"Mr. Qin, can those skyscrapers from the presentation really be built?"
"We're extremely interested in those virtual display glasses—could we collaborate?"
"Why wasn't there any Mora shown throughout? Surely the milk and bread cost Mora, and the transportation too..."
"That steel monstrosity was a vehicle, right? One that moves without human or animal labor, powered by miraculous energy like the gliding boards!"
The crowd swarmed around Shen Qin with feverish intensity. Even after he promised detailed explanations later and asked them to return to their seats, no one listened—each seemingly terrified someone else would snatch the business opportunities from his hands. In the end, Albedo had to use elemental energy to extract Shen Qin from the mob.
Straightening his rumpled clothes, Shen Qin had Sucrose distribute preliminary planning documents before taking center stage. Using holographic projections, he addressed their questions one by one, outlining each phase of the Experimental Academy City's development.
"My invitation proves I view every person here as a potential partner. Follow my proposed framework, and I guarantee substantial Mora profits for all!"
"First, I plan to establish a commercial conglomerate to oversee the Academy City's management, construction, production, and operations. Within this entity:
I contribute in Stormterror's Lair and the later technology for 51% equity, Albedo and Sucrose provide technical expertise for 3% each. The Dawn Winery invests 80 billion Mora for 10% and lastly, the Knights of Favonius invest 40 billion for 5%."
"The remaining 28% will be allocated based on investment capacity, either in Mora or equivalent resources. Note: No individual may hold more than 5%."
"Review the plans thoroughly. Consult your superiors if needed. Tomorrow morning, Lord Diluc will await your decisions here, overseeing the investment process."
"Oh, and I'd advise against discussing this outside headquarters. Should other parties express interest... we might accommodate them."
His final pointed remark sent waves of tension through the room. With only 28% remaining, six deep-pocketed investors could theoretically claim everything.
Fortunately, not everyone possessed such resources.
Only the Liyue Qixing, Fatui, and Feiyun Commerce Guild could realistically secure the maximum 5%. Their combined 15% would leave just 13% for the rest, already tight enough without additional competitors.
As the preoccupied attendees dispersed, Shen Qin collapsed into a chair, exhausted.
From 8 AM until now, 4 PM—he'd barely stopped talking, fielding questions and explaining projects nonstop since the presentation ended. He drained the water Sucrose handed him in one gulp, too spent for pleasantries.
"Shen, about the Knights' 40 billion mora... there might be a slight difficulty," Jean admitted hesitantly.
The figure had been decided without her consultation, though she bore no resentment, if the Academy City materialized as shown, 5% for 40 billion would be a steal.
The two foxes, Shen Qin and Diluc, exchanged knowing smiles. With Shen Qin's voice nearly gone, Diluc explained, "Jean, the Knights won't need to pay a single Mora. Those shares are Shen Qin's gift."
"What?!"
"My 80 billion investments also only amounts to about 40 billion. These valuations set the baseline, others will inevitably pay higher premiums tomorrow."
"However, we require one policy: fifty years of tax exemption for the Academy City. This will facilitate its development."
After careful consideration, Jean declared, "Approved!"
Mondstadt's tax rates were relatively low, normally 15% of net profits, far exceeding the 5% equity returns. But as fixed assets, the Knights' stake would appreciate tremendously. Jean understood the trade-offs perfectly.
Moreover, tax incentives would stimulate the Academy City's economy—and by extension, all of Mondstadt.
Though eager for more details, Jean deferred to Sucrose and Albedo when Shen Qin could barely croak another word.
…
…
While harmony reigned at headquarters, Tartaglia rushed beyond the city gates with hastily compiled notes. The Skyward Shield and Sentry systems necessitated handling sensitive matters outdoors.
At Windrise's Statue of The Seven, he channeled Delusion energy to commune with a distant, ominous presence in Snezhnaya.
Upon establishing connection, he enveloped his notes and Shen Qin's plans in abyssal energy. This data stream surged through the ley lines via the statue, hurtling toward the far north.
The moment transmission completed, he severed the link. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead as he gasped in pain, collapsing against a boulder to recuperate with Vision energy.
"Tch... Those transport vehicles... Shen Qin had it figured out long ago, saw further than I ever could... Should've known brute force beats brains," he muttered, awestruck by the Academy City's revolutionary vision.
"Technology paralleling Khaenri'ah's, yet diverging entirely... Will this face the same annihilation?" His gaze toward Mondstadt darkened with concern.
"No, it won't! Apart from the electromagnetic cannons, the projects focus on civilian applications. With three nations (Mondstadt, Liyue, Snezhnaya) benefiting, surely they wouldn't stand idle if catastrophe struck..."
As his thoughts spiraled, his Vision pulsed with incoming transmission. Reconnecting, he received crystal-clear orders:
『Spare no expense. Secure 5% equity at all costs.』