The Counterattack Plan of A Villain With Ten Thousand Fans - Chapter 145

Chapter 145

After hanging up the call, Marui immediately opened the blueprint sent by Ling Chunann. As the heir of a leading mech manufacturing family, Marui, despite not being fond of mech design, had a basic understanding from a young age, especially now that he's studying mech design professionally. His eye for detail was exceptional, and from the moment he saw the blueprint, he was involuntarily wide-eyed with astonishment.

Marui knew Ling Chunann had been working on a mech design for years, but he had never expected such a surprise. Whether it was the appearance or practical design aspects, the blueprint seemed flawless at first glance. Although its performance was yet to be tested, Marui was confident that if manufactured successfully, this mech would undoubtedly be of S or even SS grade!

Excited, Marui was about to contact Ling Chunann when he remembered Ling Chunann's comments about the cost. In his initial excitement, Marui had only glanced at the materials list. Now, taking a closer look, his initially wide grin grew even wider in shock.

Seeing Marui's video call request, Ling Chunann glanced at the man who had unceremoniously entered his home and was now personally cleaning. Ling Chunann got up and moved to the study, "What's up?"

Marui, still in shock, snapped back to reality upon seeing Ling Chunann's face, realizing he had accidentally sent a video call request instead of an audio call. A flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes, but he quickly composed himself, "Ah Chen, I've just reviewed your blueprint. There are no issues with the details; it's ready for production."

"Alright," Ling Chunann nodded, "Understood."

098 was bursting with pride, having personally verified the design. How could there be any issues?

Marui frowned, "However…"

"I've researched the raw materials previously; they are all currently obtainable. Some are rare, so I'll need you to put in extra effort. I'll pay you at market price," Ling Chunann preempted Marui's hesitation, "Also, I need you to keep this mech confidential."

"Of course," Marui nodded. "Materials aren't an issue. My family owns several mines in nearby star systems. Don't worry about the market price. I already promised to gift it to you, but it turns out I can't afford to now. However, I can still offer you a 20% discount. I'll talk to my father about it."

"Thank you."

Ling Chunann didn't refuse this time, and Marui sighed in relief, "I'll discuss the mech manufacturing with my father. You can rest assured about keeping it secret; my family's security is impeccable."

The usual cost of mech raw materials on the market ranges from a few million to tens of millions of star credits, with selling prices between ten million and a billion. Even royal custom mechs don't exceed two billion in material costs. Hence Marui's confident offer to Ling Chunann, not expecting the cost to soar to thirty billion!

The next day, Marui was waiting at the entrance of Ling Chunann's classroom after school. Upon seeing Ling Chunann emerge, he hurriedly approached, "Ah Chen, my father wants to meet you. He's at the Hanton Hotel outside the school right now."

"Host, he's telling the truth," 098 interjected.

Marui's father, a pleasantly chubby beta who shared a striking resemblance with Marui, stood up to greet Ling Chunann upon his arrival, "Hello, hello, you must be Yu Yichen. My son Marui speaks of you often."

"Hello, uncle," Ling Chunann smiled, "Did you need me for something?"

"What a fine young man," Marui's father praised, "Indeed, I wanted to discuss something. I've reviewed your design, and there's no problem following your plan for the mech. Regarding confidentiality, I'm willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Moreover, I can offer you a 70% price."

Marui brightened at his father's offer, sending a grateful look his way and signaling Ling Chunann to agree, knowing his businessman father's concessions were rare.

"Thank you, uncle, but 80% is fine," Ling Chunann declined the generous offer, "Is there anything else?"

Laughing heartily at Ling Chunann's refusal, Marui's father wasn't offended but instead appreciated his integrity, "Impressive! How about joining my company as a designer after graduation? I'll give you 20% shares."

Marui was astounded; 20% of their company's shares could buy hundreds of star systems' worth of mines.

Ling Chunann shook his head, "Thank you for the offer, uncle, but I've decided to join the military after graduation."

