"Axue, confirm the combat losses later."
Lin Zhao frowned and said, "We're definitely at a loss on this one."
"It's definitely a loss."
Chen Xue said, "The repair cost of a Yunying-class, plus the ammunition costs for this Chiyou-class and Yunying-class, and your Xihe-class combat armor needs its energy core replaced. Just one energy core is 20 million universal coins."
She knitted her brows, "We also lost three escort combat personnel in the line of duty. The compensation and pensions for their families are also a huge sum of money."
Huo Dao said, "I'm sorry... it was all my oversight. I shouldn't have sent a Yunying-class out, and our Yunying-class escort personnel didn't have enough training time and their combat proficiency is still not high enough. If the laser anti-missile system had been activated earlier, perhaps it wouldn't have been shot down."
"Take it slow."
Lin Zhao said, "Money that should be spent must be spent. We're not mythical beasts that only take in and never give out. Especially when it comes to compensation for staff who died in the line of duty, not a single cent can be shorted or withheld."
"Yes, understood!"
Huo Dao said in a deep voice, "Su Wan and I will personally handle this matter."
Just then, a Chiyou-class pilot turned around and said, "Boss, the warship just received an encrypted message. Shall we play it now?"
"Mmm."
Lin Zhao and Chen Xue nodded in unison.
The next moment, a holographic recording appeared in the control room of the Chiyou-class. It was a middle-aged man in military uniform with three stars on his shoulders. He had a rather fierce look, but he smiled slightly and said, "Everyone, I am Han Feng, the commander of the Battle Axe Mercenary Group. I'd like to say hello to all of you."
Lin Zhao frowned, "He's a Three-Star General?"
"Nonsense."
Chen Xue disdained, "He's self-proclaimed. Which of these mercenary group commanders doesn't have a dream of becoming a general?"
At this moment, Han Feng, the Battle Axe leader in the recording, sneered, "Scarlet Moon Transport's methods are quite impressive. They destroyed four of my missile launchers almost instantly and killed over thirty of our Battle Axe brothers. We'll make a note of this account and deal with it slowly."
His expression was somewhat sinister. "Just you wait. From now on, Scarlet Moon Transport's routes will no longer be safe. Even the public routes designated by the United Government of China will not be safe. Or rather, on public routes, others will be safe, but you will not be. We'll see."
The recording ended.
Chen Xue took a deep breath, quite troubled.
Huo Dao clenched his fists. He was a soldier at heart and could not stand such arrogance.
"What's the strength of the Battle Axe?" Lin Zhao asked.
Chen Xue said, "A bunch of desperate fellows. The Battle Axe has a total strength of about 1200+ people, with half being professional combat personnel. They possess over 100 old modified Tomahawk missiles, 18 Yunying-class vertical take-off and landing transport aircraft, over 120 infantry fighting vehicles, and over 80 Yan Emperor-class individual combat armors."
Her beautiful eyes shimmered, "In fact, this was just a small demonstration by the Battle Axe this time."
"I'm asking hypothetically."
Lin Zhao slowly stood up, his eyes gleaming, and said, "If Scarlet Moon Transport immediately halted all operations, gathered all our forces, and wiped out the entire Battle Axe, what would be our losses?"
"Boss, we've been waiting for you to say that!"
Huo Dao suddenly stood up and said, "Two Chiyou-class with heavy shields to lead the way, and 29 Yunying-class to bombard them with long-range weapons. I guarantee... after we eliminate these scum from the Battle Axe, our battle losses will be no more than 20%!"
Lin Zhao fell into silence, weighing the decision.
"Lin Zhao..."
Chen Xue remained calm throughout, saying gently, "I know that deep down, you are righteous and hate evil, and cannot tolerate even a speck of dust. Naturally, you cannot tolerate the scum of the Battle Axe. But don't forget, we are Scarlet Moon Transport, a transportation group. We are here to make money."
Lin Zhao's confidence suddenly waned, "Are the government forces in the Su City and Xi City regions not taking care of these rampant mercenary groups in the wilderness?"
"Heh~~~"
Chen Xue laughed, "Most of the government forces' energy is focused on the sea beast tide in the East Sea. The remaining forces are engaged in intrigue and infighting. There's even the possibility of local troops colluding with wilderness mercenaries. One turns a blind eye, the other works overtime, and they split the profits fifty-fifty."
She said earnestly, "Lin Zhao, think about it. Daozi said the battle losses would be no more than 20%, but he's always been a daredevil. When playing poker, he always thinks he's holding three Aces. In my opinion, the battle losses should be around 30-40%, which means about 300 casualties. Can our Scarlet Moon Transport really afford such a price?"
She said softly, "When doing business, one should seek wealth and harmony. Moreover, there are not only the Battle Axe among the wilderness mercenary groups along the Su Rong line, but also the Brotherhood, the Blazing Sun Legion, and others. The interests of these mercenary groups are intricately intertwined. As newcomers, it is really not appropriate for Scarlet Moon Transport to be too ostentatious."
Chen Xue looked at Lin Zhao, "My suggestion is that we handle this matter with the gentlest means possible, try to operate and make money first. Once we have enough money, we'll continue to buy weapons and ammunition, recruit more soldiers, and when we are strong enough, humph... a small fry like the Battle Axe will surrender without a fight."
