Miss Beautiful C.E.O and her system

Chapter 760 760: Philantropist

"How's the airport? Any news?" Ling Qingyu asked about the deal when the two women mentioned Gu Yi.

She remembered that after rescuing agents from the scamming syndicate, Gu Yi had promised her a large private airport that was about to be built—a military-grade version.

There was even a channel to open sales for the Y-20 Kunpeng military cargo aircraft and Z-8 helicopters—the latter not particularly interesting to her since the models were outdated and Athena could easily manufacture superior versions.

Having personally witnessed how Virgin 1 and 2 performed in combat, it was only natural that Ling Qingyu looked down on older models.

Nonetheless, securing an official procurement channel could help prolong her concealment strategy by diverting attention.

"Not yet. But I heard from General Tang that it should be ready in a few months. The airport is already under construction and only needs further refurbishment for military use," Tang Ziyi answered.

"Hopefully my mother-in-law doesn't swindle me," Ling Qingyu sighed.

"Why would she? Unless some unfortunate incident occurs, I doubt it," Tang Ziyi replied. "I believe General Tang wants nominal control of the new military airport and is sharing it with you as a contingency."

"Oh? That's an interesting take. Do you have a source?"

"Nah. I'm not going to snoop around just to confirm a guess. Sometimes surprises are worth the wait. Besides, when we cooperated with Special Forces under General Tang during that cross-border mission, the higher-ups were eager to deploy a reliable force in Province N—not the corrupt one. It's possible General Tang will soon command troops in Province N and nearby provinces. Once that positioning is secured, the airport will effectively be ours."

Ling Qingyu instantly grasped Gu Yi's foresight and General Tang's intentions. In particular, the latter seemed quite fond of the girls under her wing—perfect soldiers in the general's eyes.

The two seniors likely hoped to deepen cooperation with Spirit Fox to combat international crime beyond borders through military means while gaining overseas operational experience.

Peacekeeping missions under the World Government were entirely different from confronting vicious criminals.

That was one reason.

Secondly, General Tang might want to influence her harem members and gradually recruit them. Daily interaction fostered closeness and camaraderie.

Who could say whether the general hoped to rekindle a warrior's flame in their hearts—to draw them back into the light under the banner of serving the nation instead of working in the corporate sphere?

Ling Qingyu knew her girls would never be swayed—but her displeasure toward the general still rose from the depths of her heart. This old grandma truly intended to extend her reach toward them.

Even if, by some near-impossible chance, her girls agreed—could the military afford the astronomical daily operational costs of Spirit Fox?

Without her "cheats," even her own funds might be drained within days.

Ling Qingyu sneered inwardly.

Nonetheless, it seemed the central government had decided to strengthen an impregnable wall near the border region to tackle the rising scamming syndicates.

Although no complete solution had been found—given the new era of the internet revolution, its inherent downsides, and the easily corruptible neighboring state apparatus—the government still had to act decisively to provide answers to the public.

Apparently, in the near future, General Tang's Wolf Squadron and Spirit Fox would see a surge in combat on foreign soil. Ling Qingyu welcomed the change, as she intended to dissipate Spirit Fox's obvious footprints in the province. Remaining under General Tang's watch would automatically position her as part of the government apparatus.

After ending the call, Ling Qingyu still didn't feel like sleeping. The clock had already struck past midnight, yet she remained wide awake.

Perhaps the intense discussion had suppressed her body's relaxing hormones. Or maybe jet lag was the real culprit.

She called Xiao Yue, who refused almost instantly, her tone tinged with annoyance.

"Hell no. I'm not trapping myself in danger."

"I'm not dangerous," Ling Qingyu muttered, the corner of her lips twitching.

"Have you ever seen danger shout 'I'm dangerous' out loud?" Xiao Yue mocked.

"Stop the nonsense and come to my room. It's important. We have a lot to discuss, and I need your advice." Ling Qingyu hung up.

When Xiao Yue arrived with a helpless expression and smoldering eyes—clearly conveying you'd better make this worth my time—Ling Qingyu nearly giggled.

Overcome by the urge to share her insights, Ling Qingyu grabbed Xiao Yue's wrist, pulled her inside, and slammed the door shut, locking it without noticing the latter's reaction.

Xiao Yue froze. Her face turned pale with horror as she was stunned and pushed into a seat.

It wasn't until Ling Qingyu clearly explained what she needed help with that Xiao Yue finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Moments later, bursts of "machine-gun fire" rattled across the room—verbal bullets sprayed at Ling Qingyu so fiercely that she could only soothe her dear confidante.

She hadn't realized her urgency would frighten Xiao Yue. This was the first time she had witnessed Xiao Yue's darker side.

Amused, Ling Qingyu also understood her worries. Xiao Yue wasn't ready.

