Star Railway: The Pioneer's Journey

Chapter 194 Topa and placer gold

In the end, Toppa took all three cornerstones.

This thing is too tempting, really, nothing can compare, not even a project, even if failing to complete it might lead to a downgrade...

But for the sake of these three cornerstones, "Diamond" might turn around and upgrade her back.

Okay, it's alright.

Topa felt that he hadn't lost out.

There shouldn't be any loss.

Yun was satisfied, Topa was satisfied, and what about the others? Whether they were satisfied or not was no longer important.

But Toppa still couldn't help asking.

"You just mentioned wanting the Star Train to also have the ability to restore planetary ecosystems?"

Yun finally returned the account to Toppa: "It's just a guess, whether it's true or not doesn't really matter. Bellberg actually prepared the plan after the cold wave a long time ago."

"Why?"

Clearly, the Great Guardian did not tell Toppa about this.

Toppa knew nothing about this.

"You didn't know? — A long time ago, they were already thinking about rebuilding the world after the cold wave subsided. You mean well, but they had their own ideas too."

Yun smiled and explained to Toppa.

Toppa blinked.

Should we go ask again later?

She was quite curious.

"Alright, since the True Lord has said so... well, I'll go report to my superiors now."

Although there may be some twists and turns, it shouldn't be too troublesome.

Yun waved and left.

As he turned around, the hem of his clothes traced a graceful arc.

The young man was out of sight.

Toppa also went to the quiet snowfield alone. After dismissing everyone around him, he made a call and reported the status of his project to the strategic investment department.

—It is also stated that the direct cause was the intrusion of the Immortal Boat Alliance, but as compensation, Toppa received three [Preservation] cornerstones from "Jingfeng Baiyu Zhenjun".

Topa didn't know what her boss, "Diamond," was thinking at the time, but after she said that, the communication channel was silent for a while before the discussion started.

The Strategic Investment Department responded quickly.

"...In conclusion, Toppa, the department will take the following disciplinary action against you—"

"Cancel all rewards programs you participate in during a cycle, including stock options and performance bonuses."

Topa was a little stunned.

Just... a deduction of money?

In reality, having reached her position, she had saved up quite a bit of money, so deductions were neither a big deal nor a serious issue for her; in fact, she didn't care much about them.

"Regarding this incident, you need to submit an additional report to 'Diamond.' If you have any objections to the penalty, you can also appeal in writing."

The synthesized voice from the other end of the headphones continued.

Topa replied, "I have no objection."

The person on the other end of the headset paused for a moment: "Understood. Then, please ensure a safe return journey and make sure the cornerstone of [Storage] is safely escorted back to Pierpoint."

They've all started using the word "escort".

I guess I'm still lucky to have the cornerstone.

Toppa knew just how much the Interstellar Peace Corporation valued the Foundation; after all, damaging the Foundation was a serious crime in their eyes…

After all, this is "desecrating the Holy Body of Cripples".

Well, if the three foundation stones in my hand and the five foundation stones in Sand Gold's hand were damaged, that would truly be "blasphemy."

Toppa opened the small bag and looked at the three foundation stones lying quietly inside.

"Rest assured, the foundation will not be damaged in any way."

"Very well, then... is there anyone else who wants to say something?"

The channel was very quiet.

They waited patiently for a while—

"Since no one has any objections, let's adjourn the meeting."

I heard some "beep beep, beep beep" sounds coming from the other end of the headset, which probably meant that my colleagues were leaving.

Topa lowered his hand and sighed.

It's not that I feel sorry for anything, I'm just a little sad about my failure this time.

Project failures are really disheartening.

Just then, another sound came through the headphones:

"Hey, not bad luck. You messed up this project and only got a pay cut. Looks like the higher-ups are actually pretty considerate of you... They've all logged off, right? Well—"

The sound from the other end of the headphones suddenly became completely clear:

"I'll just turn off this crappy effect."

Topa was startled: "Sajin, what are you still doing here?"

The person on the other end chuckled: "What are you saying? I can't be here? I'm not your superior—to be honest, I almost thought I was really going to become your superior."

Sand Gold's voice carried a hint of longing: "Thank the True Lord, his gentleness spared you from demotion."

