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Chapter 267: Hold On, We Can Win (Part 2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation ‘ Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“As for the issue of disputes, we can make concessions, even compromises, as long as we ensure our own interests.

“Everything else can be given up, and once we have deciphered alien technology, we can take it all back,” said a member of the think tank.

Betraying allies was something they were all too familiar with.

As long as their own interests were not harmed, the fate of allies was irrelevant, as there was nothing they could do anyway.

I agree. Right now, there’s no need for us to engage directly with the opposition. We can let our allies take the brunt. We should also learn from them, to develop steadily for a while.”

“Exactly, let the allies hold off the opposition while we increase our investment in scientific research. Even if we lose allies, they will come back to us once we become stronger.”

“Additionally, we can do one more thing, which is to help Russia by stopping the bloodletting plan against them.

“After all, they are too close to us. Russia doesn’t want its neighbors to be too strong. They will act on their own without us doing much.”

The meeting concluded.

The Americans had made new changes; they were starting to develop quietly. And China?

They’d become more active in international cooperation and project development.

Everyone had again become what they disliked the most.

Of course, the changes in America should not be too obvious.

On the contrary, on the surface, America still appeared as the impulsive youth it always was, creating disruptions and hindering Chinese international cooperation.

But in reality, the major American corporations, especially the consortia, had started to contact China.

For instance, the new internet elites who wanted to compete domestically against the established oil consortia, indeed face a challenge.

But the situation was different now.

They didn’t need to compete head-on. As long as they offered benefits, they could completely leverage Chinese strength.

That day, Tang Rui was at home playing with his pet.

Lin Chao found him and mentioned again that someone from the United States wanted to talk to him.

“Why talk again? Aren’t those people gone yet?”

Tang Rui was surprised after hearing this.

“The previous ones left, but new ones have come, with sincerity,” Lin Chao continued.

“What do you mean?” Tang Rui was curious about what conditions they had put forth that intrigued the higher-ups.

“Global semiconductor industry leadership and patented technology in the semiconductor field.”

Really?

Tang Rui was astonished.

This was more than a severe loss; it was almost comparable to the Soviet shock therapy in the past.

If it failed to revive, it would not just be a shock anymore, but a complete collapse.

“Alright… Have them send a representative,” Tang Rui thought for a moment and then said to Lin Chao.

This level of sincerity was not something that couldn’t be discussed.

Clearly, they knew the consequences of their actions, but they still proceeded.

What did that imply?

The interests involved were substantial.

For capitalists, nothing else matters as much as their interests. As long as the benefits are significant enough, there’s nothing they won’t sell.

That afternoon, Tang Rui met James, the representative of the internet interest group, by the reservoir.

Whether it was his real name or not didn’t matter.

Tang Rui just wanted to hear what he had to say and if there was anything that could persuade him; casting the fishing line.

Tang Rui placed the fishing rod on the rack, looking at James.

Mr. Tang, in this cooperation, we hold nothing back. Whether it’s chip technology or internet technology, we are willing to provide licenses. If you have any demands, feel free to ask. As long as we can do it, there will be no problem.”

James didn’t beat around the bush and laid all his cards on the table, showing their sincerity to Tang Rui.

They had no choice.

If they don’t resolve the semiconductor issue, once the domestic equipment is upgraded and production capacity explodes, they can only wait for their demise.

Even regional protection won’t help.

Falling behind in products is fatal.

‘What benefits do I get from what you’re offering? Crimson is not a semiconductor company; we don’t produce chips or make money on the internet. Your technologies are of no significance to me,” Tang Rui said, smiling with narrowed eyes.

This wasn’t just negotiation tactics but the truth.

Yet, it s the truth that was frightening.

Technologies that Crimson doesn’t care about were critical to their survival.

That was the most terrifying part.

“We can accept investment from Crimson in any company. We are willing to give up a 20% stake, including board positions.

“The future international semiconductor alliance can be completely led by Crimson. You can have the decision-making power in the entire semiconductor industry.”

James spoke again, proposing this idea spontaneously. It wasn’t discussed before.

But such matters can’t be taken back to discuss.

Moreover, having Crimson’s investment wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

After listening, Tang Rui laughed.

“Do you know the current international oil price? How much is a ton of crude oil?”

“About 700 USD.”

“You know about the Bohai Bay oil field, right?”

“Yes, its current production is 680,000 tons per day.”

“20% of that is mine. How much do you think I earn a day?”

“Mr. Tang, the issue with the semiconductor industry alliance isn’t just about money, but also about international influence…”

“I know, so it’s troublesome. I dislike trouble, so let’s not talk about investment.

“Let’s do this, show me your capabilities. It’s 3:15 PM now; by 5:00 PM tomorrow, see how many exotic animal cubs you can gather..’¹