128: Chapter 128 Patents

After lunch.

Li Ming took one last look at everyone — it was clear that video games were still quite appealing.

A6 and Anshan were also sitting in front of a computer, while Cliff had shoved a game console into Linde's hands, and they had all joined in.

Although Alert felt something wasn't quite right, she was still pushed by Anshan to sit in front of the computer.

"Nimi?" Li Ming softly greeted Z23, who had just finished dealing with the last bit of work on her hands.

"Commander?"

"I'm going to the Industrial Society. Do you want to come with me?"

"Oh, yes!" Z23 wiped her hands and left the Game Club building with Li Ming.

First, they had to go back to retrieve the briefcase Li Ming had left at home. Inside were the fruits of his and Z23's joint labor.

A surprise and challenge specially reserved for the Industrial Society.

At exactly 2:30 in the afternoon, Li Ming and Z23 arrived punctually at the Industrial Society's work area.

It must be said, this was a very large place. It was situated by the academy's seaside, right next to the Ship Girls' training area.

Although in scale it could only be called a small workshop, it could still be considered a decent assembly workshop.

That mech lay under a shed not far away, with some staff performing maintenance work on it.

There was a small dock by the coast, seemingly for experimental verification purposes.

From a distant small building came the sounds of metal hammering and machinery working. Without a doubt, this club was efficiently working on something, whether useful or not. For a club, this was a good sign.

Just look at the Game Club — it's completely hopeless. If they don't recruit more people, it'll probably be disbanded.

Looking around, an unpainted metal box was placed in a corner not far from the main building's entrance.

Quite efficient. They already have a sample.

Walking towards the clanging main building, Nimi held onto Li Ming's forearm, half a step behind. In the corners outside the building, she saw many strange little gadgets.

From small items like watches to large ones like mechanical arms and even mech joints — there was everything.

Pushing open the main building's door, Li Ming saw several mechanical arms at work. Maintenance fairies pushed control levers, moving, assembling, and piecing together various things.

"..."

Both Li Ming and Nimi had seen their share of the world.

Mechanical arms, of course, required manual operation, but...

Surely one mechanical arm didn't need one person to control it?

The penetration of automation was a bit low. Of course, at least the assembly line seemed to be functioning without issues.

"You're finally here! Is this your Ship Girl?"

Auglaya, still dressed in her hot outfit, popped out from somewhere and blocked Li Ming's path.

"Yes, she is my Ship Girl, Z23."

"Hello, Miss Auglaya." Z23 gave a slight bow, then took half a step forward, partially shielding her Commander behind her.

"Ah, there's no need to be so tense, miss..." Auglaya quickly waved her hands. "Commander Li Ming, what I came to discuss with you today is about intellectual property."

"Uh... intellectual property?"

"Yes!" Auglaya placed her hands on her hips. "You have no idea how fiercely those Patent Bureau people fight over things, so I wanted to talk it over with you first."

"I thought you would handle it yourselves..."

"How could we! Since you proposed it, the intellectual property naturally belongs to you!" Auglaya paused. "But there are still some details I'd like to discuss with you."

Having Nimi here was truly wonderful!

Li Ming was really glad he had brought Z23 along. Otherwise, he might have been tortured to death by contracts and details.

Following Auglaya to the break room. Several Ship Girls were lounging on a sofa, a few student Commanders were sitting at drafting tables, and some others were tinkering with small components at their own desks.

Arriving at Auglaya's workstation, she dug out a document from the chaotic pile of blueprints. "Take a look. If there are any issues, we can revise it, okay?"

Li Ming could only look at Nimi. He really wasn't a professional in this area.

Z23 picked up the document and began examining it. After about ten minutes, she put it down. "Commander, I didn't find any potential traps or problematic points."

"Alright then." Li Ming also quickly scanned it. "But is it really okay to file all the patents under the Industrial Society's name?"

"No problem at all." Auglaya sat in her chair and crossed her legs. "Each patent is handled by its respective team or personnel. That's always been the rule."

Li Ming fell silent for a moment. "Let me discuss it with Nimi."

Taking out his phone, Li Ming looked at the surveillance feed.

The feed flickered. Logic had already hacked into any nearby networked surveillance devices.

Leaving the break room, Li Ming and Nimi found an empty spot. "Nimi, how much profit do you think this patent holds?"

"In terms of direct profit alone, it might not be very high. But in the long run, the figure could be quite substantial." Nimi gave her answer.

Li Ming pulled out his phone and called Gang Yishawa.

"Good afternoon, Commander. What's the matter?"

"There's something, something big. I need you to help me assess the risk. If possible, I need to see if your side can handle it."

Li Ming quickly explained the situation.

Gang Yishawa on the other end of the line fell silent. "Undoubtedly, Commander, your concern is justified. The commercial company we established cannot directly influence the political situation. And a patent like the shipping container... it would be very difficult for us alone to handle it."

"As I thought."

"So, if possible, I can help negotiate with the Ship Girl Bureau. Perhaps we could manage it through an affiliation..."

"Wait, you said the Ship Girl Bureau?" Li Ming was taken aback, interrupting her.

"Yes, Commander..." Gang Yishawa's words suddenly cut off. She also suddenly remembered — wasn't there someone from the Federal General Bureau right by her Commander's side?

"Thanks, Gang Yishawa. I think I have an idea now."

"Mhm. Remember to come play this weekend, Commander~"

Gang Yishawa hung up the phone. Li Ming, unusually excited, stamped his feet.

Only when emotionally stirred would he suddenly become full of energy, though it usually didn't last very long.

"Nimi, please find Kano for me immediately. It's time for her to do some real work! I'm going to the administration building to see if I can go straight to the Dean's office!"

"Got it! Commander, be careful..."

Z23 reached out her hand, watching Li Ming who had already run off.

Only at times like this does his motivation become inexplicably high.

But to dare go directly to the Dean? The usually cautious Commander doesn't seem like the type to be so bold...

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