บท 3: CHAPTER 3 - Negotiation of Interests
"We are very interested in your design, but you should be well aware of the impact your invention could have."
"To put it simply, your design could almost overturn the industrial system in Piltover, which currently relies on Hextech crystal energy."
Cassandra had no doubt that these were Li Lin's designs, or rather, she wasn't concerned about it at all.
Before becoming a council member, she was an excellent Hextech artisan. Naturally, she could tell whether these peculiar design blueprints were genuine or not.
If these blueprints were designed by Li Lin, then the Kiramman family would gain a genius inventor rivaling Jayce.
If these blueprints were stolen by Li Lin from some family, it would be evident in his subsequent inventions. At that point, they could just contact Piltover's enforcers to apprehend him. The Kiramman family wouldn't lose out, but instead gain a batch of technological blueprints that could usher in a new era.
Likewise, Li Lin would do the same. The Kiramman family's reputation was well-known, and they wouldn't steal his design achievements just for short-term gains.
Moreover, even if Li Lin had misunderstood the Kiramman family, and his design blueprints were stolen, he still had the Mechanic System. On Earth, there were many technologies that the Rune Lands had never possessed. It wouldn't be a problem for him to bring in several inventions with higher technological content.
With each side harboring their own thoughts, negotiations on the patent for these inventions continued.
"We can sponsor you as much as possible. All you need to do is manufacture these technological devices, and later, try to improve them to ensure they can be put to use smoothly."
"As for the rest, you don't need to worry. We, the Kiramman family, will not snatch ownership of your patent. However, we would like our family name to be attached after your name. Are you agreeable to this?"
Li Lin nodded, understanding that Cassandra was only asking for formality. It didn't really matter whether he agreed or not. "Of course, no problem."
"Very well, let's now discuss the benefits and proportions of the patent. Bring out your design diagrams."
Cassandra had negotiated many sponsorship contracts like this before, so she was quite familiar with this part.
"Let's start with the first blueprint... a bicycle. Hmm, a very peculiar name. It operates by pedaling and rotating gears and chains as the driving force, quite innovative..."
Cassandra paused for a moment, and Li Lin knew the turning point was coming. She was about to represent the Kiramman family in negotiating a lower price.
"But you also understand that Piltover already has transportation options like the Hextech cycle and the Hextech dual-wheel vehicle. Compared to them, your bicycle doesn't offer significant advantages, and the young masters and ladies of prominent families won't be interested in such a simple invention..."
"You're mistaken about this, Lady Cassandra," Li Lin retorted, not willing to show weakness.
The Kiramman couple frowned slightly.
"Firstly, although my bicycle may not match Hextech cycle and dual-wheel mobile vehicles in speed and travel distance, it doesn't require Hextech crystal energy as a power source. Moreover, its structure is simple. Have you considered the cost?"
Cassandra and Tobias were momentarily taken aback, displaying expressions of contemplation.
Li Lin paused for a moment, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Moreover, who said my bicycle was designed for nobles?"
"About this, even if it's not designed for the nobles, it can still... Wait a minute!" Tobias suddenly realized and brightened up. "You want to distribute the bicycle to the common citizens?"
"Exactly. My intention in designing the bicycle was to consider the common people. It can serve as a means of transportation in daily life and for leisure during free time, as well as a form of exercise."
"And the cost of the bicycle is low. I think it should take a low-end route in terms of pricing, not too expensive. Thin profit and high sales, making it affordable for ordinary citizens. I believe it will definitely become a popular item."
Li Lin did not hold back, revealing all the advantages and sales strategy of the bicycle. Even though Cassandra wanted to exploit the product's value, she couldn't find a way to do it.
"I think this idea is excellent, dear. Most families rarely consider the common citizens. If we could start from this perspective, we could at least keep the bastards from the Antoran family at bay..."
'You blockhead, why are you speaking up for an outsider!'
Catarina glanced at her husband, annoyed. But what he and Li Lin said made sense. Unable to counter, she felt somewhat disheartened and could only compromise. "Speak, how much do you want?"
However, to her surprise, Li Lin didn't make an exorbitant demand. He simply extended three fingers and said, "Thirty percent. I only need thirty percent of the sales profits."
Piltover, an independent city-state, might be considered a small nation. As a trading port connecting the east and west passages of Runeterra, the inventions produced in Piltover weren't limited to local sales but were exported worldwide. This meant that the wealth generated by just one invention, like the bicycle, would be enough to sustain Li Lin for a lifetime. It could even elevate him to the upper echelons of Piltover society, establishing a new noble lineage.
However, he was giving up this golden opportunity?
Cassandra couldn't comprehend it.
Before she could inquire further, Li Lin continued, "But I have conditions."
"You may proceed," Cassandra said, sitting up straight.
"First, in the future, I may attempt to invent more things, regardless of how challenging or seemingly impossible they may be. Even if you think they'll never succeed, you must support me unconditionally."
Cassandra was growing increasingly unable to fathom the depths of this Ionian youth's mysteries. Her mouth twitched slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure. "Agreed, but the primary condition is that it should not compromise the interests of our family... What else?"
"Second, I can share some of the core technology behind my inventions with you. But certain, more hazardous techniques must remain under my sole control. You cannot pressure me to divulge them."
"Dangerous techniques..." Cassandra almost lost her calm. "How dangerous are these 'dangerous techniques'? If they violate Piltover's laws and jeopardize the city's stability and its citizens, we can't guarantee their protection..."
Cassandra received a gentle nudge from her husband, causing her to fall silent.
Although she hadn't finished her sentence, Li Lin knew precisely what she was referring to. The Shadow Ruler of Piltover from behind the scenes, Camille...
But since they had reached this point, perhaps he had grown enough not to fear her anymore.
Li Lin consoled himself inwardly and explained, "Well... It's hard to say at the moment, but you can rest assured; there won't be any issues."
"Alright... I agree. Is there more?"
"One last thing. I hope that I can have a larger share of the patents for some of my more complex inventions, such as the generator..."
"Of course, I can accept anywhere from one to three percent for inventions with lower technical complexity. How does that sound?"
Cassandra, now feeling somewhat numb from the negotiation, didn't know if Li Lin was playing games or if he was truly a genius. She wordlessly looked into his eyes, finding nothing but confidence.
Well, let's take a gamble; we won't lose anything, anyway.
Cassandra sighed quietly in her heart. "Alright, I agree. Afterward, you can specify some inventions, and I'll give you fifty percent of the patent profits."
"Thank you, Lady Cassandra." Li Lin said, a brilliant smile on his face.
Then, he and the Kiramman couple stood up simultaneously.
In the moment when Li Lin's deep brown eyes met Carina's azure ones, they shook hands.
"Happy cooperation!"
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