In another room within the Starport.
Feng Weihao, the chairman of the Hurricane Consortium, held a glass of expensive spirits as he gazed at the exhibition stand in the outdoor hall outside, where the largest crowd had gathered.
There, a projection of the latest T2 Hyena-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer was displayed.
Dozens of young women in revealing outfits could be seen on the stand, discussing the performance details of this starship with people of various backgrounds from across the Empire.
"Xiao Wei, go check the thirty T2 Hyena-class Medium Interstellar Destroyers we brought over the next few days. Make sure every module and system is flawless.
The Empire may request Sea Trials and inspections of the sample starships.
We absolutely cannot afford any slip-ups!" Feng Weihao said, turning to look at Feng Xiao Wei behind him, who was busy fiddling with a virtual screen.
Feng Xiao Wei's eyes were fixed on the profiles of beautiful women displayed on the virtual screen. As the young master of the Hurricane Consortium, he intended to seize this opportunity to indulge in some romantic pursuits.
"Father, I've already checked them thoroughly several times over the past few days. I've practically licked every inch of those starships inside and out.
If you ask me, you're just worrying too much.
This Military Procurement Order is definitely ours—it's practically a sure thing.
Just look at those other junk starships—which one can even compete?
Which one can compare to our T2 Hyena-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer?
Even the Military Procurement Committee has approached you several times, asking you to lower the price. Isn't it obvious that our T2 Hyena-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer is the predetermined choice for this Military Procurement Order?" Feng Xiao Wei declared confidently.
Although Feng Dawei looked down on his younger brother, he too spoke with assurance: "Father, while it's wise to be cautious, I've personally overseen every aspect of this matter. There won't be any issues."
Feng Dawei himself was a graduate in Starship Engineering and, despite his youth, was considered a genius in the field.
"It's not that I'm overly concerned, but this Military Procurement Order is truly crucial for our Hurricane Consortium.
All our funds are tied up in the two T3 interstellar warship research projects. If we fail to secure this Military Procurement Order, our cash flow could break.
It might even cause both research projects to collapse.
This time, our Hurricane Consortium is truly gambling—betting on whether we can seize this opportunity and truly become a core force within the Stellar Glory Empire!" Feng Weihao said gravely.
Feng Xiao Wei walked up to his father and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just relax and put your mind at ease. I think you've just been too tired lately.
Here, take a look and pick one you like. I'll have her sent to your room later, and I promise I won't tell Mother."
With a mischievous grin, Feng Xiao Wei pointed to his virtual screen, which was filled with photos of various girls.
"What nonsense are you talking!" Feng Weihao swatted Feng Xiao Wei's hand away, then glanced at his "collection." "The usual will do."
"Hehehe..." Feng Xiao Wei chuckled and turned to his older brother behind him. "Big brother, what about you? Same as usual—a mature, still-charming older woman?"
Feng Dawei snorted coldly, ignoring Feng Xiao Wei.
At this moment, the father and his two sons were still unaware that they were celebrating too early.
The man they once regarded as an ant had long ago set a trap for them.
Three days later.
Zhao Chen and the others, dressed in formal attire, entered a magnificent banquet venue. The entire venue held about two to three hundred people.
It consisted of three circular tiers that rose from the outer edges toward the center.
Most of those in the outer areas were minor nobles from various Stellar Territories or component suppliers in the starship manufacturing industry chain. They were merely hoping to catch a small opportunity or find a desirable starship during this Military Procurement event.
The closer one moved toward the center of the venue, the more distinguished the attendees became.
Music of unknown origin played throughout the banquet hall. Though it had no lyrics, it carried a soothing and melodious tune.
"Why do you keep looking around so much?" Zhao Chen asked Zhao Wan'er, who was wearing a light blue gown beside him.
Zhao Wan'er smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out soon enough."
Zhao Chen ignored her and began observing Chu Xuan next to him. She wore a purple evening gown with a long skirt, her shoulder-length hair cascading down.
Her fragrant shoulders and fair neck were exposed.
It must be said, Chu Xuan's beauty was among the top of the women Zhao Chen had met, especially her innate aura, which resembled that of a valkyrie, giving her a unique charm.
Just then, Chu Xuan took the initiative to link arms with Zhao Chen. Feeling the soft touch on his arm, Zhao Chen looked at her in surprise, noticing her slightly flushed cheeks.
Chu Xuan whispered, "Don't misunderstand... This is what my grandfather told me before we left. In such occasions, we must maintain this posture.
This is... a form of protection for you!"
"Oh, oh, oh..." Zhao Chen nodded with an expression of understanding, though his drawn-out tone seemed to carry an inexplicable implication.
As Zhao Chen entered the venue, many female guests also cast their eyes upon him.
Perhaps they didn't recognize Zhao Chen, but they certainly knew the eldest daughter of the Chu Family.
And the young man who could appear beside the Chu Family's eldest daughter could be none other than the hero who had risen to prominence half a year ago!
Now, seeing this hero, they couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Dressed in attire resembling a military uniform, he exuded a strong, masculine aura, with handsome and well-defined features.
Despite being in his early twenties, his presence was no less imposing than that of generals in the imperial army.
His appeal to the female guests was simply overwhelming!
"Wan'er."
Zhao Chen heard someone calling Wan'er's name.
Who here would know Wan'er?
Could it be Eldest Sister?
Recalling Zhao Wan'er's mysterious expression earlier, could it be that Eldest Sister had secretly contacted Zhao Wan'er?
Zhao Chen looked over with anticipation and curiosity, only to see two figures—one tall and one short, one older and one younger.
The familiar tall figure and the familiar little girl with twin ponytails.
Su Lan and Xue Xiaoxiao.
"What are you two doing here?" Zhao Chen asked in surprise. Seeing Zhao Wan'er's delighted expression beside him, it seemed the so-called "surprise" was a reunion of their close friends.
"Miss Chu Xuan, Junior Zhao Chen." Su Lan greeted Chu Xuan and Zhao Chen.
Chu Xuan also knew Su Lan and the others, responding with a smile.
Senior Su Lan explained to Zhao Chen's confusion, "Our Su Family was also invited, so I came along."
"I happen to have an invitation. I heard there would be lots of big cannons to see! So I came, and I didn't expect to run into Senior Su Lan and Wan'er!" Xue Xiaoxiao said happily beside them.
Then she couldn't help but pull Zhao Wan'er aside and started chatting about the cannons she had seen these past few days—this one has a large caliber, that one is powerful, this one can retract, that one has a long firing range, and so on.
"But after thinking about it, it feels like they're all missing something. I still like your brother's T3 Blizzard's bow cannon the most!" Xue Xiaoxiao muttered.