Chapter 47: Chief Financial Advisor Get

46. Chief Financial Advisor

Tang Xiao asked with great interest, "So, you have dirt on this Ford-Tonis in your records?"

"That is correct. Inside is evidence that during Ford-Tonis's tenure, he manipulated the funds of the Interstellar Banking Clan to provide financial support to the notorious underworld gang 'Black Sun' and a terrorist organization known as 'Bando-Gosa.' Furthermore, there is evidence of his interference in the struggles between the Hutts, causing the Interstellar Banking Clan to bear unnecessary infamy and risk," Semide replied truthfully.

Even though Tang Xiao had been mentally prepared and knew that Hego Damask was a massive web of corruption, he still hadn't expected that the first commission he took on would have such deep waters behind it! It actually involved the election for the position of Co-Chairman of the Interstellar Banking Clan!!

However, now that he had decided to take the risk and gamble on Hego, Tang Xiao simply felt that he had struck gold.

The Interstellar Banking Clan was undoubtedly a behemoth in this galaxy, forming part of the oligarchy—alongside the Trade Federation, the Techno Union, the Commerce Guild, and others—that controlled the economic lifeblood of the entire galaxy.

One could even draw the direct conclusion that the Interstellar Banking Clan was the largest economic entity in the entire galaxy; such a scale was simply terrifying!

Not to mention that Hego Damask himself held the deeply hidden identity of a Sith Lord!

Tang Xiao's body trembled slightly; he felt an incomparable surge of excitement. The corners of his mouth curled up uncontrollably. Being familiar with the plot, he knew exactly who the ultimate victor in this struggle within the Interstellar Banking Clan would be.

It was Sun-Hill, whom Hego supported!

Since that was the case, by holding this trump card from Semide in his hand, he could, when necessary, demand sufficient benefits from Sun-Hill, the future Co-Chairman of the Interstellar Banking Clan.

"Since you can access such core secrets of the Tonis family, your status must not be low. What is your profession?" Tang Xiao asked.

"I am... no, I was a Senior Actuary and Sector Financial Director for the Interstellar Banking Clan," Semide answered.

"I will make arrangements for you. I will keep you hidden. However, you will have to do some work. From now on, consider yourself the financial advisor for our Fourth Group," Tang Xiao directly assigned Semide a position.

"Very well, sir," Semide accepted readily, then followed up with, "May I ask what the Fourth Group is?"

"It is, of course, a corporation," Tang Xiao said, not expecting Semide to ask such a question.

"No, I am certain you are not a corporation. Because there is no registration information for such an enterprise within the Galactic Republic's Department of Commercial Management, your existence is illegal," Semide replied. "I am capable of remembering the information of all large-scale enterprises in the galaxy, and it is impossible for an enterprise possessing such a massive mothership not to appear in my mind."

Tang Xiao nodded and asked, "Will this have any impact?"

"A significant impact." Semide crossed his hands very elegantly, immediately entering a professional state. His long Muun fingers tapped rhythmically on the back of his hand. "Because this means none of your actions will be protected by the Republic. Furthermore, your efforts to develop colonies will not only lack subsidies but will also go unrecognized."

"I always thought that in this remote Outer Rim sector, the Republic had no control at all. Besides, there are subsidies for developing colonies?"

"Although the Republic's control over the Outer Rim is weakening, there is still a certain degree of centripetal force. The Republic views expansion and colonization in the Outer Rim as a foundation for extending its influence, so it naturally provides support—as long as you swear allegiance to the Republic on behalf of your colonies," Semide said.

He was now clear-headed, concise, and could even be described as composed and dignified. But Tang Xiao knew perfectly well that this was merely the professional literacy of a high-level manager. Everything he was displaying now was in service to authority, hoping that his every move would allow the authority to bestow more upon him.

But authority is authority, and a manager is a manager. The panicked state he was in when Tang Xiao saved him earlier was the true expression of a person like him when facing the actual power of authority.

Tang Xiao crossed his arms, leaned back on the sofa, and said indifferently, "So, you're saying we just need to go and register a corporation now?"

"It is not that easy, Mr. Tang Xiao," Semide shook his head. "Registering a corporation is not enough. You need to obtain a colonization permit, which involves a series of agreements. These include colony taxation, the protection of indigenous species, the census required by the Jedi Order, mutual defense agreements, and so on. It is a tedious process, but it is very much worth the time and money."

"Money..." Tang Xiao frowned. "What we lack most right now is money. However, that is exactly why I appointed you as our financial advisor."

"Indeed, this problem is not unsolvable. Based on my preliminary understanding of you, you possess independent manufacturing capabilities—that is your money. However, please allow me to gain a deeper understanding of your situation. I will draft a business plan to help us complete our initial capital accumulation," Semide said. "But due to my current identity, it is best that I do not appear before anyone, so I require an attendant. I believe you would feel more at ease if it were a droid."

Tang Xiao was not embarrassed at all. He said to the T-850 behind him, "From now on, you will follow Mr. Semide. You can provide him with whatever he needs or any data he requires."

The bionic skin used by this T-850 was that of a very ordinary-looking middle-aged man. Compared to this, Tang Xiao still preferred the T-850 with the appearance of Arnold Schwarzenegger that had been originally assigned to him. That T-850 should be mostly repaired after its last bout of damage and could be brought back to his side soon.

The T-850 nodded and stood behind Semide without a word.

Semide stood up, bowed to Tang Xiao, and said, "I believe my body requires some recuperation. Please allow me to take my leave, Mr. Tang Xiao. Once I have recovered, I will formally serve you in my capacity as financial advisor."

"Very well, please get some good rest," Tang Xiao nodded.

After Semide left, Tang Xiao smiled with satisfaction. Setting everything else aside, one could tell from the conversation just now that this Muun possessed at least master-level professional standards. Recruiting this master-level figure, who was incredibly familiar with the economic system of the Galactic Republic, was extremely important for the current Fourth Civilization.

(End of Chapter)