Indeed, the benefits reaped by Jonas from this incident are far from simplistic upon closer examination. Leaving aside the complete resolution of Miss Tianyu's predicament, this event stands as the most profound influence Jonas has encountered among all occurrences thus far.
The repercussions of reputation are subtle, yet for Jonas, they offer a gateway to more profoundly engage in subsequent historical milestones. After all, establishing firm footing in the preliminary stages is inconsequential; it is the challenges encountered as the narrative progresses into its middle phase that truly test him. One might even argue, it presents a challenge to the entire order of the twenty-five districts.
Countless conglomerates will collapse as a result, various organizations brandishing the banner of freedom will emerge to commit acts of tyranny, the Destiny Organization will recede to the sidelines to clandestinely amass power, and the normalcy of people's lives will be disrupted. First, it's the twenty-five districts... then, it encompasses the entire world.
This elucidates why Jonas hasn't invested all his energy into constraining the Destiny Organization; after all, for a considerable period thereafter, it remains offline. When it resurfaces in the middle to later stages, the Destiny Organization may have evolved into a force not to be underestimated... and Jonas's earlier restrictions on the Destiny Organization will then manifest their due effect.
The cruise ship incident, in a certain sense, can be considered concluded. Prior to its unfolding, Jonas had taken meticulous preparations, or rather, from the outset, Jonas had deployed all his resources... of course, these were all discreetly concealed beneath the surface. Among Jonas's subordinates, it's not Miss Esni who excels in intelligence work, but rather Miss Shi Yuliangzi, who usually maintains a low profile.
And on this occasion, Miss Shi Yuliangzi also exhibited her characteristic prowess as a tool, flawlessly accomplishing the tasks entrusted to her by Jonas. Shedding the stifling tactical headgear, the young lady exchanged it for the attire of her Morris conglomerate security department.
Evidently, the objective of this mission was for Miss Shi Yuliangzi to assume the role of infiltrating enemy ranks to gather intelligence. The arduous nature of this assignment could be deduced from the perspiration-soaked collar of her garments.
While Miss Shi Yuliangzi's gaze bore a hint of resentment, she dared not exhibit it too overtly, particularly after just witnessing Jonas's methods of torment; she feared becoming his next target. Compared to the treatment meted out to the individual from the Destiny Organization, her experience evidently indicated Jonas's leniency.
However, working under such a figure could indeed be aptly described as "playing with fire"; it also presents a considerable test of one's psychological fortitude. Fortunately, Miss Shi Yuliangzi's temperament is relatively magnanimous, accepting things as they come without harboring grudges.
Embracing a laissez-faire attitude, Miss Shi Yuliangzi selectively disregarded her current predicament. After all, even Miss Chelsea couldn't discern the circumstances clearly; attempting resistance would be akin to a fool's errand. It's better to recline in advance, lest blood splatters everywhere during the upheaval of resistance.
Just as the girl's mood of despondency enveloped her entire thoughts, the tightly shut door suddenly swung open. This startled the girl, who instinctively attempted to don her helmet once more, but upon seeing the newcomer, she couldn't help but halt her actions.
"Mr. Jonas?" Contrary to her expectations, he should be engaged in negotiations with the peacekeeping forces at this time. Why would he appear here? However, the naive girl at this moment subconsciously overlooked a detail.
Upon hearing Jonas's words, the girl couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. Realizing his commendation, her previous apprehensions quickly gave way to a sense of pride. Of course, Miss Shi Yuliangzi didn't display it too overtly, merely waving her hand and remarking, "These are merely the duties incumbent upon me. If I were to be recognized by a group of security department personnel, I would have died countless times in previous missions."
Though she spoke thus, the slight upturn of the girl's lips betrayed her true sentiments at the moment. Evidently, receiving praise from Jonas is quite a rare occurrence for Miss Shi Yuliangzi.
"In any case, it is thanks to Miss Shi Yuliangzi's assistance this time that this event could conclude so smoothly according to the original plan..." Jonas paused, then continued with a smile, "Upon our return to the Altair District, Miss Shi Yuliangzi need only express her desires to me. As a reward for this incident, I will endeavor to fulfill your requests as much as possible."
This declaration left the previously somewhat smug Miss Shi Yuliangzi pleasantly surprised. This was the first time Jonas had uttered such words; previously, he had treated her merely as a tool, and each time she aided him in achieving his objectives, she felt as though she had enjoyed a feast only to go hungry again. His sudden change in demeanor caught Miss Shi Yuliangzi off guard.
The poor girl didn't realize she had fallen into Jonas's trap. Perhaps the cycle of this trap was too protracted; the girl's vigilance had been eroded by the passage of time, and the hunter only now bared his fangs. Miss Shi Yuliangzi remained unaware that the other party had reached a dead end, still immersed in her pleasantly surprised emotions.
Jonas, on the other hand, chuckled inwardly, though he didn't betray it outwardly, simply proceeding to say, "Additionally, considering Miss Shi Yuliangzi's exemplary performance prior, the probationary evaluation has concluded satisfactorily. Upon our return to the company, you will receive a supplementary bonus."
——A bonus! Upon hearing this, Miss Shi Yuliangzi's eyes lit up. Her resistance to serving a few more months under Jonas's tutelage suddenly weakened. "Um, how much is the bonus?" Miss Shi Yuliangzi cautiously inquired.
"One hundred thousand credits." "?" Miss Shi Yuliangzi seemed to doubt her ears, a question mark figuratively hovering above her head. She couldn't help but stutter as she asked once more, "H-how much?"
"One hundred thousand credits," Jonas reiterated with a smile.
——I am forever the pawn of the Weiting conglomerate! Miss Shi Yuliangzi promptly chose to defect.