In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

Naturally, everyone had no choice but to hold their noses and beg him to sell them the goods first, at a higher price.

There's no need to worry about being isolated in return; the truth is, it's simply impossible. The value of "Twins" is obvious to everyone. Their function and ease of use are currently irreplaceable, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they're necessities for the new version. Anyone who tries to be stubborn at this time is a fool, because the issue isn't how much money you spend to get them, but whether you can get them at all.

The key is to get in sync with Xie Qingyan first. As the only two suppliers of this technology, we can't afford to lose our balance, or we'll be in trouble... Fortunately, that dog woman is just as adept at this. The two of them are on the same page and can reach an agreement with just one phone call.

As for whether there will be negative impacts such as black market transactions, it can only be said that there will definitely be, but such things are not within Xu Shi's consideration.

What does this have to do with me? Those wicked capitalists only care about profit, hehe.

However, there are exceptions, such as "Shark Tooth".

At the very least, He Yuqiang didn't make any statement about himself at the previous party, and even now that the first batch of chips is about to be shipped, there's still no word from him.

At first glance, it seems like the second-in-command is unwilling to bow down to the eldest, but Xu Shi knows that the core of the problem is not there. When "Snake Ring" was in a slump before, they didn't catch up, so it's even more impossible now that they're going all out.

The problem still lies in the relationship between "Shark Tooth", "Prism", and "Snake Ring". Coupled with the factional struggles within "Shark Tooth", it is inevitable that the two brothers would have some concerns.

So he wasn't in a hurry. He was never the one who needed to be anxious; when the time came, what was meant to come would come naturally.

Before he could finish speaking, he received a call from He Laosan.

"Old Xu, are you at the company? I have something I'd like to discuss with you in person."

……

See? The "wait and see" approach has failed miserably.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 99: You're not calling me Impart, are you?

Thirty minutes later.

Looking at He Yuqiang in front of him, Xu Shi had an indescribable feeling.

After getting the bionic ears, He Laosan looked even more energetic than before. However, his relaxed attitude of treating others like brothers was gone, replaced by seriousness and even a submissive demeanor when facing me.

Hey, it seems there's already a pathetic thick barrier between us.

"What brings you here, Lao He? Why are you being so mysterious?"

A barely perceptible smile played on Xu Shi's lips as he asked knowingly, "This expression doesn't seem like you. Give me a smile, okay?"

"...Stop joking with me, Lao Xu."

Upon hearing this, He Yuqiang merely twitched the corner of his mouth, then cut to the chase with a rather serious tone, "Seriously, I want to ask you... is there any room left for me to participate in the 'Overlimit Project'?"

"I don't necessarily have to participate in the research and development... I'd even be happy to contribute a credit."

This is a pleading tone; you can tell he's feeling helpless.

As Xu Shi said, the relationship between the three conglomerates has undergone some interesting changes in a subtle way.

Originally, the factional struggles within "Shark Tooth" were relatively balanced—the eldest brother, He Yuzhao, had cooperated with "Prism" for many years, while the third brother, He Yuqiang, was closer to "Snake Ring," using similar methods to restrain each other while trying to strengthen their own power as much as possible.

But the problem is that, through the "Overlimit Project," the previously estranged "Snake Ring" and "Prism" have come together again.

This put the He brothers in an awkward position—to put it another way, imagine everyone is walking together on the road, but Xu Shi and Xie Qingyan suddenly buy a car together and leave them behind in no time.

The status quo immediately became unequal.

To maintain a unified pace, both He Lao Da and He Lao San would have to pay an extra price, a price the other side could set at will, since they held the technology monopoly.

To be honest, He Yuqiang was reluctant to compromise, because his elder brother's example was right in front of him—in the previous cooperation, Xie Qingyan was the dominant party, always having the upper hand over He Yuzhao. Now, with the "Extra-Limit Plan," it's even worse, and it looks like He Yuqiang is about to be manipulated into a puppet by Xie Qingyan.

He knew in his heart that he didn't have as many chips as his older brother—"Prism" valued "Shark Tooth" because it lacked the technology in that area, but "Snake Ring" might not be so.

Taking that step would only make things worse... not to mention the slight resentment he harbors.

He used to think of Xu Shi as an idiot. This guy didn't care about anything, but he could sometimes get very important information through him. If things continued like this, he could easily take advantage of Xu Shi and then accumulate strength to develop steadily.

But recently the situation has reversed. First, he broke with "Spark", and then he became disabled. His situation has been deteriorating. On the contrary, Xu Shi has gradually stood up, not only eliminating the group's fatigue, but also recently becoming an outstanding young entrepreneur.

It would be a lie to say I'm not envious, jealous, or resentful. What gives you the right?

That's why he's been silent for so long, constantly considering other countermeasures, but unfortunately, he's come up empty-handed.

He wanted to make a replica, but the product his R&D team produced was not even a tenth as good as the original.

Find someone else to collaborate with? We don't even have enough for ourselves, where would we find someone else to share with?

After all this trouble, he realized he couldn't get off the bus anymore. The situation was dire, and there wasn't much time to maneuver.

