Chapter 124: Quantum Holdings

The size and complexities of the universe had far outstripped the limits of human imagination. Xia Fei’s description of what was out there had filled the three others with curiosity and yearning, but it was a pity that none of them had the opportunity to enter the mysterious sea of stars and experience those things for themselves. All they could do was imagine the wonders of the universe through Xia Fei’s words.

“How’s the company operations going right now?” Xia Fei asked.

Charlie excitedly responded, “At the moment, the scope of Quantum Holdings’ business is stuck at purchasing technology from other planets and investing in other business sectors through shares. Right now, we’ve successfully acquired the computer giant IBM, energy giant Mobil, car manufacturer General Motors, industrial manufacturing giant Siemens, and a few others. Essentially, we’ve gained absolute control over eleven companies.”

Xia Fei nodded. Quantum Holdings was how he named his company. Andre and the others had been taking charge of it these past six months. It was already a wondrous achievement on their part to get such good results in such a short time. After all, those established companies had a great influence on Earth, each like immense and lush trees. Attempting to uproot them completely was hardly an easy task.

“Also, while we are Earth’s main suppliers of certain goods, our presence in interstellar trade is practically zero.” Charlie shrugged as he concluded his report.

“That’s fine. Let’s first establish our base of production. This time, I’ve brought Sarah and Allen to help break grounds on the next phase of our company operations; they are experienced spaceship pilots and can greatly help us nurture our very own pool of spaceship pilots, forming a transport fleet of ours,” Xia Fei said.

Xia Fei’s idea was to turn Earth into a processing base; purchasing mineral resources from extraterrestrial planets and processing them before selling the finished products everywhere in the Alliance. After all, Earth had cheap human labor right now, and the production cost would be much lower than the other planets within the Alliance.

Making a play for the interstellar trade, an efficient transport fleet would be essential, and that was the next important step that Quantum Holdings would be taking.

Wu Long was apparently very excited as well. “That’s great! If we’re really going to establish a spaceship flight school, I’ll be the first to sign up.”

Xia Fei chuckled. “Brother Wu, no matter how you put it, you’re the safety supervisor, the head of the product department, and vice-chairman of the board of directors. Your status isn’t the same as before. I’m afraid that being a pilot for a transport fleet isn’t suitable for you.”

Wu Long sighed, wistfully saying, “I’m almost bored to death stuck in the office all day. If only I could fly all around the universe like you, how awesome would such a life be?”

Wu Long was a hillbilly at heart, and expecting him to bury his head in an office to deal with matters was torture. However, he was very loyal. He viewed his promise back then to help Xia Fei manage the company as a sort of contract, and he would never go against it no matter what; as such, he had been patiently working overtime just to process the endless mountain of documents and files every day.

“Brother Wu, hang in there a bit more. Once we find suitable people to replace you, I’ll let you take on any role you want,” consoled Xia Fei.

Wu Long’s eyes shone as he burst into raucous laughter. “Actually, I’m just venting my frustrations. When my mother learned that I’m now the vice-chairman of Quantum Holdings, she could not be any happier. She hated my tendency to run around to unknown places all day long and has long been awaiting me to settle down for a peaceful life.

“In fact, she’s been nagging at me to invite you over for dinner, letting you have a taste of her best dish, osmanthus chicken. Why don’t you come over with me and do that tomorrow?”

“I do indeed wish to have a taste of your mother’s cooking. Unfortunately, I’ll be leaving early tomorrow, so maybe next time,” Xia Fei regretfully declined.

“So soon!” They were all dumbfounded. “You’ve only just arrived, yet you’re heading off again? Why don’t you stay for a few more days?”

Xia Fei smiled. “I’m at ease knowing that you guys are at the helm of our company. Besides, we can still use the interplanetary internet to communicate if necessary.”

Charlie gave this matter some thought. “Forming our own fleet is, of course, a great idea, but all those freighters you speak