"This is the interior of Hammer Industries. It's really huge!"
Ghostfreak's single eye darted across the gaps in its body in an instant, taking in the entire scene of Hammer Industries.
As a top-tier military enterprise second only to Stark Industries, Hammer Industries possessed more than just one building. Inside, there were several factories equipped with high-precision machinery.
Hammer Industries had many factories, but most were not located in New York, but scattered across America.
For resource-oriented industries like factories, no fool would build them in a place like New York.
The underground factory in Queens wasn't for mass production; it was for research, development, and manufacturing prototypes.
Ben was clearly very satisfied with the location of his future company.
And he was also satisfied with those Iron Robots.
"The existing machines, though a bit outdated, can be completely repurposed with modifications. It would be a shame to destroy them as expendables."
If nothing else, the raw material cost of these tin cans alone was already very high. Ben wasn't so wealthy that he could just blow them up for a loud bang.
But if he didn't blow them up, there would be problems.
These battle armors were essentially a cheaper alternative to Iron Suits. If they were kept, the military and S.H.I.E.L.D., having witnessed their power, would definitely not let them go.
Ben didn't have the financial resources to contend with them, not even with Tony's help.
"Fine, you, Tony Stark, don't want to share your technology with us. But you're going to interfere with us getting Hammer Industries' technology too? That doesn't make sense!"
Therefore, figuring out how to make S.H.I.E.L.D. and the government willingly give up on Hammer Industries was what Ben needed to consider.
This wasn't difficult for him at all.
Justin Hammer was a joke not only because of his own stupidity, but also significantly because of his invention – the Ex-Wife.
When Rhodey confidently told the villain, "I'm going to blow you up with my Ex-Wife," only to find that the missile fired was a dud, everyone knew Justin Hammer was an absolute clown.
Even when it was later discovered that the Ex-Wife wasn't that terrible, that it just needed distance to activate, it couldn't salvage Hammer Industries' image.
What Ben had to do was similar.
He just needed to make these Iron Robots appear as ridiculous failures.
This was incredibly simple for Ben. He didn't even transform into Grey Matter; he directly plugged a USB drive into Hammer Industries' computer.
In an instant, a new program was implanted into Hammer Industries' computers.
Of course, he didn't intend to completely nullify the preparations made by Justin Hammer and Ivan. After all, for a large enterprise like Hammer Industries, it was difficult to collapse completely without a major incident.
There had to be a balance between the two.
It all depended on how he managed it.
Time passed day by day.
Before the exhibition began, Ben and Norman Osborn jointly divided up Stromm's wealth.
It had to be said that this guy had profited considerably while being a shareholder of Osborn.
He had also established a foundation with his wealth. Theoretically, even if his identity as the Green Goblin was confirmed now, Norman wouldn't be able to get this money.
However, Norman had been navigating the business world for so many years; he wasn't one to sit idly by.
There were always loopholes in these complicated matters.
Things that were theoretically impossible could sometimes be done, and things that were theoretically possible might not be. In short, it was about flexibility.
This was especially true in a country where everyone recognized the value of money.
With Norman Osborn's hefty promises, none of these were issues.
At this moment, Ben and Norman were sitting in the study of Osborn Manor, drinking tea and dividing the spoils.
"So, you plan to merge with Hammer Industries?" Norman asked, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Just moments ago, Ben had revealed that he had discovered Ivan, who attacked Iron Man, had faked his death, was rescued by Justin Hammer, and had made a series of arrangements. After hearing this, Norman understood Ben's intentions.
He then began to ponder the feasibility of this plan.
"It's difficult," he admitted.
"Hammer Industries' scale was once on par with the original Osborn Corporation. After Stark Industries announced it was ceasing weapons manufacturing, they quickly seized the weapons market, becoming the military's largest partner and enjoying great popularity.
"Although Justin Hammer is an undeniable fool, the other shareholders of the company can't be that stupid. Even if some unforeseen events cause Hammer Industries to collapse, its factories and production lines will still be coveted by other industrial companies."
Norman's reasoning was sound.
However, from another perspective, Ben's early detection of this matter did give him some advantage. But compared to those established large corporations, Primus's current strength was still very weak.
