With that realization, Bronya's gaze burned with determination as she glanced toward the trash can where Pei Guang was hiding.
At that moment, she wanted to express her gratitude—to him and to the Trailblazers. Without them, she wouldn't even have the luxury of making a choice.
She also understood that Belobog wasn't yet in a position to repay them. However, she firmly believed that when Pei Guang needed Belobog in the future, the city would stand by him.
She thought about many things. Then, taking a deep breath, she looked at the contract once more.
"Mr. Donatan, the terms offered by your company are indeed generous. However, I regret to inform you that I cannot sign this contract."
Hearing this, Donatan's expression didn't change. Across the many planets he had visited, it wasn't uncommon for people to initially refuse the company's offers.
He spoke calmly, "Miss Supreme Guardian, I suggest you reconsider. If your planet intends to reestablish connections with the greater galactic community in the future, maintaining good credit with the company is of utmost importance."
Bronya took another deep breath. "I understand. However, whether or not we sign this contract is not for me alone to decide. Belobog does not belong to its Supreme Guardian—it belongs to every citizen who lives here. Please give me some time. I would like to consult the people and base my response on their opinions. Would that be acceptable?"
Donatan put on a friendly smile. "Of course, Miss Supreme Guardian. However, I must remind you that I have many responsibilities within the company, and I can't stay indefinitely. The sooner you decide, the better the resources and benefits Belobog can receive.
If the delay lasts too long and your city is placed on the defaulter list, the company will be forced to take mandatory enforcement measures."
Bronya pressed her hands against the desk, looking helplessly at Donatan. This sense of powerlessness was genuine. She imagined what would have happened if Pei Guang and the Trailblazers hadn't been here.
Could Belobog have resisted the company's demands at all? No, not at all.
Seeing Bronya's weakened state, Donatan felt confident in his victory. He added, "Miss Supreme Guardian, take your time to consider. While you deliberate, my colleagues and I will begin conducting some necessary operations in Belobog. I hope both the Upper and Lower Zones will cooperate."
Before Bronya could respond, Donatan turned and left. As he reached the door, he cast another glance at his target and then at Bronya, speaking with an air of amusement.
"You don't have much time. I hope you make the right decision quickly. You wouldn't want Belobog to be placed on the defaulter list and face enforcement actions, would you? Unlike me, the enforcers won't be as pleasant to deal with."
With that, Donatan walked away, brimming with confidence. Against a weak planet like this, the company had absolute power. However, he prided himself on being different from his more arrogant colleagues—he knew how to use both incentives and threats to ensure compliance.
Of course, if Bronya refused but demonstrated a clear intent to repay the debt, the company's regulations did allow for a grace period. After all, they had waited 700 years; waiting a few more wouldn't make a difference if Belobog could prove its economic potential.
But rules were just rules. Having a regulation didn't mean it had to be followed.
Besides, if he actually did that, forget about getting a promotion—he'd be lucky if he wasn't demoted.
An unprofitable approach that didn't even benefit the great Amber Lord? Donatan had no intention of following such an order.
Would bending the rules benefit the Amber Lord? Of course. Delivering valuable resources would serve the Amber Lord's cause—what better justification could there be?
As he stepped out of Qlipoth Fort, Donatan looked down over the city of Belobog and smirked confidently.
"No one understands how to get things done better than me."
He laughed—proud, satisfied. Now, he planned to inspect the city's valuable assets. If they were going to take over this planet, knowing its resources in advance would only help maximize profits for the company and his department.
Though he didn't expect much profit from this trip, his main target was still the trash cans. However, if he wanted to secure them, he had to make sure the locals didn't realize their value.
In his view, there was no way these people knew how special the trash cans were—otherwise, they wouldn't have left them scattered all over the city.
Once Belobog was under company control, these things would be the company's to take.
And if Bronya really refused? Then he would show her just how powerful corporate influence could be.
After Donatan left, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th climbed out of the trash can. March 7th stomped her foot in frustration. "Ugh! They're both from the company, so why does Miss Topaz feel like such a nice person, but this guy is just awful?"
Pei Guang shrugged. "Because he's a corporate lapdog—just another company dog. Topaz, on the other hand, is a dreamer. She's a real worker. You can't compare a dog to a human, can you?"
March 7th gave him a thumbs-up. "Nice! That was a solid burn!"
Stelle added, "Yeah, March likes hearing that! Ah Guang, say a few more~"
Pei Guang waved a hand. "No way. If I really start, it'll be too vulgar. Let's keep things civilized!"
March 7th looked at Pei Guang in surprise. "I mean… we've known each other for so long, and you still care about this?"