Chapter 876: Chapter 746: Paranoid and Overbearing
After confirming the news from Qu Jianlei, Sheriff had no desire to wait any longer and insisted on going to see the starship.
Qu Jianlei didn’t indulge him, inviting him for dinner instead, before the three of them headed to the Star Port.
When Sheriff entered the Star Port, he didn’t need to verify his identity; his face was enough.
As they approached the starship docking area, Qu Jianlei paused slightly, noticing that the two starships hadn’t changed at all.
They looked exactly the same as when he left.
Sheriff, unconcerned with his attitude, pointed at the battered merchant ship, asking, "Is it this one?"
In his mind, though the merchant ship was a bit worn out, at least it was capable of interstellar travel, right?
Qu Jianlei shook his head and pointed to the other small starship, "It’s this one."
"No way," Sheriff was a bit shocked, "Taking such a small craft, how far can Kerry go?"
"When he fled, it was said he stole a heavy-loaded armed merchant ship; how did it become this?"
Qu Jianlei shook his head expressionlessly, "I don’t know about that, but I’m sure I didn’t make a mistake."
He understood clearly in his heart that even if Kerry left with a heavy-loaded merchant ship, it would be inconvenient to use it when reintegrating into society.
Such merchant ships have strong identifiers, better to use this small starship that doesn’t draw much attention when approaching crowds.
This was from his personal experience, and he believed Sheriff would understand too.
Sheriff paused briefly then asked, "Since that one is Kerry’s, whose is this one?"
Qu Jianlei answered without hesitation, "It’s Hyena Kidd’s."
"Hyena Kidd?" Sheriff was shocked again, "Did you guys... deal with him too?"
"Yes," Qu Jianlei nodded, "also in the neck area, encountered him while searching for Kerry, he tried to ambush..."
Sheriff froze for about three seconds before digesting and accepting this fact, then shook his head.
"Truly unlucky, Kidd’s bounty was even higher than Kerry’s. You don’t plan to claim it?"
Qu Jianlei replied coolly, "That little money isn’t worth losing face over."
Usually, a Supreme saying something like this would seem boastful, but with his capabilities, it wasn’t much of an issue.
Paranoid’s gaze was vacant, seemingly lost in thought.
In fact, he was pondering that this guy, to help me acquire a new vessel, had eliminated at least three Supremes in just over two months?
Honestly, he once proudly stood above the rest, looking down on Supremes.
But even he couldn’t accomplish killing Supremes like killing dogs, just to go to such extremes for an outsider.
Qu Jianlei only gave him three days to acquire a new vessel, which truly wasn’t enough. It was impossible for him not to have some complaints.
If he could wait three months, his body’s coordination would greatly increase, and his actions wouldn’t be so awkward.
He really didn’t care about the opinions of small people, but in the presence of Qu Jianlei, he couldn’t even bring himself to report his name.
This shows that he was still quite concerned about reputation, emerging in such an awkward state to meet people was indeed uncomfortable.
However, when he inadvertently heard this news, he couldn’t help but feel moved.
This guy silently accomplished such a big thing, crucially... he truly dared to act.
At that moment, two people ran over from a distance, a B-level Warrior and a C-level Warrior.
The B-level Warrior first greeted Sheriff, "Greetings, Sheriff."
Sheriff cast him a casual glance without responding; standing before him was already giving him face.
This person didn’t dare say more and instead turned to Qu Jianlei, bending deeply, "Greetings, Lord Rhodiola Rosea."
This time your eyes aren’t so blind! Qu Jianlei recognized him as the one who conversed with him on public channels.
He casually glanced at him, "Why didn’t you repair my starship?"
The B-level Warrior hesitated, then answered hesitantly, "Both starships... reported lost."
Qu Jianlei frowned slightly, thinking how could you lack even this bit of courage in this line of work?
In other places, starships reported lost might deter the maintenance facility, but this is near the asteroid belt’s Transfer Star!
However, considering the person relies on the Star Port to make a living and might need to avoid suspicion, he was too lazy to say more.
He simply raised his hand and pointed at him, speaking expressionlessly, "Saving on maintenance costs, huh?"
He didn’t say anything more, but it didn’t matter as he believed the other understood his meaning.
Sheriff watched the scene silently, puzzled: Not concerned about high bounties, yet quibbling over fee problems?
But in the next moment, he understood: It’s not about money, it’s about preserving the dignity of Supremes.
The B-level Warrior’s face changed and quickly spoke, "My lord, let me explain."
He indeed planned to repair the starship; the owner of the armed merchant ship had come forward, but he wasn’t interested in paying him any mind.
In essence, regardless of how justified the owner was, the sender for repair was a Supreme, and he understood the importance clearly.
Once the owner understood the situation, they suggested: Instead of repairing, let’s just negotiate directly to redeem the starship.
