Both the Marvel Universe and the DC Universe are full of scientific geniuses.
However, the problem they were facing this time wasn't a simple one.
To solve it, they would need a super scientist, one so advanced they could single-handedly lead humanity's progress, to even stand a chance.
After his meeting with Dr. Connors, Qingshui walked to Osborn's employee lounge, planning to grab some snacks and watch TV for a bit.
But he hadn't rested long before Mencken appeared outside the lounge.
"What, are you here to supervise me, to see if I'm working hard?"
Qingshui crunched on his chips, the sound loud in the quiet room.
"No, I couldn't control you if I tried."
Mencken shook his head and handed Qingshui a thick stack of documents.
"This morning, the company showcased the electric car you designed at the Paris International Motor Show. By noon, I'd already received faxes from at least twenty companies hoping to collaborate."
Qingshui took the documents and began to read them.
"Has Stark Enterprises said anything?"
"Ms. Pepper is very optimistic about a partnership between our two companies, but she needs to consult Tony Stark. You know, that guy is a complete jerk, but also an undeniable genius. However, Ms. Pepper mentioned that Stark has been very busy recently and can't spare the time to deal with these matters. She hopes we can wait a few days."
Mencken plopped down beside Qingshui, looking at the TV with a strange expression.
"So... he can't spare time to deal with things because he's racing cars?"
The TV was showing footage of Tony Stark racing an F1 car in Monaco.
"Well, that's Tony Stark for you. I thought he'd matured a bit after becoming Iron Man these past two years. Guess I was wrong."
Mencken rubbed his forehead, looking helpless, and continued speaking to Qingshui:
"I think we can try reaching out to other companies for now. While they're nowhere near as powerful as Stark Industries, if they're sincere enough, a discussion isn't out of the question. But Stark is still our top choice."
Mencken was seeking Qingshui's opinion.
After all, with his recent achievements and being a fellow Board of Directors member, Qingshui's influence at Osborn had grown. Not to mention, if Osborn wanted to make a comeback, it seemed highly likely they'd need to rely on Qingshui.
"Alright, you can arrange it however you see fit. But I think Mr. Stark might genuinely not have time to deal with things now."
Qingshui tore open another bag of chips from the snack rack and gestured to Mencken.
Mencken turned to look.
A burly Russian man, wearing a miniature Arc Reactor on his chest and holding an electric whip, was just whipping open Tony Stark's car.
"Oh! Didn't Stark say no one would develop the same type of technology within fifty years? Someone actually managed to create it?"
Mencken's face was filled with shock.
Qingshui rested his chin on his hand, continuing to ponder.
The Arc Reactor was incredibly valuable, far more than most people imagined.
Cold fusion! This was almost beyond the realm of science fiction; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it bordered on magic. If he could master it...
Stark would be difficult to deal with. Although arrogant, he was also cautious and powerful. And after becoming Iron Man, both his strength and personal character were rapidly growing.
Even the government and military couldn't get him to hand over the technology; he just fobbed them off with a Mark II Iron Man suit for Colonel Rhodes.
So what about this Ivan?
Also difficult to deal with, but definitely much easier than Stark.
As Qingshui was thinking, an Audi drove up from a distance and crashed into Ivan, saving Tony from immediate danger.
As a metal briefcase was thrown from the car and picked up by Tony, who then transformed into Iron Man in a matter of seconds, the scene came to an end.
"Does the group have a branch in Europe? How much influence do they have?"
Qingshui asked Mencken.
Mencken nodded, then shook his head regretfully.
"We have a branch, but it's in Germany, which is a bit far from Monaco. Plus, our company's sphere of influence is concentrated in North America, so we don't have much power there. If we wanted to scheme against this person, it wouldn't be our place.
On the contrary, we're currently looking to collaborate with Stark Industries. If Tony Stark found out we were making a move, it wouldn't be good."
"Alright, anything else?"
"Two more things. First, I've found most of the materials you asked for. However, the Vibranium you want is currently unavailable for purchase. I contacted an African warlord named Ulysses Klaue through a friend. Someone once bought Vibranium from him for a hundred million dollars an ounce."
An ounce is 28.350 grams.
"That price... is really not cheap."
Qingshui grumbled.
At that price, even if he emptied his entire fortune, he might only be able to buy a few kilograms.
But Qingshui also knew how difficult it would be to create an armored Puppet using Vibranium.
"Then buy me three ounces. Do you need me to transfer the money directly to your account?"
"Why do you need so much Vibranium? Are you making something again? It's highly unlikely that anything made from this could be mass-produced as a product, right?"
Mencken asked curiously.
"Just for some experiments."
Qingshui answered vaguely.
"Alright, the stuff probably won't arrive for another two months. Where should I send it?"
"My place is fine; my butler, Jorge, will sign for it. This is just the first thing. What about the other matter?"
"It's nothing major. Hammer Industries' annual expo is in a week. While they can't compare to Stark Industries, they're currently our biggest competitor for military contracts. Watt, you're one of the executives who understands technology best. I happen to have a business trip to Australia in a week, so I'm counting on you to scout out the enemy."
"Hammer Industries… I can do that."
Qingshui recalled some memories and nodded at Mencken, agreeing.
After giving his instructions, Mencken glanced at the barrage of cameras interviewing Stark on TV again, then turned and left.
Qingshui picked up the remote, turned off the TV, finished the last sip of cola in the bottle, and also left.
I need to prepare a combat-ready Puppet armor as soon as possible.
Fortunately, with Osborn's backing and plenty of money, Qingshui had already prepared a lab and some materials.
It was just that some of the more precious materials couldn't be gathered quickly, which was why Qingshui had asked Mencken for help, using the excuse of developing a new car model.
For example, Gold-Titanium Alloy.
In reality, there's a β-Ti3Au Gold-Titanium Alloy, but it's nowhere near comparable to the alloy Tony Stark developed.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https:// beta.randomtranslator.com/
Read 1111+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский at: https:// beta.randomtranslator.com/
Join our Discord: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------