Qu Jianlei didn’t hear the conversations of those labor-dispatched workers, but even if he did, he wouldn’t have found it surprising.

With supreme powers involved, even if the Customs Enforcement Division is fooled, what can be done? It’s your own fault for being careless when taking the job.

During the return voyage, Qu Jianlei blocked the smuggling smart terminal on the ship.

Then, Little Lake took action and modified its underlying logic again, otherwise, it would always be a hidden danger.

With the help of the computing unit group, Big Head Butterfly completed this task in less than half an hour.

From this, it’s clear that Little Lake, with increased computing power, is far more formidable than before.

Qu Jianlei returned to the abandoned star body with three warships and spent ten days repairing the smuggling ship, getting it mostly done.

The main features are already perfected, not affecting usage, and the related coatings have been removed, though the appearance is still somewhat mottled.

Of course, if one wants to disguise it as another armed merchant ship, that would take some more time.

However, Qu Jianlei didn’t want to wait, and Li Ang was easygoing, but one shouldn’t always overstay their leave, right?

So he piloted the battered merchant ship and arrived at Gedel again.

Similarly, Gao Fang 3344 warship followed from afar, because he wasn’t sure if there would be an ambush here.

Little Lake first activated the backup left at the Wanmi Mine to check if there were any relevant messages.

Found that the place was very safe, and the battered 8384 ship smoothly landed in front of the family’s shipyard gate.

Li Ang had already received the message and was waiting at the shipyard gate.

As per usual, "Baiji Fish" was the one to greet him, ever since Rhodiola rosea exposed its cultivation level, it rarely showed up.

Li Ang, of course, didn’t mind, in fact, communicating with the supreme, his stress wasn’t just ordinary.

Actually, Baiji Fish, though arrogant in speech, at least communicated normally.

Upon seeing the other party, Li Ang’s first words were "I heard you guys went up against the Customs Enforcement Division?"

"Yes, there was a fight," Qu Jianlei nodded, casually questioning, "Did Customs Enforcement Division come looking?"

"Not yet," Li Ang shook his head, "Only four days ago did they find the surviving Customs Enforcement team members."

Turns out that attack ship experienced some more trouble on its return and could only drift in space waiting for rescue.

When the Blue Elves rescue team found them, vital supplies were running out, with two wounded barely clinging to life.

Thankfully, the Imperial medical level isn’t low, presumably, they’ll be saved.

The news reached Gedel here the day before yesterday, everyone was surprised upon hearing it, didn’t expect the force behind 8384 to be so fierce!

As for when the Empire would send people to investigate, it’s unknown how many days later.

The Celestial Blade Government first released this news, to investigate where this force originated from.

Qu Jianlei asked with surprise, "You didn’t report this to them?"

"I don’t know what’s going on," Li Ang replied confidently.

"Wanmi Mining never betrays its partners, I have to meet with you to decide what action to take."

"But I can’t hold out for long, those who know you’re here aren’t just Wanmi, but others too."

Meaning fortunately you returned quickly this time I waited for you.

If it’s like last time, exceeding the leave for over a month, what happens here would be uncertain.

Qu Jianlei nodded at the words, "Thanks, but surely others must have reported it, there’s no need for you to hide it, so you don’t end up passive."

Li Ang was indifferent in response, "The little Celestial Blade Anti-Smuggling Division can’t scare Wanmi, I’ve put up with them for a long time."

Truly worthy of a major force, even the Customs Enforcement Division isn’t taken seriously—though with the "Celestial Blade" prefix, there might be someone above.

However, he also had doubts, "Heard you even robbed a smuggling ship, that’s a huge grudge?"

Qu Jianlei continued to reply nonchalantly, "It’s under Norton Clan’s instigation, they wanted to inspect our starship."

"Norton Clan?" Li Ang was momentarily dumbfounded, then nodded in realization, "Such disgusting actions, they’re truly capable of them."

Qu Jianlei snorted coldly, "And the ones intercepting us were just a bunch of labor-dispatched..."

Realizing the other party didn’t understand this term, he rephrased, "Just a bunch of temporarily hired Customs Enforcement team members."

"Tell me, this kind of disdain... Can we take it?"

"Makes sense," Li Ang nodded decisively, "Those temporarily hired guys never have any bottom line in their actions."

He’s been working in the asteroid belt for quite a while, and knows the bizarre tactics of the Customs Enforcement Division.

"If it were me, I couldn’t swallow this indignation either, but..."

"There’s no but," Qu Jianlei responded arrogantly, "Since they can’t see what’s right, they must pay the price."

Li Ang originally wanted to say "but shouldn’t have struck first," but could only express, "But... taking away the smuggling ship is a bit much."

Qu Jianlei responded indifferently, "If provocateurs aren’t punished, wouldn’t the world be in chaos?"

Alright, you’re strong, you’re reasonable, Li Ang was somewhat speechless, just now he put himself in the position and analyzed a bit.

