Liu Hui said, "Old Luo, your request is completely fine. We can include the matter of helping you reclaim the South China Sea in the negotiation offer, but we also have a precondition."

Luo Tianmin quickly asked, "What is your precondition?"

Liu Hui replied, "I hope this great cause can be personally accomplished by you. If this merit ultimately falls to the Guo family, I will change this decision."

Luo Tianmin was startled and said, "You mean..."

Liu Hui smiled, "Exactly as you think. Your Luo family has been moderate for so many years; it’s time for a change. This is the precondition I mentioned. If you don't agree, there is no need for this negotiation to continue."

Luo Tianmin was immersed in shock. He fully believed that 'Star City' had the capability to carry out the action of reclaiming the South China Sea. After a moment, he said, "I fear it will be difficult to persuade the other major figures domestically. If they don't support me, I will be powerless."

Liu Hui laughed, "Persuading them will actually be quite easy."

Luo Tianmin was startled and asked, "How so easy?"

Liu Hui stated, "The country is currently extremely lacking in resources, with more than half of its petroleum and iron ore needing to be imported. If 'Star City' can provide you with massive quantities of petroleum and iron ore, and these resources are priced cheaper than on the market, do you think that leverage is insignificant?"

Luo Tianmin exclaimed in surprise, "Our country currently needs to import over fifty billion tons of petroleum and over seven hundred million tons of iron ore annually. Can your 'Star City' guarantee such volumes?"

Liu Hui chuckled, "We can absolutely guarantee your petroleum and iron ore demands. If you need it, we can even double the quantities you just mentioned. Remember, importing more from outside means less domestic extraction, allowing us to leave more wealth for future generations."

Luo Tianmin said excitedly, "Can your 'Star City' truly meet our country's massive demand? You must realize that doubling those figures means five hundred million tons of petroleum and fourteen hundred million tons of iron ore."

Liu Hui smiled, "If you require it, we can provide even more petroleum and iron ore. Also, didn't you always want stakes in Rio Tinto and Vale S.A.? We can sell you all the equity we hold in those two companies as well."

Luo Tianmin asked, "Is that for real?"

Liu Hui laughed, "Of course, I am speaking the truth. You must understand, I am also a Huaxia person, and I sincerely hope my country can escape this resource predicament."

Luo Tianmin suddenly calmed down. He said, "If such immense benefits are on the table, those major figures should fully support me, and the Guo family will surely fade from the historical stage. However, what I don't understand is, after paying such a high price, what exactly do you wish to gain?"

Liu Hui responded, "As I mentioned, firstly, I am a Huaxia person, and in my heart, I wish to do more for Huaxia. With these resources, Huaxia can accelerate its development, no longer be exploited by international oil and ore brokers, and the lives of our people can improve. Secondly, you must know that I have a personal feud with the Guo family, and their repeated targeting of our company has become unbearable; they must become history. Thirdly, your Luo family is our firm ally, so we hope you can attain a high position, which is advantageous for us. Reclaiming the South China Sea is not only a congratulatory gift to you but also a way to preserve some of Huaxia's vitality. Finally, these are the specific requests of our 'Star City'."

Luo Tianmin said, "I understand the first three points. So, what exactly are your requests?"

Liu Hui stated, "Our requirements are simple: once our 'Star City' is fully built, we will need a massive number of immigrants. At that time, we will recruit immigrants from the mainland, and I require that you must not interfere with our immigration process. Furthermore, you must sign a public agreement with 'Star City' that recognizes all of 'Star City's' independent and legal rights, and you must help us join all international organizations. Of course, 'Star City' would participate only under the designation of a region."

Luo Tianmin seemed troubled, saying, "The immigration aspect is not much of an issue, but if we don't interfere, it might cause a lot of trouble—who knows how you will treat these immigrants? Moreover, signing that agreement with you might present some legal complications."

Liu Hui smiled, "Old Luo, remember that 'Star City' is paying a significant price here. If you cannot meet these conditions, then 'Star City' will have to find other ways. You must realize, once this opportunity passes, it won't come again."

Luo Tianmin paused to think and said, "How about this: I need to return immediately to discuss this matter with them before I can give you a final answer."

Liu Hui chuckled, "Then you need to be quick. My patience is limited. If there is no clear answer within three days, then this proposal of mine is void, and we won't discuss this matter again in the future."

