Chapter 97 — ILK Chapter 97

Changing the Map Black Tower. Hospital.

Shan Cha had missed her chance to visit a few days ago. Now, ten days after the New Year, she finally brought her grandmother to reunite with her mother, Shan Wanqing.

She had initially brought a gift to the West Building, but the doors were unlocked, and only a domestic robot was busy dusting the furniture. A patrolling Sentinel informed her that Sang Ye’s entire household had gone to the Capital Star Palace for the holidays.

At the hospital entrance, the medicinal herb seedlings were finally sprouting, though they carried no scent yet. For dinner, the hospital kitchen served Roasted Suckling Pig, Pan-Seared Steak, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Lamb Dumplings, and Caramel Pudding. While the quality was high, Shan Cha realized it lacked that special "soul" Sang Ye provided. Culinary skill, it seemed, was a discipline of long-term training.

Shan Wanqing asked about the family business. Shan Cha had reclaimed most of their lost territory, signing major procurement contracts with schools and government agencies. However, none of these institutions had canceled their contracts with the rival Rufu Group. The officials were vague; unless a major accident occurred, they wouldn't terminate the partnership.

Shan Cha tried to invite Jima out for a meal, but the adjutant politely declined, saying they shouldn't be seen together for a few days. Shan Cha felt the weight of the investigation pressing down on her. Just as she felt overwhelmed, her terminal chimed. Sang Ye: "I heard you were looking for me? Perfect timing—I just got back to Black Tower. Want to meet up?" …

"So, which specific factory is supplying them?" Sang Ye asked. They were sitting at the stone table in the courtyard. The tea was bubbling, releasing the fragrance of milk and leaves. Sang Ye had prepared oats and pudding to mix into their milk tea.

The puppies and kitten were fast asleep in their nests after the long journey.

"It’s called the Rufu Group," Shan Cha explained. "It’s the only group on Muli with export rights. They used to focus on international trade, but ever since Song Yu arrived, they’ve pivoted entirely to domestic military distribution."

Shan Cha continued, "The major shareholder doesn't live on Muli and never interferes, only collecting dividends. The group was built on the chaos of the Royal Succession War, nearly went bankrupt, and was saved by anonymous infusions of capital. No one knows who the true owner is. The CEO is an old-timer who's been there forever."

Sang Ye searched the internal military network for "Rufu Group." The ownership distribution showed a locked, black-and-white icon. Eve denied her access.

"Lin Changli—" Sang Ye called out.

Lin Changli descended from the second floor carrying a blanket. He handed her his terminal. Using his SSS-rank clearance, Sang Ye clicked the link again.

Asu Ment’s ID photo appeared.

"She used to have a nickname," Lin Changli noted, looking over her shoulder. "'Greedy Ment.' People were jealous because she’s an incredible investor. She’s basically Melusine but without the mental powers."

"Does anyone still call her that?"

"No. She started beating up anyone who used it. Now they call her 'Violent Ment'."

…

"You're going to Planet Muli?"

Asu Ment looked up from her half-packed luggage. She was holding Eleanor, who was gnawing on a pacifier. "Why? And why do you want me to give you a job at Rufu Group? What even is that group... Oh, nutrient solutions? Since when do you care about those?"

"I'm investigating someone linked to Lin Changli’s mental riot," Sang Ye said. "It's a classified matter."

Asu Ment looked at her intensely. "Song Yu?" Sang Ye nodded.

Asu Ment checked her contacts. She had bought Rufu Group years ago because it was cheap and held rare export rights during the Zerg war. "I haven't thought about that company in a decade. But," Asu Ment paused, "the annual tax audit is coming up. The Imperial Finance Department sends auditors to every planet."

Government audits often used external firms. Asu Ment owned one.

"An auditor can see everything—from the boardroom to the production floor," Asu suggested. "And you should take Melusine with you. If you don't understand something, she'll see the truth in a heartbeat."

Melusine was the perfect choice. As a high-ranking noble, she could travel with a full security detail without raising suspicion.

…

Melusine was currently in the Capital playing the "dutiful daughter," but she rushed back to Black Tower the moment she got Sang Ye’s message. She was bored and craved the high of a hidden adventure—especially one involving royal secrets.

"So, are you sure about the relationship between those three?" Melusine asked, leaning her small head on Sang Ye’s shoulder on the sofa.

"No direct evidence," Sang Ye said, "but it makes Song Yu’s motives actually make sense."

Lin Changli sat across from them, looking grumpy. "Can't I go? I'll stay in the hotel room."

"No. You're too famous," Sang Ye countered. "You can hide out on the nearby Ice Planet. If things go wrong, I'll call you. But for now, we need to be invisible."

Shan Cha’s products had already entered the Muli military market. Once the effects of the spiritual food became clear, Song Yu would be forced to make a move. Sang Ye intended to be there when he did.