"Got it."
Lin Zhao nodded. In the game, his strategist was Shen Xingchen, and he would try to listen to Shen Xingchen's opinions more. In reality, when it came to military matters, his strategist was Chen Xue, and he should listen to her more. To hear from all sides makes one wise; to hear from one side makes one benighted.
"Axue, we'll do as you say."
"Mmm."
Chen Xue raised her eyebrows slightly, "Someone, lock onto their channel. I'll record a video reply."
"Yes!"
The next moment, Chen Xue was alone on the captain's throne of the Chiyou-class, looking at the camera and smiling, "Commander Han Feng, I am Chen Xue from Scarlet Moon Transport. You've probably heard of me. Today's matter... I think it's simply a misunderstanding. We don't have to go to such extremes to fight."
She paused and continued, "After all, Scarlet Moon Transport is here to make money, and so is the Battle Axe. If we really push it, with our two Chiyou-class ships from Scarlet Moon Transport going all out with full firepower, we know we're no match for the Battle Axe. But your losses won't be small either, and in the end, all we'll get is a pile of scrap metal. Why bother?"
Chen Xue pursed her red lips and smiled, "So, how about we let this matter end here, and we both lay down our arms and make peace? If you're willing, send over an account number. Scarlet Moon Transport is willing to transfer 3 million universal coins to your Battle Axe brothers to drink and get acquainted. What do you think?"
Not long after, the other party sent another recording. Han Feng narrowed his eyes and chuckled, "Tsk tsk, I didn't expect the head of Scarlet Moon Transport to be such a beautiful young lady. Alright, alright, I'll send the account over. If you have time, Chen Xue, you can come and sit at our Battle Axe headquarters. I'll treat you to drinks."
"There will be plenty of time."
Chen Xue smiled and nodded, sending back a video, "Our friendship with the Battle Axe has only just begun."
Afterward, the other party sent a bank account.
Chen Xue turned back and looked at the indignant alliance leader. She quickly got up and held his arm, saying somewhat coquettishly, "Oh, don't be angry. I'm not really selling myself, I'm just trying to resolve this conflict as gently as possible. 3 million isn't much. Isn't it good to buy peace?"
Lin Zhao nodded, "Mmm, understood. Let's hurry up and make money. After we make money, we'll buy guns, cannons, and shields from Mu Yun. I'll destroy this Battle Axe sooner or later!"
"Right!"
Huo Dao clenched his fist, "That's the spirit, Boss!"
Huo Dao was straightforward and hot-tempered, naturally unable to stand such humiliation. With this statement, it implied that what Chen Xue did was not spirited enough, and felt somewhat subservient.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Chen Xue also had a temper. She glared at Huo Dao with her beautiful eyes, "Damn it, when we go to war with the Battle Axe in the future, I, Chen Xue, will pilot the other Chiyou-class and I will definitely be at the forefront. I'll blow off Han Feng's dog head with one shot!"
"Okay..."
Huo Dao shivered and clasped his hands to Chen Xue, giving her a thumbs-up.
...
After dealing with matters concerning Scarlet Moon Transport, it was already past ten o'clock at night when Lin Zhao and Chen Xue returned to the studio.
"Swish!"
The characters logged in, still on the peak of the Mountain Peak Villa.
"Ding!"
Shen Xingchen proactively messaged in their trio group chat, "Has the Scarlet Moon Transport issue been resolved?"
"Mmm, it's almost resolved."
Lin Zhao frowned, "But there are still significant hidden dangers, and there might be considerable trouble in the future."
"I'm sorry..."
Shen Xingchen pursed her red lips and said, "Although I am also a shareholder of Scarlet Moon Transport, when it comes to combat matters, I'm really not good at anything, so I can't help you with your worries."
"It's okay, I have Chen Xue."
"???"
For a moment, Shen Xingchen was silent for a few seconds.
Only after Chen Xue coughed did Lin Zhao suddenly realize and hurriedly backtrack, "I have Shen Xingchen for literature, and Chen Xue for martial arts..."
"Pah, scumbag," Shen Xingchen said.
Lin Zhao continued to backtrack, "Look, A Yan, Roman, Ding Chi, they are also shareholders, but they don't manage things. It's fine, Chen Xue and I will be responsible for the operational matters of Scarlet Moon Transport. Everyone just wait for the dividends."
"Mmm, okay."
Shen Xingchen smiled and said, "Alright, hurry up and do your thing. Xue, want to come level up?"
"Coming, coming."
...
Lin Zhao stopped talking and sat cross-legged on the peak. He would first cultivate the Eternal Sword Scripture for 40 minutes.
The third level of the Sword Scripture had much higher proficiency than before. Lin Zhao had been cultivating for many days and it was still not maxed out. However, after a battle in reality, Lin Zhao felt a strange sensation during his cultivation of the Eternal Sword Scripture. Today's cultivation was different from usual.
Not long after, his mind buzzed. He seemed to have touched something, and then his body broke through the void and appeared in a vast wilderness.
Looking up, the sword intent in the air was dense, and figures merged with sword light, flying past like shooting stars.