220: The counterattack of sunset industries

Donglian Capital, headquarters of the Iron and Steel Industry Association.

The conference room was filled with smoke, and several industry giants sat around a long table, their faces solemn. The Steel King, Liu Tieshan, extinguished his cigar, his voice hoarse: "Gentlemen, our good days are coming to an end."

Solar King, Wang Yang, gave a bitter smile: "The order dividends from Interstellar Peace Corporation have been enjoyed for over thirty years; now, they are also nearing their end."

Coal tycoon Zhang Heizi slammed the table: "Ugh, why doesn't the Corporation build a few more headquarters?"

The three fell silent for a moment, then, as if by prior agreement, looked at the fourth person sitting in the corner, veteran shipping magnate Zhou Hai.

"Old Zhou," Liu Tieshan said in a deep voice, "you're in transportation. Give us a straight answer: can we really get a share of this interstellar freight business?"

Zhou Hai slowly raised his head, a glint in his eyes: "Yes, but it'll be a life-or-death struggle."

Wang Yang shook his head, "Don't tell me we have to sell everything we own. Do you see this? 6.15 trillion! Those commercial giants threw that much money in without batting an eye."

"And us? Even if we bind our four companies together, we'd be lucky to scrape together 600 billion."

“What's more, the bidding is over now; there's only scraps left.”

Zhou Hai suddenly smiled: "We don't have enough money, but we have other bargaining chips."

He swiped his finger, and the projection switched to a confidential document: "Eastern Federation Strategic Resource Security Act."

"According to this law," Zhou Hai lowered his voice, "industries involving national strategic resources can apply for special loans at critical moments."

Zhang Heizi's eyes lit up: "'Critical moment'? Wait, I remember when this law was first enacted, it caused quite a stir. If I recall correctly, it was related to monopolies..."

"Hmm?! Are you saying?"

"Exactly what you're thinking." Zhou Hai nodded, "Our four companies will first jointly establish the 'New Star Resources Group,' and then, on the grounds of ensuring the supply of national strategic resources, apply for a 2 trillion special loan from the China Development Bank."

Liu Tieshan gasped: "This... can it be approved?"

"Of course it can," Zhou Hai sneered, "have you forgotten? What does the Eastern Federation need most right now?"

"Resources, all kinds of resources." He brought up another document: "Interstellar Peace Corporation's exploration report shows that the two habitable planets in the Barnards Star System have dozens of times the reserves of iron, silicon, and copper compared to Blue Star."

"On Planet One, which our Eastern Federation acquired, high-quality ores are even more abundant."

"But what is needed to extract these resources?" Zhou Hai looked around at everyone, "Equipment, technology, people! But there's also one most crucial link—"

"Transportation. Even if there's a mountain of gold and silver piled up there, if it can't be transported back, it's worth nothing."

"The Eastern Federation Interstellar Post Group won't monopolize the civilian market, and the higher-ups won't allow a monopoly in the civilian market either."

"This is our chance!"

A brief silence fell over the conference room.

"Let's do it!" Liu Tieshan suddenly stood up, "Rather than sit here and wait to die, it's better to fight for it!"

Three days later, at the Eastern Federation Supreme Court, Zhou Hai placed a thick stack of litigation materials before the judge.

"Your Honor, we are suing Lin Group, Chen Mining, and seven other companies for suspected monopolization of interstellar resource development and supply rights."

The presiding judge reviewed the materials, his brow furrowing deeper and deeper: "Where's the evidence?"

Zhou Hai brought up a set of holographic recordings: "These are surveillance records of Lin Shixiong, Chen Yansong, and Zhu Gui meeting secretly at Lin Group three days before the auction."

In the recording, the three were discussing a plan for "malicious bid rigging."

The origin of this recording was peculiar, but Zhou Hai didn't care. As long as the knife could stab someone, there was no need to know who made it.

At this moment, Silver Wolf yawned, and the game console she was holding fell onto the pillow beside her.

"According to the 'Anti-Monopoly Law' and the 'Eastern Federation Strategic Resource Security Act'," Zhou Hai's voice was strong and clear, "companies in the same industry shall not monopolize strategic resource development rights through private agreements, and large enterprises with commercial cooperative relationships shall not simultaneously engage in the same industries involving people's livelihoods."

The judge pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked: "What is your demand?"

"It's simple," Zhou Hai smiled faintly, "we demand that the state step forward and apply to Interstellar Peace Corporation for an additional 'Special Quota for Resource Security'."

The judge was silent for a moment, then nodded.

Eastern Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interstellar Peace Corporation Liaison Office.

The new ambassador, Lin Mo, looked at the urgent document from the Supreme Court, his brows tightly knit: "This matter involves the Corporation; it must be handled carefully."

"Prepare the spaceship; I will go to Pierpoint myself."

The secretary suddenly stopped Lin Mo, who was about to get up, and whispered: "Minister Lin, there's news from Zijin Pavilion."

"Oh?"

......

Pierpoint, Interstellar Peace Corporation Headquarters.

Lin Mo stood outside the Strategic Investment Department's conference room, adjusting his tie. The door slid open silently, and Director Emerald was sitting at the conference table, tapping her cheek with her fingertips.

"Ambassador Lin," she looked up and smiled slightly, "a rare visitor."

Lin Mo nodded slightly: "Director Emerald, it's been a long time since I've bothered you."

"Old rules, let's get down to business first." He walked forward and placed an encrypted data pad on the table: "The Supreme Court's judgment from the Eastern Federation, and the confidential letter from Zijin Pavilion."

