Chapter 449 The Future of Pinocone
Chapter 449 The Future of Pinocone
The Dream Bar.
"Did the alfalfa family meet with the company?"
Jing Yuan asked in confusion. The surrounding environment was very quiet, but his voice attracted a lot of attention.
Walter nodded. "It was a message from the company envoy, Sandstone, who said it was 'a reciprocal gesture.'"
"It is said that Toppa and Emerald were the ones who participated in the negotiations."
"Gold is waiting."
“Little Aimo is in charge, and indeed, she is capable enough.” Jing Yuan nodded.
"However, given the current situation, negotiations between the family and the company probably won't go smoothly, right?"
Jingyuan, with his keen political sense, immediately sensed that something was wrong.
At this critical juncture, the family and the company will definitely fight each other over Pinoctone.
Meanwhile, the company's fleet is still anchored outside, and if the family remains stubborn, a fight might break out.
"It's not hard to understand. Today's Pinocchio is just like the border prison of the past, with the people and galactic forces eyeing it from the outside, and the shadows of destruction and order swirling within."
"Even after this situation became a reality, it was still seen as a lucrative opportunity by all parties involved."
Walter was also aware of the current situation.
"Rather than being caught in a pincer movement, it's better to take the initiative to back down and invite the company to the table for negotiations. In name, it's cooperation, but in reality, it's about securing more opportunities for survival for ourselves."
Jing Yuan thought about it for a while.
"That's true."
"No wonder they invited the Star Train to mediate."
"Jingyuan, in your opinion, which side should we stand on?" Walter Yang asked Jingyuan for his opinion.
"I don't think 'Tongxie' is entirely a victim. Whatever the reason, they also have a strong desire to settle things peacefully, and the reasons behind this are worth considering."
Jing Yuan frowned slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.
The best factor for stability in a region is checks and balances among all parties, and Jingyuan understood this principle well.
“Neither the company nor the family will do,” Jing Yuan shook his head slightly.
Walter Young nodded. "I think so too."
“If either the family or the company were to completely control Pinocone, I fear this place would revert to a decadent, illusory dream, and the efforts of the old nameless guests… would once again be in vain,” Walter Young sighed.
Jing Yuan raised his head, seemingly having already come up with a solution.
"Therefore, my opinion is that we, the nameless guests, should take the stage ourselves."
"Us?" Walter Yang was surprised by Jing Yuan's countermeasure.
"The reason for the stalemate between the company and the family is that Pinocchio is now out of the original control, so the company believes it can take advantage of the situation."
"The family, on the other hand, believed that Pinocchio was not completely out of their control and that they could still get a share of the profits."
"So now we need a powerful force or a powerful person to take over Pinocone, then both sides will give up this idea."
"This force is..."
“Star Train,” Walter Young answered quickly.
He understood Jingyuan's meaning.
Having served as a general for so many years, Jing Yuan was cunning and shrewd in this regard—or rather, extremely cunning and calculating.
As a pioneering force, the Star Train's move into Pinocchio is perfectly justified.
Secondly, they also have Eve as a powerful weapon.
“But, if that’s the case…” Walter Young still had reservations.
The train can't stay in Pinocchio forever; if they arrive, things might change in Pinocchio.
I know what you're worried about.
"It's very simple."
“We can support a local force, or cooperate with either the family or the company.” Jing Yuan had already made his plans.
"This way, Pinocone's independence can be guaranteed after we leave."
After some thought, Walter Young realized that Jing Yuan's method was indeed feasible.
At this moment, Danheng walked over.
"Why is it just the two of you?"
"Where are Eve and Himeko?" Danheng asked.
"Eve took Little March and Star out to play."
"Himeko, as the representative of the train crew, has gone ahead to negotiate with the family. She will contact us as soon as the arrangements are made," Walter Young explained.
"So what did you two come up with?"
Danheng found a seat and ordered a whiskey with practiced ease.
Jing Yuan and Walter exchanged a glance. "We plan to take over Pinocene."
