He was counting money.
Night City is also an A-level city-state, so it would be unreasonable not to take a share of it. Just now, we closed a big deal.
There's no way around it. Although this wasn't the original intention behind creating the alliance, it's impossible to avoid a "survival of the fittest" phenomenon when the strengths are unequal.
Xu Shi even felt that he had done enough. With the alliance keeping them in check, these weaker regions could at least get some technical and equipment support. Otherwise, if everyone were to find out about the existence of other worlds while they were in a state of disarray, they would inevitably beat people to a pulp.
Finally, and most importantly, is the question of "protagonist" and "natural law".
As the saying goes, those involved are often blinded by their own interests. If one is content with a small corner of the world, sometimes people may not even realize that such a peculiar existence exists in their own country or city-state.
But when Xu Shi brought detailed information and asked them if they had ever seen a down-on-his-luck young man suddenly start shouting "Don't underestimate a poor young man," or a girl who was originally of average talent suddenly become unstoppable, defeating all opponents of the same level and even fighting opponents of higher levels, or a certain son-in-law suddenly stop hiding and begin to reveal his identity, leading an army of 100,000 back home, everyone immediately understood.
With the answers in hand, even the most difficult questions become easy.
As for how to deal with these people... that varies from person to person.
For example, the reaction after learning the truth. Now that things have come to this, the "Star River" Federation has dealt with the protagonist who is already at the top of the world. Some people are unwilling to have their lives controlled and choose to cooperate sincerely with them. The sensible protagonist Xu Shi naturally welcomes such people.
Conversely, that's the enemy. When facing the enemy, all you have are bayonets and shotguns, oh, and thermal cannons.
Then there's the matter of character—perhaps because they've encountered truly hopeless characters like Luo Yu, and genuinely morally flawed "protagonists," they wouldn't choose to keep such individuals around as potential threats.
Huh? You're saying that Mr. Xu's own humanity is so bad it's unbearable to look at?
Sorry, I'm the villain. Villains can do whatever they want. (smug)
"Anyway, you did a great job."
Xu Shi looked at the increasingly mature Pan Ling with satisfaction, "If you encounter an A-level city-state in the future, you can also act as its representative to negotiate with them. The decision-making power is also in your hands. Just give me a summary regularly."
"Okay, I understand."
It's always a joy to receive your master's approval, and Pan Ling was no exception; her face immediately lit up with happiness.
However, she also knew that this path was paved for her by her mentor—Xu Shi personally took charge of establishing the alliance and the initial preliminary work, such as building a diplomatic team, developing foreign trade, and formulating exchange rate issues between different currencies... He considered every aspect in great detail.
It was precisely these detailed arrangements that impressed her the most. After all, everyone was acting independently at the beginning, not to mention considering these matters, they might not even have any concept of them. For example, the two city-states that came to negotiate today were completely ignorant about these aspects, and the people they sent were only influential figures in their own regions and did not have the relevant knowledge.
Fortunately, there are universities within the alliance that specialize in training these skills, and "Feather Pen" will also connect with them to cultivate technical talents in this field.
In contrast, her master seemed farsighted in her eyes. He could think of things that others couldn't, which was admirable enough.
It's just that it's a bit unethical—over the years she's seen countless times Xu Shi taking advantage of information asymmetry to sign unequal treaties with others... He's really mastered the art of exploitation.
But then I thought, how many bad things has my master done? One more or one less thing doesn't seem to make much difference.
Heh, you naughty teacher.
"So why were you all staring at me like that just now?"
After finishing our business, she finally had the chance to ask the question that had been on her mind.
"...I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it!"
Before anyone could answer, Pan Feng suddenly exploded, "I heard that my dear younger sister goes around saying that her older sister is an idiot?"
"I don't!"
Pan Ling denied it to the death, then looked at Xu Shi in disbelief and gave him a look.
I only vent to you occasionally, and it's mostly in jest... How could you, a teacher, complain about someone like that?
Xu Shi innocently shrugged, "What does this have to do with me...?"
He was indeed wronged. His praise of Pan Feng just now was not meant to be anything else. Who knew that as everyone was talking, they would brainstorm and figure out the truth?
Ultimately, it's because you're too easy to guess. Why don't you reflect on your own mistakes?
Mr. Xu believed he was never wrong.
"I bet you've only been out in the world for a few years and you've become so shrewd, daring to talk badly about your sister behind her back!"
Pan Feng feigned anger, "When we go back to Silver Pine Island next year for the New Year, I'll tell my parents you bullied me!"
Pan Ling looked at her pitifully, and it was unclear whether she realized why she was so confident.
To be fair, during the three years he returned home to visit his family, Pan Cheng did indeed favor Pan Feng, his older sister. While it wasn't to the point of favoritism, he certainly took better care of her.
This is actually a bit strange—after all, judging from their past experiences, it seems that Pan Ling is the one who needs to be protected. After all, she used to be introverted and timid, and it would be difficult for her not to suffer if these two traits were combined.
But now it's the other way around... Thinking about it carefully, maybe the father and mother had already noticed the reversal of status among the sisters?
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
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