Kyle was deeply puzzled. According to normal circumstances, it would take more than four months for the Ten Rings organization to take any action in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Unexpectedly, this individual had the audacity to launch an attack directly at the party, without killing him immediately. Perhaps the person was aware that Tony Stark's brilliant mind would prove useful to him, or maybe there was still some hesitation deep down.
"Master, I believe it's best not to get involved in this matter. After all, this is a dispute within the Stark Group," Gasco suggested. Upon hearing the news, his first reaction was that this was a classic internal conflict, similar to the scenario where Obadiah Stane, in Iron Man (2008), tried to take control of Stark Industries from Tony Stark.
"True, but in the meantime, we should plan a new product launch conference for this afternoon. It's time to unveil both of our new products," Kyle said, chewing on his steak. The buzz from the previous night's events was still strong, and it was best to capitalize on the moment.
Besides, having saved two-thirds of New York's entrepreneurs the night before, they would surely give him some leverage. The special effect stomach medicine and cosmetics were already in production, with nearly a million units reserved at the Water Company's factory.
Out of those, 300,000 bottles of cosmetics were produced, though the acquisition of necessary medicinal raw materials was taking longer than anticipated.
The initial price for the special effect stomach medicine was set at 68 yuan for a box of 12 pieces, which might seem expensive, but the power of the No. 7 Crystal's energy made it worthwhile.
The price for the beauty serum had been decided to be 288 yuan per bottle, following discussions between Kyle and Alice, the key user and collaborator.
"Master, our factory has just restarted, and the output has not ramped up yet. Is it really the right time to do this?" Gasco inquired, clearly concerned. He personally managed the factory's operations.
Having witnessed the incredible potential of these products, Gasco knew that sales would never be an issue. The stomach medicine, which contained a small amount of No. 7 Crystal energy, had been shown to delay gastric cancer and offered significant relief for other stomach conditions.
"I've considered your concerns," Kyle responded. "But we don't have much time. Also, make sure Sokovia picks up the pace."
Kyle wiped his hands on a napkin and continued, "We need more funds, and the sooner we release these products, the better. The factory can produce 100,000 units of the special effect stomach medicine daily, but the process requires energy from the No. 7 crystal, which takes time. As for the beauty serum, we're currently producing 30,000 bottles a day, but I've asked Alice to negotiate with the herbal medicine suppliers to increase output."
"Also, hire a group of people to promote the products on social media. They can exaggerate the effects a bit."
"Get a few so-called experts, some professors, and buy advertisements. These professors can promote the product, and we'll make sure to have a looping scrolling screen."
"We'll have some college students volunteer to distribute leaflets and organize offline events."
"Finally, take it to the Global Times—pay whatever it takes to have them publish our product's effect tests. Publicity is the most important thing right now."
"Don't forget about the radio stations. I'm giving you and Alice 10 million for marketing."
If it weren't for the financial constraints, Kyle would've even considered hiring helicopters to distribute flyers from the sky. This all-encompassing publicity plan would undoubtedly capture people's attention and generate a strong public reaction.
After finalizing the marketing plan with Gasco, Kyle called Ryan, instructing him to create the official website for Water Company and ensure it was indexed on Google.
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Inside the Water Company, Ryan placed his phone down with a sigh. After setting down his tweezers, he quickly removed his white lab coat.
While Ryan was a top biologist, he wasn't a computer specialist—he was embarrassed by the situation. Fortunately, No. 001 Laboratory was home to experts in computers, and he intended to borrow someone from the adjacent lab for assistance.
"Mr. Ryan, good morning," two armed guards greeted as Ryan stepped out of the research lab.
Ryan, still wary of the guards' submachine guns, responded with a casual "Hi everyone" before heading to another lab on the 32nd floor. The building itself had 56 floors, and floors 28 to 36 were dedicated to laboratories—though only two were in operation at the moment.
Walking through the pristine white hallways filled with cutting-edge tech, Ryan couldn't help but reflect on the recent changes. Only two days ago, the company had been operating as a regular business, but now everything had shifted.
Following Gasco's successful implantation of the No. 7 Crystal, the company began transforming. The shareholders who previously interfered with company matters had been sent packing, and a new group of employees in blue-and-white combat uniforms now patrolled the building, armed with firearms.
The building's interior was also undergoing significant renovations, with advanced equipment being installed, including cameras throughout the hallways and laboratories. Researchers were now issued ID cards in five different colors: white, green, blue, purple, and red, each granting specific levels of access.
White cards were for temporary personnel and provided access to public areas but required the approval of the Red Queen AI to enter restricted zones. Green cards allowed entry to laboratories but not storage areas or locations containing the No. 7 Crystal. Blue cards granted access to all floors and areas, and Ryan, as the head of the lab, held one of these. Purple cards, currently only possessed by Alice and Gasco, granted unrestricted access to Kyle's personal rooms and the top three floors.
The red card, however, was the most powerful. It was reserved for Kyle alone and granted him full control over the Red Queen, allowing him to command the entire company.
Additionally, there were special gray identity cards issued to the combat troops, equivalent to the green card, giving them access to certain areas for security purposes.
Without the Red Queen, managing the company would be an immense challenge, but thanks to her, control was centralized and efficient.
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