Chapter 86: An Outstanding Negotiator

After matters had temporarily come to a close, Xiao Kaitian's attention was wholly absorbed by the film production project. He specially reached out to a prop manufacturing company in Hollywood, United States, sending only the initial drafts of his product designs. The company quickly accepted the invitation and arrived in Haidu.

A total of six people came, led by a middle-aged man with tawny hair and a bushy beard. Upon seeing Xiao Kaitian, he happily opened his arms wide. "Hey, Xiao!" After a light embrace, Xiao Kaitian stepped back. "Jameson, these are my company’s staff." Both sides introduced themselves in turn, then took their seats on opposite sides of the conference table.

Guo Lei held a thick stack of photocopies prepared for Jameson and his team, handing a copy to each person. The room was silent save for the rustling of papers being flipped through.

Xiao Kaitian spread his hands. He was already intimately familiar with his own designs, and only when everyone had finished reading did he begin to speak.

"The overall concept is as outlined in the materials. I hope your company’s involvement can accelerate our production process," Xiao Kaitian stated directly. "I believe you understand what these mean."

"Honestly," Jameson raised his eyebrows, "Xiao, your idea breaks through the current technological level of the world. I have to wonder—are these props really just for the film?" His eyes fixed on Xiao Kaitian.

Smart people never beat around the bush. Xiao Kaitian’s intention was simple: Han-Tang’s present technological capabilities had actual manufacturing gaps, which certain American technologies could fill. His cooperation with Jameson was aimed precisely at this.

He handed over a red Marlboro cigarette; the two exchanged smiles and lit up. With this brief interlude, the atmosphere relaxed. Xiao Kaitian exhaled a puff of smoke. "Yes, as you said, it would be a waste if these creations served only the film."

Jameson’s eyes brightened instantly. Just as he was about to speak excitedly, Xiao Kaitian preempted him. "But Jameson, this is Han-Tang. The national context differs from America. Martial arts practitioners emerge from Han-Tang—you know what that signifies."

"Hey, Xiao," Jameson shrugged, "Of course we understand. The resistance from martial arts circles is huge. We’ve considered that thoroughly."

"So, my answer for now is: everything we do at this stage is for the film." The key to negotiation was holding one’s cards close; Xiao Kaitian had seized the initiative from the outset.

"I can accept that, but Xiao, I need something to convince the shareholders," Jameson said with a smile. "If your product can’t be marketed and exists only for a single film, the other shareholders’ interest will be limited."

"They will be interested," Xiao Kaitian crossed his legs, drawing deeply on his cigarette as thick smoke curled around him. "Beyond what’s visible on the surface, what I truly want is the artificialization of human internal organs!"

A bomb seemed to explode in the room—not only Jameson’s team but Xiao Kaitian’s own subordinates, Guo Lei and Tang Tian, were stunned.

"Xiao, you’re not joking, are you?" Jameson grew serious. What Xiao Kaitian proposed could overturn the existing world order; it hinted at a revolution in human history. Realizing this, he swallowed hard. "I need to see a detailed plan."

"There isn’t one yet. Ethical issues are involved, and I’m not sure it’s even achievable," Xiao Kaitian explained unhurriedly. "It’s difficult—so many aspects must be considered. Besides, technological innovation can’t happen overnight. All this is in the plan. What I mean is: it’s a possibility for us."

This cunning old fox, devouring everything without leaving a trace—Jameson kept smiling, but inwardly cursed Xiao Kaitian thousands of times. "Xiao, what you say makes sense."

Guo Lei and the others, familiar with Xiao Kaitian, turned their faces away.

"Of course, we’ve fully considered the market," Xiao Kaitian continued, cigarette in hand, waiting for Jameson’s response.

Nearly led by the nose, Jameson hesitated for a moment. "Alright, I trust you, Xiao. But we hope for a fifteen percent stake in this project."

"Impossible," Xiao Kaitian refused without a second thought. "At most, three percent..."

"Xiao, you—"

"Let me explain," Xiao Kaitian stubbed out his cigarette, sat up straight, and interlaced his fingers beneath his chin. "My purpose in cooperating with your company is your proprietary technology in liquid flow metals—a technology I need very much."

"However, even your technology has flaws," Xiao Kaitian gave Jameson no chance to interrupt, following his own line of thought. "Conversely, your company has the technology but lacks a practical application platform. Holding onto it without using it is a tremendous waste."

Jameson clenched his jaw; he could not refute Xiao Kaitian’s words.

"Any technology ahead of its time, if it cannot be widely applied, is like a heavy, deluxe encyclopedia—destined to sit on a lavish bookshelf, never entering ordinary households," Xiao Kaitian pressed his psychological advantage. "We desire the liquid flow metal technology, but that doesn’t mean we lack alternatives. Memory metal isn’t your company’s exclusive domain."

He leaned back, spinning his chair leisurely.

His subordinates were all dumbfounded.

"Xiao, if you’re not a great swindler, you’re an outstanding negotiator," Jameson replied with a wry smile. "But what you said—I can’t decide alone. I need to make some calls."

"By all means."

The negotiation ended. Jameson and his team left the conference room, leaving the Seven Stars Media Consulting staff exchanging bewildered glances.

Lin Xiang was out of his depth, but Guo Lei and Tang Tian tactfully expressed their concerns. Based on the product, liquid flow metal was their best option.

"No matter," Xiao Kaitian was confident. He wanted the technology, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t "create" it himself. He simply didn’t wish to dazzle too much in this dimension; the force of a dimensional strike needed careful consideration.

Guo Lei and the others didn’t know where Xiao Kaitian’s confidence stemmed from, but when the meeting resumed, Jameson returned with no hesitation, agreeing to the partnership.