Chapter 46: Fair Trade

Shi Chan and Xi Ming had discussed the cooperation with Jugu in advance.

Xi Ming could provide Jugu with scientific physical training methods, advanced material refining techniques, and some basic interstellar technological theories. However, the most extensive knowledge in his mind revolved around the weaknesses of the Zerg, the Federation, and space pirates—none of which were useful in this world. As for Shi Chan, he could attempt to refine the “ancient martial arts techniques” that Wu Hongyuan and his people were currently using.

Both of them could offer Jugu valuable assistance, but in return, Jugu had little to provide them.

Beyond basic personal protection and material supplies, what Shi Chan and Xi Ming wanted most was to recover from their injuries and return to the interstellar realm—something Jugu likely couldn’t help with.

“We have three initial requests. First, we need detailed information about Qing Ye’s alien contact, including photographs and the skills he taught Qing Ye. We don’t need the full details—just the results.” The presence of another alien on this planet was something Shi Chan couldn’t ignore. He even speculated whether this person had traveled through the same wormhole as him.

“Second, we need resources, and you’ll have to help us find them.” Besides the materials Xi Ming needed to repair his mecha, Shi Chan also recalled the feather infused with spiritual energy he had seen before. This world likely contained spiritually enriched flora and fauna, which were exactly what he needed.

“And third, the movement technique you use here—the one that enhances physical abilities—will be our exchange item. We won’t take the resources you find for free; they will be exchanged for technological knowledge.” Indeed, Shi Chan had no intention of teaching Jugu everything they knew.

“I can tell you what we can offer.” After some thought, Shi Chan listed a few of Xi Ming’s technological skills, but he deliberately omitted his own attempts to refine the ancient martial arts.

“This ancient martial art…” Wu Hongyuan hesitated. “We don’t have much of it. The only effective set we have has been passed down through generations. Schools train students in it from a young age, selecting promising candidates to enter the military. Not everyone can use it.”

Downstairs, the officials listening to Shi Chan’s proposed exchange had been thrilled at first. However, upon hearing Wu Hongyuan’s explanation, one of them couldn’t help but curse, “This idiot.” Did he really have to be so honest?

“You were just talking about cooperating sincerely with them,” another teased.

“But he didn’t have to expose our entire foundation!” Despite the complaint, no one interrupted Wu Hongyuan.

After all, the ancient martial arts technique wasn’t that valuable. Many other countries had similar practices, so it wasn’t unique to Jugu. Being able to exchange it for Shi Chan’s knowledge was actually a great deal for them.

“Think positively—at least Wu Hongyuan didn’t mention that other countries also have this technique,” someone joked.

The previous complainer rolled his eyes but continued listening attentively.

“A complete ancient martial arts technique can be traded for…” Shi Chan glanced at Wu Hongyuan, who looked troubled, before continuing, “two new technologies. As for the other resources, we’ll decide after we get a better understanding of what’s available.” They needed both existing materials and undiscovered ones.

“Uh…” Wu Hongyuan hesitated before replying, “I don’t have the authority to make that decision. You’ll have to discuss it with the higher-ups when you reach the capital.”

“Fine.” Shi Chan didn’t mind.

“In a few days, we’ll escort you to the capital. It’s safer there, but your guards will still remain with you. Recently, spies from other nations have infiltrated the area, posing a potential threat to you.”

“When we arrive, we won’t be staying in a hospital. Arrange a residence for us—it can be guarded, but we don’t want to be disturbed.” Shi Chan held Xi Ming’s wrist firmly. “We need six months to recover. During that time, if we trade for any resources, we’ll provide you with the necessary data, but you’ll have to conduct your own research.”

Wu Hongyuan pondered for a moment before suddenly looking up. “Wait, you mean you’ll actually teach us?!” Even Qing Ye’s side had only received new technology for independent study.

Shi Chan shook his head. “Not me—I don’t know any of it. My husband does. In six months, his injuries should improve, and he’s the one with the knowledge.”

Initially, Shi Chan had taken Wu Hongyuan’s advice to heart, pretending that he and Xi Ming were just brothers while they recovered. But after experiencing several attacks, he had a revelation.

Why should they hide? There was no Imperial pursuit here. Their relationship wasn’t shameful. If others were narrow-minded and couldn’t accept it, that was their problem, not Shi Chan’s.

So, he no longer concealed anything. When people asked, he openly stated that Xi Ming was his husband. And when he realized that Xi Ming’s mental state improved every time he heard the word “husband,” Shi Chan used it even more freely.

After everything they had endured, Shi Chan wanted to follow his heart in matters of love.

Fortunately, the fact that they were aliens was far more shocking than their status as a same-sex married couple. Even those who didn’t understand their relationship wouldn’t try to convince two aliens to get divorced.

At the very least, among the middle-aged officials in the room downstairs, not a single one showed any reaction to Shi Chan’s words.

Wu Hongyuan, however, turned his fiery gaze toward the injured Xi Ming, feeling deeply relieved.

As he knew, the original espionage plan of Guda included an order to kill Xi Ming if the situation turned dire, taking only the physically intact Shi Chan. Even if this led to hostility, it wouldn’t matter—as long as they could extract some new technology through torture and ensure that their rivals didn’t acquire him, they would win.

If that plan had succeeded, it would have been a massive loss for every nation involved.

Now that the negotiations were settled, Wu Hongyuan didn’t even need to report back—the entire conversation had been recorded. Shi Chan’s requests were neatly listed.

The most pressing task was arranging accommodations in the capital. Initially, they had only contacted a hospital, assuming the two would be staying there.

But this wasn’t a big issue—a single telegram could solve it, and their residence would be ready before their arrival.

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Although Jugu’s technology lagged far behind interstellar standards, making daily life less convenient, Shi Chan and Xi Ming were treated exceptionally well during their stay. Jugu provided them with everything they could.

Shi Chan also appreciated the rare chance to experience a normal life without constantly being on the run.

A few days later, they were escorted to the capital in a convoy of dozens of heavily armed military vehicles.

This time, there were no incidents. They arrived safely and moved into a designated residence.

Since Shi Chan requested privacy, Jugu arranged a house with a courtyard rather than an apartment, equipping it with the most advanced facilities available.

The soldiers guarding them were stationed in nearby houses, ensuring that no one could approach their residence unnoticed.

The day after their arrival, a group of high-ranking officials discreetly entered Shi Chan’s courtyard.

Wu Hongyuan introduced them quietly, “This is our commander, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, and…” Each person held an important position.

They were here to negotiate the specifics of the technology exchange.

Once introductions were done, Shi Chan immediately asked about Qing Ye’s alien contact.

“Qing Ye’s side has extremely tight information security, so we couldn’t obtain the alien’s full details. But we did manage to get a side-profile photograph,” Minister Yan from the Foreign Affairs Department said as he handed over a picture.

Shi Chan took it, his gaze narrowing as he recognized the face—it was the leader of the Swift Eagle space pirate crew.

“Do you know him?” Wu Hongyuan asked cautiously.

Shi Chan didn’t answer. He flipped the photo face-down on the table and continued listening to their report on the alien’s skills and teachings.

After they finished, Shi Chan tapped his fingers on the table to draw their attention. “We can teach everything he knows as well.”

The officials’ eyes lit up.

“But,” Shi Chan continued, scanning the room, “you’ll have to trade for it.”