Full-Time Public Enemy-Chapter 534 -s 456 - Ming Di Research Institute_2

"For them, a sentence of lifetime labor reform would have been more satisfying."

"The politician with a technology background who pushed for the bill that established ’Soul Imprisonment’ as a penalty was named Wu Qiqiang; he also held another position as a lifetime advisor at the Mingdian Research Institute."

"After ’Soul Imprisonment’ became a legal penalty, the Star Nation, orchestrated by Wu Qiqiang, conveniently purchased a batch of ’Soul Cages’ from the Mingdian Research Institute. However, no one could find any evidence of improper financial dealings. The Mingdian Research Institute’s models were advanced and inexpensive; with only five units purchased, the total sum wasn’t particularly large."

Aviloya faintly sensed a trace of unease. "No matter how you look at it, it seems like the Mingdian Research Institute orchestrated everything from behind the scenes. They were well-prepared, which is why their ’Soul Cages’ are both advanced and cheap!"

"The Mingdian Research Institute is one of the most mysterious research establishments within the Confederation," Rainbow continued, noncommittal. "For hundreds of years, their sponsors have remained hidden. Every time they faced a crisis, they somehow managed to turn danger into safety at the last moment."

"Then we found something else. So far, three inmates have been sentenced to ’Soul Imprisonment.’ However, during the trials, this punishment wasn’t the judges’ first choice. As you know, it’s very expensive, and judges have to consider the prison’s budget. But the Mingdian Research Institute played a pivotal role in these three sentences, offering to cover the energy costs incurred during incarceration."

Aviloya frowned. "They’re worried that if this punishment isn’t used consistently, it might eventually be abolished."

"But why?" Rainbow shrugged. "After selling the first batch of five ’Soul Cages’ to the Star Nation, the Star Nation made no further purchase plans. The Mingdian Research Institute didn’t lobby politicians for more purchases either. So, their entire profit from this penalty was just from selling five ’Soul Cages’?"

"And what did they spend?"

Rainbow calculated. "First, hiring Wu Qiqiang as a lifetime advisor cost about 17.5 million Starshield."

"Then, promoting the entire bill was a major expense, totaling 240 million Starshield."

"Finally, the energy costs for the three ’Soul Imprisonment’ inmates were much less—around 10 million Starshield."

"So, what was their profit in this whole affair? Five ’Soul Cages’ sold for a total of 38 million Starshield."

"Moreover, their R&D and production costs for the ’Soul Cages’ must have been significant."

Aviloya’s expression grew increasingly somber. "They’ve incurred a huge loss—what on earth are they doing this for?"

Rainbow spread his hands. "I don’t know either. The Mingdian Research Institute is very insular; our people can’t get in to investigate. But if I were you, I’d definitely sign an order to dispatch special operatives to investigate them secretly!"

Aviloya fell into deep thought and did not immediately agree with Rainbow.

...

When Qiao Shuangyi and Lin Xiaochen saw Chen Gu in class, their jaws dropped in astonishment. "My god, Bro, you’re actually attending class?"

Chen Gu glared at the two of them.

When class ended at noon, Qiao Shuangyi sidled up, fawning. "Brother Chen, let’s go! I’ll treat you to lunch. I’ve saved up some allowance these past few weeks."

Lin Xiaochen shot him a glare. "Listen to your pathetic self! Brother Chen, *I’ll* treat you. I even set up a special ’Treat Brother Chen’ fund!"

Chen Gu was caught between laughter and tears. Were these two bootlickers deliberately trying to make me squirm?

Chen Gu straightened his clothes. "Alright, alright, you don’t have to treat me. Today, it’s my treat. Yours truly is now an A-list star in the Alliance; I’ve got money."

Their eyes lit up, and they chuckled. "HEH HEH HEH. That’s right! We totally forgot about that."

"Let’s go, let’s go! We’re eating big today!"

They hadn’t even reached the cafeteria when Qiao Shuangyi started acting up. The chubby guy squinted, a lecherous look on his face. "Brother Chen, all those superstars in the Alliance marry famous models or celebrities. What about you? When are you going to show us around the dazzling world of showbiz? HEH HEH HEH!"

Chen Gu snorted. "Wipe your drool first."

Lin Xiaochen shot Qiao Shuangyi a disdainful look. This fatty is really lowering the standards of our ’Bootlicking Duo.’

Chen Gu said, "Don’t get me into trouble. I know your older brother, and now I know your grandaunt too. If I take you carousing in the entertainment circles, those two will have my hide."

Families like the Qiaos and the Lins had strict upbringing. Dating was permissible, but messing around was forbidden, especially with the men and women from the world of fame and fortune.

For example, the Qiao Family allowed its core members three years of sowing their wild oats after college graduation. Once they’d had their fill, they were expected to return home, marry, start a family, and manage the family businesses. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Before graduation, however, they were expected to focus on their studies.

Someone like Qiao Shuangyi needed to focus on his advancement even more, without any distractions.

When Qiao Shuangyi first heard the word "grandaunt," it didn’t register. A moment later, realization dawned, and he shuddered. "You... She..."

"My god... I should’ve known! We’re all from the Bureau of Mystic Security; of course, we’d run into each other eventually."

"My life is so hard—"

"You have no idea! That woman, in our family, she absolutely calls the shots. No one dares to cross her. Last year, my seventh uncle got some young starlet pregnant, and she had him strung up and whipped! A man in his forties—he lost all face!"