"You must be held accountable for your words," Governor Chu stared at Zhao Chen, his gaze completely different from before.
"My word is my bond! But I will need some time," Zhao Chen said.
Governor Chu instantly revealed a friendly smile: "I can arrange the best research resources for you in the finest laboratory within the Chu River Star Sector. Within the Stellar Glory Empire, I can find you any assistant you require.
I can even find a way to bring in professor-level talent from the Galactic Alliance."
"That won't be necessary. I'm used to working alone and freely. Besides, I have a peculiar temperament; I don't like developing starships in lifeless research labs.
If you really sent me to your laboratory, I might never produce the starship technology you desire in my lifetime," Zhao Chen waved his hand with a smile.
"You truly don't wish to come?" Governor Chu stared at Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen shrugged and said, "Does it really matter where I conduct my research and manufacturing? As long as Your Excellency the Governor ultimately gets what you want, isn't that enough?
Moreover, if I really went to your place, who knows how much trouble I might end up causing you."
Governor Chu pondered for a moment, then said, "How much time do you need to produce the cost-effective, mass-producible T4 interstellar warship you spoke of?"
"Ten years..." Zhao Chen had just uttered this number when Governor Chu interrupted.
"Ten years is too long. Unacceptable," Governor Chu stated.
"Five years!" Zhao Chen countered.
Governor Chu raised three fingers: "Three years. I want you to produce a feasibility report with technical blueprints for a T4 interstellar warship! As for the construction, I can take full responsibility on my end.
You also don't need to worry about this old man trying to cheat you; the technology will still be yours.
If it truly is as economical as you claim, for every ship I build, I will pay you a technology licensing fee fifty times the construction cost!
I guarantee this in my capacity as Governor of the Chu River Star Sector!"
A licensing fee fifty times the unit construction cost.
Generally, in the market, the profit margin for T1 starships is between five to ten times; for T2 starships, it's around twenty times, and for T3 starships, it's approximately forty times.
As for T4 starships, since they cannot yet be sold in large quantities and are unlikely to be publicly sold, both their construction costs and selling prices remain relatively confidential.
Relatively speaking, a fifty-fold licensing fee means this old man Chu is getting a bargain. However, since he is responsible for the manufacturing himself, it saves Zhao Chen both cost and construction time, making it hard to say who is gaining or losing more.
"But! How can I believe you truly have the capability to develop a highly cost-effective T4 interstellar warship!" Governor Chu abruptly shifted his tone, staring intently at Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen smiled and said, "Then I can first provide Your Excellency with a highly cost-effective T3 stellar destroyer! The T4 interstellar warship I develop will also be based on extended research and experimentation derived from this T3 stellar destroyer."
"Currently on the market, the construction cost for a T3 stellar destroyer is generally around seven million Star Coins, with a selling price between two hundred million and three hundred million Star Coins," Governor Chu said, seemingly offhandedly.
"My T3 stellar destroyer not only ranks among the top three in combat capability among known T3 stellar destroyers, but its construction cost does not exceed five million Star Coins!" Zhao Chen laughed.
Governor Chu narrowed his eyes at Zhao Chen. "Speak. You've brought out such a valuable item. What do you want from me?"
"I didn't expect to gain anything. I consider this just an ordinary transaction. Moreover, I am a citizen of the Stellar Glory Empire. As an Imperial Baron, it's only natural that I consider the Empire's interests.
The Mechanical Race is our enemy, and we must defeat them!
I am willing to dedicate my spirit for the Empire's future.
Of course... I also don't wish to be disturbed by others. After all, you understand the principle that a common man's only crime is possessing a treasure." Zhao Chen spoke with a helpless expression.
"When can you give me that T3 interstellar destroyer technical blueprint you mentioned?
Don't worry, I won't try to swallow your starship technology. If it's truly good, my Chu Family will pay you a technology licensing fee thirty times the construction cost for each ship we build." Governor Chu stated.
"I can encrypt and transmit this starship technology to you within a day." Zhao Chen said straightforwardly.
Governor Chu was somewhat surprised by this young man's decisiveness. He actually dared to hand over T3 starship technology so readily—most others would probably be heartbroken over it.
"Very well, I'll be waiting.
As for whether we truly cooperate or not, I'll give you a detailed reply within five days!" After saying this, Governor Chu exited the holographic conference without waiting for Zhao Chen's response.
Zhao Chen also logged out. Sitting in his office chair, he felt his entire back was soaked with sweat.
Negotiating with a star sector Governor, an Imperial Duke, and a Five-Star Marshal was truly more exhausting than fighting a major battle against the Zerg.
"Fortunately, I prepared in advance and laid down those arrangements; otherwise, I think that old geezer would spare no expense to capture me." Zhao Chen let out a long sigh.
As for what Zhao Chen had mentioned?
It actually referred to his performance during this rescue operation.
"For now, the only one I can rely on is still this Chu Family, but I can't let them turn me into a bird in a cage. As long as I remain outside, I have a chance to rise.
First, use the T4 interstellar warship to lure out this old geezer, then use the T3 interstellar warship technology to gain his trust... But a technology licensing fee thirty times the unit construction cost? Are Duke's family coffers really that extravagant?" Zhao Chen actually felt quite tempted. A long-term partnership might not be a bad idea.
"However, nothing is set in stone yet. Who knows how that old fox will ultimately deal with me.
First, let's exchange for that T3 interstellar warship he wants." Zhao Chen opened the System Interface.
He had long been prepared regarding the T3 interstellar warship to be given to the Chu Family.
[Consume 7000 System Points and 10 Task Points to exchange for the product 'T3 Flame Dragon-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer' technical blueprint?]
Confirm!
[Congratulations on obtaining the T3 Flame Dragon-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer technical blueprint]
[Remaining System Points: 7720]
[Remaining Task Points: 64]
Zhao Chen then began editing the technical blueprint data for this T3 Flame Dragon-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer. Since all the data was stored in his mind, he needed to manually compile a copy to send to Governor Chu.
[Flame Dragon-class Medium Interstellar Destroyer
Starship Type: Stellar Destroyer
Technology Level: T3
Hull Armor Strength: 1200 units - 1400 units]
Stellar Shield Energy Value: 10,000 Units
Cruising Speed: 160 Knot Stellar Speed
Warp Drive: Level Six Warp Drive
Length: 899 Meters
Mass: 230,000 Tons
Crew Complement: 100 Personnel
Starship Weapons: Two 1000mm caliber quadruple-mounted medium magnetic rail main cannons, eight medium electronic rapid-fire secondary cannons, thirty-two medium pulse laser secondary guns, ninety-six medium close-in defense guns