The Seventh Base

Xu Mo had heard about it, a very outstanding young man, who was about the same age as Elizabeth and equally good-looking. He matched Elizabeth in every way, except he wasn't of noble birth—but that wasn't a problem.

"Please, have a seat." King Richard sat down first, gesturing to Xu Mo. Xu Mo waited until Madam Josephine and Prince Charles had taken their seats before sitting down with Elizabeth. They did indeed look like a couple.

However, Xu Mo was not very comfortable; on the contrary, he felt considerable pressure during this visit, unsure of what King Richard's attitude might be.

"Xu Mo, I've heard about you from many people. It's not easy for a librarian to achieve so much," King Richard said with a smile. "How did you come up with the idea to create the Blue Star Energy Technology Group? Was it to counter the Byron Star Federation?"

Xu Mo was slightly startled inside. Lucas Star was the hegemon of the Star System Alliance, and Byron Star was also a member of the Star System Alliance. At this moment, King Richard spoke openly about confronting Byron Star, which seemed quite forward.

"Yes," Xu Mo nodded.

"I know a bit about the initial incident. The Byron Star Federation Government was too foolish. Infighting led to the splintering of the federation, which then handed over power. Like those from Camp Star, all of them chant peace, but none are sincere. When do you plan to drive them out?" King Richard continued.

"At this time, the Blue Star Energy Technology Group still lacks the strength. We'll consider this matter when the group grows stronger," Xu Mo replied candidly.

"Hmm," King Richard nodded. "When that time comes, the Star System Alliance will recognize the legitimate rights of Byron Star, and if you want to be the president of Byron Star, that won't be a problem."

If Elizabeth and Xu Mo became a couple, and Xu Mo became president, Elizabeth marrying the president of Byron Star would sound better. Moreover, Xu Mo was young.

In casual conversation, King Richard completely disregarded Byron Star, which showed the gap in status.

The king appeared kind and benevolent, but in his conversation, he seemed almost to decide the fate of a planet.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Xu Mo expressed his gratitude. "However, I have no desire for power."

"Oh?" King Richard said with a smile. "Then what do you plan to do in the future? With the Blue Star Energy Technology Group continuing to grow, Byron Star indeed seems meaningless."

"To travel far, interstellar journeys, to different planets," Xu Mo said.

"How far is 'far'? The Silver Star Empire's territory is endless. Our star system is just one part of it. There are many stronger planets. Do you plan to traverse the territory of the Empire?" King Richard asked, curious.

"I haven't thought that far yet," Xu Mo said, not yet able to step out of the Star System Alliance.

Let's wait for Zero to graduate first. He is still young...

"That's true, the Blue Star Energy Technology Group is in a rapid development phase, and its future prospects are limitless," King Richard began. "You focus on developing the group. If you need help, you can let Elizabeth tell me. Technically, we can have the top scientists on Lucas Star join and collaborate, which would make it more efficient."

Xu Mo's heart skipped a beat. King Richard didn't want the group for himself, even letting him develop the Blue Star Energy Technology Group on his own, but he was interested in the technology.

Technology was the core.

"What, is that inconvenient?" King Richard asked when Xu Mo did not respond.

Xu Mo didn't know how to reply.

"Dad," Elizabeth said somewhat playfully next to him. "Don't you know that technology is the foundation of a company? Who asks to collaborate on technology the first time they meet someone?"

This was the first time Xu Mo had seen this side of Elizabeth.

As she spoke, Elizabeth even held Xu Mo's arm, making his arm feel a bit stiff. He felt Elizabeth's hand secretly pinch him, seemingly hinting at something.

Seeing this, King Richard smiled and said, "It's my fault. We'll talk about it later. It's a family matter eventually."

Xu Mo felt uncomfortable, but Elizabeth must have understood that, so she deliberately acted this way. Her sacrifice was not small.

"By the way, Xu Mo, I've heard there was some minor conflict between you and Charlie in the past, but that's a trivial matter. Let's pretend it never happened. Charlie, if you've done something wrong, apologize to Xu Mo," King Richard said.

