Both of their questions were very direct.
Governor Chu didn't care who asked or who answered, and said straightforwardly, "Right now, you're a shining treasure. With this T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser in your possession, many interstellar factions will want to get their hands on you. Take today's Blue Fatty and his crew, for example. Their approach was rather unsightly. Relying on this being their territory, they dared to act directly, trying to strike first to gain the upper hand.
They just didn't expect me to show up here today.
As for why I said you're my Chu Family's future grandson-in-law…
Your current situation requires a protective identity. Otherwise, even if you return to the North Star Starship Military Academy, trouble will keep knocking on your door.
Honestly, I don't care if you, this kid, face trouble or not. But if those troubles delay the research and development work on the T4 Interstellar Warship you promised, this old man won't stand for it."
After saying this, Governor Chu glanced at Zhao Chen. "Of course, I also admire you as a young man. You're one of the few males my granddaughter doesn't dislike.
If, in the future, you really have the chance to become my grandson-in-law, I might just consider it."
"You're joking about your granddaughter's lifelong happiness and reputation like this?" Zhao Chen was somewhat surprised.
Governor Chu continued, "I'll be frank. Before this, several princes from the royal family expressed interest in marrying my granddaughter. Even that old fellow sitting on the throne mentioned it to me.
I can ignore others, but I owe that old man too much. Refusing him repeatedly wouldn't be appropriate.
You happen to be the perfect shield for this.
As for reputation? Hahaha, who dares to gossip about my granddaughter? They'll have to get past my North Wind God first!"
Governor Chu was just that domineering and unconventional.
This way, Governor Chu's actions made perfect sense.
It was a move that killed multiple birds with one stone. On one hand, it addressed the royal family's marriage intentions. On the other hand, it protected Zhao Chen, ensuring he could focus on researching the T4 Interstellar Warship without distractions, while also tying Zhao Chen to the Chu Family's chariot.
Governor Chu fell silent.
Since the other party was so forthright, Zhao Chen had nothing to hide either. After all, anyone with eyes could see the "open scheme" behind this rescue operation.
"Some of the actions during this rescue operation were indeed intentional on my part.
Since the T3 Blizzard-class Light Interstellar Battlecruiser was bound to be exposed, I decided to reveal it fully, attracting as much attention as possible.
After all, compared to being attacked in a dark corner, standing in the open street is safer.
Moreover, on the return journey, I deliberately antagonized those noble heirs, acting stubborn and unyielding. This was to signal to the outside world that I, Zhao Chen, am a rigid-minded, eccentric person with no ties to any noble faction.
In doing so, I actually made myself relatively safer. After all, some might worry that I'm aligned with their rival factions and would try to eliminate me.
This way, if anyone wants to move against me, unless they use overt methods like Governor Bilan did, no one would dare to scheme against me in the shadows. After all, no matter what, I'm still a 'Young Hero,' aren't I?"
"However, Governor Chu's move today was a bit unexpected, but it's also the best possible outcome under the circumstances," Zhao Chen expressed his thoughts.
Governor Chu nodded. "Your original intention wasn't wrong, and you considered the reckless actions of people like Blue Fatty and his gang. Aren't you worried that if I and the Royal Fleet hadn't shown up today, you might not have left there alive?"
"I was absolutely certain I could leave alive, just not in the way I least wanted," Zhao Chen replied with a cold gaze.
Governor Chu stared at Zhao Chen for a long moment. For some reason, he felt he had made a very wise decision. If he hadn't appeared here today, the Stellar Glory Empire might have gained another enemy—a terrifying one.
He didn't know why, but looking at this young man in his early twenties, he subconsciously felt this way.
"Since Governor Chu appeared here today, I assume you're quite satisfied with the technology of the T3 Flame Dragon-class medium interstellar destroyer," Zhao Chen said, looking at Governor Chu.
Governor Chu nodded, not holding back his praise. "A construction cost of five million Star Coins per ship is absolutely worth every penny. While its performance may not be top-tier among T3 interstellar warships, it offers the best value for money—truly a starship built for war. I've already arranged for the starship factories under my command to begin trial production. Within three months, the first batch of T3 Flame Dragon-class medium interstellar destroyers will be commissioned into service."
As expected of the Chu Family—they could build whatever they wanted without worrying about manufacturing conditions, funds, or resources. This was the confidence that came with having vast wealth and influence!
"Rest assured, my earlier promise remains unchanged. For this first batch, I plan to build thirty T3 Flame Dragon-class medium interstellar destroyers. According to the technology licensing fee set at thirty times the construction cost and market transaction rules, I'll transfer a 30% advance payment to you shortly—that's 1.5 billion Star Coins. The remaining payment will be made once the thirty ships are completed. Any extra amount will be considered my research sponsorship for you." Governor Chu's words made Zhao Chen's heart skip a beat.
A 30% advance payment? 1.5 billion Star Coins?
That meant the total was 5 billion Star Coins!
Once those thirty T3 Flame Dragon-class medium interstellar destroyers were all commissioned, Zhao Chen could sit back and collect another 3.5 billion Star Coins!
Damn!
As expected of the wealthy and powerful Chu Family—with a single wave of the hand, they were paying billions in Star Coins for technology licensing.
Back when he was dealing with Li Yaqi, he had to ask for an advance of just twenty million Star Coins to ensure his thirty starships could be produced and commissioned smoothly.
Indeed, to make big money, one had to rely on high-level, advanced starships. The profit from selling sixty or seventy T2 starships might not even match the profit from a single T3 interstellar warship, not to mention the time and labor costs involved. The difference was simply too vast.
"Absolutely, absolutely. If you have any technical questions or issues, contact me immediately. I'm available 24/7." Zhao Chen's smile at that moment couldn't have been brighter.
Looking at Governor Chu, the more he looked, the more he felt this old man was quite handsome and refined.
"Don't stir up any big commotions during this time. The Empire hasn't been very peaceful lately." Governor Chu casually remarked.
This made Zhao Chen's heart skip a beat. These high-ranking figures often knew things that most people were unaware of, after all, the heights they occupied were beyond the reach of the vast majority.
"Governor Chu, do you know something that's about to happen?" Zhao Chen looked at Governor Chu and inquired.
Governor Chu said calmly, "Actually, it's nothing particularly special. As long as you don't get involved, you won't be implicated.
At least for now, the value you possess isn't enough for those interstellar forces to risk opposing our Chu Family by targeting you.
Of course, it's best if you don't leave the North Wind Star Domain and the Chu River Star Sector."
Zhao Chen nodded. Now that he had these 1.5 billion Star Coins as 'start-up capital,' he could truly begin his construction plans in the Fierce Dragon Territory.
As for the outside world?
Whoever wants to go can go. The next time he comes out, he'll definitely be leading a super interstellar fleet.
Blue Fatty, Yellow Haozi, all of you better kneel and sing surrender!