Chapter 121: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

Upon hearing this, Norman Osborn let out a laugh. "Mr. Wang, are you so certain that those people in Congress will agree to let you export such cutting-edge military robotics?"

"That is not something you need to worry about, Mr. Osborn. I have my own ways. Perhaps you should instead be considering how to bridge the gap left by your collapsing capital chain," Wang Jing countered, turning the tables.

The fields they were involved in were fundamentally at odds; after all, with highly efficient military robots available, who would bother with performance-enhancing serums that carried unknown and potentially bizarre side effects?

If what Wang Jing said was true, and he could actually secure the export permits, it would be a catastrophic blow to both Norman and his company. If the military refused to purchase his enhancement serums—or worse, withdrew their funding entirely—Osborne Corp would be forced to sell off its assets due to the broken capital chain, following in the footsteps of Hammer Industries.

The only way to resolve this problem was to eliminate the man before him, Wang Jing, as well as Tony Stark standing nearby.

"Then I see no reason for me to stay any longer," Norman Osborn said, rising from his seat and walking out of the conference room.

"Are you really planning to just give up on that ten percent stake?" Tony Stark asked, looking toward Wang Jing.

"Of course not. Didn't you notice that his mental state isn't exactly normal?" Wang Jing said, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed air.

"The company is nearing bankruptcy—it would be strange if he were in high spirits!"

"I recall that you once attempted to replicate the Super Soldier Serum," Wang Jing said suddenly.

Upon hearing this, Tony Stark immediately caught on. "You mean he’s been using something similar?"

"Exactly. His company has been developing a serum similar to the Super Soldier formula for the U.S. military, but it has always had severe side effects, which is why the military plans to pull their funding."

"He originally intended to acquire Hammer Industries to recover his losses, but unfortunately, he ran into us. Not only did he fail to recover, but he took a massive hit. How do you think he’ll act next?" Wang Jing asked, looking at Tony Stark with a sinister smile.

"Take us out and seize all the shares?" Tony Stark asked uncertainly.

"No, no. He knows deep down that he can’t defeat both of us on his own. So, he will definitely focus on the problem that is easier to solve first."

"What problem?" Tony Stark asked pointedly.

"Heh!" Wang Jing smiled slightly. "Those shareholders who want to remove him from his position as CEO."

"The company has lost so much money; those shareholders won't just sit by and watch their stock become worthless. They will certainly force him to sell the company so they can ensure they don't lose their investment."

"But Norman Osborn certainly won't agree, so those shareholders will inevitably unite to drive him out of the board of directors."

"What do you think someone with an unstable mental state will do when subjected to so much pressure in such a short amount of time?" Wang Jing asked with a wicked grin.

After hearing Wang Jing's analysis, Tony Stark’s look toward him changed. "And then what? What are you planning to do next? Once the internal strife is settled, Norman Osborn will surely turn his attention to us. Are we going to take him out directly?"

"No, of course not. He is most useful while alive. Imagine if a company’s CEO killed all his shareholders—the company’s stock price would plummet to the core of the earth."

"When that happens, we simply step in as saviors to acquire his company. Even the President of the United States wouldn't say a word, unless he wants to be surrounded by tens of thousands of unemployed workers protesting at the gates of the White House every day!"

"The more you talk, the more I feel like we’re the villains. But I like it." The two exchanged a look and shared a knowing smile.

Behind Wang Jing, Alice and Ada Wong rolled their eyes in silence.

Returning to his company, Norman Osborn was about to head to his secret chamber to don the Green Goblin suit when he received a call from the shareholders. "Mr. Osborn, we heard you failed to sell the Hammer Industries stock."

"They were only willing to offer one billion dollars for the acquisition. That isn't even ten percent of our original purchase price," Norman explained.

"Then that means the company is completely out of funds?"

Although he didn't want to admit it, the reality left him no room for excuses.

"To cut our losses in time, we shareholders have unanimously decided to sell off the entirety of Osborne Corp!"

"No! I am the founder of this company. I absolutely will not agree to this!" Norman Osborn roared upon hearing that the company he had worked so hard to build was to be sold.

"Mr. Norman Osborn, I know this is difficult for you to accept, but it is the best outcome at the moment. If you insist on blocking this, we will have no choice but to kick you off the board!"

"No, you cannot do this! You don't have the authority!" Norman Osborn shouted into the phone.

"No, Mr. Osborn, we do." With that, the other party hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, Norman Osborn’s expression twisted as he smashed the phone in his hand with such force that the delicate device shattered into pieces.

Looking up, he saw another version of himself in the mirror—a malicious reflection. "Kill them! Kill everyone who opposes you!"

"No! I can't do this!" Seeing his reflection, Norman Osborn regained his senses for a moment, waving his hands in resistance.

"Haha, it’s fine. I’ll help you solve all your problems!" The other consciousness in the mirror laughed wildly, rushing toward the Norman Osborn leaning against the wall.

"Ha ha...!" A burst of manic laughter drifted faintly from the secret chamber.

At a high-end hotel banquet, many celebrities and government officials had gathered. This event was hosted by the major shareholders of Osborne Corp, intended to build momentum for the sale of the company and to scout for a suitable buyer.

Even Wang Jing hadn't expected the shareholders to move so quickly. However, this was an excellent opportunity. With so many dignitaries present, Norman Osborn would certainly not miss the chance to wipe them all out in one fell swoop.

If he could sign the transfer contracts with the shareholders before Norman Osborn made his move, he could save one or two of them during the attack and use that leverage to drive the price down even further.

Wang Jing’s plan was sound, but it was met with opposition from everyone in his team. "No, absolutely not. Without the protection of your combat suit, what happens if you get hurt? Who will be responsible?" Wang Lei objected sternly.

"That's right," Liu Peiqiang added. "Before, when you wore the suit, it didn't matter, as it could deflect most attacks. Now that we know there is danger, and you can't wear the suit, the most critical issue is that the enemy holds a grudge against you. The probability of you being targeted is one hundred percent. It’s too dangerous!"