"To carry out these tasks, we need a CEO who understands the company's various affairs well enough to drive them forward. Gentlemen, I have served as Mr. Norman's deputy for over ten years, and I believe you are all well aware of my capabilities. Therefore, I recommend myself as the company's new CEO."
Mencken crossed his arms, looking utterly confident.
Qingshui subtly frowned.
It seemed likely that Mencken would secure the CEO position.
Osborn was currently in turmoil due to Norman's passing and his actions before his death. To protect their wealth, the shareholders would undoubtedly want to elect a new leader capable of stopping the company's decline as quickly as possible.
His original self was merely a rich young man who held shares and waited for dividends, not deeply involved in company affairs. He certainly lacked the prestige and foundation within the company that Mencken possessed.
At present, he was definitely not in a position to contend with Mencken for the CEO role.
The most crucial thing to do now was to find a way to participate in the company's management to gain power and status for further development.
An idea gradually formed in Qingshui's mind. As a member of the Board of Directors, he, along with most of the other members present, approved Mencken's application for the CEO position.
"Within this month, I will cut most of the useless medical research and development departments from Norman's era, retaining only a few projects with good market prospects. The recovered funds will then be used for the development of new projects.
For example, the previous Single-person Glider and the new High-explosive Grenade. The military has shown some interest in these products, but unless Captain America is resurrected, no one's physical condition can handle that kind of glider. We only need to simplify it, for instance, by creating remote-controlled drones. If we can regain the military's favor, everything will be fine..."
Mencken rose from his seat, walked to the large screen, and spoke eloquently about his prepared presentation.
Harry Osborn looked bewildered, grasping the hand of his butler, Bernard, who stood behind him.
The loyal old butler nodded gently at Harry, reassuring him.
"According to my calculations, we can recover approximately 6.7 billion US dollars in cash flow within a month. My plan is to invest all of it into the projects I just proposed, aside from maintaining the normal operations of the company's existing projects and departments..."
It was clear that Mencken had been prepared for this day for a long time.
"Does anyone have any questions or anything to add?"
Mencken adjusted his tie, smiling at the Board of Directors.
Qingshui silently raised his hand.
"Mr. Watt, do you have something to say?"
"I'd like to know, Mr. Mencken, are you planning to put all your eggs in the military's basket?"
"This is currently the most likely way to save Osborn."
"But what if it fails? What if Osborn faces a cash flow crunch, the stock collapses again, and our wealth shrinks once more?"
"Mr. Watt, please share your thoughts."
Mencken extended a hand towards Qingshui, gesturing for him to proceed.
Qingshui pulled out a USB drive, walked onto the stage, and replaced Mencken's presentation.
"You shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, Mr. Mencken. I certainly trust that you wouldn't let that happen, and I wouldn't want it to either. So, we can prepare some new things."
Qingshui displayed the presentation he had just finished creating half an hour before leaving:
"This new thing I'm about to introduce to everyone has actually been in preparation for a long time. In fact, Mr. Norman had anticipated the situation the Osborn Corporation would face after his death, so he left a contingency plan."
Norman was dead anyway; he couldn't jump out of his coffin to refute it.
As Norman's student, even if Norman's teaching style was hands-off, he could still leverage Norman's name.
In the minds of these people, Norman had amassed immense prestige through decades of success. Only by using Norman's lingering influence could he make them willing to believe him.
"This is a New Energy Battery developed by Mr. Norman based on Cryogenic Technology. I can briefly explain the principle to everyone."
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Watt."
A shareholder suddenly stood up, interrupting Qingshui's speech.
"Regarding the energy sector, after the Stark Group transitioned from a military-industrial enterprise, it became an energy company. Everyone knows that Tony Stark invented a new type of reactor that is fifty years ahead of its time. We probably won't be a match for Stark Industries in this area. Even the New York City Power Grid design project has been snatched by Stark."
"I understand your concerns, Mr. Adams, but who said we are rivals with Stark? We should be on the same side as them."
Qingshui snapped his fingers, speaking casually, then switched the screen to display a partial design sketch of a New Energy Vehicle that he had drawn himself.
He had actually copied it from his DC Universe avatar that morning.
"We all know that Faraday invented the electromagnetic induction device, creating the first generator in human history, but it wasn't until Tesla invented alternating current that humanity truly entered the electrical age. It's the same with us and Stark."
"Tony Stark created a more perfect energy source than traditional chemical fuels and nuclear power, changing the history of human energy. And we can become the Tesla of this era."
As Qingshui spoke, a series of data appeared on the screen.
"For example, cars that abandon oil and use electricity."
"Although the Stark Group has had some success in promoting new energy, they have also faced resistance from traditional energy powers, leading to unsatisfactory promotion speed. What if, at this point, Osborn introduces a new project that perfectly complements theirs and invites the Stark Group to join?"
"Think about it, what are the current prices of oil and electricity? What will be the electricity prices after the Stark Group's new energy is widely adopted? Think about it, if we can get investment cooperation from the Stark Group, not only will Osborn's stock price surpass its previous heights, but we will also become the new rule-makers in the energy and automotive industries. You know how much profit this will bring us."
Qingshui pressed his hands on the table, his face confident, his eyes shining as he looked at the shareholders of the Osborn Corporation.
These included senior executives like Mencken, investors from external financial institutions, and technology professionals who had risen through the ranks under Norman's patronage due to their technical skills.
They understood what Qingshui was implying.
Mencken fell silent, thinking rapidly.
He had coveted control of Osborn for a long time, preparing for this day since Norman fell ill. His first thought, of course, was whether Qingshui would pose a threat to him.
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