Chapter 27: Need to Raise the Price

Of course, Terrell was both frightened and flustered. Since Feng Xu had spoken, he had no choice but to comply with his wishes. Feng Xu's face wore a calm, faint smile; though he held a pen in hand and looked every bit the scholar, Terrell knew this man’s hands could be as ruthless as the devil himself.

…

Phil exhaled a long breath and shot a stern glance at his disappointing nephew.

“Well? Get out of here, now.”

Terrell seemed as though he’d just been released from captivity; in an instant, he strode out of the technology lab in great bounds. The security guards, seeing Phil present, relaxed visibly and hurried out after him.

“Sigh!”

Phil let out a helpless breath. The recent commotion had left things rather chaotic; this section of the laboratory was highly classified, so there were no surveillance cameras. If anyone wanted to know what had happened, they would have to rely on witness accounts.

“I must apologize, Mr. Feng Xu. I hadn’t anticipated that inviting you here for research would result in such an incident,” Phil said respectfully to Feng Xu. They still needed Feng Xu’s expertise for their technological pursuits—especially for this batch of new car models. Quality assurance was paramount.

“Hmm. Now, you should leave as well. I need to work. And make sure no one disturbs me again, or what just happened will repeat itself,” Feng Xu replied coolly. “Also, our cooperation contract—my profit share increases by ten percent. That’s nonnegotiable.”

“What?” Phil cried out, aghast. He could tolerate many things, but the profit-sharing contract was something the entire board had negotiated and funded. For Feng Xu to demand an immediate ten percent increase—wasn’t that as good as killing him?

“Surely we can discuss this, can’t we? I’ve already apologized for what just happened,” Phil pleaded desperately. That ten percent profit was enough to cost him dearly.

“Very well.” Feng Xu smiled indifferently, setting down his drafting pen and settling into his chair, lifting his coffee cup. “At the start of this project, I didn’t ask for any profit share at all.”

“I haven’t claimed any compensation for my technological contributions, but your nephew’s actions have changed my mind. I believe my input should count as a foundational share of the profits.”

“If you’re planning to expand the research team, I must be listed as the lead scientist. So, ten percent is not excessive. Discuss it with your board.” Feng Xu’s tone was light. “Otherwise, you’re welcome to design this engine yourself. I promise I won’t have any objections.”

Phil’s face flushed crimson and his fists clenched tightly in frustration. Terrell, that miserable wretch, was always causing trouble—flirting in the office, living a life of debauchery outside. He’d let it go before, but now…

“I’ll talk to the board. I promise you’ll be satisfied,” he said, his face ashen, and hurried away.

Moments later, screams echoed from outside the tech lab. Phil, brandishing a belt, was chasing Terrell around the courtyard.

“You insufferable brat! You’re coming with me to apologize to Feng Xu—now! Otherwise, I’ll wring your neck myself!”

Panting from the chase, Phil was relentless. Terrell, battered and limping, still managed to keep ahead.

“Uncle! I admit I was wrong, but I never want to see that devil again! Goodbye!” Terrell shrieked. Having just been beaten, his body was covered in bruises. If he went back inside, he feared Feng Xu would not let him off alive.

Feng Xu had just said never to interrupt his work again; entering now