The old man fell silent for a brief moment. Seeing Gaia's look of determination reminded him of Gaia's father back in his prime.
That kid had said something similar back then, insisting that he would carry the burden of the family without any hesitation.
Well, the saying "like father, like son" seemed to be holding true after all!
"Not bad. You've grown up and learned to take responsibility for my family, I see."
The old man sighed.
He asked once more, "What makes you think that ability of yours would be good enough to give our family an edge?"
Gaia knew that the old man was testing him. So, he answered in a serious manner, "That's because the location of the next Stargate in the other world isn't fixed. Only I know when and where the Stargate will appear. This is what I'm bringing to the table. Without me, the Federation might not even be able to find the location of the Stargate."
The old man nodded. "Alright, you have my backing. I'll give you my permission to follow the army to that planet. However..."
The old man's tone changed. "Before that, you have to promise me one thing."
Gaia said, "What is it?"
The old man said earnestly, "You're not a kid anymore, so it's time for you to settle down. That's why... Your engagement will be decided upon soon."
"Who do you have in mind?" Gaia asked in reflex.
He had been expecting this for quite some time, so he did not say anything to oppose talks of an arranged marriage. For an influential family like theirs, the heirs to the family rarely have freedom of choice when it came to their marriage partners. Instead, they had to compromise and serve the needs of the family.
This was just an inevitability. To enjoy the luxuries of being a part of such a family, one also had to bear the responsibility for the family.
Marriage was just one facet of such responsibilities.
"The Samuel family!"
Gaia opened his mouth, somewhat surprised.
"Right, didn't you have a girlfriend? If you do, you'll need to deal with that situation as soon as possible," said the old man.
Gaia shook his head, "No, I don't!"
"Great!" The old man nodded. "Alright, go get some rest and prepare yourself. Oh, and change your clothes while you're at it. You're going out with me in a bit. I've already made arrangements for that request of yours."
Gaia nodded as he left the study. As he returned to his own room, he pondered to himself.
"Girlfriend? What girlfriend?
"The old Gaia was the one who was crushing on Millie, not me!"
"
More than an hour later, the old man headed out with Gaia. Soon, they had arrived in a place that would be quite foreign to the general public.
It was
The White House!
Gaia was not fond of this President who had been propped up by others to his current position. However, this man was still the President of the United States, he did not dare to act too impudently.
He greeted him honestly.
"Tell me the details," After greeting the old man with a hug, the President asked Gaia without beating around the bush.
Gaia recounted what he had experienced in that foreign world.
Hearing Gaia's words, the president's expression gradually changed.
Although he knew that this matter was important, what Gaia had said was still too shocking.
"So far, you're the only one to have entered that stone door?" The President asked.
"Yes, those monsters chased me to the altar, but I don't know why they didn't follow me out to this world," Gaia said.
The elderly President nodded.
"You handled it correctly. This is indeed a matter of utmost importance. If this is true, it might affect the state of the current world," the President huffed.
"Show me the photos and videos you took."
Gaia handed over his phone.
As he watched the footage, a glimmer seemed to flash in the President's eyes.
"I understand the situation now. What are your thoughts on this?"The President sat down and asked, his eyes seemingly glimmering.
The only reason Gaia came to him must be because their family wanted to get something out of him.
If it was an ordinary person, the President could have arranged for someone to just "take" what he wanted from Gaia.
However, Gaia's identity meant that these under-the-table methods could not be used so easily on him.
Gaia glanced over at the old man only to find him leaning back on the chair with his eyes closed as if he was asleep.
Gaia cursed the old man, he had left everything to his grandson.
Gaia put on a calm expression, but the intensity of his resolution surged.
"Mr. President, you also understand that this Stargate is a matter of utmost importance for the survival of our world, right? Whoever controls the Stargate will control more opportunities in the future," Gaia said.
The president rubbed his chin as he nodded. "That's right. This is indeed an important matter. However, why would we want to cooperate with your Klaus Family? With the strength of the United States, we can completely explore this foreign world alone. Why should we involve your family? Just because you discovered the Stargate?"
As he spoke, the President's eyes seemingly shot daggers at Gaia. He completely disregarded the old man next to this kid as he continued in a low voice.
"Don't think that just because your family is one of the more influential families in the world that you can act however you want. With enough mutts around, even a lion can be taken down easily."
Gaia maintained eye contact as he replied in a stern tone, "The Klaus family is by no means invincible in this world, but crushing a few insects that got too greedy is still something within our power.
"Furthermore..."
Gaia changed the topic. "As the first person to discover Planet Mushu, I also obtained something special. Since the locations of future Stargates in the other world are not fixed. Only I know when and where the future Stargates will appear."
Gaia had revealed his trump cards, repeatedly emphasizing his importance to finding the Stargates.
There was no point in hiding such things, all that was left was to split the pie.
One should always use all the cards they have up their sleeve when the appropriate time comes.
Only then can they dispel the idiotic delusions of certain despicable rats.
With that, the President seemed to have come to a sudden and sobering realization. He said, "If what you said is true, then we'll give the Klaus Family the initiative this time."
At this moment, the old man piped up, as if he had suddenly woken up. He opened his eyes and said, "Same goes for the Federation."
The President nodded. The old man waved his hand. Gaia immediately understood and quietly left.
What happened next was not appropriate for a kid like him to be involved with.
The darkest and most underhanded profit distribution negotiation session in the history of mankind was about to begin.
These polite-looking gentlemen were ready to rip off their ties and take off their calculated facades, turning into rabid beasts both vying for the proverbial pie of profits.
Seeing Gaia leave, the President nodded.
"This kid ain't half bad. He's got potential."
From Gaia's performance just now, the President could see that the manner in which Gaia handled the situation earlier was quite comprehensive, albeit inexperienced. He definitely knew his stuff.
The old man just waved his hand. "He still has a long way to go!"