"If that's the case, then I won't take the money from the Stromm Foundation for now," Norman decided after a moment of thought.
Norman was absolutely in support of acquiring Hammer Industries. As the most prominent military industrial complex in America today, Hammer Industries possessed very advanced technology and industrial chains. While that equipment might not be of much use to a biotechnology company like Osborn, it was different for Primus.
With the substantial cash from the Stromm Foundation, Primus could gain more say at the negotiation table.
"However, you need to be prepared. Even with this money, you'll only have the qualification to sit at the table," Norman said.
Ben simply smiled slightly in response: "Tony Stark has already agreed to provide me with financial support."
"Really?"
Norman raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected Ben to quietly connect with Tony.
Things had just changed.
He thought for a moment, then seemed to make up his mind and said, "Since that's the case, let's go all out!"
Norman stated that since Stark, that outsider, was involved, he, as an uncle, naturally couldn't do nothing.
He was in!
"I'll temporarily halt all of Osborn's other research projects and pull all the funds."
Hearing this, Ben was stunned.
He had indeed wanted some support from Norman, but he hadn't expected Norman to go all-in the moment they disagreed.
After all, acquiring Hammer Industries offered no benefit to Osborn. Moreover, Norman had also invested money from the Storm Foundation, making Ben wonder if Norman would even be able to pay salaries if this continued.
But Norman assured him not to worry.
After all, it was an old company with many years of history, and some of its core industries were still strong.
With Norman Osborn's support, Ben became even more confident about taking over Hammer Industries.
In the following days, Norman held another press conference, completely restoring Connors' reputation. He announced that Connors had been found and was undergoing treatment with Primus Technology.
Although Connors was still "undergoing treatment" and couldn't see his wife and children, at least the public criticism they had endured because of him could finally change.
And then, the time finally came for the exhibition to begin.
Peter, carrying his backpack, stood on tiptoe and looked at the long queue, filled with regret.
"I knew I should have gone in with Benny and the others."
He sighed.
Since Primus was a participant in the exhibition and Ben happened to know Tony, there were plenty of internal tickets. Just like now, Uncle Ben, Aunt May, and even Mary Jane were already seated in the front rows of the Primus pavilion, waiting for the exhibition to officially start.
However, due to some reasons, Peter had missed entering with them.
But his lateness wasn't due to his superhero career as Spider-Man. It was because Jameson, the owner of the Daily Bugle, had found him and given him a new assignment: to photograph the exhibition and interview as many prominent figures as possible.
"If you can expose the true identity of Primus's mysterious boss, my newspaper will sell like hotcakes!"
Peter's mind was still replaying the scene of Jameson shouting at him while biting on a cigar.
For those in high positions, finding out Ben's identity wasn't difficult. But for ordinary people, the boss of Primus remained a mystery.
Peter shook his head and hung the camera around his neck. "Too bad Benny won't accept my interview."
"Who won't accept your interview?"
Just then, a blonde girl suddenly popped her head out and winked at Peter.
The sudden scare made Peter almost jump. He only relaxed after seeing the girl's face clearly.
"You, you're Gwen Stacy?"
Peter obviously recognized her, but he was even more surprised.
"You, why are you here?" he stammered.
Gwen seemed to be in a good mood. She glanced around and said, "I came to visit the exhibition. Are you alone?"
Peter instinctively shook his head, but what came out of his mouth was, "Yes, yes, just me."
"Then, together?"
Peter nodded blankly.
Although he liked Liz, Liz wasn't interested in him anyway.
Teaming up with Gwen now seemed pretty good?
Peter Parker, the ultimate scumbag!
On the other side.
Backstage at the venue, all the participating entrepreneurs and scientists were gathered.
The real highlight of the exhibition was still in the evening; the daytime was for visitors to explore freely.
Ben, Norman, and Harry were sitting together, and many people came to greet Norman.
Ben turned his head and saw Felicia waving to Mrs. Hardy from behind her. Standing beside them was a slightly overweight man wearing a white lab coat.
Sensing Ben's gaze, the man walked over and extended his hand to him.
"A pleasure to meet you, Otto Gunther Octavius."
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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