Regression Again Of The SSG

Ch7: end of preparation

Shi Feng sat down after they left. His parents looked worried, even slightly afraid, given they had just antagonized Starlink, one of the top 500 major corporations in the world. To soothe them, he simply asked them to wait a few minutes, assuring them everything was under control.

He knew the fear he had projected onto Wang Zongquan would have taken effect by now, and that the man was likely explaining the terrifying encounter to a shaken Lu Xingluo. It was time for the final push. He took out his phone and dialed the number he had acquired earlier.

"It's me, Shi Feng," he said when the call connected.
"Wha...what?" came the trembling reply. The fear in Lu Xingluo's voice was palpable.
"I will treat today as an amusement. My parents and I are in a good mood lately, and I don't wish to ruin it. But I will admit, it was slightly annoying to hold myself back in their presence. I hope this is the end of the matter."
"Wha...what?"
"Okay, I think you got my message." Shi Feng hung up.

Although he wasn't truly afraid of Starlink at this moment, he still needed time to consolidate control over the mine. Leaving them unhindered now could still lead to serious complications. He wasn't actually a Mental Strength Master yet, but he knew enough tricks from his past life to convincingly mimic one, and that was enough for now.

His parents felt slightly assured after overhearing the sheer terror in Lu Xingluo's voice and managed to smile again. Yet, Shi Feng could sense their lingering anxiety. Deciding not to delay any longer, he swiftly arranged a meeting with Future Mining Corporation for that same day, with one specific request: he wanted to meet with all the shareholders.

The next day, he met with them and boldly demanded a 51% stake. They argued for several hours, but ultimately acquiesced. Their main mine was on the verge of drying up, and they desperately needed a new one—a vulnerability Shi Feng knew from his previous life. The deal required him to contribute the Paradise Island vein and commit to securing another vein within a year.

While it seemed like a significant concession, Shi Feng knew it was a strategic masterstroke. He had bought the island for only 22 billion credits, and he already knew the location of a medium-grade vein right next to Future Mining's existing operation—a vein he had quietly purchased the land for. He would let them "discover" it naturally, just as in the past, to avoid suspicion.

Starlink, thoroughly spooked, spent its resources conducting deep investigations into Shi Feng, trying to ascertain if he had a powerful backer. The threat of a potential Mental Strength Master was enough to make them hesitate, and they took no action as he developed the mine.

He also followed up with Lei Wan, signing him on for the island's construction and giving him favorable terms as a reward for his honesty. He even advised Lei Wan to invest in Future Mining if he wanted to see a good return.

Looking at his finances, Shi Feng had about 15 billion credits left after his various investments: 6 billion in Big Dipper, 22 billion for the island, and 5 billion for the land near Future Mining. He could liquidate more stocks, but he had sufficient capital for his current plans.

Blackie had been doing excellent work. He reported a lead on the very building in Feng City that had housed Zero Wing in Shi Feng's previous life. It was available for a mere 5 billion credits—a fraction of its future cost, as the area hadn't yet been developed. Shi Feng bought it immediately and decided to rent it out for a maximum of two years, creating a plausible reason for the purchase without committing to long-term tenants who might renovate excessively.

Blackie also reported that while second and third-rate guilds were struggling, they weren't yet willing to be bought out, and first-rate guilds didn't need the capital. Shi Feng called him back, deciding not to push deeper for now.

Time passed swiftly. The second year of university began and ended. Five months into the year, he received the expected call: Future Mining had "discovered" the new vein on the land he owned. With the terms of their contract fulfilled upon handing over the mine, his control over the corporation was solidified.

Paradise Island had taken shape, with a resort built alongside the world's most advanced mining operation. The resort turned a small profit, but it was pocket change compared to the Zero Wing Investment Company, which was now generating nearly 100 million credits in profit daily.

And as the second year drew to a close, the long-awaited hype for martial arts finally began to sweep the globe. The stage was being set for the main event.