Chapter 128: Signing the Memorandum of Cooperation

Outsiders might not understand, but Albert, the envoy, knew the situation was critical. Maintaining the status of the world’s leading power was worth sacrificing some benefits.

Did anyone really think the Gran Empire was a pushover? Why was its reputation so good? Why was it so friendly to weaker nations? Don’t forget how the Gran Empire became number one!

The Qinglin Empire was currently the largest nation in the world not yet partitioned by the Great Powers. Almost all the Great Powers were eyeing this massive, undevoured prize, resulting in intense competition.

The Gran Empire, for example, had attempted to purchase prospecting and mining rights from the Qinglin imperial court, offering generous compensation, but other powers constantly interfered and disrupted the deals. Of course, the Gran Empire wasn’t above disrupting the other powers’ plans in return.

This forced everyone to stop trying to secure benefits directly from the Qinglin imperial court and instead focus on grassroots development. After all, the Great Powers’ attention was concentrated on the central Qinglin imperial court. The competition at the local level was still operating within a certain set of rules.

However, this presented various problems. Albert, the Gran Empire’s envoy in the Guangwu Governorate, had tried negotiating with the Governor, other Patrol Inspectors, and provincial governors for various permissions.

But those officials were all seasoned veterans, each using central laws to deflect his requests. Lin Dongyun’s immediate agreement was the first definitive response Albert had received from a powerful figure in a long time.

Albert examined Lin Dongyun with satisfaction, smiling. “General Lin,” he said, “the fees for prospecting and mining rights will follow international regulations. Once a profitable mine is discovered, our merchants will pay for the ore using White Star Coins at the prevailing market price.”

Albert believed his offer was incredibly generous, almost charitable. If the overall situation hadn’t changed, the Gran Empire wouldn’t have needed to act this way.

Previously, they would simply deploy a planetary scanner, scan the entire planet, point at the desired mines on the map and claim them, then conduct destructive mining, leaving just scraps for the planet’s rulers. Who would dare complain?

Now? If they dared to do that, before the local indigenous population protested, countless Great Powers would come swarming in, condemning them and supporting local resistance.

Lin Dongyun blinked. He’d never used White Star Coins before, so he didn’t see what was so special about them; he could buy them in his system.

He carefully considered the offer. It seemed reasonable. As long as the price wasn’t unfairly low, and no special privileges were involved, there would be no accusations of selling out the country. It was simply a normal economic cooperation.

The mines needed developing, contributing to local development. So, as long as the price was right, it didn’t matter who got the deal.

Therefore, prioritizing profit maximization, Lin Dongyun said, “Payment for the ore is a given. But I believe we should pursue mutual benefit. Let’s set the value of the mines at 70% of the market price. One-third will be paid in White Star Coins, and the rest will count as our investment share. The management rights belong to the merchant who buys the mine, but we want to learn the Gran Empire’s management and production techniques.”

Albert was stunned, then broke into a genuine smile. The Gran Empire didn’t fear others learning from them. Promoting their civilization also contributed to the expansion of Gran Empire’s influence.

Not to mention that only one-third of the 70% market price needed to be paid in White Star Coins. This alone would save the Gran Empire a significant amount. He was sure the merchants would be delighted.

As for the shares, Albert didn’t underestimate the personnel Lin Dongyun would eventually send to the mines, but the Gran Empire’s merchants, seasoned veterans of international commerce, possessed countless methods to ensure that, despite making huge profits, others couldn’t gain a share of the benefits.

He would need to warn his merchants to act less greedily. Lin Dongyun needed to make a significant profit from these shares; only then would he be more inclined towards the Gran Empire.

“No problem. Supporting the development of our allies is a consistent principle of the Gran Empire,” Albert immediately agreed to Lin Dongyun’s request.

Both sides readily agreed, and Lin Yan Yun went to print out a paper memorandum detailing their agreement: prospecting and mining rights in Lin Dongyun’s jurisdiction, the price and payment methods for purchasing mines, and the equity investment.

Of course, this was just a memorandum, not a formal contract. The prices for prospecting and mining rights hadn’t been negotiated, and the terms of equity investment and participation in learning were complex. They required specialized personnel to carefully negotiate each point.

However, the memorandum marked the beginning of their cooperation. Lin Dongyun would suffer serious consequences if he reneged on it.

After signing the memorandum, both sides raised their glasses to celebrate. Degen, the secretary, seemed to have received a message. He leaned in to whisper to Albert, "Sir, it’s true. General Lin’s sister’s superior just left here before we arrived.”

This confirmed Lin Dongyun’s previous claim of powerful backing.

Albert’s thoughts raced. This young man, so open with the Empire and so readily agreeing to his terms, deserved a reward.

What reward? Promotions were out of the question. The Gran Empire didn’t have the power to order the Guangwu Governor to promote his subordinates.

Cui Lan Star was becoming unstable. Warlords were emerging. What was most important for a warlord? Money and weapons.

Money wasn’t a problem. Lin Dongyun could sell his resources; there was limitless money available. But weapons were more complicated.

This wasn’t a problem with the Qinglin Empire, but with the other Great Powers, who would not allow the Gran Empire to sell weapons to Lin Dongyun.

A thought sparked in Albert’s mind, and he reached into his pocket with a slight grimace.

Under everyone’s gaze, he handed a palm-sized box to Lin Dongyun. “This is a small gift, a congratulatory present from the Gran Empire on the signing of this memorandum.”

Lin Dongyun raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t a personal gift? It was a present from the Gran Empire? What was in this small box to warrant such a prestigious gift?

Without hesitation, Lin Dongyun thanked him and took the box. “May I open it now?” he asked excitedly.

Seeing Lin Dongyun’s eagerness, Albert smiled. “Of course. It’s yours now.”