That sketch was clearer to Ziye than to anyone else. Because she had drawn it herself!

Now, it lay before her, bearing Tang Wen’s own signature. Ziye stared intently at the signature, utterly speechless.

The crowd saw the look on her face and became even more convinced that Reiner was telling the truth. Reiner’s tone was heavy with sorrow: “More than a year ago, Tang Wen was already designing the Queen-class.

Ziye, you weren't even his student back then. It was you!

You ruined him! You drove him away from the Star Federation, causing him to do things that harmed himself and the Federation!” A guest immediately called out, “Even so, that is Mr.

Tang Wen’s own work; it doesn't count as leaking secrets, does it?” Reiner glanced at the guest and announced loudly, “This was Tang Wen’s work while he was in the Star Federation. It belongs to the Star Federation, not to him personally!

He cannot leave the Federation and then immediately hand over the schematics to his apprentice to manufacture!” Reiner spoke with impassioned fervor, as if Ziye had plagiarized his creation. Instantly, the hall erupted into a clamor, guests murmuring amongst themselves.

Someone asked, “Ziye’s Queen-class hasn’t even been displayed yet. How can you be so sure it’s identical?” “Well said,” Reiner responded sincerely.

“Please, Designer Ziye, display your work.” Ziye looked at him blankly, then after a long pause, gave a bitter smile. “No need.” That single sentence was tantamount to admitting that the Queen-class she was about to unveil was exactly as Reiner described.

A cold smile touched the corners of Reiner’s lips. Smart people were indeed different.

Had she insisted on continuing, he had a backup move: he would have had her Queen-class disassembled on the spot for everyone to see! Although Ziye was calmer than he expected, and yielded more easily, he was still delighted.

He had won this battle. A smile dawned on his face.

“Secretary General Bai Lanxue asked me to relay a message for you to pass on to Tang Wen.” Ziye looked at him coldly, silent for a long time. Everyone present felt that whether she answered or not made little difference; since she didn't wish to reply, they let it go.

Reiner turned back toward Ziye, his demeanor that of a judge delivering a sentence: “Secretary General Bai says that Tang Wen acted on impulse and strayed onto the wrong path. If he repents and returns to the Star Federation, all past actions will be forgiven, and everyone can remain good colleagues and friends.” The guests nodded one after another.

For Bai Lanxue to treat Tang Wen with such magnanimity after his transgression was a rare display of broad-mindedness. Though a woman, Bai Lanxue possessed a magnanimity that rivaled any man's, earning profound respect.

A staff member in a Star Federation uniform trotted in, signaling with a siren blast, “All non-essential personnel, please exit immediately. In half an hour, this venue will be sealed!” The guests paid heed to nothing else, flooding toward the exit in groups, much like patrons discussing a film as they leave a theater.

Reporters rushed forward, snapping a series of photos from all angles before departing, satisfied. In less than a moment, the hall, which had held thousands, was completely empty.

Reiner stood before Ziye, gazing at her with triumphant eyes. “A smart woman knows how to conduct herself.” Ziye watched the farcical scene, as if viewing a poorly staged play, and asked coolly, “What exactly do you want?” Reiner burst into laughter, leaned close to her, patted her arm, and ground out through clenched teeth, “Do you know?

I don't actually want Tang Wen back in the Star Federation at all. If he were here, I would forever be stuck as number two!” “But Bai Lanxue insists he returns!

I suggested a plan to her: if Tang Wen leaked classified information, no legion would dare employ him again, forcing him back to the Federation!” “Now, all I hope is that he is drowned in the filth of public opinion, never to rise again!” Both of them knew precisely the truth behind this slanderous attack. “You made no mistake, but you shouldn’t have become his student!” In the stars, right and wrong are irrelevant; the fist is the ultimate law.

Ziye turned her head, watching Reiner’s face contort beneath his smile, and spat out coldly, “You will never measure up to him. Your mind is too narrow.” Reiner detested being called narrow-minded most of all.

The moment Ziye spoke, his entire demeanor shifted. Red-faced and thick-necked, he glared at Ziye, wishing he could lunge forward and slap her hard.

However, having clawed his way to his current position, he was a man capable of restraint. He quickly suppressed his rage, throwing one final barb: “I know you’re jealous of me.

Rest assured, as long as I am here, you will never see the light of day!” With that, he strode away. As Reiner departed, the supporting Star Federation staff followed suit and left.

Black Beard, who had been held captive backstage and unable to move, was finally free. He rushed into the main hall immediately.

The venue was desolate, with only Ziye standing woodenly before the light screen, watching the live news broadcast in a daze. The Interstellar News was running a segment on the Mengya Group press conference incident.

The edited footage clearly favored the Star Federation, not only dealing a death blow to the Mengya Group but also stripping the company bare, according to the host. “The Mengya Group was established in 3030, evolving from the Mengya Kiosk, which initially sold only a few mechs and blueprints.

