Chapter 2 The Announcement of the Black Star Cup

The day after the announcement of the Black Star Cup, countless media outlets and consortium representatives waved their money, eager to purchase broadcasting rights.

In the large conference room of the legion's main camp, Sylvia sat at the head of the table, with remote projections of numerous representatives seated below, chattering incessantly, filling the room with a constant buzzing.

"Silence."

Sylvia tapped the table, and the entire room fell silent, all eyes fixed on her.

As the legion's chief affairs officer, Sylvia was also responsible for external communications, and in the eyes of many forces, she was undoubtedly a powerful figure. Even the representatives present, all high-ranking executives of their respective media outlets or consortia, were very obedient in front of Sylvia.

Sylvia glanced around and said solemnly:

"Everyone has the same intention. Regarding the Black Star Cup All-Army League, the legion commander intends to create a comprehensive sports event for superhumans. The scope of the first event is temporarily limited to the legion itself. In the future, we may introduce personnel from other forces to participate. The specific details are in the introduction to the event rules, which you have all seen.

The legion hopes that the event will be broadcast throughout the universe, so the sale of broadcasting rights is divided by region. Planet-level broadcasting rights are not sold separately. The minimum bid is for a star sector-level broadcasting range, priced at 15 million Enas. The star system-level broadcasting rights are 120 million Enas. The star cluster-level broadcasting rights are 980 million Enas, payable in one to five installments. This is just a reference price. If an exclusive license for the same region is required, it will be completed through bidding."

Upon hearing this, there was a commotion below the stage, and many people looked at each other, seeing surprise on each other's faces.

Compared to the Black Star Legion's status and the event's popularity, this price was quite reasonable, far below their expectations.

Generally speaking, there are two ways to sell broadcasting rights for this type of program. The most common is to sell them to media outlets as a unit, without regional restrictions. The other is regional sales, which is equivalent to splitting the broadcasting rights, generally used for large-scale broadcasts. Only a few people are qualified to initiate this, otherwise the media will not buy it, and the Black Star Legion naturally has this qualification.

The basic unit is the star sector broadcasting range, which means that the media outlet's broadcasting channels are limited to one star sector. Although the quantum network is now very developed, connecting the interstellar society as a whole, most media outlets still have a regional audience, equivalent to local stations.

A minimum bid of 15 million Enas is indeed a lot, but the consortia and media outlets that dare to do business with the legion are all sizable, and it's not a problem for them to take out this money in business.

If the broadcasting ranges overlap, there is a set of processing systems. If the regional overlaps are at the same level, if there is no competition for exclusive authorization, then the two companies will broadcast together; otherwise, they will bid. If there is overlap at different levels, such as one company buying star system broadcasting rights and another buying star sector broadcasting rights contained within that star system, either no action is taken, or the legion is requested to negotiate, either retracting the authorization or cooperating with each other, but media outlets are strictly prohibited from buying out a large broadcasting range and then privately reselling it.

Sylvia summoned individual Philippes to each representative's side to record each person's bid.

The media representatives present thought for a moment, wrote down their requests, and eagerly purchased.

Everyone could see the business opportunities contained in the Black Star Cup. Recently, the Black Star Legion had done several major things, and its popularity was extremely high. In particular, the Black Star's Apotheosis Battle and the Holy Light Particle events had attracted a large wave of traffic to the legion. Basically, out of ten interstellar citizens, at least three or four would pay attention to the legion's news.

Moreover, the Black Star Cup itself was also attractive. Although there are many superhumans in the universe and battles are not uncommon, a large-scale competition involving countless superhumans of all ranks is too rare. Moreover, there are also selection and talent show formats, which make it easier to mobilize the audience's emotions.

Furthermore, the event categories are too rich. Where else can you usually see so many superhumans participating in various interesting sports and entertainment projects?

According to the Black Star Cup's blueprint, it has a chance to evolve into a league festival involving more forces in the future. With the Black Star Legion's status, it is not afraid of followers at all. In the long run, this league has great development potential. The representatives present not only want to sign for this event, but some also want to order several more events immediately as a long-term investment.

"We have a win-win situation on this project." Sylvia spoke eloquently while everyone was thinking about their bids: "The legion wants to make the Black Star Cup bigger, and it needs more media broadcasts to increase attention. And you also need viewership. The scale of the Black Star Cup doesn't need me to emphasize. This is a rare event..."

At this moment, a consortium representative raised his hand and asked, "I heard that the legion is running internal gambling pools. I wonder if you accept off-site investment?"

"You can hold your own gambling pools, but the legion's pools do not accept off-site bets." Sylvia waved her hand.

"Why is that? If you run the pools, the amount of rake will definitely increase by several orders of magnitude." Someone was confused.

