The captain issued a request for surrender; no one in the entire merchant ship voiced opposition.

However, the middle-aged A-level man’s face remained grim because he knew very well that the other party might not accept the surrender request.

Sure enough, the man on the other side ignored the words and continued speaking on his own.

"Was it you deliberately making things difficult for us at the Blue Elf Star Port?"

The captain couldn’t answer and could only look at the young master, who had a steely expression and pursed lips, remaining silent.

He too had a reputation to maintain; having spoken harshly before, it was truly difficult to now soften his words.

The old man renowned for being sycophantic had a pale face, his eyelids drooping, not daring to utter a single word.

After about two seconds of silence, the young master realized the old man wasn’t picking up his cues and had to turn his gaze to the middle-aged A-level man.

He cast a pleading look: Please lie for me.

Useless! The middle-aged A-level sighed inwardly, yet he slowly spoke up.

"We are a caravan of the Norton Clan. If there is any misunderstanding, we can sit down and talk."

The last time there was a big fight with that merchant ship, neither side revealed their names; this time, the Norton Family had actually proactively stated their background.

The captain also realized the seriousness of the situation, promptly adding, "Your side can propose any conditions."

Both he and the middle-aged man realized that there were surveillance cameras in the control room.

This was convenient for the caravan crew to observe the interior from outside and could initiate video calls.

Now that the other party had taken over the merchant ship’s central control system, there was a high probability they would activate the control room cameras.

They had guessed right, as the voice from the other side coldly stated, "So it really was you guys... Is it fun, this endless game?"

Qu Jianlei initiated the conversation, showing no intention of being lenient; these people had discovered the existence of Little Lake, and their end was already sealed.

However, if there was ample reason to kill, his thoughts would be more straightforward.

Just like the previous battle with the kitchen maid, he had no intention of conversing and simply killed.

In fact, he had a more important reason—just how exactly had he offended the other party?

If this issue couldn’t be clarified, it might lead to other troubles in the future, posing a huge potential threat.

However, seeing the other party’s reaction, he realized he guessed correctly, and now this sentence indirectly questioned the cause of enmity.

The young master remained pale-faced and silent, having realized the gravity of the situation from the reactions of his two companions.

In fact, even he was somewhat aware of the sensitivity of artificial intelligence.

At this moment, he felt a bit annoyed with the middle-aged A-level: Why on earth did you blurt out "artificial intelligence"?

If you hadn’t said it, we might have feigned ignorance, but now it was too late for anything.

He also knew what he should be doing most right now was not to complain but to apologize to the other party.

However, he still couldn’t bring himself to apologize; the key was that he knew a standard apology wouldn’t help solve the problem.

He could bow his head, but with many subordinates around him, he couldn’t lower it too much.

The middle-aged A-level, on the other hand, thought the other party might already know the cause and effect of the matter.

The reason was simple: the other party had artificial intelligence, and eavesdropping on some conversations wouldn’t be too difficult.

Although their plan to retaliate against the other party wasn’t recorded in any text, it frequently came up in conversations.

Since they already accepted the fall, they might as well accept it thoroughly; being more humble might more easily earn forgiveness.

Because he had already guessed that any subsequent methods from the other party would be something they absolutely couldn’t bear.

He took a deep breath and slowly responded, "Respected sir, the Norton Family is willing to offer ten billion as an apology for this incident."

"Moreover, if you have any other requests, you can raise them directly, and the Norton Family can fully agree."

Is ten billion much? It depends on the context; the heavy-duty armed merchant ship they were on was worth only six or seven billion.

The other party’s merchant ship looked ragged, but so far, it wasn’t too bad.

Apart from the unknown armor thickness and relatively few cannons, it had no issue with acceleration and such.

If you include the artificial intelligence loaded onto the ship, it’s not unreasonable to count it as five billion.

Engaging the other merchant ship was a battle starting at ten billion.

If they destroyed the other party, the loss would be five billion, so ten billion really wasn’t much.

Anyway, the Norton Clan was vast and powerful, especially since the young master had already been predestined as the successor.

To protect the young master’s life, the clan would not hesitate to offer ten billion.

Apart from this, stating the price so high also subtly displayed their strength.

Although the Norton Clan was not a superpower, taking out ten billion was not a hesitancy.

After all, it was merely a fight in space; offering ten billion showed sincerity in resolving the issue.

Of course, he didn’t mention that their side had pursued the other party last time, about which they could bluff if possible.

But who was Qu Jianlei? He didn’t need the other party to admit it—without denial, it was enough.

In his mind, the Big Head Butterfly had frozen, muttering silently, "Ten billion, ten billion, ten..."