And don't forget, there's also the worst-case scenario—Xu Shi and Xie Qingyan could turn around and use the car to kill him outright.

So in the end, he could only humbly discuss it with Xu Shi.

Xu Shi was well aware of He Yuqiang's intentions, so when he heard He Yuqiang's purpose, he simply blinked and looked at him with sincerity.

"What's wrong? Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

"...As you know, the old man is dying."

Old He sighed, "The fighting is only between me and my eldest brother... but he'll definitely go after your fiancée, Xie Qingyan. If I can't stand up to him, not only will I be afraid of losing my life, but more importantly, if he really takes over the old man's position, 'Shark Tooth' will definitely side with 'Prism' in the future, and it might even be swallowed up by that Xie guy."

Instead of playing the victim to Xu Shi, he laid out the pros and cons for Xu Shi, trying to persuade him in a better way.

"...You're right, Xie Qingyan is indeed up to no good."

After a moment of contemplation, Xu Shi nodded, agreeing with this statement.

How could he not know Xie Qingyan's wolfish ambitions? Take this "Overlimit Project" as an example, "Snake Ring" and "Prism" are both things that require two hands to clap.

However, if "Prism" could have its own military-industrial system, things might be different. It could then completely break away from "Snake Ring" and go it alone, and its status and influence would rise accordingly.

That's why she's such a scumbag. She cooperates with me on one hand, but refuses to give up "Shark Tooth" on the other. She even sabotages my plans in other areas, all so that she can transform herself into a giant oligarch when the time is right.

Damn it, why don't you change your name to Xie Laoliu? What kind of skill is it to scheme against your fiancé all day long?

Luckily, he had taken precautions. If "White Iron" had taken advantage of the chaos to stab the "Long Knife Gang" in the ass, he would have had nowhere to cry in regret. Or rather, he deliberately let Ye Shanshan know the dog woman's attitude, whether she would behave or not.

and so.

"I understand you, Qiangzi. I get everything you're saying."

He sighed deeply, "Unfortunately, I'm afraid I'm powerless to help with the core cooperation. All the terms and conditions were agreed upon in advance. At this critical juncture, I can't afford to openly break ties with her, can I?"

"That……"

"How about this, you might not be able to participate directly, but I can let you buy an unlimited amount of 'Twin' chips at the best price?"

Xu Shi gently tapped the armrest of the boss's chair. "I'll guarantee you the same amount your older brother can get, so at least you won't lose out."

"Furthermore, if things really get to the worst, I, 'Snake Ring,' will definitely lend you a hand. What do you say?"

Well, it was Lao He just now, and now it's Qiangzi?

He Yuqiang felt increasingly aggrieved as he listened, but what could he do?

Endure, endure.

“…That’s fine.”

He frowned and thought for a moment, then sighed deeply, "Then I'll leave it to you, Lao Xu. How long will it take me to get the things?"

He knew perfectly well that even if the other party was stupid, they wouldn't let him get involved in core R&D. They'd be lucky if he invested, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case either.

But with such a promise, at least his own combat teams can improve their level, so they won't be at a disadvantage if a real battle breaks out in the future.

This was an outcome he had anticipated.

"It won't be long, don't worry."

Xu Shi sighed along with him, "Having a chip should make things much better for you. To be honest, I'm also looking forward to the day you take over 'Shark Tooth'."

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could exchange technologies and then turn around and take over Xie Qingyan?"

"...You're right, thank you, Lao Xu."

He Yuqiang wholeheartedly agreed. Leaving aside what would happen later, at least for now, he was in a better situation than his elder brother, which made him feel a little better.

"Then I'll go back first, calculate the amount, and transfer the money to you."

"No problem, how about we grab a bite to eat together? And then, like we always do, have a party or something?"

"...I'd better not for now. I just... cough, I'm not in the mood for that right now."

"That's true, I understand."

……

"Young Master, are you really planning to sell the chip to him?"

After He Yuqiang left, Su Lin couldn't help but ask, "He plotted against you with 'Spark' before, I'm afraid he might do the same in the future..."

"You know, He Yuqiang is my best brother."

Xu Shiyi said righteously, "How can I stand idly by when he's in trouble? Besides, this is a business deal; if there's money to be made, shouldn't we?"

"Of course, selling the chips to him is one thing, but whether they actually end up in his hands is another."

He knew perfectly well that He Yuqiang was an ungrateful wretch who couldn't be tamed. Don't be fooled by his current meek and obedient demeanor; he would be a completely different person if he got angry.

Want to participate in R&D? Forget about it.

He felt that his good brother hadn't suffered enough, and that helping him was just an excuse to cause trouble.

"……I see."

Su Lin understood immediately, vaguely guessing what the young master was going to do. "Then I'll go and do it?"

"How could I let you do this?"

Xu Shi smiled and waved his hand, "Your target is too obvious. There are people more suitable than you."

"..."

Su Lin understood, but was inevitably somewhat disappointed.

Who else could it be but her? Xia Wuyou, of course. The young master's strongest fighters are only the two of them.

She was just muttering about this, but unexpectedly it happened again... Director Su's lips immediately fell down.

Why are you looking so gloomy?