Chapter 15 - Contract with a King

'I felt like I should have prepared a presentation.'

"Project Crystal was created to find a new reusable energy source for technology and production. Coal and oil are limited resources and they will run out sometime in the future. Solar energy is reusable but their current energy output is not to the amount comparable to raw resources."

"Project Crystal is currently in the stage of looking at an energy source with plants. Interesting field… but they are as inefficient as solar energy."

"AHH… I am throwing stuff that I don't even know about. Let me just give you the answer. What if I told you there is a way to convert solar energy to be as powerful as nuclear energy?"

"And the process is also less costly and more environmentally friendly."

"Impossible." Ming Zhao interjected.

Lena shrugged. "I am not a scientist. I only know the answer. I don't know why it's the answer, I just know that it works."

"What is it?"

"Do you think I would openly give you an answer without something in return?"

"What is it that you want? Money? I can invest in Shen Wine Industry and pull your father's company out of the depression."

"Do you think I am stupid? I said I am not a scientist but I am still very much a businesswoman."

Ming Zhao does not like this woman one bit.

"When I give you this answer, you can present it your grandparents. Having such a solution to a 5-year generation of research, I bet that it is strong enough to make you the next heir."

"I am listening…"

"You can take all the credits for the answer. I just a few conditions. First, you will invest in Shen industries. Second, I get 5% profit from this and 15% of the stock in the new business that will boom from this.

"Third, you must not mention to anyone that I gave you this answer and I too will never tell a soul about this. And finally, you owe me 5 friendly favors." Lena continued.

"Favors?"

"Yeah like going out for dinner or stuff like that. I will never ask you to do anything illegal or anything damaging to your image or family. That's why it's called friendly favors."

Ming Zhao pondered for a bit. "Okay."

"Perfect! I have the contract right here!" Lena pulled out the contract she had drafted beforehand.

He read over the conditions and quickly signed the contract. It was a simple contract that was definitely in favor on his side.

"Now tell me, what is the answer?"

"Simple!"

Lena leaned over to Ming Zhao's ear and whispered something to him.

"That's it?"

"Mhm."

Ming Zhao felt like he got the bottom of the bargain.

"I am pretty sure you have someone you trust. Have them confirm my answer. It will blow your mind what little unnoticeable things can do."

"I'll be sure to have them confirm it by tomorrow. If this is all a lie, I will---"

"It's not a lie. I didn't waste my efforts to tackle the great Ming Zhao just to have my head cut off."

"Better be."

"Ah… and when you do get your confirmation, here is my number."

Lena passed a pink business card with her number on it. It was even scented.

"I will be waiting for your call, Ming-ge."

Ming Zhao eyes looked at her. The sound of her calling him that was delicate to the ears.

"I didn't eat lunch so I have to run before I faint in this office. We wouldn't want the next top news to be that Miss. Lena Shen fainted inside Ming Zhao's office."

With that, Lena left the office.

"Heh… what an interesting woman."

Ming Zhao called in Secretary Tim.

"Contact Arnold to meet me here in an hour. I have an assignment for him."

"Yes sir. Does this have something to do with what Miss. Shen said?"

"If what she said is correct, seems like I can get rid of my brother earlier than we planned."