This situation made both Shen Qiang and Xiu Ju feel a bit awkward.

Looking at the rows of computers running automatically, Shen Qiang suddenly realized that his initial impression of Ji Liangchuan, which underestimated Hao Deben's spending habits, might not be accurate. The reason was simple: if Hao Deben's net income was over twenty thousand a month,

then spending a hundred on mineral water or a few dozen on takeout was perfectly normal.

This meant that it wasn't that Ji Liangchuan had missed something, but rather, he understood Hao Deben well. He knew that Hao Deben could earn the money he spent from his video game studio. Therefore, after considering everything, he didn't think it worth the effort to curry favor with Hao Deben, who was only at the Foundation Establishment Stage of cultivation—a nobody.

This made Shen Qiang awkward.

But at the same time, it made him feel fortunate.

If Shen Qiang had a clear understanding of Hao Deben, just like Ji Liangchuan,

he and Xiu Ju wouldn't have come here.

They wouldn't have heard Hao Deben personally admitting what he had done.

There wouldn't be an extra thirty million US dollars in the bank account.

Nor would they have gained such a powerful subordinate.

So sometimes, it really makes you wonder: is this a blessing in disguise or just the luck of a fool? It's hard to say.

While he was pondering,

Shen Qiang's phone rang.

It was Bianyi.

Shen Qiang answered the phone and immediately heard Bianyi's voice laughing, "My dear boss, I've taken care of the task you assigned. I'm in Siberia and have contacted a laboratory for you."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qiang raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "If you want to go to Siberia as the person in charge, I approve."

Bianyi was taken aback, then laughed, "Alright, you might not be fond of that place. In fact, I've also contacted two laboratories in Africa. Of course, both Siberia and Africa are too far, obviously not suitable for you, so I looked again domestically."

"There's a research laboratory in K city, just three thousand kilometers from Provincial City. I think you should be satisfied with that."

Shen Qiang frowned, "Are you trying to trick me again? What do I need a laboratory three thousand kilometers away for?"

Bianyi chuckled, "Boss, I'm your most loyal employee, I wouldn't do that to you, but you should understand, finding a suitable laboratory near Provincial City is as difficult as reaching the heavens, so I need a lot of people to take care of these things."

"So the new company needs money, is that what you're saying?" Shen Qiang interrupted.

Bianyi laughed, "Yes, yes, boss, that's exactly it."

"I just gave you ten million two hours ago," Shen Qiang said, raising an eyebrow.

Bianyi laughed, "Yes, but the new company is already short-staffed, and now we have to deal with matters outside of the company, so of course we'll need more money. Otherwise, I can't help you find a suitable laboratory within a week."

"But if you provide ample funding, the situation would certainly be different,"

Hearing this, Shen Qiang laughed, "So another trick after the first one didn't work, huh? Just to swindle some money out of me, is that it?"

"Boss, all I'm doing is to fulfill the tasks you assigned to me," Bianyi said with a smile. "And as a shareholder owning two percent of the company, you can't let me be too embarrassed, especially since it's a new company and not yet well recognized by our peers."

"So, the first thing we need to do is to overwhelm the competitors in terms of prestige," Bianyi said. "As the CEO of the company, I need a luxury business sedan. For private parties, I need a sports car, and for weekends, I need an SUV."

"In addition, my personal image represents the company, so I need to find the best tailor to custom-make at least twenty perfect suits for me, not to mention leather shoes and watches. Otherwise, our rivals will look down on us, thinking our company lacks strength."

At these words, Shen Qiang laughed, "Just tell me how much money you want."

Bianyi hesitated before saying, "The luxury business sedan can't be low-end, it must be at least ten million. As for the sports car, a low price would be embarrassing, and the SUV can be just a few hundred thousand. Including clothing, housing, and all other details, I think fifty million should be about right. Of course, if you find it a bit expensive, I can help you cut some costs, but it will still need at least thirty million."

"Then there's the matter of the laboratory. If we need to get it done within a week, it really requires a lot of money," Bianyi said with a smile. "At least ten million, because only then can I help you save time."

Shen Qiang laughed, "Very good."

"You agree?" Bianyi said, delighted. "I knew it—you're the best and most generous boss."

Shen Qiang smiled and interrupted, "Yes, I am the best boss, which is why all of your proposals just now are crap. I won't give you a single cent. If you want a car, rent one yourself. Want clothes? Go buy them. As for hiring more staff, that's your problem—I don't care how you do it, I just want to see results."

"Also, don't think that after you've proposed an outrageous fifty million in expenses, and then come at me with what seems like the much smaller ten million, I'll agree to your damn request to quickly sort out the lab for ten million."

"And don't think that because I need the lab urgently, I'll let you extort me."

"Your scumbag tactics won't work with me. Get lost! You won't get a dime."

Watching Shen Qiang hang up the phone, Xiu Ju said helplessly, "This Bianyi is really troublesome. If you're not careful with him, he'll drain your coffers soon enough."

Shen Qiang smiled and turned to Hao Deben who was standing aside, "Here's your chance to show your skills, my new recruit. I want you to hack into the computer of the guy who just called me and copy everything. The focus is to find information about the lab in his computer."

Xiu Ju was stunned, "Shen Qiang, what do you mean? I don't understand?"

Shen Qiang smiled and raised an eyebrow at Xiu Ju, "Bianyi is an asshole. He was babbling about Siberia, Africa, going on about three thousand miles away, all to try to knock some money out of me. This means that once I give him the money, he must provide me with a suitable lab, or else I would be very angry, and I would have very little respect for him."

Xiu Ju's eyes immediately lit up, "You mean to say, he has already found a suitable lab?"

"Smart," Shen Qiang smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Otherwise, why would he dare to negotiate with me?"

Xiu Ju laughed, "Shen Qiang, you're incredible."

Shen Qiang smiled and said to Hao Deben who was aside, "Alright, kid, it's your time to shine."

Hao Deben was startled, frowning, "Boss, you said before that you'd hire me as the chief technology officer, but hacking into someone's computer and taking their data is illegal, this…"

Shen Qiang frowned, "Why so much nonsense? You have to prove your skills before you can become the CTO. Do you think I hired you to be a moral role model? Listen up, if you can't even handle such a simple task, you might as well go to jail."

Hao Deben was taken aback, a mix of anger, disappointment, and helplessness on his face, but after being silent for a few seconds, he nodded, "Alright, boss, I understand."

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