect I'm fake?"
Lin Yi asked with a faint smile.
Jade smiled.
"My subordinates may lack knowledge."
"But I do not."
"The brilliance of the Key of Insight shining from you is unmistakable."
"How could it possibly be fake?"
She gave a formal introduction.
"Jade."
"Strategic Investment Department of the Interastral Peace Corporation."
"Debt Collection Specialist."
"One of the Ten Stonehearts."
"Since so many unexpected events have occurred… and fate has brought me here…"
"Allow me to personally receive you, Mr. Lin Yi."
"What do you think?"
"Fine."
"Two matters."
"First."
"Screwllum already talked to you about it."
"You mean the energy supply project?"
Jade replied smoothly.
"Mr. Screwllum has already negotiated with the company."
"The conditions were agreed upon."
"Investigations are underway."
"Good."
"As expected of Screwllum."
"Efficient as always."
"Second matter."
"The mass production of Panacea."
"It involves significant profit."
"So I want someone capable of making final decisions."
"Preferably a full board meeting."
"Otherwise we'll waste time arguing later."
Given Lin Yi's reputation—
And the importance of Panacea—
The IPC acted quickly.
A board meeting was convened.
But an IPC board meeting wasn't just a few executives sitting together.
Many others attended as observers.
The seating reflected hierarchy.
Higher ranks sat closer.
Sometimes they could even speak.
Lower ranks sat far away—
Or even stood.
Usually without the right to talk.
Meetings of this scale couldn't happen instantly.
Even with simplified procedures—
Just notifying participants took time.
While waiting—
Lin Yi decided to check on Argenti.
He personally wanted to make sure Argenti installed anti-collision equipment.
And just as expected—
Argenti didn't use Lin Yi's card.
He paid with his own money.
And only performed basic repairs.
The most important repair?
The exterior appearance.
Saving money wherever possible.
Lin Yi understood the Knight of Beauty's principles.
They strictly followed their knightly virtues.
But still—
Knights of Beauty weren't poor.
They were basically the Li Bai of the galaxy.
Wherever they went, admirers supported them.
They often served as judges or special guests at various events.
And those appearances paid extremely well.
On top of that—
Their constant heroics meant plenty of rewards and gratitude from those they saved.
Their income shouldn't be small at all.
Lin Yi joked:
"…Don't tell me you crash into people so often that you spend all your money paying compensation?"