Luo Tianmin stood up and said, "I understand. I will rush back now and hope to give you a reply as soon as possible!"

Liu Hui watched Luo Tianmin's plane ascend into the sky, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The Philippines had provoked 'Star City' this time, and they were already designated by Liu Hui as an object for 'killing the chicken to scare the monkey.' Therefore, Liu Hui would not let the Philippines off. He would formulate a plan to strike the Philippines, which would naturally lead to the recovery of the entire South China Sea, making the return of the sea to the mainland a mere formality.

'Star City' had already constructed a small cluster of factories near the site of the massive deep-sea oil field discovered by Liu Hui, and deep-sea petroleum extraction was already underway. 'Star City' operated entirely on electricity, naturally having no use for this oil. Liu Hui's proposal to supply Huaxia with five hundred million tons of petroleum annually was merely about finding a market for the oil they were extracting themselves.

The deep-sea super iron ore beneath 'Star City' had already yielded enormous quantities of steel, which were supplying the construction needs of 'Star City.' However, there was simply too much iron ore in this deep-sea super mine for 'Star City' to use entirely. Distributing some to Huaxia would not only generate substantial profits but also serve to completely solidify their alliance with China.

With the acquisition of the deep-sea mineral deposits, the shares Liu Hui held in Rio Tinto and Vale S.A. had lost all significance because 'Star City' no longer needed to import iron ore from these companies, thus eliminating the threat of them controlling their supply. Liu Hui selling 20% of his shares in these two companies to the mainland at this juncture would cause him no real loss. But this stock sale would further gain the trust of the mainland and allow him to make a substantial profit from this transaction.

Therefore, although 'Star City' seemed to be making great concessions, these were, in reality, not sacrifices at all, but rather standard commercial operations for 'Star City.' Yet, these standard commercial operations of 'Star City' could bring immense benefits to Huaxia—matters of tremendous importance to them.

Knowing all this gave Liu Hui the confidence to press Luo Tianmin to accept his terms. He could no longer tolerate arbitrary changes in domestic policy regarding him; this time, he was determined to put Luo Tianmin in a high position.

Only by doing so could 'Star City' secure unwavering domestic support in the future, and with that firm support, 'Star City' could attract a large influx of immigrants for its future interstellar expansion. Moreover, in the international political arena, they would gain a truly influential and loyal ally.

By the next morning, the governments of Japan and the Philippines simultaneously sent identical notes to 'Star City,' sternly warning 'Star City' that they had sunk their warships without provocation and demanded a satisfactory reply immediately, or they would initiate retaliatory action against 'Star City's' assets within their countries.

Upon learning of these nations' bluster, Liu Hui pondered for a moment and instructed Wu Yuanjia, "Immediately send a response to Japan, stating that their warship was actually sunk by pirates and has nothing to do with our 'Star City.' However, make sure to warn them that if any of our assets in their country suffer any abnormal losses, they will pay a heavy price."

Wu Yuanjia asked, "Boss, understood. What about the note from the Philippines?" Liu Hui replied, "Ignore the Philippine government for now; let them bluster a bit longer. I have a new plan for them. However, order our security personnel in the Philippines to heighten their vigilance to prevent our assets from being sabotaged by the Filipinos."

Wu Yuanjia proceeded to respond to Japan's note and arrange security measures in the Philippines. Then, that afternoon, Liu Hui received invitation letters from the Presidents of the United States and Russia, both inviting him to their countries for visits and inspections.

As soon as Liu Hui saw these so-called inspection communiqués, he immediately understood that this was a signal from the US and Russian governments to initiate contact and negotiations with him.

Liu Wenqi, the legal counsel for the Star Law Firm, asked, "Boss, they have sent official invitations. Are you going to the US and Russia?"

Liu Hui laughed, "Who do they think they are? Just because they invite me, must I go?"

Liu Wenqi couldn't grasp Liu Hui's meaning. "Then, according to your intentions, Boss?"

Liu Hui said, "Negotiations can happen, but I will go to neither the US nor Russia. They can come to 'Star City'—I am not going anywhere else." Liu Hui had nearly been unable to return the last time he left 'Star City,' so he instinctively felt resistance to leaving the place. Although these were formal invitations from two major powers, and the possibility of unforeseen incidents was small, Liu Hui was unwilling to take any more risks. He would remain aboard 'Star City'; if they wanted to negotiate, they would come here. As for him leaving 'Star City,' absolutely not!

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