Chapter 294: The Unexpected Tactic!
A Tense Silence
The auction was still underway, but the atmosphere at the table had settled into a strained silence.
The three individuals—Luke, Clark, and Bruce—each had clear and distinct moral compasses, like three parallel lines with few points of convergence. Luckily, Lois was present; otherwise, the atmosphere would have been unbearably awkward.
A short while later, a man in a military uniform approached and whispered a few words into Luke's ear. Luke stood up and apologized.
"Please continue to enjoy the evening. I will return shortly."
With that, he left with the military officer.
Bruce looked up, his expression grim.
"It won't be long before American soldiers are all wearing that exoskeleton armor."
Lois asked curiously, "Mr. Wayne, you don't seem to like the exoskeleton armor?"
Bruce took a drink of wine, offering no reply.
Facing the Generals
On the other side, Luke followed the military officer to an office occupied by several generals. Five generals sat in a row—three Major Generals and two Lieutenant Generals—their medals gleaming under the lights, exerting significant psychological pressure.
Luke glanced around the room, pulled up a chair, and sat down opposite them. "Generals, you seem eager to see me. Is there something important?"
Sam Lane gestured to an aide, who placed an official document on the table.
"This is a special document signed by the Department of Defense. Effective immediately, the exoskeleton armor will be classified as a military secret and protected by the state. Tesla will become a military contractor. We will provide Tesla with maximum financial subsidies and administrative support as per regulations. The relevant details are all written in the document. If you have any dissatisfaction, we can discuss it in detail."
Luke picked up the document and scanned it rapidly.
"Five hundred million dollars in subsidies, special talent treatment, Department of Defense Medal, Colonel rank..."
When he reached the last page, he frowned suddenly.
"Generals, is something missing?"
Sam Lane said sternly, "The document is complete; nothing is missing, Luke Shaw. Whether you agree or not, as of now, Tesla will become a military contractor. We will grant you maximum respect and independence, but the exoskeleton armor will absolutely not be allowed to enter the market; it can only be supplied to the military."
"No! No! No! No!"
Luke shook his head repeatedly. "I mean, this document is missing a few things."
"What things?"
"The White House seal and the President's signature."
Luke pointed to the signature column on the last page. "I know a little bit about the law. The Department of Defense does have the authority to place restrictions on companies involved in national defense and military technology, but the document must be approved by the President. Only with the President's seal and signature can it officially take effect."
"This document only has the Department of Defense seal; it does not have President Nash's signature. Legally speaking, it is invalid."
The generals frowned simultaneously. They had prepared for many ways Luke might refuse, but they never expected him to use the President's signature as a legal loophole.
An old, white-haired general said solemnly,
"We spoke with the President; he agrees that the exoskeleton armor should be defined as military-exclusive. You don't need to worry."
Luke shook his head earnestly. "General, that statement is somewhat irresponsible. Rules and regulations are meant to be followed, not broken. The Department of Defense certainly has the right to define the exoskeleton armor as a military secret; I can't and won't stop that. But you must at least give me a complete, legally effective contract, not a private document that lacks the President's signature."
"If I sign the document, and afterward the President disagrees, or if some other accident occurs, who will take responsibility? Who will compensate Tesla for its losses?"
"Unless it has the President's signature, making it legally effective, I absolutely will not sign a document with such an obvious trap. Don't take me for a fool."
"Apologies, I have things waiting for me at the venue. I must go."
Luke dropped the statement, stood up, and left, offering no courtesy whatsoever.
The generals exchanged glances. The hot-tempered Lieutenant General slammed his hand on the table.
"That's outrageous! Who does he think he is?"
"Five of us generals lowered ourselves to meet him in person! Ask any scientist who has ever had that honor! He actually suspects us of having ulterior motives. I think he doesn't want to provide the exoskeleton armor technology at all. You can't trust any of these Asians!"
The others' faces were equally grim. No one expected Luke Shaw to be so disrespectful.
Someone hissed, "There is definitely something wrong with this Asian."
"Should we arrest him on the charge of potentially leaking military secrets and teach him a lesson?"
Sam Lane shook his head seriously. "Luke Shaw is not an ordinary person. Setting aside his Hongmen background, his personal strength alone is not to be underestimated. We cannot use aggressive tactics unless absolutely necessary."
"Then what do we do?"
"He wants the President's signature? Give it to him. If he still refuses to sign a document with the President's signature, then we will force his hand. In any case, the exoskeleton armor must never fall into the hands of the Chinese or the Russians."
Sam Lane's words were firm, carrying an unquestionable resolve.
ShowMe Shares Up for Auction
After Luke left the room, many people turned their eyes toward him, trying to read something from his overly young face.
The Department of Defense personnel had not concealed their presence, openly wearing their uniforms in the venue. Their purpose was to warn the major corporations that the military had its eyes on the exoskeleton armor and that private sales were not allowed.
Therefore, when Luke was called out by the military man, many people's attention shifted.
Carving meat out of a wolf's mouth is dangerous, but the potential profit is huge.
The military cannot be allowed to monopolize the juicy morsel that is the exoskeleton armor!
Luke smiled and greeted people, ignoring their attempts to probe with questions. He simply said he had met with some friends in the military. Returning to his seat, he had a waiter bring him a glass of soda. He then said,
"Mr. Wayne, how is the auction? Have you found anything you like?"
Bruce shook his head. "Is Mr. Shaw very familiar with the military?"
"I wouldn't say very familiar. I've had a few collaborations and know a few friends."
Luke picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and continued, "If you are truly interested in ShowMe, Mr. Wayne, you might have to spend a fortune tonight."
"What do you mean?"
"I arranged a surprise finale for the auction. Based on the time, it should be starting soon."
Just as he finished speaking, Charlie Well, the current CEO of ShowMe, walked onto the podium and handed a document to the auctioneer. The auctioneer opened the document and, upon reading it, looked completely shocked.
He quietly questioned the document's authenticity and cast a doubtful look at Luke. After receiving a nod from Luke, he took a deep breath, forcing himself to suppress his excitement, and announced loudly:
"Distinguished guests, I have a very important announcement to make now."
"Commissioned by ShowMe's Mr. Well, and with Mr. Shaw's consent, the auction will feature a special item: Twenty percent of the shares of the famous social network platform, ShowMe! These are shares only, with no voting rights (or equity). Detailed information is recorded in this document, and those interested may come forward to inspect it."
"Ten percent of the transaction value from this auction will be invested in the Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled, dedicated to protecting the rights of the disabled. Furthermore, Tesla will provide free prosthetic services to five hundred disabled children, helping them live normal lives."
The moment the announcement ended, the venue erupted. Bruce stared at Luke with an expression of disbelief.
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