Chapter 69: A Bountiful Harvest

The ball continued, and as the music grew livelier and more rhythmic, the young gentlemen and ladies became more animated. Some had even danced out of the room, disappearing who knows where. Many guests gathered in small groups, quietly chatting and laughing together. Perhaps, in these hushed conversations, deals worth hundreds of millions were taking shape.

Dawson Carl and Lisa were also mingling, but they kept glancing in Ma Jun’s direction. Ma Jun, however, was oblivious, too busy fending off Amanda’s barrage of direct and unabashed questions, which left him a bit flustered.

“He talked so much!” Amanda said helplessly. “But I find it annoying. I think it’s better to just ask directly. You’ll answer me, won’t you?”

This time, Ma Jun was even more surprised—Amanda had guessed correctly! Smiling, he said, “That’s right, you’re really clever! Your brother’s guess wasn’t far off. Now, I have a question for you: what is the core industry of the Portman family?”

“Energy!” Amanda replied at once, then paused to think before happily adding, “Ah, energy, armaments, and the Carl family’s electronics—those three sectors are unrelated, yet all powerful. There’s no ancient grain industry! The ones most eager for your product must be those in the grain business. Choosing these three families is just right, and with the addition of complex conglomerates, you’ll become the true leader of Junma Technologies!”

“Wow, you’ve helped me solve a problem that’s been bothering me for ages!” Ma Jun widened his eyes. “How should I thank you? With a kiss, perhaps?”

Whether intentionally or not, Ma Jun had been deftly maneuvering among these greedy tigers, always relying on his miraculous drug. This hadn’t been his initial plan, but as more people appeared, things began to move in a favorable direction, prompting Ma Jun to sketch out a new plan in his mind.

He hadn’t expected a young girl to lay it all out so plainly.

Amanda wasn’t offended by Ma Jun’s playful comment. She laughed and said, “Aha, I really am a genius—I guessed it all at once! You’re a lucky guy, being able to carve out a share for yourself. That’s not easy in front of these families.”

“They won’t cut me out and go it alone—I have value. All along, I’ve been working to secure a bigger say and a tastier slice of the pie,” Ma Jun replied with a smile. Chatting with this young girl was far more interesting than talking with Dawson Gaster.

“Well, now that we’re done, I have to go!” Amanda announced. “Later, you can discuss cooperation matters yourselves. I need to get back to studying weapons.”

“Goodbye, and remember—I owe you a kiss!” Ma Jun personally escorted Amanda back, and after greeting Gaster Harry, he smiled at Amanda.

“You’re too kind!” Amanda’s eyes widened. “Can I exchange it for something else?”

“That’s my most precious gift!” Ma Jun waved and turned to leave.

“Ha, Uncle’s career is flourishing! Good luck, I won’t be jealous this time!” Xiaohua’s cheerful voice sounded in his mind. “Do your work well, and hurry up and fix my body—I’m looking forward to that day.”

So am I, Ma Jun nodded with a smile.

Returning to his seat, it wasn’t long before Dawson, unable to contain himself, asked, “Ma Jun, so, have you decided to work with them?”

Ma Jun shook his head seriously. “Not yet. In fact, I’m considering cooperating with the Carl family.”

Dawson was overjoyed. Despite his efforts to hide it, his eyes betrayed his excitement. “Don’t worry, we’re friends. I’ll do everything I can to secure the best terms for you!”

“Thank you very much!” Ma Jun replied with a smile. “After the ball, let’s discuss the details right here. Don’t you think you should consult your elders first?”

Here, in this place?

Dawson’s expression changed; he’d caught the meaning behind Ma Jun’s words. After a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “Alright, I will.”

A beautiful masquerade ball came to an end before midnight. The guests didn’t seem to wear masks—at least not ones visible to the naked eye—but in truth, it was a masquerade in every sense.

Ma Jun had given everyone plenty of time, including himself. He called Old Qian over to help receive the mech suit Gaster was presenting as a gift.

As the guests gradually departed, Gaster Harry, Dawson, and others joined Ma Jun in a conference room.

“You’ve made the right choice,” Harry said to Ma Jun once everyone was seated.

“I hope so,” Ma Jun replied.

He walked to the front of the room, took out his phone, and cast an image onto the wall.

