Chapter 131: Mutual Exchange
Although LA Corporation has established partnerships with numerous corporate executives, such as Arasaka's Yoshinobu, Trauma Team's Nadia, High Rider's Zuma, and the newly allied Yoru Corporation, maintaining this network comes with its challenges.
The greater the power, the greater the responsibility. If LA Corporation refuses to share some of its core technological projects and relinquish a portion of its benefits, it risks isolation by other companies.
If it weren't for Cantao Group Corporation balancing LA Corporation's dominance in the weapons market in the Huaxia region, these corporate giants wouldn't simply sit idly by while LA Corporation continues to expand.
"It seems, Mr. President, you genuinely intend to bring me into your inner circle of interests. Let's hear it—what is it you want from me?"
Li Ang remained calm despite Myers ' subtle persuasion. After all, to gain something, one must be willing to pay the price. Negotiations are always worth trying before resorting to conflict.
Since the Biotech Corporation had gathered so many familiar faces around this table, Li Ang decided it would be impolite not to attend.
If they want to play, he'll play along till the end.
"Mr. Li Ang, you are as straightforward as ever!"
President Myers smiled in relief. Having such a sensible partner made her task significantly easier and her effort in convincing him worthwhile.
"You know, Biotech has secured considerable resources from various companies through its genetic projects, such as land rights for experimentation and access to rare, expensive materials.
"The goal is simple: mutual exchange."
"Currently, ESA is responsible for providing precise experimental equipment, Arasaka shares their Soulkiller technology, and we, Military Tech, contribute personnel—and you, Li Ang, the executive of LA Corporation!"
The "personnel" Myers referred to meant Military Tech allowing their employees to test Biotech's genetic medicine, as well as pulling Li Ang and LA Corporation into this "game."
This was the true reason why Myers personally invited Li Ang aboard the Skystar One!
"Interesting."
Li Ang smiled and asked directly, "So, which specific technology of LA Corporation has piqued Biotech's interest?"
With LA Corporation's cutting-edge advancements, such as the axon control system for the Ronin Titan, the nearly perpetual flapping-wing drone, and the lifeform-confining Matrix, it was hard to predict what they might covet.
Myers quickly revealed the answer: "The AI technology that segments human consciousness."
Since Li Ang's deep partnership with Yoru Corporation, news of the AI "White Queen" that could segment human consciousness and upload it to a Matrix server had spread through the intelligence networks of major corporations.
This AI technology, rivaling Arasaka's Soulkiller, shocked corporate executives worldwide. After all, it offered a path to potential "immortality"!
Miriam, the CEO of Yoru Corporation, sought to use this technology to control her company's leadership and collaborate with rogue AIs to access other companies' confidential information.
Meanwhile, executives from other corporations dreamed of using this technology to achieve eternal life.
More importantly, LA Corporation's White Queen AI could erase rogue AI remnants from human brains—a groundbreaking feat.
Elite hackers in every company were often impacted by rogue AIs while working behind the Blackwall, leading to memory loss and other cognitive issues.
Even the first hacker agent of the Intelligence Bureau, Song Zhaomei, had experienced such memory loss due to Blackwall contamination and rogue AI influence.
With access to this core technology, companies could significantly improve their hackers' survival rates and efficiency in capturing rogue AIs.
"Mr. Li Ang, your company's AI consciousness-segmentation technology gained fame after the Yoru Corporation incident—it's a well-known fact.
"But since you've only granted Yoru Corporation access to this technology, many parties feel dissatisfied. We hope you'll consider sharing it with everyone equally.
"Of course, you don't need to worry about being shortchanged. I promise that what you'll receive in return will be far greater."
Hearing Myers ' words, Li Ang couldn't help but laugh. He had assumed they were targeting the Matrix server, but it turned out their focus was on the seemingly less valuable White Queen AI.
However, this made sense. On the day of the Yoru Corporation incident, only Blue-Eyes and Bartmoss understood the true value of the Matrix.
To Miriam, the superficial CEO, the White Queen's ability to segment consciousness was impressive, but the Matrix server seemed no different from Arasaka's Soulkiller server. In reality, their functionalities were worlds apart.
"Mr. President, I'm willing to share this AI technology with you. As for what you'll offer in exchange, we can discuss the details later."
Li Ang wasn't concerned about companies copying or stealing the White Queen AI. After all, replicating even the simplest version of it was no easy feat.
The real challenge lay in how to sustain such a resource-intensive system!
While LA Corporation had the Matrix as a controlled environment to nurture AI, other companies lacked such a tool. Even with access to the technology, they would still need LA Corporation's support.
"Excellent! Mr. Li Ang, your generosity and boldness have truly impressed me. I believe the others will be very pleased with your inclusion in our ranks!"
With Li Ang's agreement, Myers felt a sense of accomplishment. Military Tech currently lacked groundbreaking technological projects.
Even their "Little Big Dipper" project was still incomplete and couldn't rival Arasaka's Soulkiller.
To secure the benefits of Biotech's genetic projects, Myers knew she had to win Li Ang over—and she had succeeded.
"Mr. President, thank you for informing me about this genetic project. However, I don't currently have any use for this technology. I'll arrange a meeting with Biotech's director in a few days for direct discussions."
Li Ang understood Myers ' intentions, but he saw this as an opportunity to connect with Biotech. That said, he wasn't interested in their genetic fusion project just yet.
It wasn't that he looked down on their technology or was averse to their human experiments; he simply didn't have a pressing need to enter the biotech field.
Li Ang's current focus remained on AI, military hardware, and his recently acquired aerospace operations. Unless he acquired technology related to biotechnology, he had no reason to expand into that domain.
However, if he ever gained access to advanced genetic engineering similar to that of the Umbrella Corporation, Li Ang wouldn't just consider cooperation—he'd aim to become a major shareholder in Biotech, using their brilliant scientists to serve his interests!
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