Chapter 96: Reaching a Preliminary Agreement

“No,” Xiao Kaitian refused decisively, crossing his legs. “With a mouth like yours, why should I believe you?”

Huang Ming’s expression cracked slightly, but upon reflection, he realized few people actually knew about his department. Acknowledging this, he composed himself. “I apologize, I was too abrupt. Let me put it this way: our New Exploration Division is under the National Military Bureau—one of the key research units in the military’s science group.”

“Our main focus is on deep investigation of unconventional technological innovations. For example, your project—according to your publicity, it’s meant for film production, but in my eyes, it’s far more complex than that.”

“Movie props only need to look convincing; there’s no need to consider details or practical functionality. Yet, from your product, I see those elements.”

“So I’m certain that you’re simply holding onto your invention, waiting for the right buyer. And I happen to be the discerning merchant. Does that explanation satisfy you?”

A smile curled at the corner of Xiao Kaitian’s lips. Huang Ming’s explanation sounded much more credible; he tapped his fingers gently on the tabletop. “Go on.”

“As far as I can tell, let’s just talk about those artificial organs and mechanical limbs,” Huang Ming licked his dry lips. “From a medical perspective, they could open an entirely new path for the future of artificial organs.”

“For example, that artificial heart—with its built-in hydrogen capsule power unit—it solves the power supply problem elegantly.” As he spoke, his excitement grew; scientific exploration had always been his passion. “Traditional models require external batteries, meaning wires need to be left outside the body, which introduces significant risks.”

“The hydrogen capsule doesn’t have that issue. By my preliminary calculations, a single capsule could power a heart for one hundred fifty years. Am I correct?”

“Yes,” Xiao Kaitian finally smiled. “To be precise, one hundred sixty-seven years—enough to reach the current upper limit of human average lifespan.”

He handed over a stack of documents, acknowledging the man before him. “This is a conceptual introduction to my company’s products. Please take a look first.”

Huang Ming received the documents with a puzzled look, adjusted his glasses, and eagerly began to read. As he flipped through page after page, his expression shifted—from surprise, to shock, and finally to deep seriousness.

An hour passed. As Xiao Kaitian lifted his coffee, Huang Ming finished the last page, gently closing the file. “May I take this with me?”

“You may,” Xiao Kaitian did not refuse. The documents were intended for a ‘talent scout,’ and whether Huang Ming was that scout remained to be seen, but his resources and background looked promising. “So, what are your terms for cooperation? Could I get a general idea?” Huang Ming carefully placed the materials in his briefcase and cleared his throat.

“First, I must retain manufacturing rights. This is my invention, so I intend to produce it myself. Peripheral technologies can be shared, but not the core.” Xiao Kaitian stated his conditions slowly. Huang Ming’s facial muscles twitched uncontrollably.

“I actually need funding—at least thirty billion, fifty billion would be better. I don’t know what you might have expected, but I assure you, it’s worth the investment.”

“Including military applications.” As he spoke, Xiao Kaitian pulled out a red Marlboro, offering one to Huang Ming and taking one for himself.

Huang Ming flicked his lighter to ignite Xiao Kaitian’s cigarette, then lit his own. Both inhaled and exhaled plumes of smoke almost simultaneously. “Brother, you’re putting me in a difficult position.”

“The first condition is acceptable,” Huang Ming held the cigarette between fingers stained yellow from years of smoking, waving it to show his reluctance. “But the second—such a large sum—it’s extremely difficult.”

“It’s not difficult,” Xiao Kaitian replied with confidence. “In this field, that amount is hardly a problem.”

“Cough!” Huang Ming choked on a mouthful of smoke, drawing the attention of several onlookers. Guo Lei looked on helplessly; smoking was forbidden in the exhibition hall, yet these two big shots were deep in conversation.

“There needs to be something persuasive,” Huang Ming recovered, tossing his cigarette into a disposable cup half-filled with water. “You must realize, this isn’t a trivial sum. The old-timers need something tangible before they’ll be convinced.”

This wasn’t Huang Ming deliberately making things hard for Xiao Kaitian. The National New Technology Exploration Division, to be blunt, was a money-burning department. It had been established long ago, and most projects ended in failure. The label “worker’s science” hung on their door, earning them no shortage of ridicule.

Still, Huang Ming persisted, hoping that someday he could proudly proclaim, “Look at what I’ve brought back!”

That was one reason he had high hopes for Xiao Kaitian.

“Alright,” Xiao Kaitian flicked his cigarette into the cup as well, sitting up straight and leaning forward. Huang Ming leaned in too, and Xiao Kaitian whispered two words into his ear.

“Gundam.”

With that, the two drew apart. Xiao Kaitian, unconcerned, sipped his coffee, while Huang Ming cast him a meaningful glance and replied, “Brother, I’ll give a detailed report on this matter when I return.”

“It’s fairly involved; I’ll need some time. If things proceed smoothly, we’ll send specialists for follow-up.” He made a promise.

Xiao Kaitian nodded with satisfaction. This round of negotiation had achieved his objectives, and he had the patience to wait out the process.

A preliminary agreement had been reached between them. Out of courtesy, Xiao Kaitian escorted Huang Ming out of the exhibition hall, an action that left the staff exchanging bewildered glances.

“That guy looks just like a pyramid scheme salesman,” Tang Tian couldn’t help but mutter. For once, Guo Lei felt the same.

“Let’s keep in touch,” Xiao Kaitian and Huang Ming shook hands. Whether their words were mere pleasantries was uncertain, but both smiled.

After watching Huang Ming depart, Xiao Kaitian was about to return to the exhibition hall when he saw a tall woman in a black trench coat pushing a wheelchair. Seated in the chair was a young girl wearing a black fisherman’s hat, oversized sunglasses, and a mask, coming into the hall.