Qu Jianlei retorted, irritated, "Then you exposed yourself for this, was it worth it?"

"Tsk," the Big Head Butterfly continued in its frozen state, showing no other reaction.

Qu Jianlei paid no attention to it. For someone with OCD, the outcome of this matter cannot be changed.

It’s alright to lose the money, as long as the person is still there, anything is possible.

"Heh," he let out a cold laugh, "just for the last time, ten billion is not out of the question."

"This time, you deliberately delayed our launch at the Star Port and even fired at us, is this still about money?"

At this moment, one of their crew members hesitantly spoke up, "The power, the output of the power system is continuously declining..."

The young master’s face turned even paler, is this operation trying to kill someone?

In a panic, he stuttered, "What last time? This is our first meeting."

The middle-aged A-level glanced at him coldly, still too young—it’s not the time to deny when he’s flustered.

He straightforwardly stated, "We are willing to pay any price, just to survive."

The young master’s face grew even paler, and his body started trembling.

He was born into wealth and had extraordinary qualifications, having been earmarked early as the future leader of the clan, giving him high vision and ambition.

He couldn’t bear grievances, and he prided himself on not fearing death, but when truly facing the possibility of death, he was still afraid.

He wasn’t afraid to die in battle, but now the opponent’s unreasonable tactics didn’t even give him a chance to fight for his life.

This feeling of despair made him not only afraid but also extremely aggrieved!

"Survive?" Qu Jianlei snorted, "When you shouted ’artificial intelligence,’ didn’t you consider the consequences?"

The middle-aged A-level squinted his eyes, his heart sinking sharply—what he least wanted to encounter had still happened.

The young master glared at him fiercely, his eyes full of venom—it’s all because of your damn mouth!

But he hadn’t completely lost his composure, or perhaps his pride wouldn’t allow internal strife in front of the enemy.

The young master’s mouth moved slightly, speaking with difficulty, "Sir, the Norton Clan has the Supreme! I’m willing to compensate fully."

"Heh," the opposite side laughed contemptuously, "as if no one else has the Supreme."

Upon hearing this, the young master was utterly hopeless, "Is there no room for negotiation? I’m the heir of the clan!"

The other crew members then realized that the opponents apparently didn’t intend to spare anyone, and immediately panicked.

They couldn’t believe that their side had been taken so easily, and the other side still intended to kill.

"Enough!" the middle-aged A-level barked, "The other side secretly researches artificial intelligence, try to get the information out!"

The noisy cabin suddenly quieted down, secretly researching artificial intelligence...this was a monumental taboo!

Countless things were banned by the Imperial, though not as many in reality.

The initial ban on artificial intelligence wasn’t that strict, it was only after it caused severe consequences that it became strictly prohibited.

The middle-aged A-level had long suspected the latter possibility, not believing the opponent necessarily came from a major power, hence the despair.

But now... let’s stir it up. If any crew member can escape, the opponent will surely pay a hefty price.

Of course, trying to escape in such an open space is nearly impossible; the opponent won’t give up the chase.

But, what if? Anyway, it’s good to make the opponent feel apprehensive.

The young master began shouting desperately.

"When we left, we already sent out information, if you dare to act, prepare for the Norton’s revenge."

The middle-aged A-level’s mouth twitched helplessly: How did I not notice before, this guy is so stupid?

The future leader of the Norton Clan? Heh, what a huge joke.

Immediately, he slipped out of the control room—to save himself.

As expected, the next moment, that voice spoke mockingly.

"Is that so? Thank you for the reminder, we’ll go and wipe out the Norton Family."

The young master was stunned upon hearing this, a hint of viciousness flashed in his eyes, and he swiftly gestured with his hand.

Several crew members froze upon seeing the gesture, "Young master... you?"

The young master replied decisively, "Obey the order, do it!"

"I don’t want to die," a crew member broke down, turning to run, still shouting.

"Maybe they’re just bluffing, young master, I really don’t want to die."

These crew members were carefully selected by the Norton Clan, specifically to protect the future head.

They were highly skilled and mentally resolute, so this situation shouldn’t have occurred.

However, this person couldn’t be entirely blamed. After all, they just talked for a while, how did it escalate to the danger of total annihilation?

The content was indeed horrifying, but... what if the opponent was just bluffing?

Honestly, everyone knew this possibility was slim, but between life and death, there’s great fear!

The young master raised his hand and fired a shot, hitting that person’s back, coldly declaring, "Execute the order!"

Little Lake and Qu Jianlei watched the scene with interest, "Boss, what do you think that gesture means?"

"It’s not a common gesture, it’s from a small circle," Qu Jianlei replied indifferently.

"Keep an eye on them, don’t let them cause any trouble."