However, on one day in 3031, this small shop pivoted to robotics, and its performance skyrocketed, securing a foothold in the robot market within mere months.” “Industry insiders conducted extensive investigations and finally uncovered the fundamental reason for this shift. It turns out the Mengya Group received covert backing from a legion known as the Wolf’s Den!” “Regarding the Mengya Legion, many people find it strange—is there truly such a legion in the galaxy?

Next, please follow our reporter as we visit the Wolf’s Den headquarters…” Black Beard’s veins popped on his forehead. “Damn it!

There’s a mole in the Legion!” With that, he hurried toward the exit, unsure whether to fight external enemies or internal dissent first. Months ago, they had deliberately separated the Wolf’s Den and the Mengya Group to prevent the nascent Legion from being destroyed by outside forces, intending to announce their connection when the time was right.

Instead, this negative news had dragged it down before it could even mature, causing it to become tainted. Ziye didn't look at him, nor did she speak; she didn't even move, continuing to watch the news below.

“Some claim that Tang Wen is the ultimate owner behind the Wolf’s Den Legion. Speaking of Mr.

Tang Wen, ever since he was detained two months ago in Fiyin for using an expired pilot's license, he has not appeared in public. Rumor has it that he has long been plotting to scout talent from various star sectors to assemble a new legion…” This was the very definition of telling blatant lies with a straight face.

Reiner was a clever man; he knew what needed to be done. He had initiated the process in that hall, and the Star Federation—or rather, all interstellar media—would follow his "revelations," guessing wildly and fabricating stories at will.

By then, public opinion would naturally convict Tang Wen. And he could easily ascend to the throne of Chief Designer of the Star Federation!

The universe was always like this: even if you didn’t harm others, others would come to harm you. In that moment, Ziye understood: what she needed was the hardest fist!

Following a set of steps, neither hurried nor slow, two figures seemed to stop behind her. Ziye did not turn around.

Tap, tap, tap— Three soft sounds, the rhythm of knuckles striking a table. Ziye finally turned.

Tang Wen and Blan stood about a meter behind her. Blan’s face was grim.

Tang Wen wore a faint, mocking smile, but the expression didn't reach his eyes; there was a chill about him, an aura of cold finality. Ziye looked at Tang Wen and suddenly felt he was a stranger.

Yesterday, she had specifically asked him to come, and he hadn't. Today, after everything had happened, he arrived.

Ziye’s mind became intensely calm at that moment, so cold it hardened her heart. “You’re here.” Tang Wen said softly, “I am very sorry.” Ziye lifted her chin.

“Get out!” Tang Wen looked directly at her, but she had already turned her back. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately said nothing, turning and walking out of the hall.

Blan asked quietly, “Shall we issue a clarification?” Tang Wen glanced sideways at him and retorted, “Why clarify?” Blan fell silent. Suddenly, Blan snapped his head to the side.

“Who? Show yourself!” A middle-aged man slowly emerged from the shadows of the building.

With black hair, black eyes, and features so nondescript they would be utterly lost in a crowd, he possessed not a single distinguishing trait; one could forget him instantly. Blan immediately became wary.

—It is precisely people like this who are the most terrifying. The man walked up to Tang Wen and bowed respectfully, silently conveying a message: If you are willing to return to the Tang Clan, the Clan will settle everything.

Tang Wen said lightly, “No need. Please go back.” A flicker of conflict crossed the man’s face.

After a moment of silence, he inclined his head slightly, turned, and retreated back into the shadows, vanishing completely in moments. Tang Wen stood expressionless until the man’s figure was entirely out of sight.

He then opened his comms, found a number, and said, “Thornton? This is Tang Wen.” Ten minutes later, the battleship of the Thornton Mercenary Group descended onto the landing pad outside the venue, respectfully inviting Tang Wen aboard.

On the deck, the CEO of the Thornton Mercenary Group rushed out, extending a hand to Tang Wen in a warm and deferential manner. Lan stood humbly behind, watching the reputed power broker of the Thornton Group, feeling a hidden shock.

The Thornton Mercenary Group was the most intractable mercenary group in the galaxy, bar none. This was a classic group that operated purely for money: assassinations, vengeance, interceptions, violent operations, troop training… As long as the price was right, they could accomplish any mission.

In short, the Thornton Mercenary Group would trample all laws for payment! Blan, having spent four years with Tang Wen, had never known he had any connection to the Thornton Mercenary Group, much less that he was a distinguished guest of theirs.

In that instant, Blan understood something crucial. Even if Tang Wen never returned to the Tang Clan, he possessed ample means to ensure his safety and security throughout the stars.

Tang Wen—he was the truly frightening one! No wonder he didn't need to issue a clarification; it turned out he had always possessed the strength to contend with his opponents!