Big Data Cultivation

Feng Jun answered in a serious tone, "I don’t know about the latest attacks from the Insect Race... I wasn’t on Xingzheng Star for a while, is the situation critical?"

Previously, he still had to hide his capabilities, but later, not only did he make multiple deliveries to Hesheng, he also brought substantial supplies to Pioneer Bank. Disguising his abilities was meaningless.

"More than just critical, it’s downright brutal," He Runxian chuckled bitterly. He didn’t doubt Feng Jun’s ability to leave Xingzheng Star, "They say the blockade by the Insect Race is getting tighter... I’m not very clear on the specifics, as ordinary people find it hard to grasp frontline news distinctly."

"But both the military and the Official Government have indicated readiness to face half a year to a year’s hardship. Rumor has it... the Insect Race is using us as bait to draw Federation troops for rescue, draining the Human Race’s war potential."

Feng Jun felt heavy-hearted upon hearing this. He absolutely trusted He Runxian’s statement. This galaxy has been besieged by the Insect Race for over a year, with reinforcements constantly arriving. There seems no immediate hope to break free.

This method of depleting the Human Race’s war potential is quite plausible. Although the Human Federation is vast, any place bleeding over time will eventually weaken even the mightiest giant.

After some thought, he asked, "How severe are the casualties in the recent battles?"

"Certainly," He Runxian continued with a bitter smile, "Most times, the insects employ long-distance attacks, increasing energy losses... Actually, I thought you might not return. Staying on this planet brings a feeling of despair akin to being cut by a dull knife."

Feng Jun originally came to fetch some ammo and parts. He didn’t intend to interfere too much in Xingzheng Star’s affairs since he always believed in one principle — a bad start needs to be restrained.

However, now that the Human Race has suffered to such a degree, he couldn’t bear it — being born human, at the very least, a basic compassion is essential, "How many tons of Energy Stones are needed... Is food and medicine also necessary?"

He couldn’t be bothered questioning how the other party would handle these supplies — Hesheng likely also dreaded trouble. Since Hesheng deemed bearing those troubles worthwhile, why should he worry for others?

He didn’t realize, whether subjectively willing or not, thinking this way rendered him inevitably involved — okay, perhaps he vaguely sensed it, but... ultimately he couldn’t sit idly.

"The more Energy Stones, the better," He Runxian directly ignored any limits, "Hesheng is still producing energy stone mining equipment, and as for food and medicine... I hope to get those goods prepared by Pioneer Bank; you name the price."

After hearing this, Feng Jun paused and asked, "Still producing energy stone mining equipment? Is it the kind with supergravity?"

"Basically, yes. We do not know if Your Excellency would still place orders," He Runxian solemnly answered, "If the operating environment changes, it doesn’t matter; some parts can be replaced. Actually, for us, it’s also developing in an all-weather direction."

All-weather mining equipment can work in most environments, except for some extreme conditions.

The Energy Stone Mine’s mining equipment includes general and custom models; general models are self-explanatory, whereas custom models are special equipment developed for larger deposits. Feng Jun’s previous orders were custom models.

Though Hesheng wasn’t sure if Feng Jun would order again, they continued producing equipment according to his customized specifications but also referenced some other extreme indicators.

If a broker wants to purchase, they can be dispatched immediately; otherwise, they are modified to become all-weather mining equipment.

"Quite an investment," Although Feng Jun is a humanities guy, he understands industrial production quite well, "You’ve even developed all-weather mining equipment. Seems like you made quite some money from my orders?"

"Your order is a private one, saving lots on intermediary fees; profit is normal," He Runxian spoke frankly, "The key is, our current production orders are frontline military supplies with five to ten times the usual profits."

He wasn’t afraid to disclose such matters, as some orders were born of circumstances, keeping pace with the times, dismissing situational specifics in profit discussions is mere sophistry.

Previously, Hesheng’s equipment had a gross profit margin of around fifty percent, mainly due to being on a Frontier Star. Current equipment production has multiplied profits by five to ten times, so what? If anyone’s dissatisfied, they’re welcome to try production on the frontlines.

Making money with a head held high is justifiably straightforward.

The unfortunate fact is, many wartime expenditures are only acknowledged by Xingzheng Star, though the Insect Race’s blockade doesn’t entirely prevent bank transfers. Why spend this money is ultimately subject to higher-ups’ approval.

Most times, higher authorities won’t deny these beginnings. However, this results in much of Hesheng’s profit reflected in receivable accounts, not credited to the bank, but recognized as debt by Xingzheng Star’s Official Government.

