10: My condition is simple: give me a laboratory!

“Why don't we get in the car and talk?”

Lu Chen smiled.

He knew that when Long Weiguo spoke those words in a tone that was almost an “invitation,” he had already won most of his gamble.

He stepped aside, moving away from the doorway, and made a “please” gesture toward Qin Feng, who was still in a state of shock.

“Come in and sit. Outside... it's not convenient.”

His gaze subtly glanced toward the darkness deep within the corridor.

Qin Feng shuddered, instantly understanding Lu Chen's meaning.

This was no place for a conversation.

He immediately lowered his voice and issued an order into his headset: “Team One, stand by, maintain vigilance! Team Two, withdraw!”

Soon, the figures hidden in the shadows silently retreated like a tide.

Qin Feng and another team member followed Lu Chen into the pitifully cramped rental room.

Even with Qin Feng's extensive experience, his eye couldn't help but twitch slightly when he saw the furnishings inside.

A bed, a table, and a wardrobe.

That was all there was.

On the table sat a cup of instant noodles that had long gone cold.

It was hard to imagine that two miracles capable of overturning the global order were born in a place where it was difficult even to turn around.

“Make yourselves at home.”

Lu Chen pointed to his single bed, which groaned in protest, then skillfully pulled out his chair and sat down in front of the computer.

He didn't look at Qin Feng; instead, his gaze was fixed on the walkie-talkie Qin Feng held, which was still connected to the call.

He knew the true “big shot” was waiting on the other end of the line for him to continue.

“Director Long, I believe we can now formally discuss the specifics of our cooperation.”

Lu Chen's voice traveled clearly through the electrical current into the command center of the Dragon Shield Bureau.

The entire center fell silent.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Long Weiguo's decision.

Long Weiguo said nothing; he simply made a gesture to the secretary beside him.

The secretary instantly understood, turned, and quickly departed.

A few seconds later, Long Weiguo's steady voice sounded again from the walkie-talkie.

“Speak.”

Just one word, yet it represented an acquiescence—an attitude!

Lu Chen smiled.

He knew the other party was completely intrigued and was ready to hear his “price.”

“My conditions are actually quite simple.”

Lu Chen leaned back in his chair, his tone so relaxed it was as if he weren't negotiating with a general, but haggling with an auntie at a wet market.

“First, money.”

He raised one finger.

“I need money, lots and lots of money. Not for myself, but to turn what's in my head into reality.”

On the other end of the line, Long Weiguo remained silent, seemingly waiting for his specific figure.

“However...” Lu Chen changed the subject, “Considering your system, the process for requesting funds is too slow and troublesome. Therefore, we can solve the money issue in a different way.”

He pointed to his brain.

“I can hand over the Graphene Battery technology completely to you. However, I demand ten percent... of all future commercial revenue derived from this technology.”

“Furthermore, this money must be deposited directly into my personal account, free from any supervision. I must have complete, unrestricted control over its use.”

Boom!

As soon as this condition was stated, the sound of collective gasps echoed once again in the command center!

How enormous was the market value of the Graphene Battery?

Trillions?

Ten trillion?

It was simply incalculable!

This young man opened his mouth and demanded ten percent of the net profit?!

This wasn't just asking for too much; this was trying to swallow a blue whale!

“Kid, you're too greedy!”

The materials science expert who had lost his composure earlier couldn't help but roar again.

However, Long Weiguo's reaction was beyond everyone's expectations.

Far from being angry, a flicker of approval crossed his eyes.

He wasn't asking for a fixed sum; he was demanding a stake in future profits.

This showed that the young man before them had one thousand percent absolute confidence in his own technology!

It also showed that he didn't want a lump sum; he wanted a continuous... cash flow!

This young man's ambition was far greater than they had imagined!

“What is your second condition?” Long Weiguo didn't agree immediately; he asked in a deep voice.

“Second, personnel.”

Lu Chen raised a second finger.

“I need a team. A team composed of the nation's most elite scientists and engineers, capable of absolutely executing all my commands.”

“I don't care about their resumes or their seniority; I only care about their ability. Anyone I select, regardless of their current department or project, you must transfer them to me.”

This condition was even more overbearing than the first!

The first merely demanded money; this demanded authority!

Absolute command authority... capable of mobilizing the nation's top talent!

“What about the third?” Long Weiguo's voice was now impossible to read.

“Third...”

A truly eager, almost fanatical expression finally appeared on Lu Chen's face.

His voice became incredibly serious and solemn.

“And it is the most important condition.”

“I need a place.”

“A place... free from all external interference, possessing the highest level of security, and capable of satisfying all my wildest experimental demands.”

He looked at the walkie-talkie and said clearly, word by word:

“My condition is simple.”

“Give me a laboratory!”

“A super laboratory... belonging to me, the most advanced in the entire world!”

When the last word fell, the entire room, and even the command center on the other end of the line, plunged into a long, deathly silence.

Everyone was completely stunned by Lu Chen's final three conditions!

Money, authority, and a laboratory!

This young man wasn't negotiating a partnership at all!

He was... building his own technological kingdom!

And the nation would become the strongest backing and... investor for this kingdom!

This plan was too crazy!

Too... “Good.”

A clear word, spoken without any hesitation, came through the walkie-talkie.

In the command center, everyone suddenly looked up, staring with disbelief at their Supreme Commander—Long Weiguo!

Long Weiguo actually agreed?!

He agreed so easily to such “outrageous” conditions?!

“In principle, I agree to all your conditions!”

Long Weiguo's decisive voice rang out again, filled with unquestionable resolve!

“Someone will liaise with you regarding the specific details.”

“However!”

He changed his tone once more!

“Before that, you also need to agree to one condition of mine.”

Lu Chen raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue.

Long Weiguo looked at the composed young man on the screen and slowly spoke a sentence that Lu Chen had not anticipated.

“My condition is also simple.”

“Starting now, move out of that shabby place.”

“Until I have prepared the laboratory for you...”

“Would you be willing to rough it for a bit and move into... the headquarters of our Dragon Shield Bureau?”