“I’m pleased to discuss the matter of the Divine Ascension Drug with all of you,” Ma Jun began. “I believe you’re all aware of its effects and have probably obtained samples through your own channels. But in fact, even the information I sent to the company covers only a small part of what the drug can do.”

“Now, let me give you a detailed introduction.”

“This drug is extremely affordable. Product Number One: a single pill completely provides an adult engaged in intensive labor with all the energy they need for a day. It’s produced through a series of complex procedures, and only I know the full manufacturing process and cost ratios.”

“I haven’t applied for a patent, because I’m confident—no one can replicate it. I think you’ve realized that by now.”

“Moreover, the Divine Ascension Drug has even greater potential.”

“In my perfected theoretical model, the drug’s efficacy can be greatly enhanced. In the future, a single pill could provide a person with energy for a week, a month, even a year.”

“Imagine—humanity’s food shortage is solved!”

“But is that all? Of course not! If that was it, I never would have named it ‘divine’.”

“My findings in the book on Pandora’s Flora revealed that on that distant planet, the plants display fascinating traits. Theoretically, drugs made from them, when taken long-term, can improve human physiology.”

“In this sulfurous atmosphere, humans could live healthy lives without needing to wear gas masks outdoors.”

“Pay attention—I said improve human physiology! It also has the potential to extend human lifespan.”

Dawson, Gaster, and the others’ eyes lit up with gold. Their breathing quickened, captivated by the vision Ma Jun painted.

He wasn’t exaggerating; the Fasting Pill really did have such effects. But in a world driven by technology, who could say how potent it would truly be? Clinical trials would be needed.

Still, even knowing this, Gaster and the others were already fantasizing.

The Divine Ascension Drug didn’t just solve humanity’s food crisis—it could resolve the very challenge of survival itself.

The colossal profits at stake were nearly irresistible.

“Mr. Ma Jun, the Portman family has already drafted a cooperation plan. Please have a look!”

“The Carl family’s proposal is also ready, and we’re sincere!”

“The Natra family’s proposal is the most sincere of all!” The representatives couldn’t wait to speak, full of confidence and eager to display their goodwill.

“No, I’d like you to consider my cooperation plan instead.” Ma Jun smiled with satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, the projection on the wall changed, displaying a detailed document.

According to Ma Jun’s plan, the investors would take shares in Junma Technologies. He himself would hold forty percent, the company twenty percent, and the remaining shares divided among the three families as they saw fit.

At the same time, Ma Jun would receive five percent equity in each family’s core industry. They would also help him acquire five percent in their group’s holdings.

“That’s the proposal. The final deadline is five o’clock tomorrow afternoon, since on Friday, I’ll be negotiating contracts with the conglomerate.”

Of course, this plan couldn’t possibly succeed as presented, nor did it specify the exact investment amount or other detailed terms. Ma Jun merely used it to signal his intentions to cooperate, and to give other families or corporations time to approach the three families and negotiate.

With a cake this big, many would want a piece.

“My initial proposal is as such. Tomorrow, you may send representatives to Junma Technologies. My assistant, Mr. Qian Modo, will discuss the details with you. It’s already late, so let’s end here for tonight.”

No one objected.

Gaster stood and said, “Arrangements will be made for negotiations tomorrow, but don’t forget the mech I promised you. It’s already been delivered and is waiting outside the manor. You’ll like it.”

“Oh, Mr. Ma Jun, I have a gift for you too—a flying vehicle made entirely of superconducting ore from Pandora! Its performance is outstanding. You could even fly it to space.”

Dawson looked at the two with disapproval. “Gifts again? Our earlier hundred million dollars can’t compare with what you’re offering!”

“Thank you very much!” Ma Jun accepted their generosity without hesitation; such items simply couldn’t be bought anywhere else.

Outside the manor, Ma Jun saw his gifts. The mech stood over three meters tall, fully enclosed—unlike those seen in films, it resembled a giant robot. Its internal view was provided entirely by small external cameras, with high-definition images displayed across several screens, offering a seamless 360-degree view.

The flying vehicle was equally advanced—a small spacecraft, ten meters long and five meters high, with a streamlined exterior that could slightly change shape in space.

Both machines were jet black, not the garish metallic hues seen in movies.

The flying vehicle was fully automated. Ma Jun and Old Qian climbed aboard, loaded up the mech, waved to everyone, and departed in high spirits.