Chapter 896: Chapter 486, Only You, My Friend_2 Chapter 896: Chapter 486, Only You, My Friend_2 Overall, Gu Hang believed that the advantages of this matter far outweighed the disadvantages.

A crisis with the potential risk of extinction no longer existed.

As for not locking in goodwill, that was also fine–at least there was no loss. Moreover, the ‘favorability’ from the start was almost maxed out, and Gu Hang himself was not a troublemaker, not prone to squandering the relationship between the two of them.

Furthermore, they currently had quite a consistent interest.

After the initial pleasantries, that evening’s dinner was a banquet arranged by Galaraldo.

In the Imperial Palace, a restaurant dedicated to serving high-ranking officials was chosen, where various officials accepted his invitation and came.

Galaraldo, bringing Gu Hang along, introduced him to many individuals one by one.

These people were from all departments of the Empire Government. Military Affairs Department, Department of Political Affairs, Legal Department, Department of Taxation… In addition to these government departments, there were also several high-ranking generals from the Star Realm Army, the Imperial Navy, and even senior clergy from the State Religion and Sect of Mechanics.

Those who were personally introduced by Galaraldo, of course, were no minor characters; at a minimum, they held the status of senior committee members of their respective departments, and among them, there were even a few deputy directors of the Central Government. The highest-ranking attendee was a Deputy Prime Minister from the Imperial Taxation Department.

Gu Hang had indeed come to admire Galaraldo a bit. Initially, he thought this guy was just a good hand who used the name of the Sun Lord to make money everywhere. But now, it seemed that the loss of the Sun Lord had, conversely, acted like lifting a seal for him, revealing his other side capable of mingling adeptly.

Making so many ‘friends’ was not easy.

Gu Hang’s network was suddenly expanded by a lot.

Of course, these people wouldn’t easily become Gu Hang’s friends just because of one introduction. But at least, they were now acquaintances, having exchanged contact information; when Gu Hang needed something, he at least knew who to approach, and visiting them wouldn’t result in being ignored.

Asking for help might not be appropriate, but if there were some opportunities for an exchange of interests that could benefit both sides, there shouldn’t be any major problem.

In short, becoming familiar faces was always beneficial.

The senior figures from the various departments and forces of the Empire, their attitude towards Gu Hang was also pretty good. Of course, Galaraldo’s influence was a reason, and the main reason at that; but, many were also genuinely interested in Gu Hang himself, and had engaging conversations with him.

“These people, you really can mingle with them more, they are the ones who need support from local power brokers. If you have any ideas, you can communicate more with these people and exchange some things,” Galaraldo whispered to Gu Hang at the end of the banquet, when the two of them were chatting on a terrace. The Executive Minister of the Military Affairs Department had begun to speak quietly to Gu Hang about the various people they had talked with earlier.

“And that Deputy Minister of the Taxation Department, he is our true friend.”

Gu Hang laughed: “I thought everyone in the hall was your friend.”

“Hahaha!” Galaraldo laughed loudly, his tone inadvertently carrying a hint of scorn: “How could that be? Among the people here, only you are worthy of the term ‘friend’.”

“In my heart, people are hierarchical.”

“The majority in the meeting hall belong to the lowest tier. Most of them are mediocrities, neither possessing exceptional abilities nor firm will, their greatest value lies in their positions. These people are mere underlings, only useful for creating an imposing presence. Relying on them in crucial moments is not their fault, but ours.”

“The few who are truly capable are also just for mutual use; they can be trusted when there are profits in sight, but one must always be vigilant. In the cruel battleground of fame and fortune that is Holy Terra, betrayal and bribery are ever-present.”

“The least in number are those who can be deemed ‘partners’; they are trustworthy and capable, with interests deeply intertwined and a certain foundation of sentiment. These people can be relied on. But they cannot be regarded as friends; they are not to be entrusted with one’s life.”

“Only you, my friend, I will always remember that you once saved my life and gave me the opportunity to quickly return to the center of power. I can rest assured handing my life over to you, without fear that you will betray me.”

Even Gu Hang was somewhat moved after hearing all this.

He seriously said to Galaraldo: “I feel the same.”

Galaraldo patted Gu Hang’s shoulder, smiled, and after toasting with him, he continued: “No need to be so serious, today isn’t a very serious occasion. However, later tonight, there’s another, smaller gathering. That will need to be more stringent, as we have some major issues to discuss, real major issues.”

“Okay,” Gu Hang emptied the cup of wine in one gulp.

…

A little later, Gu Hang sat in a small resting room of the banquet hall.

Galaraldo, who had previously left him to attend to something for a while, had returned.

“Let’s go.” He called out.

Gu Hang got up but saw Galaraldo walk up to a bookshelf wall in the resting room, tapped a spot twice, and a password lock popped up. After entering the password for a moment, the carpet in front of Gu Hang was automatically rolled back, and a secret passage appeared.

Galaraldo took the lead down the passage, with Gu Hang close behind.

At the end of the downward-turning staircase was actually a small underground railcar.