Chapter 106: Cooperation

Han Xing, this unexpected "spark," was casually brought under Qin Feng's wing and thrown into the "Innovation Incubation Project Department," a soil teeming with unknowns and possibilities—whether it would wither or ignite a prairie fire remained to be seen. Qin Feng's main focus, however, still centered on driving the operation of the Empire's core engine.

The advancement of Gene Optimization Fluid, Energy Technology, the Shadow Shuttle… none of these projects could proceed without vast resources, top-tier talent, and… in certain specialized fields, indispensable assistance.

This time, the olive branch of proactive cooperation came from an undeniable behemoth—the Longteng Industrial Group, within the Huaxia Military Industry System, specializing in cutting-edge equipment R&D.

The intermediary was none other than Qin Yuanwei, who had met Qin Feng once before. Clearly, Qin Feng's speech at the Peak Forum, along with the partial technological potential demonstrated by the Qin Feng System—especially the Future Technology Research Institute (though its core secrets had not been leaked)—had sparked intense interest from relevant parties.

The meeting location was neither at the headquarters of Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals nor at Longteng Group's office building, but at a highly classified internal guesthouse in the suburbs of the Imperial Capital, owned by Longteng Group.

The conference room was ancient and solemn, furnished with heavy rosewood tables and chairs, and adorned on the walls with massive murals depicting national defense industry achievements. The attendees were few, but each carried immense weight.

On Qin Feng's side, only he and Lei Zhan (serving as security and technical advisor) were present. On the other side, besides Longteng Group's general manager, chief engineer, and several other senior officials, the seat of honor was occupied by an elderly man with a general's star on his shoulder, radiating quiet authority—General Zhao. Qin Yuanwei did not attend in person, but his influence clearly loomed over the meeting.

"Comrade Qin Feng, young and accomplished," General Zhao's voice boomed, blunt and direct, as befitting a soldier. "We've studied your report. Your ideas on the application of new composite materials under extreme conditions, and that… ah, the preliminary model of the Adaptive Energy Management System—very insightful!"

Qin Feng bowed slightly, neither humble nor arrogant: "General Zhao, you flatter me. These are merely immature ideas, hoping to contribute a modest effort to national defense."

The report he submitted had been carefully prepared, stripping away all technologies directly tied to the system, retaining only those technological directions and theoretical models derivable from the current technological tree, possessing foresight and extremely high application value. It demonstrated strength while holding firm to boundaries.

"A modest effort? I doubt it," said Zhang Chief Engineer, adjusting his glasses, his gaze sharp. "If your proposed material theory could be realized, it would be revolutionary for the protection and mobility of our next-generation main battle equipment! And that energy management system—even as a concept—its optimization approach offers a completely new solution to our current energy bottlenecks!"

Within the conference room, technical discussions quickly deepened. Longteng Group's experts had clearly done their homework; every question they raised struck at the heart of the matter, even carrying a tone of examination.

Qin Feng responded calmly, citing authoritative sources (theories provided by the system, consistent with current understanding), presenting detailed data and clear logic. He not only answered their questions but also, unintentionally, proposed several technical details and optimization schemes even their experts had never considered—leaving Zhang Chief Engineer and others with eyes alight, sometimes lost in thought, sometimes struck with sudden understanding.

Lei Zhan sat silently beside him, like a mountain, yet his heart churned. He grew ever more convinced that the boss he served possessed knowledge so profound it was unfathomable.

The technical discussion paused for a moment. General Zhao nodded in satisfaction, his gaze now holding genuine appreciation. He tapped the table, shifting to the main topic:

"Comrade Qin Feng, on technical matters, the experts have approved, and I, Old Zhao, trust them. I didn't invite you here for idle talk. The Longteng Group wishes to engage in deep cooperation with your Future Technology Research Institute in the fields of new materials and high-performance energy management."

He paused, his tone turning solemn and serious: "Of course, you understand—given national security concerns, cooperation has its special conditions. We must establish a Joint Laboratory, with location designated by us and security managed by us. All personnel involved in R&D must pass the strictest political vetting. Ownership of research outcomes belongs to the state, but your institute will receive corresponding intellectual property usage fees and subsequent production royalties, and within state-approved limits, certain civilian derivative technologies may be prioritized for commercial development by you."

The terms were clear and aligned with standard practice for such cooperation: state-led, security first, shared benefits.

All eyes in the room fixed on Qin Feng, awaiting his response. This was undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity—a chance to ride the fast train of national strategy, gaining unimaginable resources and support. But it also meant strict oversight and restrictions on core technologies and R&D progress.

Qin Feng fell silent for a moment, as if weighing his options.

He needed the state's resources and support, especially for sensitive materials and energy technologies—his own Qin Feng System's accumulation was too slow. But he could never relinquish autonomy, nor expose the system's existence.

After a moment, he raised his head, his gaze clear and resolute:

"General Zhao, Chief Zhang, cooperating with Longteng Group is both an honor and a responsibility for the Qin Feng System."

He first affirmed the value of cooperation, then shifted tone:

"Regarding the cooperation model, I agree in principle. But I have two supplementary suggestions."

"First, the Joint Laboratory may be established at your designated location. Our core researchers—such as Dr. Su Jin—can periodically travel there to provide guidance. However, considering the continuity of our research and certain… unique R&D environmental needs, I request the right to maintain, within the Future Technology Research Institute, a parallel, fully autonomous Pre-research Center. Foundational and exploratory work can be completed in the Pre-research Center, then transferred to the Joint Laboratory for engineering validation. This ensures efficiency and leverages each side's strengths."

This was the line he must hold firm on—to preserve space for system-based and unconventional research.

"Second, regarding intellectual property: ownership belonging to the state is acceptable. But I request greater autonomy and more flexible cooperation models for the authorization and commercialization of civilian derivative technologies—such as forming a joint venture, rather than simple licensing."

This was his effort to secure space for his company's future development.

General Zhao and Zhang Chief Engineer exchanged a glance, both flashing a hint of surprise. This young man not only possessed exceptional technical ability but also negotiated with clear strategy—balancing the bigger picture while fiercely protecting his core interests.

The two exchanged a few quiet words.

Finally, General Zhao burst into a booming laugh: "Good! Principled and responsible! Your suggestions are worth considering! Let our subordinates negotiate the specifics!"

He stood, extending his large hand toward Qin Feng: "Comrade Qin Feng, welcome to our team!"

Qin Feng also rose, solemnly clasping his hand.

"Pleasure doing business, General Zhao."

This handshake carried extraordinary significance.

It marked the formal, deep binding and fusion of the Qin Feng System—this rapidly advancing commercial and technological behemoth—with the nation's strategic power.

From now on, his journey would no longer be merely toward the stars and seas, but would also bear the heavy responsibility of homeland and country.

And the power he wielded, under the backing of national will, would grow faster than ever—becoming a towering tree guarding this land!

Cooperation, achieved.

A new chapter has begun.