Chapter 25: Norman Osborn (Happy Children's Day, please follow up)
The moment Ben saw Norman Osborn, he felt that things were about to get troublesome.
This guy was no easy mark.
However, he wasn't entirely surprised by Norman's appearance.
He wanted to cooperate with Harry and needed so much funding for such a big undertaking; there was no way Norman Osborn could be kept in the dark. Even if Norman didn't care much about Harry, he was still Harry's father.
The only good news was that Ben's Spider-Sense wasn't reacting, which meant he didn't have to worry about the man suddenly appearing on a skateboard and throwing pumpkins at him.
"Hello, Uncle Norman," Ben greeted Norman, ignoring Harry, who was making faces behind his father.
No matter what, he wouldn't give up just because Norman was here, nor would he let Osborn Enterprise interfere with his company.
The moment Norman Osborn, who usually had a stern expression, saw Ben, a smile appeared on his face. To Ben's surprise, the smile didn't seem to be out of politeness.
"Hello, Benny, it's been many years, you've grown up," Norman said, warmly putting an arm around Ben's shoulder. At this moment, he didn't seem like the head of the Osborn Corporation, but more like an ordinary elder concerned about the next generation.
"Harry told me about your plan to start a company. Don't blame him, I found out myself," Norman said. "You know, I've only met you and Peter a few times, but I knew from the beginning that you and Peter were extraordinary."
He said with genuine sincerity, "I've always believed that you would achieve great things."
Norman was telling the truth.
Although he had only met Ben a few times, Ben had been mature like an adult since he was a child, leaving a deep impression on him.
Norman Osborn greatly admired Ben's demeanor. In contrast, he had always thought Harry was like a child who never grew up.
"Harry, I've told you before, you should learn more from Benny and Peter," Norman said, praising Ben and Peter while also not forgetting to put pressure on his own son.
Ben could clearly see the disappointed and ashamed expression on Harry's face. He hunched his shoulders, clearly intimidated by his father's reprimand, so he said, "Uncle Norman, Harry is actually very capable too."
"Come on, I'm his father, what do I know about him?" Norman shook his head, clearly not wanting to continue the topic. "I heard from Harry that you plan to enter the nanotechnology field? I dabbled in nanotechnology when I was young; it's not simple."
Norman had indeed made contributions in nanotechnology. Of course, many scientists had researched the field.
However, Osborn Corporation's main focus later shifted to human enhancement serums. On one hand, it was for his own health, and on the other hand, it was because Osborn collaborated with the military, and the military—
Decades had passed, and they were still fixated on that damn Super Serum.
"I've read your paper."
Hearing Norman's question, Ben knew the crucial part had arrived.
An investment in the tens of millions of dollars might not mean much to Osborn, but as a businessman, Norman couldn't just watch it go down the drain.
At the very least, he needed to know if the concept was feasible.
For Ben, the real test today was how to make Norman believe his idea was achievable while simultaneously preventing Osborn Enterprise from interfering.
Ben smiled confidently. "Entering the nanotechnology field is actually a long-term goal. Setting aside the technical difficulties, the current funding is far from enough. I plan to develop other products in the initial stages of the company to ensure its survival and growth."
Norman nodded, signaling Ben to continue.
"In its early stages, Primus will be involved in communications and healthcare..."
Watching Ben speak eloquently in front of his father, Harry could only feel envy.
As Norman Osborn's son, he could barely hold his head up in front of his father, yet Ben could converse with him so confidently.
His back was straight, and there was no trace of inferiority or timidity on his face, as if he wasn't talking to the founder of Osborn Corporation, and he wasn't just a poor kid from Queens.
Ben's conversation with Norman lasted much longer than his previous one with Harry.
The more Ben spoke, the more Norman Osborn's admiration grew.
Setting aside the scientific knowledge, Ben's market research skills were, in Norman's opinion, very talented. Of course, what he valued most was Ben's demeanor. After all, many CEOs of large companies found it difficult to remain as calm and composed as Ben when meeting him.
In Ben, he seemed to see a reflection of his younger self, the one who had built everything from scratch.
Of course, he also noticed that Ben was deliberately avoiding the main topic and hadn't delved into nanotechnology, which he was most interested in hearing about.
He quickly saw through Ben's intentions.
'He doesn't want to become an appendage of Osborn, does he?'
He pondered for a moment but didn't expose Ben's thoughts, nor did he show any dissatisfaction.
If Ben had possessed the technology back then, he would have certainly not let it go easily.
He would have used every means necessary to acquire the nanotechnology.
But things were different now. He had worked tirelessly to acquire these things, but who would ultimately benefit from them was uncertain.
Thinking of the vampire shareholders and the board of directors in his company, Norman sneered inwardly.
Those people circled him like hyenas, waiting for him to die so they could pounce and strip him bare!
He knew his time was likely running out, and leaving Harry alone, there was no way he could protect the Osborn Corporation.
Now, it seemed that Ben's Primus Technology might not be a bad fallback for Harry.
If Primus could develop before his death, with this external support, Harry might still be able to hold onto Osborn. If Primus hadn't developed by the time he died, then even if Harry lost Osborn, he wouldn't be left with absolutely nothing.
With this thought, Norman realized that not only could he not touch Primus Technology, but he had to do everything in his power to help it develop.
At this moment, as Norman's gaze refocused on Ben, his eyes were filled with undisguised concern and affection.
He even kind of wished Ben was his son.
"You're amazing, Benny."
"I believe your concept is entirely achievable. With Harry by your side, I'm very relieved," he affirmed. "Also, I will personally, no, as an elder, provide an additional sum of money to Primus Technology."
Norman Osborn's attitude struck Ben as a bit strange.
But soon, he connected it to the man's physical condition.
In some storylines, the Osborn family had always suffered from severe genetic diseases.
Looking at Norman now, he probably knew his time was short. In such a situation, he likely no longer cared about the development of Osborn Corporation.
It was just a bit odd.
Since Norman Osborn had reached this point, why would he expel Connors, who was on the verge of completing the serum, from the company?
Moreover, the Lizard Man serum had already fallen into his hands. Despite the side effects, what did that matter to someone who was about to die?
Unless...
Someone had meticulously planned his death.
Thanks to Pai Shi for the 100-point tip, thank you boss.
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