Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 120 Business Negotiation (Twelfth Update)

Vox's metallic frame leaned forward slightly, adopting a typical business negotiation stance: "You provide the complete data package for this technology and initial application guidance. And I, along with the entire administrative and production system of Neksam, will be responsible for subsequent manufacturing, marketing, and..."

More importantly, it's about addressing any dogmatic 'concerns' and scrutiny that may arise regarding Mars. As for profit distribution…

He paused for a moment, as if he had just gone through some difficult calculations: "Foundry World needs to bear all the production costs, production line renovation expenses, and market development risks. This investment is enormous..."

Therefore, the lion's share of the profits naturally goes to the foundry world.

However, given that you are the discoverer and provider of the technology, we are willing to give you 10% of the net proceeds as a reward.

This proportion, given the current financial strain on the world's manufacturing sector, demonstrates my utmost sincerity. After all, the entire massive system requires resources to operate, doesn't it?

Chen Yu listened quietly, his optical lens remaining perfectly still. Vox's offer was lower than expected, but it was within his calculations. He didn't directly respond to the figure, but instead pulled up a concise report and projected it onto the table.

“Great Sage,” Chen Yu’s synthesized voice was calm and even, “the value of this technology lies in its ability to help Neksam establish a unique competitive advantage in the new landscape following the ‘Second Reorganization of the Army’.”

What we've lost are stable, large-scale orders. To attract those dispersed, autonomous groups, we need differentiated capabilities.

More efficient logistics, more precise fire control, and more flexible production lines will undoubtedly greatly enhance Neksam's competitiveness.

And the core of this logic, the key to achieving all this, is this: A mere 10% profit underestimates its strategic significance in turning the tide, and it cannot compensate for the extraordinary cost I paid to acquire it.

Vox's mechanical tentacles stopped, and the human's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly reassessing the situation.

“Twelve percent,” his synthesized voice carried a hint of concession, “modifying production lines, training personnel, dealing with audits… these are all sunk costs! The risks will still be borne by Foundry World!”

Chen Yu's synthesized voice rang out smoothly: "Seventeen percent. And I need a lunar cruiser—the unfinished hull numbered NXS-07 on the orbital ring."

It must be customized to my specifications, and the cost of the modification will be borne by Foundry World.

Vox's mechanical tentacles suddenly froze in mid-air, emitting a rapid hydraulic hiss.

"Seventeen percent?! And you want a Moon-class cruiser?!" A piercing electronic noise erupted from his speaker. "Chen Yu, you're going to kill me!"

The keel of that NXS-07 is made of the highest purity refined gold; those materials alone are priceless! Not to mention the modifications you requested—the cost would be enough to rebuild three secondary forges!

“Since we’ve mentioned secondary forging plants,” Chen Yu’s optical lens flickered slightly as he immediately seized the opportunity, “then, transferring one of the idle secondary forging plants to my name as a supporting research and pilot production facility would greatly improve the efficiency of technology transfer, which is more valuable than simply modifying a ship.”

“Absolutely not!” Vox’s reaction was unusually swift and resolute, his previous mercenary nature and hesitation instantly replaced by an unquestionable sense of authority.

His massive tracked base moved forward half an inch, bringing an invisible sense of oppression: "Chen Yu, listen carefully: profit sharing can be discussed, ship modification can be negotiated, but even the smallest and most idle secondary forge represents one of Om Messiah's sacred industrial nodes in this place!"

Its management rights are by no means a bargaining chip!
You have just been promoted to Sage, and have not yet established the corresponding achievements and management system. Furthermore, your promoted specialty is not Crafting Sage. Directly overseeing a forge is contrary to doctrine and violates the fundamental rules of the Crafting world. There is no room for compromise in this regard.”

His human eye was fixed on Chen Yu, his tone low and serious: "I understand your desire for resources, young man. But on certain things, we must stand firm on our bottom line."

The structure of the world should not be easily destroyed; this is my principle.

These words were spoken with absolute certainty, indicating that this was indeed his bottom line.

Chen Yu remained silent for a moment, then quickly assessed the situation based on his core logic.

Vox's refusal was decisive, and continuing to dwell on it would only damage the atmosphere of the negotiations.

He immediately adjusted his strategy.

“I understand your principles, Great Sage.” His synthesized voice regained its previous calm. “Then, let’s return to the cruiser plan.”

He went on to argue: "The requirements for NXS-07 are justified given the current financial situation of the foundry world. It has been idle in the dry dock for thirty-seven standard calendar years and incurs daily maintenance costs."

Converting it into my dedicated casting ship would not only immediately eliminate this expense but also open up new research areas for Neksam, far from the core region, which complies with security regulations.

Moreover, a foundry equipped with advanced research facilities would be better able to uncover technological legacies like the 'logic core,' the results of which would ultimately benefit the foundry world.

Vox's tracked platform shifted uneasily, seemingly still displeased about the earlier demand for the forge, and said curtly, "Even so, the basic modification costs..."

"The modification will be carried out in stages," Chen Yu interrupted, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "The Forging World is only responsible for the basic modifications to make it navigable. I will handle the subsequent advanced modifications myself. Considering the future returns this investment can bring, this request is not unreasonable."

After another round of intense bargaining, mainly concerning the details of the cruiser's refit and the profit payment cycle, Vox finally relented: "Fifteen percent! This is the final price! And you must bear the cost of the cruiser's extensive refit yourself!"

“Okay. Fifteen percent of the net profit will be shared, and the completion costs and basic renovations will be handled by Foundry World,” Chen Yu confirmed, knowing that this had crossed the other party's bottom line: “The specific details will be written into the agreement.”

"Alright, alright, it's settled then!" Great Sage Vox seemed to have exhausted his energy, one mechanical tentacle resting on his metal forehead, the other waving to indicate the end.

"You little rascal, you're more troublesome than heretical algorithms! Here, take it, that boat is yours, saves it space!" His tone was complaining, but a hint of relief and shrewdness flashed in the human's eyes.

Clearly, successfully holding onto the forging plant as his bottom line made him feel that other concessions were acceptable.

"An agreement has been reached. May this cooperation be as seamless as precision-machined gears, propelling Neksam back to its former glory," Chen Yu confirmed calmly.

He also achieved his main objective. As for the secondary forging plant, it was merely a trial, and the future is far from over.

(End of this chapter)