186: Chapter 186 Negotiations went smoothly, a secret agreement was reached.

Director Zhao's powerful right hand hung in mid-air.

This hand bore the thick calluses left by years of holding a gun, as well as the deep and absolute will of a great Eastern power.

Chen Yuan looked at the scar-covered hand, and a truly relaxed smile finally curled at the corner of his mouth. In this world full of schemes and killing, being able to gain the state machine as a secret ally was an extremely worthwhile deal. He stood up, took half a step forward, and reached out his pale, slender hand that held the world's top biochemical technology.

The two hands gripped each other firmly in mid-air.

The grip was intense, as if they were testing each other's bottom lines clearly in this silent confrontation.

"A pleasure collaborating with you."

Chen Yuan withdrew his hand and sat back on the large leather sofa in a languid posture. He crossed his legs, his slender fingers tapping lightly on his knee.

"Since the country is showing such sincerity, I won't hold anything back."

Chen Yuan snapped his fingers, and the image on the holographic projection instantly switched to rows of complex mechanical design drawings and biomolecular formulas. Those emerald-green data streams rotated slowly in the air, exuding the technological charm of a future era.

"The muscle fiber cultivation technology for the T-103 Mass-Produced Tyrant, plus a downgraded version of the blueprints for individual biological exoskeletons."

"And what your military wants most: the matrix algorithms and fire-control core codes for directed-energy weapons."

Chen Yuan's voice was as flat as if he were peddling two pounds of cabbage in a wet market, but every word he threw out was enough to drive global military-industrial giants into complete madness.

"In addition, I will throw in a batch of secondary cell-strengthening agents."

He lifted his eyelids to look at Director Zhao. "Although this stuff isn't as good as the original version I use, it's enough to turn your elite special forces into tireless superhumans."

Director Zhao stared intently at those flickering data streams, unable to suppress the fanaticism in his eyes.

With these things, China's individual combat capabilities and army defense systems would directly leap across a half-century gap. This was not just a military leap, but a super trump card capable of changing the international geopolitical landscape.

But he quickly forced down the excitement in his heart.

Director Zhao turned his head and re-examined the young man before him with a sharp gaze.

"You've given so much, and you're not even asking for a price, just to use our hands to clean up a Chen Family?"

Director Zhao's voice was low and full of pressure. "Chen Yuan, I don't believe you're someone who would do a losing deal."

Chen Yuan smiled.

He picked up the gold cigar cutter on the table, unhurriedly cut an expensive Cuban cigar, and then lit it in his mouth. Pale blue smoke rose slowly between the two, blurring Chen Yuan's handsome yet sinister face.

"Uncle Zhao is as sharp as ever."

Chen Yuan exhaled a thick puff of smoke, his eyes becoming incredibly deep.

"The Chen Family is just a personal grudge; pulling out this tumor is my token of loyalty to the country. What I truly want is an absolutely secure transoceanic transport line that isn't monitored by any Western powers."

Director Zhao frowned, leaning forward unconsciously.

"What do you want a transport line for? As far as I know, Umbrella's logistics network already spans the globe."

"Ordinary logistics are fine, of course."

Chen Yuan flicked the ash, his voice dropping very low. "But I need large quantities of rare earth Materials. The kind of high-purity, military-grade rare metal Ore that only China possesses."

He leaned in closer, his dark eyes flashing with unmasked ambition.

"The amount I want is huge. Large enough to cause complete alarm at The Pentagon and the CIA. Without the state machine using military routes to provide cover for me, my cargo ships wouldn't even be able to cross the Pacific."

Director Zhao fell silent.

Looking at the man with the bright smile before him, he suddenly felt his scalp go numb.

He finally realized he couldn't see through Chen Yuan at all. The destitute boy who had been shivering on a rainy night in Jinghai five years ago, needing his secret charity to escape the country, was completely dead. In his place was a terrifying tycoon sitting at the top of Elysium Manor, capable of treating the games between great powers as a chessboard.

Using a few stripped-down versions of technology to exchange for the country's secret protection and rare earth resources, while also eliminating a major headache without shedding blood. This move of using others' strength was played to perfection.

"This game you're playing is too big."

Director Zhao sat back on the sofa and downed the somewhat cooled black tea in one gulp.

"Chen Yuan, your current depth and methods have completely surpassed the scope of a businessman."

"Businessmen value profit and care little for partings, but I have never been a businessman."

Chen Yuan smiled noncommittally. He stood up and walked to a walnut bar on the side, taking a bottle of fine Macallan whisky from the wine cabinet.

Two transparent ice spheres dropped into the crystal glasses, making a crisp and pleasant clinking sound.

The golden liquid poured down, exuding an alluring aroma.

Chen Yuan walked back with two glasses of wine and handed one to Director Zhao.

"I'm a thug. I'm just using a thug's way to build an absolutely secure barrier for myself."

He raised his glass, his eyes looking incredibly sharp in the dim light, yet also showing a calm sense of being in control of everything.

The two crystal glasses clinked together gently in mid-air.

Emitting a resonant, crisp sound.

In the reception room, there were no tense conflicts or frantic schemes. There were only two mature adults who, based on their respective interests and bottom lines, had completed a near-perfect transnational deal.

Director Zhao tilted his head back and drank the strong liquor. The spicy alcohol slid down his throat into his stomach, bringing a wave of fiery comfort. He stood up, straightened his black jacket, and the iron-blooded aura of a soldier emerged once again.

"You don't need to worry about the matters in Jinghai anymore."

Director Zhao placed the empty glass on the coffee table, his tone crisp and decisive. "Within twenty-four hours, Chen Tianba will pay the most painful price for what he did back then. The building that is the Chen Family will completely collapse tomorrow."

He turned and walked toward the heavy mahogany door of the reception room.

Chen Yuan remained sitting on the sofa, his fingers lightly stroking the cold rim of the glass, leisurely enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Just as Director Zhao's hand was about to touch the doorknob, he suddenly stopped.

This top special envoy of China turned back, looking at Chen Yuan sitting in the shadows, his expression becoming somewhat grave.

"Chen Yuan, although our country can provide you with secret support and resources, this is the America mainland after all."

Director Zhao's voice echoed in the empty room, carrying the stern warning of an old acquaintance.

"The commotion you've caused lately is simply too big."

"Whether it's General Ross, whom you slapped in the face, or those capital tycoons on Wall Street whom you've fleeced, they will never just stand by and watch you grow wildly on this land."

Director Zhao narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Chen Yuan's unruffled face.

"Those old-money families in North America and Europe hold trump cards more terrifying than you can imagine. They won't let you off."

"How do you plan to respond?"