"Does Mr. Selka possess knowledge of the Weyden Initiative?"
Jonas refrained from direct declaration, opting instead to inquire.
At the other end of the communication, Selka Bond's brow furrowed momentarily before he spoke, "Are you referring to the initiative for individual soldier weapon fabrication?"
Selka had a faint recollection of the name, vaguely recalling it as a novel weapons collaboration proposed by the Weyden Consortium to major security firms, ultimately abandoned due to the formidable challenges in weapon development.
"Hasn't that initiative been terminated?" Jonas chuckled in response before stating, "Precisely, it hasn't been terminated but rather indefinitely prolonged."
This served as the Weyden Consortium's "compensation" to Jonas. In actuality, Jonas currently lacked the requisite funds to sustain a weapon development endeavor, which was precisely why he chose Selka as a collaborator.
The Bond Consortium possessed nearly all the essential conditions for weapon development, presenting an undeniable opportunity for Selka, who sought to augment his inheritance competitiveness.
Upon hearing Jonas' remarks, Selka vaguely intuited the underlying message. He hesitated slightly before inquiring, "So, the cooperative venture you mentioned pertains to the Weyden Initiative?"
With a snap of his fingers, Jonas jovially responded, "Mr. Selka is indeed astute."
At these words, Selka's heart stirred momentarily, but soon regained its composure. His gaze towards Jonas carried a hint of skepticism.
"Why have you chosen me for this venture?"
Undoubtedly, this represented a substantial endeavor promising stable returns. Jonas could have sought superior collaborators instead of selecting Selka.
Selka couldn't fathom Jonas' rationale for doing so.
"Because I aim to see Mr. Selka ascend as the leader of the Bond Consortium."
Jonas' words caused Selka's pupils to contract. After a brief pause, he took a deep breath and spoke, "What price must I pay?"
Rather than providing a direct response, Jonas paused before stating, "Reviving the Weyden Initiative necessitates a minimum of five million credits, as well as the requisite machinery and materials to support frontline weapon development."
"I shall await your favorable response before the twenty-sixth of this month, after which we shall commence our collaboration formally."
Selka's heart fluttered with tension; he recognized this as a test. If he could demonstrate his worth by the twenty-sixth, then the Weyden Consortium would stand beside him.
However, unquestionably, once he agreed to the conditions, he would be bound to the Weyden Consortium. This represented a double-edged sword, capable of exacting his demise should he falter.
After deliberating for some time, he finally gritted his teeth and inquired, "What share can I expect?"
Jonas raised three fingers and declared, "Thirty percent."
"Are you taking me for a fool?"
"Mr. Selka is well aware that the costs of weapon development far exceed production costs. Presently, you require only five million credits and access to certain equipment and materials, which will enable you to obtain thirty percent returns from the Weyden Initiative, as well as the friendship of the Weyden Consortium."
Jonas cocked his head slightly, "Isn't that sufficient?"
Selka's expression soured upon hearing this. He understood that Jonas' assertion was indeed accurate, yet this endeavor represented a high-stakes gamble. If Jonas failed to develop the blueprint for the new weapon, then his five million credits would be squandered.
"I believe I need to contemplate this."
Selka spoke as he rose from his seat.
"Well then, I eagerly await Mr. Selka's response."
Jonas remarked.
Subsequently, the communication was terminated.
The Weyden Consortium.
Miss Eiffel, referred to as "The Stewardess," couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked, "Why is Mr. Jonas targeting the Bond Consortium?"
In her view, the present Jonas lacked the capacity to support weapon development and research. Even if Selka did produce the five million credits, it would be a drop in the ocean for weapon development.
However, to Eiffel's surprise, Jonas merely tilted his head and looked at her strangely before remarking, "Who said I was targeting the Bond Consortium?"
A question mark appeared above Eiffel's head, and then she heard Jonas continue casually, "These old fellows finally gave me a grand gift, so naturally, I must cherish it."
Eiffel furrowed her brow, hesitating as she continued, "And what about Selka..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Jonas' voice interrupted.
"The Bond Consortium behind him is a useful pawn, and besides, individuals who consider themselves somewhat clever are easier to manipulate..."
Jonas chuckled, "With just a promise of some benefits, he will spare no effort in seeking advantages for you. Is there a better partner than this?"
At these words, Eiffel gained a deeper understanding of Jonas' capitalist spirit. She couldn't help but comment, "But Mr. Selka has already departed. The high-quality leeks you've found may not necessarily fall into your trap."
"Selka is an ambitious individual, but he fails to recognize his own capabilities."
Jonas analyzed, "And precisely because of this, his greed will drive him to make some irrational decisions, as he will not idly watch opportunities slip from his grasp."
Just then, the communication prompt sounded.
-Di Di.
As if he had anticipated it, Jonas casually swiped, and the communication interface shifted to Eiffel's side.
It was the communication between Jonas and Selka.
The newly received communication content was:
-Mr. Jonas, I will fulfill the conditions you require before the twenty-sixth of this month, so please do not forget the promises you made.
Observing the girl's somewhat puzzled gaze, Jonas couldn't help but smile, then spoke somewhat maliciously, "You see, as I said, the fish is hooked."