"Xu Mo, there were some areas where I was not thorough previously. My mistake. From now on, we're all family, so please don't take it to heart," Charlie said to Xu Mo with a smile, setting aside his pride to apologize, though he didn't specify what the issue was.

Charlie was very aware of King Richard's intentions, which were to facilitate Xu Mo and Elizabeth's union, making the Blue Star Energy Technology Group a tool to support Lucas Star, with him as the biggest beneficiary.

Thus, Charlie naturally didn't mind apologizing.

"You exaggerate, Your Highness," Xu Mo responded with a smile.

"Xu Mo, no need to be so formal, just use my name," Charlie said.

"Prince Charlie," Xu Mo replied with a smile and a nod.

"Can we refrain from discussing official business at today's family dinner?" Madam Josephine interjected.

"Sure, let's eat," King Richard laughed.

"Xu Mo, how is your family?" Madam Josephine asked.

"..." Xu Mo thought to himself, you might as well discuss business.

This is starting to feel like a census.

"I only have one sister," Xu Mo said.

"That must have been tough," Josephine remarked. "But you'll have a family of your own soon."

King Richard and Madam Josephine were very pleased with Xu Mo, and Prince Charlie didn't care either. After all, he could deal with Xu Mo after acquiring the control of the Blue Star Energy Technology Group.

Xu Mo felt extraordinarily uncomfortable during the meal; he would have preferred dining with Zero's mom and the old witch rather than having to constantly watch his back.

"Elizabeth, is Xu Mo staying here tonight?" Madam Josephine asked after the meal.

"Ah?" Elizabeth hesitated.

"Uh..." Xu Mo was also taken aback by the question.

"No, we still have to return to school," Elizabeth said.

"That's fine, then you can show Xu Mo around the house," Madam Josephine suggested with a smile.

"Okay." Elizabeth nodded, and the group stood to leave the table. King Richard and Madam Josephine led the way, with Charlie and Carey following beside them, while Elizabeth and Xu Mo walked behind, entering the golden palace.

"Feel free to wander around, don't mind us," Madam Josephine said.

"Okay," Xu Mo responded with a smile, somewhat admiring his own acting skills.

Elizabeth pulled Xu Mo into a room and then shut the door. Madam Josephine and King Richard exchanged glances upon seeing this—had the young ones progressed to this stage already?

But in today's era of free love, that's not too conservative; it's normal.

Elizabeth's room was a princess's room, very large and dreamlike, like something out of a fairy tale, completely mismatched with Elizabeth's personality.

Seeing this, Xu Mo immediately knew it was Elizabeth's room, and his expression became extremely peculiar.

Noticing Xu Mo's look, Elizabeth shot him a cold glance, walked over to the window, drew the curtains, and said to Xu Mo, "Come here."

"Is this really okay?" Xu Mo weakly responded.

With Elizabeth glaring at him, Xu Mo weakly walked over.

"Delay for some time, and find a way to move the core team of Blue Star Energy Technology Group from Lucas Star to either Sasi Kingdom or Carolan Star, so we don't get caught empty-handed," Elizabeth instructed Xu Mo.

Students at Lucas University all knew about Xu Mo's relationship with Zero. Their pretense of being a couple couldn't be hidden for long; a little investigation would expose them. Then, if King Richard were to ask Xu Mo for the core technology, would he hand it over or not?

Xu Mo was stunned for a moment; he looked at Elizabeth's indifferent eyes and said in a low voice, "Elizabeth, thank you."

Elizabeth was making a great sacrifice, even risking her reputation. After all, she was the proud Princess, and such actions, if known publicly, could tarnish her image.

Moreover, she had chosen to stand by him rather than help her father seize control of the Blue Star Energy Technology Group.

Just this alone moved Xu Mo; after all, in terms of their relationship, they were merely collaborators.

When Elizabeth heard Xu Mo's thanks, the coldness in her eyes gradually dissipated, and she sighed inwardly. She didn't want to do this, but who could blame him for being a gentleman? They couldn't just force the technology from Xu Mo's hands alongside her father.