Space Odyssey from Abandoned Mining Space Station-Chapter 647 - 198: Contract, Test_2

As for countermeasures.

He knew his technology better than anyone. Just grabbing a Blocking Pulse Generator could directly counter it, with no need to spend effort researching.

It’s just that the star system at the superspace transition point can’t detect the transition’s fluctuations like the Teleportation Engine can, so a warning mechanism is indeed needed beforehand.

But that’s all quite normal.

Even if the military doesn’t do it, Chen Ming himself might have to think of a way to make one in the future.

Otherwise, if Zuo Jing really got hold of this technology and used superspace transitions to deliver self-destruct drones everywhere, it could become a headache for him in the future.

Therefore, Chen Ming seemed completely unconcerned about countermeasure technology.

Chen Ming’s response was received.

Bai Quan understood Chen Ming’s stance and didn’t dwell on it, bringing the conversation back to business, "Then let’s talk about the details."

"There are a few plans here, both regarding profit-sharing and buyouts..."

Chen Ming directly interrupted, "Buyout is not acceptable."

That would be a big loss for him.

Chen Ming’s thoughts were simple: Use Spiritual Energy to develop some research technology patents, collaborate with others for shared profits, and earn a steady income.

A one-time buyout might look a lot, but since his development is ongoing, only long-term earnings are more stable.

Unless he really reached a point where he couldn’t make ends meet and his funding was about to be cut off, buyout was something he would never accept.

"Alright."

Bai Quan certainly intended to follow Chen Ming’s wishes, but he also probed, "Then for profit-sharing... would you give a friendly rate?"

"Let me think about it."

Chen Ming calculated based on his patent share in Antimatter Technology and the shares held by others, Sinda Corporation, and some sponsors for Antimatter patents.

He figured out the contribution and earnings of those companies that helped in propaganda and manufacturing of Antimatter-related technical equipment.

Then he arrived at a ratio he could fully accept and offered Bai Quan a 2% discount off that.

After all, it’s a big business in the long run, and offering a bit more of a discount would lead to considerable loss for Chen Ming.

Moreover, Chen Ming had other projects to collaborate with Bai Quan on later. Although this concession seemed small now, Bai Quan would definitely benefit enough later.

After considering for a moment, Bai Quan also agreed.

"Then we’ll sign the contract when the time comes. You’ve basically outlined the complete technology in your paper, so we’ll just follow that."

"However, the actual start of mass production and large-scale testing might be delayed, since the Empire is still prioritizing the promotion of Antimatter Technology."

Chen Ming had nothing to say about that and casually replied, "I know."

He was aware that Antimatter Technology and his technology were not on the same level and understood the gap between them, so he held no opinions.

As long as he could get the money in the end, he was indifferent to the rest.

Bai Quan quickly drafted a few contracts and sent them to Chen Ming, having clearly prepared in advance so only a few numbers needed changing for them to be used.

"Also, we’re planning to get you a nominal position within the Empire’s government institutions."

"A nominal position?"

A nominal position meant having a title somewhere.

And the nominal position Bai Quan mentioned could only be under the name of the Fourteenth Legion.

Seemingly Bai Quan noticed that a direct invitation to join was unsuccessful recently, so he was trying another indirect approach.

However, from an external perspective, Chen Ming’s identity was already determined.

The Spiritual Ability Association doesn’t restrict its internal members from joining other factions, and most other factions don’t mind if their subordinate Psychics belong to the Association.

From the outside, Chen Ming was seen as a member of the Spiritual Ability Association and had already joined the Fourteenth Legion.

Only the Fourteenth Legion knew that Chen Ming was merely close to them with some cooperation.

That’s why Bai Quan kept trying to invite Chen Ming to formally join.

But Chen Ming never made a decision that might limit himself.

Bai Quan hurriedly explained upon hearing Chen Ming’s question, "Because some accounts need to be public, but certain things can’t be disclosed, it’s best to give you a position title, facilitating future payments and some benefits."

Chen Ming asked, "Just a nominal position?"

"Just nominal, with no obligations."

"It’s merely a civilian position within our Fourteenth Legion subordinate research institute, which doesn’t even have a real location, let alone obligations."

Chen Ming asked once more, "Whether or not I take the nominal position, will it affect my cooperation with you?"

Bai Quan decisively replied, "No effect, the lower amount on the accounts can be resolved in other ways, albeit a bit troublesome."

"I see, then let’s leave it at that."

Rather than restricting himself, Chen Ming thought it better to let Bai Quan handle it with a bit of trouble.

Bai Quan accepted Chen Ming’s decision without bringing it up again, as he had faced rejection more than once.

He now had a deep understanding of Chen Ming and knew what level of invitation wouldn’t arouse Chen Ming’s discontent.

As long as they continued working together, there would always be future chances for invitation.

With enough attempts, who knows, maybe Chen Ming would agree one day?

Bai Quan quickly brushed off the minor setback and began preparing a few contractual documents that couldn’t be pre-arranged, intending to present them to Chen Ming for signing.

In the waiting moments, Chen Ming could still hear the sound of Bai Quan’s fingers tapping on a computer keyboard and terminal.