Yes, Ling Qingyu had bluntly admitted in the past that she longed for Tang Ziyi and her—despite rarely taking action.

Though slightly saddened by Xiao Yue's instinctive refusal, Ling Qingyu believed there was still plenty of time.

What was wrong with her selfish desire? So long as her actions didn't hurt others' wellbeings and remained under her conscious control, not following the heart demons, Ling Qingyu felt acceptable.

Everyone had dark sides, shadows most hid from public. Like wealth and power amplified the truest nature. It was never about containment and hiding. Self-acknowledgment of the weakness was essential to growth. More control would merely lead to a disaster later if one didn't acknowledge themselves first.

Ling Qingyu recognized herself and shared her thoughts with others through her actions. She didn't threaten or seek moral blackmails but her outward conduct conveyed the core message.

Xiao Yue: You just want to be a pervert!

The commotion gradually subsided as Ling Qingyu began outlining her concerns—specifically the possibility of a secret society existing in the shadows, manipulating the world without anyone noticing.

At the same time, she detailed her plan to first establish foundations in Elephant Continent.

With a holographic world map projected before them and Athena animating Ling Qingyu's explanations in real time, Xiao Yue's eyes brightened as she listened.

Her interest deepened as Ling Qingyu carved out swaths of territory under potential influence—failed states and those on the brink of collapse, all within Ling Qingyu's sight.

The first move was always the hardest. Once momentum built, the wheel would turn in their favor.

Now, Xiao Yue was genuinely intrigued by how Ling Qingyu intended to succeed. So far, opportunities born from collapsing nations were unfolding right before their eyes.

"What's the plan? Based on the tools we have, I can already see several possibilities with high probability," Xiao Yue said.

"My warlord, you agree with my idea, right?" Ling Qingyu grew excited as she spoke.

Xiao Yue raised her hand to suppress her enthusiasm. "Calm down. A grand script like this requires detailed forecasts. It's good that you're starting with Country E as a bridge. I assume you already have a plan in mind."

"As expected of my General Xiao," Ling Qingyu teased with the title. "Let me test you again—by what criteria should I begin my move?"

"Don't ask me. Just say what's on your mind."

"Oh? You don't have an answer?" Ling Qingyu expressed mock disbelief.

"It's not that I don't have one. I've already written down several alternatives here—I just want to hear your opinion." Xiao Yue pointed her finger at the temple.

Ling Qingyu nodded. She didn't think Xiao Yue was exaggerating. The latter operated on an entirely different tier, though she rarely chose to act since arriving in this world, instead following Ling Qingyu's lead.

Xiao Yue's political charisma and talent remained largely untapped. Ling Qingyu even suspected that Gu Yi herself might be helpless against this shortie.

Though the shortie appeared beautifully cute and harmless, the ruthlessness buried beneath couldn't be erased by her former title as a warlord. Had history ever recorded a warlord who was truly kind and generous to her enemies?

Cluelessness and innocence were merely her chosen charms.

Fear those who hide in the shadows and observe silently. Xiao Yue was exactly that type.

Of course, Ling Qingyu also understood why Xiao Yue acted so nonchalant. She was enjoying retirement—relaxing without constant vigilance, surrounded by like-minded confidantes. She trusted them.

"My approach is to ensure that none of my actions raise suspicion about my hidden agenda. I intend to act as a philanthropist."

"Interesting description, but let me correct you," Xiao Yue said. "Maybe you don't see yourself as a philanthropist, but your actions already qualify as such—even if you refuse to acknowledge it. That's what always amazes me."

"You're making me blush, shortie," Ling Qingyu said, genuinely embarrassed.

"Call me shortie again and I swear—"

"Alright, my dear. Let's get to the point. Our focus will be on the health sector—medicine and food. We'll begin our giant leap with a small footsteps. In today's world, we'd be labeled as an INGO."

"INGO?" Though Xiao Yue had been here for quite some time, certain terms still felt unfamiliar.

"International non-governmental organization," Ling Qingyu clarified, citing several examples operating under the oversight of the World Government.

"Humanitarian aid as our tool," Xiao Yue nodded. "Enough to earn the locals' favor, but—"

"It's more than just favor. Our staff will require escorts, which gives me the legitimacy to carry weapons and gradually build our behemoth." Ling Qingyu clenched her fist and glanced up at the ceiling, as if she could see through it to the stars beyond.

Xiao Yue smiled and applauded lightly. "Smart move. Beautifully done with the tools at your disposal."

If only the gleam in Xiao Yue's eyes had been a little brighter, Ling Qingyu's composure might not have faltered.

Tsk, this shortie was not impressed at her blueprint of the empire she dreamed of creating, Ling Qingyu sighed.

"Just tell me the truth. I won't be offended."

Xiao Yue's lips twitched at her response. She'd be a fool to believe in such nonsense.