I Don't Agree to the Terms

"Do you want to invite me to explore the mysteries of eternal life?" Gu Shanhai's expression was somewhat strange.

Dean Baruch from the Royal Research Institute had personally come to invite Gu Shanhai, and he was not alone; Prince Tulip was also present.

Naturally, Gu Shanhai was aware of what they referred to as the mysteries of eternal life—nothing more than the cancerous universe. This matter was no secret in the council; many were aware of it and sought to unravel the true principle of undying existence within the cancerous universe to ultimately bestow it upon themselves, gaining that same ability.

Only the Undying Emperor·Navia Emperor possessed eternal life through Ghost Energy; even the princes, being derivatives of him, had increased lifespans. However, their extended life was a castrated version at best, capping at around one hundred and twenty years. Fortunately, Ghost Energy could maintain bodily vitality, or else Prince Tulip at seventy would struggle with regeneration, let alone getting up.

"Yes, I think Prince Rose would be very interested. All the princes will participate and the council has also invested a significant amount of resources," Prince Tulip began with an assured tone, giving Gu Shanhai the impression that the grandson was trying to swindle him again.

"Oh, but I don't really want to go. I'm still young and would rather earn some more money. Once you have some results, I can just spend money on it," said Gu Shanhai with an expression that suggested it was all too troublesome.

He was no fool. There was no such thing as an unwarranted visit, especially since Prince Tulip had schemed against him before and was surely still harboring resentments over Gu Shanhai buying back his shares.

Therefore, the greater likelihood was that this was a ploy to lure him away and then deliberately target his Jile Technology.

After all, Jile Technology's financial reports were too attractive. Simply halting the 0.1 discount mechanical package would guarantee profits to unify the efforts of all council members.

Of course, inviting him to explore the secrets of eternal life was also true—if they could keep him in that world, all the better.

"Prince Rose, if you choose not to go, the institute will not agree to sell you the corresponding results. After all, we need those who have contributed," said Dean Baruch who, through Richard, had already transferred the Quantum Channel technology to his allies in the council, raising his own status. Although not yet a council member, he had been nominated and was merely waiting for the next term to enter the council.

"Dean Baruch, are you sure you can represent the entire institute with what you're saying?" Gu Shanhai asked with a mocking smile. Everyone knew that Baruch was the greediest in the institute, and with two deputy deans at odds with him, Gu Shanhai had plenty of methods should he wish to deal with Baruch.

"Of course I can," Baruch knew that this was no time to show weakness.

"I hear Dean Baruch is preparing to enter the council, and it seems that the nomination donations are somewhat insufficient—only one billion, right?" Gu Shanhai narrowed his eyes.

That's right, to enter the council as a member, one needed nomination donations, meaning you had to give money to the council, and then they would nominate you for election.

Without sufficient nomination money, you couldn't even think of becoming a member, let alone getting nominated.

He did have support, but this support was predicated on him being eligible for nomination.

One billion in nomination donations was average at best.

These nomination donations would be divided among all the council members. If you couldn't feed them enough, they wouldn't even give you the time of day.

Of course, if one failed to become a council member, the nomination donation... naturally wouldn't be refunded, as it would already be in the hands of the council members.

Gu Shanhai was directly threatening Baruch, reminding him that the power and influence lay with his backers, not with himself—something to be discussed when he actually became a council member.

Unfortunately for Baruch, he was still in the process of preparation. A mere action from Gu Shanhai's Jile Technology could prevent him from becoming a council member. Once valueless, Baruch's backers might not be able to protect him, and his fate would be self-evident.

Baruch clearly understood Gu Shanhai's threat, his expression darkening as he looked over to Prince Tulip.

Prince Tulip, however, seemed as if he saw nothing, behaving as if all was well within himself.

He didn't want to directly offend Gu Shanhai. Besides, whether it was the Royal Research Institute or the councilors behind Baruch, none could afford to offend Gu Shanhai, the financial powerhouse.

Baruch truly believed he was about to become a councilor and was thinking of controlling Gu Shanhai, but he was making a grave error. Even ordinary princes couldn't be manipulated so easily, let alone Gu Shanhai who had both wealth and influence—it was easier for him to squash Baruch than it was to squash an ant.

"Prince Rose, I refuse to believe that your Jile Technology isn't interested in eternal life. This is your one and only chance to delve into the realm of eternal life," Baruch chose to double down, figuring that since he had already offended, he might as well play to his strengths.

"Although I am quite interested in the secrets of eternal life, I'm not a professional researcher. What use would I be there?"

"And with whom are you conspiring, trying to scheme against me? There's no need to put it so grandiosely."

Gu Shanhai's expression became even more mocking. This might fool the more impulsive princes, but he certainly wouldn't fall for it.

Their behavior was like trying to lure someone skilled in finance and management to study biology—not only was it outside their profession, but even if you wanted to swindle someone, you had to be somewhat subtle, not treat them like a fool.