"This is the legion commander's supreme directive."

Sylvia did not explain to everyone. In fact, when she learned of Han Xiao's decision, she was also a little strange. This was a great opportunity to make a fortune. Based on her understanding of Han Xiao, he could not possibly let go of this financial path, but she did not expect her teacher to have changed his nature.

Later, Han Xiao explained to her that although the legion had money, the outside bets were still too large. Opening up to the outside world was risky, and perhaps some *sozai* (idiom: behind the scenes schemer) were secretly causing trouble. Internal closure of the pools was equivalent to internal circulation of funds. No matter who won or lost, the money was in the hands of legion members.

On the other hand, if the legion's own members participated and the legion opened up to the outside world, it might cause some dissatisfaction among the legion members, which would be detrimental to ideological construction. Limiting bets to within the legion would have a much better impact at the grassroots level, giving the feeling that it was a game played behind closed doors by their own people.

In short... we won't take this easy money!

After collecting each quotation, Intrepid brought in a business team to negotiate, while Sylvia left the conference room and rushed to the next meeting.

In addition to selling broadcasting rights, the legion also planned to find a large number of sponsors for the Black Star Cup. She believed that the legion's partners, whether from the perspective of interests or face, would invest some money, which would add up to a very large sum.

On the other side, Soloquin also approached Han Xiao.

…

"You also want to sponsor the Black Star Cup?"

Han Xiao sized up the remote projection of Soloquin in front of him.

"That's right. You are a shareholder of the Infinite Consortium, so I naturally have to express my support for your project." Soloquin put on his signature fake smile.

"How much money are you prepared to invest?"

Soloquin quoted a number and smiled, "This amount represents my full sincerity."

Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat. The amount of this sponsorship was a bit exaggerated.

Your sincerity is so full that it's overflowing...

"Are you sure you're giving this much?"

"Yes, the Black Star Cup has a lot of potential. I am very optimistic about this investment." Soloquin smiled and said slowly, "And we are now partners. In the past, due to certain reasons, there were rifts between us, so I hope to make up for my relationship with you..."

Han Xiao suddenly understood.

So, this is paying protection money, wanting to compensate for the losses previously caused to me.

He used similar threatening methods to take away the position of shareholder. What's done is done. This guy Soloquin accepted reality and took the initiative to make up for the relationship. He has to be said to be able to bend and stretch, like a turtle.

After all, as the saying goes, make do with it, what else can you do?

Han Xiao suddenly thought of something, and his gaze shifted.

I'm afraid this guy is not only trying to make up for the relationship between the two sides, but also for the sake of the Traveler.

Dark Emperor captured the Traveler and has already released the news. The Empire will conduct a public trial, and he himself went to the secondary dimension world some time ago. Soloquin may think that he knows something, so he came to probe.

After all, Soloquin also intervened in Hela's rescue battle, and the Traveler is one of the few insiders, so he will certainly be nervous.

"Alright, I'll deduct a few less points from you for what happened in the past." Han Xiao smiled at him, dragging out his tone: "Then about Overlord..."

Soloquin's eyelids twitched, "This..."

Before he could answer, Han Xiao laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm just joking. How could I let you tear up the agreement with him, turn around and use the methods you used to deal with me to deal with him, and suppress all the business you helped him expand? I have a very good relationship with him."

I believe you, you black-hearted bastard is very bad...

Soloquin calmed himself and tentatively asked, "I heard you recently went to a secondary dimension world. How was the trip?"

"Not bad. I went to quite a few places..."

Han Xiao talked about everything under the sun, but did not mention the main topic.

After listening patiently for a while, Soloquin saw that Han Xiao just couldn't get to the main topic, so he could only cough dryly and take the initiative to ask, "It is said that Dark Emperor captured the Traveler in the secondary dimension. Did you run into him?"

"Yes." Han Xiao nodded.

Soloquin was overjoyed and was about to listen to what Han Xiao had to say, but he found that Han Xiao suddenly shut up, without any intention of extending the topic, a complete conversation killer.

"..."

The two stared at each other for more than ten seconds.

Soloquin couldn't stand it anymore and had to take the initiative to ask, helplessly, "So, what was the situation at the time?"

"At that time, Dark... cough, Dark Emperor was almost escaped by the Traveler. He happened to bump into me, so I conveniently caught him." Han Xiao smacked his lips and said with emotion, "Speaking of which, this guy also has no backbone. I used a little torture on him, and he confessed the identity of the mastermind."

Soloquin's heart tightened, "Who is it?"

Han Xiao glanced at him and said slowly, "He said that he is not a neutral mercenary, but a secret direct descendant of a super-star cluster civilization. He was dispatched by a high-level official, so he came to interfere when Hela was attacked."

