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Chapter 302: Negotiation

"How... how is this possible?" Dr. Wei asked incredulously.

"Don’t bother asking about the method..." Walter replied, "It’s beyond our comprehension."

He opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to refute.

There’s nothing in the world that cannot be understood; scientific thinking helps humanity understand everything.

But seeing the mechanical arm dangling from the ventilation duct, he swallowed his words. Rationally speaking, there’s absolutely no way it could be related to air conditioning equipment—even with another hundred years of technological development, it’s impossible to equip central air conditioning ducts with something like this.

"Miss Lin, does this mean we only need to produce the ’failures’ Dr. Wei mentioned to obtain fully functional artificial eyes?" Walter asked.

"You can understand it that way."

His reaction was indeed quick, Lin Qing thought. From a certain standpoint, repair and manufacturing are inherently integrated capabilities. N959 can repair damaged items and naturally restore incomplete objects—to it, these are all malfunctioning defective products, and as long as there are reference samples, repair is not too challenging.

The outcome was exactly as Lin Qing expected.

The artificial eye brought by Wei Hefan did not directly transform into a military version she used; only the interface part was reshaped. In the peculiar object’s view, the core function was not damaged and didn’t need repair. In other words, even if given unlimited resources, N959 wouldn’t modify a battery piece into an artificial eye.

Even though it indeed possesses that capability.

Simultaneously, the repair process by the peculiar object is not merely a nano-scale replication of samples; it has its unique repair philosophy, which Lin Qing experienced in New Paris City. Her arm regained full functionality post-repair, but many features changed—for instance, the skin became as fine as a regular person, the fingertips had manicures, and the nerve connection no longer relied on nano-bugs, etc.

When Lin Qing received the eyeball, she had quietly completed the inspection; not only was there no nano-bug reaction on those two artificial eyes, but their neural interfaces were subtly wriggling, as if they were living organisms.

As for how N959 restores the functionality of artificial eyes without relying on nano-bug technology, even Lv couldn’t comprehend it.

But it could accomplish it.

This is perhaps the most astonishing aspect of peculiar objects—they impose their self-logic over reality.

After the bewildered Dr. Wei was sent away, only Walter and Lin Qing remained in the meeting room.

"Now... let’s discuss cooperation," Lin Qing said straightforwardly, "You’ve seen it yourself, producing artificial eyes is no longer an unattainable goal. If all goes well, this factory could even shift into mass-production today."

She refrained from boasting about the significance of this matter or the astonishing wealth epoch-making products could bring.

Because there was no need to say more words; old Walter understood well.

Walter Vis felt sweat beading on his forehead.

He guessed the mechanism’s power was exceptional, but he hadn’t expected it to be this formidable—the power was almost defying. The dissolution of the cooperation was a minor issue; he feared if the talks failed, he wouldn’t be able to live safely.

Having witnessed the opponent’s "secrets."

Despite that, Walter maintained composure, smiling faintly at Lin Qing, saying, "The Dimensional Limit Mechanism’s methods are indeed extraordinary; without such miracle technology, my people would struggle to produce formal results even after ten years of research."

That wouldn’t necessarily be the case, Lin Qing smiled courteously. If the company truly ends up being merged by the mechanism as in history, producing prosthetics in ten years would certainly be feasible.

He continued, "However, Walter Company’s role is equally crucial. For the mechanism, you won’t easily find a mid-sized flexible and cooperative arms company like ours. I believe, if our cooperation persists, it could truly be a win-win situation. Regarding profits... I can make some concessions, but thirty percent is the company’s limit."

Walter looked towards Lin Qing tentatively.

Profits divided seventy-thirty is an earnest offer.

After all, investing in factory construction demands significant capital, with all heavy asset risks shouldered by the company alone. Not getting thirty percent would be somewhat disrespectful.

"I wasn’t planning to discuss that..." Lin Qing replied nonchalantly, "If you agree, I can continue with the previous fifty-fifty division standard."

Walter was quite surprised, "Then what do you want to discuss?"

"We require absolute loyalty from your company," she raised two fingers, "Considering it’s a family business, you only need to ensure loyalty while holding sole power. Loyalty means your company will only engage in businesses we permit and transact with companies or organizations we recognize, prioritizing our production tasks."

Walter froze.

This can’t count as normal commercial negotiation, can it?

Does she want to make Walter Company a part of the mechanism?

"No, the company is still yours; you can decide which child inherits the accumulated wealth," Lin Qing noticed his thoughts, "We don’t intend to merge your company, this requirement is posed to handle future changes, ensuring survival in brutal competition."

Future changes?

Walter was startled, absolutely not thinking it was a casual threat. What did the Dimensional Limit Mechanism detect to conclude this?

Furthermore, deliberating upon it, companies supported by mechanisms serving the mechanisms seems quite sensible... not to mention, they didn’t tighten key profit distribution, splitting half—what does that imply? With products surpassing the era like artificial eyes, Walter Company could likely earn what it couldn’t in the past decade within a year.

However, when it comes to money... he felt something was missing.

"Aside from corporate earnings, Miss Lin... what benefits do I gain?"

Walter was surprised he uttered such words.

The company’s purpose is for making money, is there a condition more worth negotiating than profit?

This query is unlikely from a seasoned businessperson.

At least previously, Walter wouldn’t have asked.

What was he craving?

"Your company will produce many pioneering era products, and you’ll be remembered by the world, like figures who founded great companies, becoming an indispensable part of history," Lin Qing saw through his desires, "Mr. Walter, we don’t need a business puppet, but a warrior fighting in the future. Future arms industry competition exceeds your imagination; failing to reach consensus now ensures failed cooperation."

"You overestimate me," Walter reassured himself, "I’m fifty-five already, even if wanting to push forward, my body might not take it. Yet, before that, I’m willing to maintain this cooperative relationship... because my capacity tells me your request isn’t malicious."

Lin Qing smiled, "You know, for those possessing capabilities and advanced technology like us, lifetime isn’t immutable."

Walter’s face flashed astonishment, "Do you mean..."

"Yes, that’s an additional advantage we offer—some prosthetics can enhance nerve response levels, making one feel rejuvenated, while some abilities can extend lifespan, preventing aging..." Lin Qing paused, "Thus, we’ve never considered Walter family heirs. As previously stated, this company must be solely controlled by one person, with just an agreement required from them."

Walter was silent for a moment, then laughed aloud.

"Hahaha... this isn’t negotiation at all, as the conditions you offer are too enticing, how could I possibly refuse?"

After the laugh, he soberly noted, "From today, Walter will be your most trustworthy company."

Lin Qing offered no reply, instead retrieving a cigarette-box-sized iron box, pushing it across the table.

The latter opened it to find a press-type syringe inside.