Indeed, even if Cloud hadn't given her the foundation stone, Topa would have had no chance of winning against them.

"The True Lord is indeed very good, but Sand Gold, the 'gentle True Lord' you mentioned was still throwing a tantrum on his immortal ship Luofu a few days ago. It is said that he almost swung the Luofu starship around and threw it into a black hole."

Toppa recalled the intelligence the company had gathered some time ago, and the almost unconcealable weariness that General Jingyuan, representing Luofu, had shown during their discussions. He couldn't help but smile.

"But that doesn't hide the fact that Lord Zhenjun is very gentle. You said it yourself, you 'almost' threw him in. Obviously, if it were any one of us, Luofu would be in the black hole by now."

The fan filter for Sand Gold is absolutely hopeless.

"Is there anything else? I'm hanging up now."

Topa had no interest in discussing his idol's personality with Sandgold.

Zhang Zhang ran around her feet, and as if she had seen something, she hummed twice and ran over.

The conversation here continues.

"Alright, let's talk about something you're interested in. While you were talking to the True Lord on Yalilo-6, 'Diamond' managed to win over the bigwig in the building materials logistics department. That's why she's absent from today's roundtable meeting."

Toppa's eyes widened in surprise: "Taravan?"

"Yes, the famous Tarlavan, a member of the seven-person board of directors, he's betting his vote on us, understand? It's us, not the marketing department. This time, Oswald won't be laughing anymore."

Gold dust gloated.

Topa crossed his arms: "Just because we have a lot of genuine [Preservation] Foundation Stones in our hands, Oswald won't be laughing for long. You know that very well, don't you?"

Oswaldo is a fanatic about "preservation"—whether he's genuinely enthusiastic or just pretending, he always looked rather displeased when Sand Gold used to flaunt his cornerstones.

That guy even considered using his status as a "previously unknown guest" to connect with the current Starry Sky Train, attempting to make contact with the Clouds...

Unfortunately, while Yunzhi is indeed gentle, she is not someone who can be easily manipulated.

When Oswaldo and the Star Train are in contact, the Cloud City will choose to go out for a stroll.

After a few more visits, Oswaldo will understand Yunzhi's thoughts.

"That's true. Well then, let's get down to business. I'm in Pierpoint right now, dealing with a big deal that affects the entire department. I'm short of a reliable project manager for this trip. My friend, you're the perfect fit."

Sand Gold's tone was filled with ambition and determination.

Toppa asked with interest, "Interesting. What project taught you to cooperate? Why, this time you're not secretly giving the Yaoqing Immortal Ship special treatment?"

Sand Gold really doesn't like cooperating, and the reason is simple: his underhanded actions of giving Yao Qing Immortal Boat preferential treatment and opening doors for it... still need to be kept somewhat hidden.

This is an open secret within the department. However, since the Immortal Boat Alliance has two powerful figures in charge, their department has no choice but to curry favor with them, right?

Sand Gold sighed, "What else could it be? Pinocchio, of course."

Oh, the territory of the "family" is so intricate and far-reaching that it's really not easy to secretly rob Peter to pay Paul or use other people's things to subsidize one's own family—it's easy to get caught.

but……

"Diamonds ultimately chose you? I thought it would be 'Opal' or 'Dragon Crystal,' that deal required at least a P46 level or higher to handle."

"Who knows? The family members aren't exactly mentally sound. I don't think it's going to work with them."

"But the company's methods are not limited to 'transactions' alone. The family has made quite a fuss this time. They even invited the True Lord himself... No matter what their conspiracy is, I certainly won't miss this opportunity."

"Perhaps this time, I can repay your kindness?"

Sand Gold's tone rose, as if he were very happy.

Topa let out a sigh, looking somewhat speechless: "Alright, alright, not surprising. After all, among all the people in the company, Zhenjun likes you the most. Even Yan Shilu can't compare to you—I'll answer you about this later."

"hiss--"

Sand Gold suddenly gasped.

Topa asked in confusion, "What's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing..."

Sand Gold silently rubbed the goosebumps that had appeared on his arms: "I just suddenly felt a chill down my back."

"Oh? Don't get sick at the height of this big project, Director Sand Gold."

"Thank you for your concern, Director Toppa. Well then, I look forward to your reply."