Chapter 112: The Negotiation Mission Ended in Complete Failure

Xiao Kaitian smiled as he picked up the fairness cup, pouring the clear amber tea for both of them. “Mechas are a crucial force the nation uses to control martial artists. What we develop is civilian-grade; it’s not comparable to military standards.”

“No, no,” Huang Ming removed his glasses, wiping away the steam from the lenses. “Mr. Xiao, my sincerity is absolute. The funding you mentioned last time—three hundred or even five hundred billion—is no problem. But without your transparency, we cannot proceed.”

Xiao Kaitian shook his head again. The mecha technology was the core of all his innovations, and he had no intention of handing it over. “Let me be frank. There’s no technical issue, but I have no plans to share this technology.”

“That…” Huang Ming was stunned, and a flicker of displeasure crossed Yu Zhengyan’s face.

“This is my safeguard. But I can assure you, if needed, we can supply the finished products. All production and manufacturing must be done within the high-tech industrial park of Qingtang World.”

“You provide the funds, I hold the technical and manufacturing rights. The finished products are yours to take, and the cost of these products will be gradually deducted from the five hundred billion financing. This way, neither side feels pressured.” With that, Xiao Kaitian handed over a red Marlboro.

Huang Ming took it, but Yu Zhengyan politely declined. Xiao Kaitian’s cooperation plan was now clear: he intended to retain all technical and manufacturing rights, firmly holding the core in his hands while using their funds to launch the entire project—a classic case of getting something for nothing.

Yet, the finished mechas would be directly allocated for national use, which was tempting.

“What about the mecha’s greatest strength? If it’s on par with existing models, I don’t find it attractive,” Yu Zhengyan, a military man, was most concerned with actual combat capability.

“For mass-produced models, we’re looking at the peak of the Earth Realm. Customized versions could go further, but how they stack up against top-tier martial artists requires testing.” Xiao Kaitian lit his cigarette slowly and exhaled a cloud of smoke.

A sharp intake of breath escaped both men. A mecha capable of confronting Heavenly Realm martial arts masters—should such a thing appear, the world would be thrown into chaos.

“I don’t think you’re at a loss. I only hold the technology and manufacturing rights. The finished products will be handed over to you immediately. Military or civilian use is not my concern. Besides, without me, these products couldn’t be made in the first place.”

“Furthermore, if you want access to some military technologies, I can share other resources partially, such as artificial organ technologies. That’s not a problem.”

Huang Ming and Yu Zhengyan exchanged glances, both seeing shock mirrored in the other’s eyes. Xiao Kaitian’s reasoning suddenly seemed quite reasonable.

“I’m a businessman. I don’t understand politics. As long as the Qingtang World project succeeds, I’m satisfied.” Xiao Kaitian crossed his legs, leaning back on the sofa with an air of leisure and confidence.

The two men were immediately a bit awkward. Their original plan was to provide several hundred billion in funding, expecting Xiao Kaitian to hand over the technology. But after this encounter, it was clear he had no intention of doing so and seemed indifferent to the presence or absence of funds.

They couldn’t fathom where Xiao Kaitian’s confidence and leverage lay, which put them in a passive position. They exchanged another glance before Yu Zhengyan stood. “I’ll make a call.”

“Have some tea. This is a tea from Southern Fujian, quite pleasant in flavor.” Xiao Kaitian lifted the fairness cup and refilled Huang Ming’s. The smooth, refreshing tea strangely tasted bitter upon entry.

Less than fifteen minutes later, Yu Zhengyan returned, his expression somewhat grim. Sitting down, he gazed at Xiao Kaitian with a complex look. “Mr. Xiao, your demands involve many issues. I’ve confirmed with my superiors. They want you to come to the capital. It’s better to discuss some details face to face.”

There was no outright rejection, which was already a great show of respect. The “superiors” Yu Zhengyan referred to were likely the real power brokers within the Han Tang military. The current terms were not harsh.

“Alright,” Xiao Kaitian immediately agreed, seemingly unaware that journeying to the capital was like stepping into a den of dragons and tigers. He stood, returned to his desk, and handed over a document to Huang Ming. “This is a token of thanks for your visit. Just a small gesture.”

Huang Ming’s eyes widened as he saw the document titled “Latest Improved Hydrogen Crystal Engine Technology.” “Mr. Xiao, what is this…” He was puzzled by Xiao Kaitian’s intentions.

“I’m also from Han Tang. Fortunately, I understand a bit about technology,” Xiao Kaitian said with a vivid expression. “This is a handy upgrade that can improve the power efficiency of military or civilian engines on the market by about ten percent. I’m not interested in the automobile industry, so it’s yours.”

Huang Ming clenched his teeth. “A bit of technology,” he thought sarcastically, “You’re just digging a pit for yourself and Yu Zhengyan. Taking this tech back will certainly change the leadership’s impression of you!”

A ten percent increase in power efficiency was no trivial matter in military applications.

“Of course, if you don’t want it, you can return it,” Xiao Kaitian said casually. From the start, he had taken charge of the negotiations, ending them promptly without overwhelming the two men. This tactic of giving a slap and offering candy left them completely compliant. “This kind of technology can also be applied commercially. People in the auto industry would definitely be interested.”

“Mr. Xiao, you jest,” Huang Ming could only force a bitter smile. The negotiation was a complete failure.

Yu Zhengyan, however, was a bit defiant. As a military man with a short temper, he mumbled under his breath, “Could even aircraft carrier technology be improved?”

Though his voice was low, it was clear enough. Huang Ming was momentarily stunned and felt awkward. Xiao Kaitian was unfazed. “If you’re willing to share the data with me, maybe there’s a way.”

“Including aviation technology, of course, I’m only saying ‘maybe,’” Xiao Kaitian’s calm tone held a hint of confidence.

This wasn’t idle boasting. In the Central Axis Universe world he came from, there was no technology that didn’t exist. To him, this planet’s technology was like kindergarten children’s crafts—crude and shoddy.

“Well then, I won’t keep you any longer,” Xiao Kaitian stood to see them off. “Also, you can check the ‘Today’s Focus’ website soon. They will be releasing introductory trailers for the product—might be worth a look.”

“Please!” Xiao Kaitian extended his right hand.