Put more extremely, if Xingzheng Star falls to the Insect Race, many of Hesheng’s accounts may become inactive or bad debt. In extreme cases, it might even be labeled "fraud."

Residing in a war-torn zone means numerous involuntary predicaments — this is termed force majeure.

Nevertheless, Hesheng isn’t purely soft, daring to engage in such deals surely implies some confidence.

Regardless, Hesheng’s production base on the Native Star, though in precarious settings, currently generates good profits. Even if accounts aren’t fully recovered, future returns cushioned attempts at developing all-weather energy stone mining equipment are quite ordinary.

Feng Jun fully understands such windfall profits, feeling a bit envious, but mainly finding no issues.

He nodded, "Alright, I’ll continue acquiring mining equipment; how much has been produced?"

"Wait two days, you’ll get three hundred tunnel-type, and one hundred and twenty open-air types," He Runxian recited these statistics fluently, "Mainly because we weren’t sure if you needed more; otherwise producing more wouldn’t be problematic."

"Let’s keep it that way," Feng Jun replied casually, "I don’t want to break the rules; if there’s more demand, I’ll order in advance."

He Runxian was shocked hearing this, "Exactly how big a mine have you discovered!"

His words weren’t questioning but expressing amazement.

"Big enough to be worth deploying two legions to occupy," Feng Jun replied offhandedly. Though it sounded like a joke, he wasn’t joking, then shifted topics, "I’ve noticed you somewhat underestimate me... why assume I can only find one mine?"

"Okay, I underestimated you," He Runxian certainly couldn’t afford to be tough now; whatever the other says is the truth, "If you want to reserve something, notify in advance, I’ll fully cooperate — however, this... isn’t many Energy Stones."

After a pause, he asked, "Do you need anything else? Including pharmaceutical production lines or such?"

"Give me some ammo," Feng Jun answered solemnly, "A soldier’s combat ammunition for a regiment-level combat unit, my consumption is high, bring fifty ammunition sets, and some wear-and-tear parts... ideally, give me three more weapon systems."

He Runxian was somewhat surprised, "Another three sets of regiment-level combat unit equipment for warp travel? Your Excellency might be unaware: assembling those two sets was already challenging. At the time Pioneer Bank urgently needed supplies, thus agreed with you, but this truly isn’t merely about money."

"I think you should refrain from hastily rejecting," Feng Jun advised seriously, "Ask what they think."

He agreed to transport two hundred thousand tons of food and medicine for two regiment-level combat units, this time aiming for eighty thousand tons and negotiating for three units — excessive?

As for ensuring complementary equipment and ammunition sets, that’s negligible. He acutely sensed battlefield needs — don’t discuss prices, nor reasonableness; just state if such coveted materials are available.

Without his contact, Hesheng still dared to fabricate numerous mining devices — what’s the allure?

Anticipating certain sought-after material demands, do you presume others foolish?

Actually, He Runxian grasped this point, but he stated, "Weapons trading is sensibly cautious; I can inquire for you but can’t guarantee specifics."

"No need to ask," Feng Jun was slightly irritated by his fussy demeanor, "I’ll purchase your excavation equipment with Energy Blocks; concerning others, they’re initially unrelated to me."

"Your Excellency misunderstood me," He Runxian chuckled bitterly, "I aim to assist, but amidst warfare, weaponry — stating its unimportance makes it genuinely trifling, yet asserting importance renders it truly crucial... you understand."

Feng Jun truly understood but felt somewhat defiant, "You think taking these items is useless?"

"I truly believe they’re useless," He Runxian, being technically knowledgeable, wasn’t cowed, "We’re combating the Insect Race here, but your dozens of ammunition sets — their use is unknown... important matters are pressing."

Feng Jun nearly laughed from anger, "So you assume what I’m doing isn’t important?"

"Your side... is definitely important," He Runxian ultimately didn’t wish to offend excessively, cautiously explaining, "But we’re fighting the Insect Race; your mining priority should rank lower... tribal warfare, isn’t that so?"

Feng Jun laughed angrily, "Why do you believe I can’t be battling the Insect Race?"

"Uh, really?" He Runxian exclaimed in surprise, "Then state your operation’s coordinates, and we may consider providing free ammunition."

"Considering providing free" doesn’t guarantee definite provision; it’s wordplay but essentially reflects an attitude — overlooking private mining is acceptable, yet genuinely exterminating Insect Race emboldens negotiation.

Then again, Feng Jun didn’t fear such wordplay; he indeed battles the Insect Race, "My operation direction points to the Zhechi Galaxy."