Ding Xiu hesitated for a moment, then said, "I think your carrier-based aircraft is actually quite suitable for the newly trained Sky Knights as an entry-level ride."

During the Sky Knights' novice period, before customizing a dedicated Crystal Jet, having a well-balanced temporary ride as a transitional adaptation is also excellent.

Aside from being overly balanced, the aircraft Chen Fei brought out could almost be considered a Crystal Jet, which is the mutual certification from both Sky Knights Ding Xiu and Sun Ruzheng.

"No problem, I can offer it at cost price!"

Chen Fei made an OK gesture in response. Some things are too costly to produce using Special Ability, so the costs can't be dirt cheap; however, compared to products straight off the industrial production line, they're incredibly cheaper.

Sovereignty got him hooked up with the technology pool from several aerospace companies, and reciprocating, supplying Tactical Jets at cost is only fitting.

Moreover, with the "Sagali" civilization as the major enemy ahead, any increase in combat power for the Blue Star Civilization is worth it. This isn't a money issue; if humanity falls behind, money would be worthless.

Shen Fei chimed in, "Our Northern Weapons Industry Group can provide manufacturing and after-sales service!"

After-sales service is Chen Fei's Psi Skill shortcoming, but now, it's perfect!

Credit to Vice President Shen's thoughtful initiative, taking business on National Defense Star's turf boldly.

There was no person in charge of National Defense Star on the tarmac, and the only one capable was hammered down for recovery, so they could only watch helplessly.

"Wait for the news! Sun Ru and I need to compile the report first!"

Ding Xiu couldn't promise anything for now.

Procurement of aircraft is something that the two Sky Knights can't decide; it's merely an intention.

The real decision-makers have to be from the Sovereignty Air Force high command.

However, this news soon reached Chen Fei's uncle.

"Everyone makes money together, Northern Weapons Industry shouldn't hog it all!"

In the office, besides Chen Fei and Shen Fei, there was also a video call with Vice President Shen Songling from Northern Weapons Industry Group. Chen Haiqing wouldn't miss an opportunity for a big procurement order.

After all, Sovereignty's budget is limited; if you eat more, others have to eat less. A sudden unexpected large order, even if it may not materialize, no one wants to miss such a possibility.

Both companies agreed on the name "Tactical Jet," a jet executing tactical tasks, adaptable to land-based, sea-based, and air-based operations, not necessarily just as carrier-based.

"Little Chen's Tactical Jet was designed by our personnel on our grounds, using our resources to devise the plan, hence it has nothing to do with National Defense Star from the start, right?"

Reaching the Vice President position, Old Shen is no pushover. The Tactical Jet design plan and all related technical documentation are in the hands of the Nangong Team, indirectly under Northern Weapons Industry Group. If National Defense Star wants to compete, they need to assess the actual situation.

Chen Haiqing calmly said, "Tactical Jet belongs to Chen Fei, and Chen Fei belongs to the Chen Family."

Nangong Ruiyang and their team aren't the sole keepers of all Tactical Jet technical documents; Chen Fei also has complete synchronized backups.

"Every matter has a sequence!"

Shen Songling's video call with Chen Haiqing also connected with members of the Northern Weapons Industry board. It involves interests between the two companies, beyond what a Vice President can decide. The board wouldn't grant such authority lightly, given military procurement in aerospace always involves billions; no one dares casually to hand it over.

If National Defense Star's chairman reasons with family ties, it's possible to obtain Tactical Jet-related technical documents from Chen Fei, and once the military decides to place an order, it may spark a rivalry between the two companies.

The same performance, the same product, can possibly trigger a price war, leaving National Defense Star and Northern Weapons Industry struggling even to sip the broth.

"Why not each give a step back, I'll take seventy percent, and you take thirty percent; anyhow, technical documentation can be obtained, and you Northern Weapons Industry Group didn't initiate a project." Ch+eck+ My Vir^tu.a$l& Libr+a^ry Empi+re@ (M^V1*LEM#P^1YR) for the l+a%te&st% u.pda%te.s.-

Representing National Defense Star in negotiations, Chen Haiqing seemed to hold the initiative.

Since Northern Weapons Industry Group didn't sign up a project for Tactical Jets nor invested a dime in it, if they don't want it taken by others, who can they blame?

National Defense Star's project initiation is just a word from the chairman; before the call, they've already gathered the research team—an assembly of top talents—and even prepared the development budget aligned with the average cost of Crystal Jets, regardless of the outcome, first secure the spot.

Commercial conquest never knows mercy.

Even if someone from Chen Family Gate married the Vice President's only daughter from Northern Weapons Industry Group, they can't expect head Chen Haiqing to show leniency.

"You three, I seven. Dream on, I'll take nine, you take one."

Shen Songling received board guidance; it's simply about asking for the sky and settling for a fair deal, who can't do this?

"How about negotiating halfway; fifty-fifty, if even this isn't agreeable, then we'll rely on our capabilities."

Northern Weapons Industry's relentless pursuit made Chen Haiqing shake his head—talking like this, eventually nothing will come out of it; might as well skip to the chase, lay the bottom line clear, speak carefree, or else war is imminent, and tearing things apart is self-inflicted.

"..."

Chen Haiqing's resolute aggression made Shen Songling hesitate.

Their positions within their companies are asymmetric; what Chen Haiqing can decide in one breath, Shen Songling doesn't have such authority. However, he's the one monitored by the people behind the Nangong Team, so he represents Northern Weapons Industry in the dialogue with National Defense Star's elite.

After a moment of silence, Shen Songling finally got the board's collective decision.

"Fifty-fifty split, deal!"

Shen Songling also let out a sigh of relief. This negotiation result, in fact, was predictable from the start, yet both sides wanted to strive a bit; if successful, it would be enormously profitable.

"Uh... may I say something?"

Chen Fei suddenly spoke.

"Is there any problem? Oh, right, your share, rest assured, neither company will treat you unfairly."

Chen Haiqing certainly won't take his family's things for free, and will certainly provide ample rewards.

At the same time, Vice President Shen of Northern Weapons Industry Group nodded; Chairman Chen wouldn't shortchange his family members, nor would he shortchange his future son-in-law. Where contention is necessary, it continues, but sacrificing Chen Fei's personal interest for the company's gain is out of the question, and more so, Chairman Chen of National Defense Star wouldn't agree.

"My intention is... I provide the entirety of the Tactical Jet and components, while both of you just need to handle service maintenance."

Chen Fei finally had the chance to express his true intention.

The "Spatial Branding" reserve of Tactical Jets was sufficient to meet Sovereignty's needs; they're all available stocks, available for immediate delivery, thoroughly eliminating the need for production planning by National Defense Star and Northern Weapons Industry.

Uncle Chen Haiqing: "..."

Vice President Shen and the board members of Northern Weapons Industry Group: "..."

Well, after both sides struggled to reach an outcome barely satisfactory, this young brother just comes along, taking both meat and broth along with the pot.

After all that effort, what was there left for the two manufacturers to earn?

Was it just for a bit of labor costs?