"A direct descendant?" Soloquin asked curiously, "Which family is he from?"

Han Xiao's tone was solemn: "We didn't expect that he was actually from the Modo Civilization."

"So, it's Modo..."

Soloquin was lost in thought.

He suddenly froze and became wary.

No, the Traveler cannot help him cover up the truth. He will definitely expose the reason why the super-star cluster sent him to act, which is his operation.

In that case, the Empire must know that he also participated in it.

"Then you..." Soloquin stared at Han Xiao, hesitating to speak.

"What do you want to say?" Han Xiao raised his eyebrows.

"...Did the Traveler reveal anything else?"

"Are you trying to ask if the Traveler has confessed you?" Han Xiao smiled.

Soloquin's face tightened. Black Star said this, so he must be exposed.

At this time, Han Xiao restrained his smile and said lightly, "What you did behind the scenes is not authentic."

In fact, he originally planned to hide it, but when Soloquin came to him, he understood that the original plan of the enemy being in the open and he being in the dark was not very realistic.

Because the Empire is going to publicly try the Traveler, Soloquin will definitely not have any illusions. He knows that the probability of the Traveler confessing his guilt or shirking responsibility is very high, and there is no reason to keep it secret for him. Then the Empire will probably know his behavior behind the scenes, so Black Star will definitely be notified, knowing that he has calculated the Black Star Legion.

In that case, even if he pretends to be stupid, it will be in vain. If he hides it, Soloquin will only be more wary. Instead of doing so, it is better to make it clear. Based on his understanding of Soloquin, this turtle-like person can bend and stretch. He definitely doesn't want to tear his face apart, but wants to find a way to make up for it, just to knock a sum.

After all, even if Soloquin gives compensation, it doesn't mean that he will give up targeting Soloquin.

Soloquin paused and showed a helpless expression:

"Okay, you caught me. My motivation for doing this was just to maintain balance, not to target you personally. However, I am indeed sorry for you. Since we are now partners, I will give you an explanation to express my apology."

Han Xiao carefully observed his expression and narrowed his eyes.

As expected, with Soloquin's thick skin, it is unlikely that he will be flustered after being exposed. Instead, he will openly accept the matter, apologize in person, and look for remedies.

Moreover, Soloquin is very cunning. In fact, he prepared a way out for this matter and made two plans. That is, he deliberately revealed his "heart" to the Traveler, giving his behavior a reason to maintain collectivism and combat the super-A grade united front, not involving personal grudges.

With this kind of thinking as support, even if it is exposed afterwards, the targeting he receives will not be so intense - because the position he shows in this matter is actually consistent with the three major civilizations, and they all want to combat the super-A grade united front!

He just made a mistake in the method, but even so, the degree to which he offends the Empire is actually very low. After all, his method is indirect interference, not direct intervention, and there is a certain amount of room for maneuver.

In today's complex cosmic situation, there are conflicts of interest between the three major civilizations and the Development Federation, and Soloquin, as a member of the association, has that so-called collectivist thinking, so in the eyes of the three major civilizations, he is likely to become one of the people who can be won over.

Although the exposure of his position will make Mechanical God, Black Star and a group of super-A grades who advocate the united front reject him, on the contrary, this has become an opportunity for him to get closer to the three major civilizations and minimize losses.

Han Xiao had to admit that Soloquin was cunning enough. This two-faced guy always had room to deal with the negative consequences relying on the resources he had in his hands.

The biggest problem is that he colluded with the super-star cluster alliance in this matter. The three major civilizations will definitely be dissatisfied with this. Soloquin will not be able to wash himself clean and will definitely have to bleed a wave to solve it.

And the second problem is Han Xiao's attitude. Black Star has been offended badly, and now no one can shake his position, so Soloquin can only compromise and is prepared to be ripped off.

Various thoughts flashed through his mind, Han Xiao blinked and said lightly: "Let me hear, how are you going to express your apology to me."

——

ps: (Recommend a book, July's new show "Han Que", a great god of history, once a good friend for a lifetime ᐕ)⁾⁾

(Introduction: Looking back suddenly after a thousand years, the Han family's palaces are still there! In the third year of Emperor Zhao of Han's reign, powerful officials were in power in the court, and there were still Xiongnu outside who had not been destroyed, and the Silk Road was on the verge of extinction... In the Dunhuang Gobi, in the post station called Xuanquan, the humble petty official Ren Hong threw his pen and shouted angrily: "A man has no other ambitions, but should imitate Zhang Qian and Fu Jiezili to make contributions in foreign lands, in order to be granted the title of Marquis, how can he be engaged in writing for a long time?")