Director Emerald raised an eyebrow, her finger lightly swiping across the data pad. A holographic projection unfolded, displaying two documents.

One was the official judgment from the Supreme Court. It found Lin Shixiong and seven other companies suspected of monopolistic practices in the bidding for Star Gate Two, and recommended that the Interstellar Peace Corporation's Eastern Federation branch adjust the quota allocation.

The other was an encrypted letter from Zijin Pavilion, subtly worded but with a clear intent. After translating hundreds of words of various diplomatic jargon into plain, common language, it boiled down to one sentence.

"The recent actions of certain commercial groups have crossed the line; we hope your esteemed corporation will consider the matter appropriately."

Director Emerald's lips curved upward slightly: "Ambassador Lin, what does Zijin Pavilion mean by this?"

Lin Mo's expression was calm: "Literal meaning."

He paused, then added: "What I'm about to say, I won't acknowledge once I leave this room."

"Some people have been too arrogant lately; they need to be taught a lesson."

Director Emerald chuckled softly: "Understood."

She stood up: "Please wait; I need to consult the Chairman."

In the Chairman's office, Chen Hao listened to Director Emerald's report, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "The old men want to use our hands to deal with people?"

Director Emerald nodded: "Yes. From their tone, these commercial giants seem to be trying to extend their influence into politics."

"Hmph, how bold are they? I haven't even done that, and they dare?"

"How many dishes did they have? Drunk to this extent."

Chen Hao leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the armrest: "Agree to them. Hmm, three conditions."

He held up three fingers: "First, we can add a 'Special Quota for Resource Security,' but it can only be given to those old guys from the sunset industries."

"Second," a cold glint flashed in his eyes, "the traffic volume for this quota will be deducted from Lin Shixiong's and their shares."

Director Emerald smiled knowingly: "Understood."

"Third," Chen Hao's lips curved into a cold smile, "if the enterprises receiving the 'Special Quota for Resource Security' need mining equipment, we can sell it at cost price."

Director Emerald was slightly taken aback: "Cost price? This..."

"Let them go bite Lin Shixiong," Chen Hao chuckled, "dog-eat-dog is more entertaining."

"Still 'malicious bid rigging'? Taking advantage of the Corporation? Who do they think they are?"

Lin Shixiong's 'plan' had indeed disgusted Chen Hao, and he had to return the favor. Incidentally, he would find an enemy competitor for Lin Shixiong and others to prevent them from developing too quickly. Market expansion was related to the expansion of the 'path' of 'Pioneering', and Chen Hao had no intention of letting any profits slip out yet.

Director Emerald returned to the conference room and smiled slightly at Lin Mo: "The Chairman has agreed."

She brought up a new agreement: "The Corporation can add a special quota, but there are three conditions."

"First, the plaintiff's demands and interests must be considered; second, the traffic volume will be deducted from the existing companies' shares; third..."

She looked at Lin Mo meaningfully: "The recipient of this quota 'must' purchase our designated mining equipment."

Lin Mo noticed Director Emerald's emphasis and instantly understood the unspoken content.

After quickly reviewing the agreement, he asked: "What about the price?"

"Cost price," Director Emerald chuckled, "a friendly price."

A hint of surprise flashed in Lin Mo's eyes, then he understood: "I understand."

He put away the data pad: "I will report to Zijin Pavilion immediately."

Donglian Capital, Zijin Pavilion. Several 'elders' in dark Zhongshan suits sat around a round table, silently looking at the agreement Lin Mo had sent back.

"Cost price, and then reallocating shares." One 'elder' chuckled, "Interstellar Peace Corporation is really going to crush Lin Shixiong and them."

Another elder shook his head: "They brought it upon themselves. Malicious bidding? Do they really think the Corporation is foolish?"

"Notify the Ministry of Commerce," the Premier, sitting at the head, decided, "immediately approve the special loan application for 'New Star Resources Group'."

He looked out at the night sky: "It's time for some people to be taught a lesson."

Lin Group Headquarters, Lin Shixiong looked at the latest court notice, his face ashen: "Damn it!"

His legal director trembled: "Chairman Lin, according to the ruling, our Star Gate traffic volume will be reduced by 15%..."

"I know!" Lin Shixiong roared, "Investigate! Find out who's behind this!"

His son whispered: "Dad, could it be... the higher-ups?"

"Didn't we contact a lot of people under the guise of a class reunion before? Could it be..."

Lin Shixiong suddenly turned his head, a look of shock and doubt in his eyes.

Inside the New Star Resources Group Headquarters, Zhou Hai breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at Interstellar Peace Corporation's reply: "It's done."

Liu Tieshan excitedly slammed the table: "That's great! When can we get the quota?"

"Don't rush," Zhou Hai motioned for him to calm down, "there's another condition: we must purchase their automated mining equipment."

Wang Yang frowned: "How's this equipment?"

Zhou Hai brought up the technical parameters: "Equipment that the Corporation just phased out. Although it's second-hand, its advanced level is beyond doubt."

He pointed to the astonishing figure: "As for the price, the information I could find says 100 billion for one set, and we have to buy at least 20 sets for the first batch."

"2 trillion?!" Zhang Heizi almost jumped up, "Isn't that outrageous?"

"Don't panic yet," Zhou Hai lowered his voice: "According to the agreement, it's cost price."

The four exchanged glances, suddenly understanding something.

"Hahahaha!" Liu Tieshan burst out laughing, "Lin Shixiong has really hit a wall this time!"

"Alright, we'll be the troublemakers and mess with them!"