"Taking over Pinocchio?" Dan Heng almost dropped his glass.
“This is the best solution at the moment,” Walter Young continued.
"To ordinary people, they only see this as an attack by evil forces on the Harmonious Music Festival, and that the family failed in its duty to 'protect the dream,' causing its credibility to plummet."
"The company also took this opportunity to acquire Pinocone, but if that happens, Pinocone will inevitably be drawn into the quagmire of the company's internal struggle."
"And then you chose to take ownership of Pinocchio yourselves?"
"But will the family and the company be willing to accept this?" Dan Heng continued to ask.
"Therefore, we cannot do it in the name of the Star Train, but rather we need someone on the train to take control of Pinocchio as an anonymous passenger."
"Alright, I understand." Dan Heng looked at the two of them as if they were two old foxes.
Who else could it be? Eve, of course.
Now, only she can keep both the company and the family in check.
"Does Himeko know about this?" Dan Heng continued to ask.
“She doesn’t know yet.” Walter shook his head.
"However, if the family makes a move, she should inform us."
“Three cups of ‘The Glory of Pioneering’ are a tribute to everyone.” Old Shu served three cups of wine.
“We meet again.” Walter Young recognized Shuon.
"Yes, it's great to see you all again. But after this reunion, it may be time to say goodbye." A smile appeared on Shu Weng's lips, but he still looked somewhat worried.
When does the Star Train plan to leave Pinocchio?
“We’ll stay a little longer, but not too long,” Walter Young said.
"So this is the last time we'll meet? If this is a farewell, it seems like something's missing."
"Music? Atmosphere? Ah, perhaps it's a special cocktail, dedicated to those who aren't here."
Shu Weng pondered.
"Let me think, this cocktail should be solemn, dignified, and unique, because we want to use it to commemorate those heroes..."
"To the nameless guest who lies buried underground... and Galah."
....................
The golden moment.
Easter Egg Park.
"I'm determined to catch it this time!"
On March 7th, holding a box of tokens, he excitedly ran to the claw machine.
Last time they came here, they only had ten tokens, and this time she was determined to have a blast.
"Xingbao, what do you want to play?"
Eve was also holding a box of tokens.
"Let me think..."
Scanning the surrounding machines, Xing unsurprisingly selected... the food cart.
"How about we get a couple of fries?"
“Okay,” Eve laughed.
Just relax.
After putting the star into the flashy display, she went to the gashapon machine herself.
Last time, she won the grand prize ten times in a row.
I don't know what the outcome will be this time.
After a while.
Eve's arms trembled with anger.
"As expected, those are the evil capitalists."
50 tokens went in, and I got nothing.
Oh well, it's not my money anyway.
All her expenses at Pinocone were reimbursed by the company.
At that moment, her phone received a group message from Himeko.
Himeko: Everyone, please proceed to the Teru Nagashiki.
Himeko: I'll finish up here in a bit. We'll meet at the stern pool shortly.
Danheng: 11
Jingyuan: Received.
Walter: See you later.
Trail Blazers: I will lead the charge!
March 7th: By the way, what's Himeko up to on the Chrysanthemum Stone?
Himeko:
Himeko: Keep it a secret for now.
Himeko: Don't be impatient, you'll find out at the opening ceremony.
March 7th: Hey—
March 7th: I'm really looking forward to it!
......................
After sending the message, Himeko returned to her room on the airship.
She just spoke with Sand Gold, who is still on standby.
Sand Gold, who had been waiting in the wings, didn't sit idle either. He directly intercepted Himeko, who was preparing to negotiate with her family.
As for the general content of the conversation, it concerned the ownership of Pinocone.
Although the nameless travelers embarked on their journey not for fame or fortune.
However, to prevent a repeat of the tragedy at Pinocchio, Himeko, after careful consideration, agreed to Sandstone's request.
The same tragedy must never happen again.
"Mr. Sand Gold, the train agrees to your proposal."
“We can continue our discussion.”
Sand Gold nodded. "Thank you, Miss Himeko."