The owner also knows clearly that his starship has encountered misfortune; if it’s not an accident, then it’s certainly not done by ordinary people.
And the B-level Warriors are aware that after Rhodiola rosea Supreme repairs the starship, they’re planning to sell it.
Considering the owner also has some influence and is backed by the insurance company, and since they’re willing to compromise, it’s not right to keep being tough.
So they are just waiting for Rhodiola rosea to come by to report the matter—delaying the repair by a few days doesn’t matter as long as it’s free.
As for that small starship, the owner’s family has also come over.
However, this family is rather stingy, with little power, and just sticks to him like glue.
The key is that the starship doesn’t need much repair, and with the insurance company’s involvement, he’s simply waiting for Rhodiola rosea to come.
For this reason, he still tried to gather some information about Rhodiola rosea Supreme’s features, and although not very accurate, he recognized them immediately.
Qu Jianlei nodded after listening, "What’s the ransom price the other party plans for the merchant ship?"
The B-level Warrior hesitated a bit, stammering his answer, "Three, thirty million..."
Qu Jianlei looked at him calmly without saying a word, but his meaning was clear—Are you kidding me?
The B-level Warrior shivered under this cold gaze, regretting it immensely in his heart.
What was I thinking back then to intervene in this person’s affairs?
Now, it’s come to this, and I can only face it step by step; honestly, just the merchant ship’s owner is already enough trouble.
But since things have developed to this point, he has no choice but to confront it head-on, "They want to meet you face-to-face."
"Who do they think they are?" the Paranoid suddenly spoke up, "One hundred million, take it or leave it!"
Qu Jianlei glanced at him coldly, not saying anything, thinking this guy really has a bit of Supreme’s demeanor.
The B-level Warrior paused in surprise before respectfully asking, "May I ask who you are?"
The Paranoid curled his lip with an arrogant look but couldn’t be bothered to answer.
Even Sheriff felt somewhat displeased, although he wasn’t a Star Port person, he was still part of the government ranking as Supreme.
If something serious happened with his presence, it would be embarrassing for him after all, wouldn’t it?
So he looked at the B-level Warrior and spoke softly, "Is this how you talk to a Supreme?"
Upon hearing this, the B-level Warrior’s eyes suddenly widened with surprise; he never imagined this crooked-mouthed, slanted-eyed person was also a Supreme.
Three Supremes! His whole body shivered violently—this is unbelievable.
The C-level Warrior who came alongside him was even worse, his legs gave out and he sat directly on the ground.
He only followed the boss to broaden his horizons, not expecting to see such a massive sight.
The B-level Warrior didn’t have time to say anything and turned to run, "I’ll go and inform them."
Qu Jianlei didn’t pay attention to these two, just glanced at Sheriff, "Sorry for letting you witness this joke."
"It’s nothing," Sheriff shook his head and then said, "I’ll settle this merchant ship for one hundred million for you!"
Then he pointed to the small starship, "And that one, sell it to me for twenty million?"
Don’t mind that it’s just slightly more expensive than Vortex, the price is actually quite fair, even a bit high.
A regular small starship isn’t really worth much.
"I’ll give it to you," Qu Jianlei waved his hand, answering indifferently, "By the way, how about the permit you promised me?"
"No problem," Sheriff casually replied, "I’ll give you a few handheld Customs Enforcement Division special permits."
"Handheld permits?" Qu Jianlei was surprised, "Not the starship-specific permits?"
"Yes," Sheriff nodded upon hearing this, thinking that if not worried you might act rashly, of course, a regular permit could be given.
He explained that this type of document is held only by personnel recognized by the Customs Enforcement Division.
With this permit in hand, Customs Enforcement Division won’t trouble you, and even if someone challenges it, they’ll have to consider who issued it.
If checked, it’s not hard to discover it was issued by Sheriff Supreme. Who in the whole Celestial Hook Star Realm’s Customs Enforcement Division wouldn’t give face?
Qu Jianlei blinked several times, digesting what the other party said, and for a moment, his expression was a bit strange.
The last time he got a similar document was issued by Hoyel of Hope No.4 Star.
But the outcome of that document wasn’t really good.
Eventually, he nodded, "Thank you, but could you help me process the payment for this starship, Old Sheriff?"
Sheriff frowned upon hearing that, "Old Rhodiola rosea, are you planning to run again?"
"I have my affairs," Qu Jianlei responded seriously, "Old Sheriff, this Transfer Star is full of turmoil; you should manage it properly."
"If you’re leaving, I won’t handle the matter of money!" Sheriff was anxious, thinking, I’m just helping out, and it becomes my problem?
The Paranoid glanced at him, "When did Customs Enforcement Division’s Supreme become so irresponsible?"
Although Sheriff feared the other party, he was still Supreme and a figure of importance.
Upon hearing this, he couldn’t stand it, "If you’re indeed responsible, can you help clear out the wanted criminals in the Asteroid Belt?"