"Joining the military?" Marui's father frowned but then relaxed, "Well, to each their own. I won't press you, but if you have any new designs, please show them to me first. As for this project, well, the cost is too high." He sighed, lamenting the rare materials and the missed opportunity to make history with this mech. He hoped Ling Chunann's next design would come to fruition.

Eager to return to his work, Marui's father stood up, "Let's leave it at that for today. I need to study this design further. Ah Chen, if you change your mind about the military, consider our company first; my offer always stands."

"Thank you, uncle," Ling Chunann nodded.

"Marui, what are you still doing here? Let's go home."

As hastily as they had arrived, the father and son duo left. The waiter brought the food ordered by Marui's father, apparently forgotten in their rush to leave.

"What did you call me out for? And what were you doing here today?" Marui asked his father as they boarded their hover car.

"You said your classmate was from the 173rd star system."

"Yes, is there a problem?"

"No problem, but I doubted whether he was bragging or if the design was really his," Marui's father admitted.

Marui was upset, "Father, how could you think that of him? He's my best friend."

"Hmm, so now I'm considering if he could join our family as a son-in-law, then I'd have a successor."

"…"

As Ling Chunann was about to leave the hotel, 098 suddenly called out, "Host, something terrible has happened!"

"I'm fine," Ling Chunann responded.

"It's not about you being fine; it's a bad situation!" 098 hurriedly explained, "I sneaked into Marui's hover car's audio-visual recording system. Guess what I heard?"

"Marui's dad has a crush on me? Wants to take me back as his little wife?"

"…" 098 found its host too irreverent.

Recovering quickly, 098 said, "Well, host…"

Their conversation was interrupted by another voice.

"Sweetheart," Noel appeared just in time, catching Ling Chunann who almost bumped into him, his expression tense, "Did you get hurt? Does it hurt?"

"I didn't bump into anything," Ling Chunann glanced at him, "Didn't you say you were returning to the palace today?"

"Yes, I came out for dinner. I felt you were around, so I came to see," Noel smiled, "Want to join?"

"No, maybe next time," Ling Chunann declined, "Enjoy your meal, I'm heading back."

"Alright, I'll come back with you."

"It's okay, I can find my way. You rarely get together with them; you should at least finish this meal," Ling Chunann said with a smile, "Go ahead."

"Then, I'll be back soon."

Ling Chunann left the hotel as usual, showing no signs of unease, but 098 felt worried, "Host, are you okay?"

"Hm? What could be wrong?" Ling Chunann replied, "By the way, 098, transfer the star credits to Marui later."

"Yes, host." 098 felt a pang at the mention of money. It had worked hard for years to accumulate its wealth, and now a significant portion was spent by its host in one go. Although the money was indeed earned for him, 098 couldn't help but feel distressed.

As darkness fell, Ling Chunann returned to his dorm and was enveloped in a familiar warmth before even turning on the light, "Aren't you supposed to be with your family? Why are you back?"

The man didn't answer but held him for a long time before whispering in his ear, "Sweetheart, I'll always be with you."

It took Ling Chunann a long time to respond, "Okay."

In the twenty years Ling Chunann had lived for himself, family was a concept he knew nothing about.

It wasn't until his first mission, when he received loving parents, that he felt out of place.

He didn't know how to interact with family members or be a child with parents, so his first instinct was to act.

He performed impeccably, portraying others with utmost realism.

He thought, if only he hadn't kept his distance and spent more time at home, maybe he could have prevented them from turning into zombies. Even though it was part of the plot, he still regretted it.

Perhaps as retribution, Ling Chunann never again played a role in a complete family. But this made him feel more at ease.

And the man before him might be his only exception.

"What are you thinking about?" the man kissed his eye corner.

"Nothing, just that you're pretty good," Ling Chunann said.

"Do you agree to dual cultivation with me?" the man almost jumped for joy.

Ling Chunann: "No."

Seeing the man's instant disappointment, Ling Chunann suddenly laughed, "Go turn on the light."

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