"The company and the train are not enemies, and besides, Director Eve is an unknown person."
"Tell me, what are you really thinking? Does the company intend to acquire all of Pinocone's shares, or just actual control?" Himeko ignored Sand Gold's flattery.
In her view, the company must be profitable.
No, none of those are true.
"Our plan is to bring the Star Train to Pinocchio."
"What?" Himeko's eyes flashed with surprise.
She had considered that the company needed a train platform, but she never expected that the company would actually use the Starry Sky Train.
"The company is actually planning to share this lucrative opportunity?" Himeko couldn't help but ask.
“It’s not about sharing, it’s about giving up.” Sand Gold spread his hands.
“The company intends to transfer all of Pinocone’s shares to Director Eve,” Sandkin said directly.
"This..." Himeko was completely bewildered.
What is the company up to?
"Ms. Himeko, please rest assured, we stand with the train and with Director Eve." Sand Gold smiled.
Himeko was thinking.
The statement about placer gold is indeed correct.
There is absolutely no doubt that Eve is a director of the Interstellar Peace Corporation.
However, she didn't understand the company's purpose in doing this.
“Because Pinocchio needs Director Eve, and it also needs the Star Train,” Sand Gold said with a slight smile.
Upon hearing this, Himeko immediately realized what the company was planning to do.
"I didn't expect your company to have such a clever plan."
"But I really have no reason to refuse, neither to Eve nor to the Star Train."
“Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Himeko. This is a win-win situation.” Sand Gold smiled; his goal had been achieved.
......................
At the family's negotiating table.
Old Aude has just sent away Toppa and Emerald.
His confidence has now been completely shattered, and he has compromised his ownership of Pinocone.
The family has absolutely no chance of standing up to the company now; they should just grab the money and leave as soon as possible.
However, the other family heads still had no intention of giving up this lucrative opportunity.
"Gentlemen, we have already lost," old Audrey said frankly.
"Oddi, what do you mean by this?"
"How could someone as business genius as you compromise for the company?"
"Or have you been bribed by them?"
Old Emperor slammed his fist on the table in anger.
"Don't you understand?"
“The family has abandoned us.”
"The company's fleet is anchored outside."
"We only have one choice," old Audi roared angrily.
He knew it. Those lunatics at the company would definitely take drastic measures.
Moreover, they held an absolute advantage.
"Does the company think it can just hand us over with a single fleet? That's impossible!" The head of the Hound family expressed his dissatisfaction.
"That's right! If they dare to make a move, the whole universe is watching!"
"Furthermore, the company has no reason to take over Pinocone entirely."
"Even if Pinocchio's predecessor was Prison Star, that's all in the past. The real founders of Pinocchio were watchmakers and nameless people. It's not the company's place to be upset."
"Exactly! Get the company out of Pinocene."
"A combined fleet?" Old Emperor said dismissively.
"Have you all forgotten about Director Eve? Not only is she a director of the company, but she also seems to be an anonymous guest, doesn't she?"
When Old Emperor said this, everyone was speechless.
Yes, Miss Eve is not only a company director, but also an anonymous guest...
"this....."
"I don't believe the company will abandon Pinocone."
"It's a pity," Old Emperor shook his head helplessly.
"The next person to take over Pinocone is not the company, but an unnamed passenger from the Star Train, Miss Eve."
After Old Man Auer finished speaking, the room fell even quieter.
If it were just the company's fleet, they could still put up a fight.
After all, the company also needs to maintain its reputation throughout the universe.
But if Director Eve were to intervene, even ten Pinocchios wouldn't be enough for her to tear apart on her own.
Although these family heads were greedy, they also understood the principle that might makes right.
That was a being who surpassed even the power of a throne-level being, a nascent Star God.
Even the family headquarters has to consider whether they are qualified, let alone a small branch like Pinocone.
"Gentlemen, let's make a decision." Old Emperor slammed his fist on the table, his face ashen.
"The representatives of the Star Train are about to arrive; we have no way out."
"If we withdraw now, we can still retain a shred of dignity."
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