Given Wanmi’s strength and influence, they aren’t afraid of engaging in a fight with the Customs Enforcement Starship, but it’s better to choose a place where there are no people.

Even if they have to choose a populated area, they must at least ensure the other side makes the first move, so they have the justification of "retaliation" on their side.

As for capturing a warship of the Anti-Smuggling Division, it’s not just Wanmi Mining; even the Sail Consortium wouldn’t have many who dare to do such a thing!

However, the guard they inadvertently hired actually did it without hesitation; that’s incredibly bold!

Li Ang felt he wasn’t qualified to judge the behavior of the other party, so he asked, "So what’s your plan next?"

Qu Jianlei’s expression was a bit strange, "I want to know if you’ll still let us complete the agreement?"

If they could terminate the agreement, it would be the best, as it would give him time to deal with the Norton Clan.

However, unfortunately, Li Ang answered without hesitation, "Of course, why wouldn’t we execute the agreement?"

Qu Jianlei sneered with frustration, "Really... they might just demand you to deal with us."

"They’re not worthy, at least not the Anti-Smuggling Division!" Li Ang answered without hesitation, "Unless the Celestial Blade Government steps in, that’s the only possibility."

The Celestial Blade Government holds higher jurisdiction over the Asteroid Belt, and the Anti-Smuggling Division has no direct authority there.

At this point, Li Ang smiled disdainfully, "But the government isn’t very satisfied with the Anti-Smuggling Division either."

"Since that’s the case, why are you asking me?" Qu Jianlei rolled his eyes.

"If you won’t terminate the agreement and can’t make a move against us, then we’ll just have to continue staying here."

Hearing this, Li Ang became interested and asked with great interest, "What if they send warships to besiege you?"

"Let them try if they dare," Qu Jianlei responded proudly, "Without your Wanmi’s cooperation, would we be afraid?"

They’ll probably just say nice things," Li Ang knew very well that the other party might not even take Wanmi or the Sail Consortium seriously.

But just saying it is enough; there’s no need to dampen their own prestige, "So you’re just waiting from now on?"

Qu Jianlei nodded, expressing without hesitation, "I’m waiting for them to come!"

His words were indeed sincere, but there was also a hint of probing, wanting to see the attitude of the other party on this matter.

Li Ang’s answer wasn’t very direct, yet it also indirectly confirmed something: that many things aren’t simply black or white.

As long as the strength is strong enough, many iron rules can be trampled on. Even Wanmi Mining believes that the worst thing is taking away the warship.

For things to develop to this point, Li Ang dares to keep him in the mine, what does this imply?

It indicates that they believe this is not a big deal at all!

It truly echoed Little Lake’s words, "Awakening from a dream with a start, only to find I’m among the great powers."

Qu Jianlei had already speculated in his heart, but at this moment, he couldn’t help but secretly feel lucky: did he really bet right this time?

However, one cannot relax vigilance in such matters, so he solemnly stated, "Wanmi will not intervene, remember that... you said it!"

His safety doesn’t need anyone else’s promises, nor will he place his life and fortune on others.

So essentially, these words are a threat: if Wanmi dares to betray me, don’t blame me for being ruthless.

Promises that can’t be kept, you better not make them. He isn’t accustomed to relying on others— I won’t ask for your help, just mind your own business.

But if you promise not to intervene and halfway through switch sides, don’t blame me for being cruel and merciless!

Li Ang, in charge of such a large mine, certainly understood these words.

If it were someone else, daring to talk to him like this, nine out of ten times he would have turned hostile on the spot: who gave you the courage to talk to me like this?

But facing this person, he genuinely didn’t dare, he could only smile and respond, "Of course."

In fact, both Li Ang and Qu Jianlei had a similar doubt in their hearts: would the Empire pursue this matter vigorously?

However, Li Ang’s worries were slightly less. It was just a matter of hiring a merchant ship to protect the mine; as for other matters, Wanmi knew nothing about it!

If Wanmi had participated in attacking the Customs Enforcement Starship, it would be a bit difficult to clear themselves.

Other matters are not such a big deal. If it really came down to connections, the mine wouldn’t lose to anyone, though the cost might be high.

As the instigator, Qu Jianlei’s concerns were certainly heavier— after all, it was a blatant challenge to the Empire’s authority.

However, he really wasn’t that paranoid. Back when Qinghu Supreme gave no face to the officials as well, and the officials just had to endure it, didn’t they?

Ultimately, strength determines the power of speech. Within the scope that strength can cover, mistakes aren’t called mistakes.

Those without strength who confront the Anti-Smuggling Division’s warship are courting death; those with strength confronting them is self-defense.

Even though I initiated the attack, it’s still self-defense!

In any case, due to Li Ang’s reaction, Qu Jianlei felt somewhat relieved.

His suspicion was indeed correct; reaching this stage, avoiding and escaping is not the only option.

In some situations, being a bit bold is acceptable and might even be seen as quite necessary.

However, it’s still three months until the next leave, and it’s hard to say what might happen during this time.

Anyway, since growth is the goal, one must be prepared to face hardships.