Chapter Sixty-Six: This Is a Risk Worth Taking

In a world governed by capital, wealth truly grants one the freedom to do as they please.

After Gao Ning reached an agreement with the resort board of directors, the relationship between the two parties became amicable. When Gao Ning promised that, as long as they supplied large quantities of steel scrap, he would return a portion of the employment fees, their partnership entered a honeymoon phase. Through the resort board, wielding money as his weapon, Gao Ning began to carve out channels for unfettered action.

Obtaining the universal medical pod and completing the assigned task was but one of Gao Ning’s objectives. Far more important to him was acquiring the manufacturing technology behind the medical pod, as well as the license to produce the core components of the mechanical police. Although the politics of Bliss Space were in utter disarray, their business acumen was undeniable. The global political system had been manipulated and twisted until it became, in effect, a planetary conglomerate.

For such a company, technological assets were the most closely guarded treasures. Gao Ning understood this well and did not expect to obtain the latest medical pod technology. His demand was limited to somatic cell repair technology—a capability for healing wounds and performing cosmetic surgery, but not the critical, life-saving technology. Given the high price Gao Ning was willing to pay, members of the resort board grew tempted.

Two hours after the turmoil had subsided, Second Elder Gao was respectfully escorted back by the mechanical police, accompanied by a well-proportioned, impeccably dressed young man. In this world, where cosmetic surgery had reached its zenith, age was impossible to discern from appearance.

Gao Ning rose to greet him, “Mr. Robert, I appreciate your trouble.”

The young man smiled amiably, “It was our failure to host you properly; such a disturbance is simply unbelievable. Rest assured, Mr. Gao Ning, the police have issued a warrant and the mechanical officers will hunt that dog down across the globe.”

“Thank you again!” Gao Ning exchanged a glance with Second Elder Gao, and seeing nothing amiss—his expression as lazy as ever—he relaxed.

During the past two hours apart, Gao Ning had been splashing money around the resort, even hiring a headhunter to acquire technology he was interested in. The offer was enticing, and the headhunter readily agreed. It was merely a gambit; whether unexpected gains would come within twenty-four hours remained to be seen.

Throughout this time, Gao Ning had kept an eye on Second Elder Gao’s signal on the Red Alert map. After being taken by the mechanical police, he had not been sent to the station but had been courteously settled in the workers’ lounge, answering questions and giving statements. The mechanical police, lacking true intelligence, were merely programmed to gather as much information as possible. Per Gao Ning’s instructions, Second Elder Gao answered all questions candidly, without excessive concealment.

Truthfully, even without the resort’s intervention, Second Elder Gao would have been fine. Robert’s manner was clearly intended to curry favor with Gao Ning, which Gao Ning did not resent. Society is built upon networks of human relationships, whether in China, America, Europe, or Australia; such connections are impossible to sever completely. Outside Bliss Space, the wealthy gather in clusters, making social interaction inevitable.

He invited Robert to sit, and after brief pleasantries, they got down to business.

“We’ve prepared the technology you requested, Mr. Gao Ning, but regarding the price…”

Gao Ning waved a hand, “The price is negotiable, as long as it’s not outrageous. Besides, I’m not asking for anything classified. For the upper classes, this technology is already obsolete. Utilizing discontinued technology for a sum of money—that’s a win-win for both sides!”

Robert laughed heartily, “Quite right, Mr. Gao Ning. The medical company has its considerations, but as you say, the treatment technology you want is already widespread. Though the treatment costs are high, there is a standard price. If we followed normal procedures, the price could be kept under two billion dollars, but since you’re in a hurry, they’ve doubled their asking price.”

Gao Ning glanced at the funds displayed on his Red Alert interface and nodded indifferently, “I’ll pay fifty percent upfront. Once all the materials are delivered and verified, the remaining fifty percent will be transferred immediately.”

Robert nodded, “I’ll relay your terms.”

“To be frank, my schedule is tight—I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning. I hope we can finalize the transaction and legal procedures before dawn. I’ll need your assistance with the lawyers and contracts, Mr. Robert. When this deal is complete, you’ll be handsomely rewarded!”

Robert’s eyes lit up, and he readily agreed.

After sending Robert off, Gao Ning led Second Elder Gao straight to the public library. The library in Bliss Space was enormous, spanning an entire hectare and comprising more than a dozen differently styled mansions. Time was short—Gao Ning needed to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

“Sir, all the books you requested are here!” A professional woman dressed as a secretary wheeled over a cart overflowing with books to Gao Ning.

“Thank you.” Gao Ning nodded, handing over several bills. “I’d like to ask—are there any devices that can accelerate learning?”

Accepting the tip, the woman smiled gratefully. “Sir, you must mean the neural data transmission pod. It can cram an entire encyclopedia into your mind within seconds, but storage is just storage. Although you can reference the knowledge in your mind through special methods, it’s not flexible for practical use. Still, it does speed up learning to some degree. If you’re hoping to instantly master a subject, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed!”

Gao Ning pondered this, nodding in thanks as he dismissed her.

He opened a nearby computer and found a cultural consultancy online, placing an order to collect computer-related technologies. The phone rang shortly after; Gao Ning made a few inquiries and found their answers similar to the woman’s. He confirmed the order without hesitation.

Since the twenty-first century, all books, reports, and papers related to computer technology had been gathered and could now be uploaded directly into his mind. The company quoted a high price and promised door-to-door service. Gao Ning agreed instantly, without bargaining.

It was hardly necessary—his recycling plant stood ready, and since the trucks began rolling in, every few seconds his account jumped by millions. Any time spent haggling would be lost revenue.

Watching the ever-increasing numbers, Gao Ning felt the urge to stay here forever.

Using money to leverage several parties to work for him, Gao Ning set out to collect as much information as possible in the final hours. He knew tampering with his brain was risky, but with the threats from Baozi and Ninth Sister looming, and the formidable power of the mysterious train, the risk had been minimized. In order to grow stronger quickly, he was willing to take the plunge.