“Really, I’ve done the math. Some of the old machinery in the factory is still usable. Although the old guys have been laid off, they haven’t lost their skills—once we get them together, they can get right to work. We’ll just need to purchase some new automated machine tools, which will require an investment.”

“As for the finished products, we can outsource that. After all, every trade has its specialty. The mechanical factory’s strength is in machining; making shoes isn’t our strong suit. So, we’ll outsource the finished shoes to a professional shoe factory, and we’ll only be responsible for producing the hidden anti-gravity mechanism in the soles.”

“When the time comes, however many sets of anti-gravity mechanisms we provide to the shoe factory, that’s how many finished products they’ll deliver. The technology, brand, and distribution channels—these key things will still be in our hands. The shoe factory will just earn a processing fee.”

Eric Thompson spoke confidently, and Kyle Scott and the others listened intently, looking at Eric Thompson with growing admiration. They had thought this was just a spur-of-the-moment design from Eric Thompson, but who would have thought that Eric Thompson already had plans for production, sales, and promotion.

Especially Eric Thompson’s plan to outsource the finished products to a professional shoe factory—these old guys at the mechanical factory all work with metal. Asking them to design and make shoes is really too much; even if they could make them, the appearance would probably suffer greatly.

But if the shoe-making is entrusted to a professional shoe factory, it’s a different story. That’s their specialty. Even if it means sacrificing some of the factory’s profits, it’s worth it. After all, these days things not only have to be practical, but also look good.

It was only when the topic of initial investment came up that everyone fell silent. The workers at the mechanical factory were just too poor—who could come up with such a huge sum as several million?

Mr. Scott pondered for a while and said, “Actually, there is a sum of money.”

Austin Harris frowned and said, “You mean the money set aside to tear down the factory and build apartments? That was pooled together by everyone—your family put in three thousand, mine two thousand, and many of the old folks at the factory even put in their funeral savings. We’ll probably have to discuss it with them first.”

“Then let’s go talk to them.” Mr. Scott passed around a pack of cigarettes, and, on a whim, even gave one to Eric Thompson.

As an elder, he really shouldn’t be encouraging Eric Thompson to smoke at such a young age, but today Eric Thompson’s mature demeanor truly impressed Mr. Scott. In his heart, Eric Thompson was no longer just a naive youngster, but a trustworthy partner.

“Even if we tear down the factory and build apartments to sell, that’s just dead money. This land is the lifeblood of the factory—if we sell it, it’s gone. Just tell them: if they invest this money, they can become shareholders. Once the factory starts up, they’ll have jobs, and there will be dividends every year!” Mr. Scott said as he lit his cigarette.

After hearing this, Owen Harris nodded excitedly, “Great! I’ll go to Nanjing today and ask my teacher to help us check everything over one last time, see if there’s anything else we need to pay attention to.”

……

Eric Thompson’s proposal for the mechanical factory to produce the core components of the new anti-gravity shoes made Mr. Scott and the Harris brothers so excited that they couldn’t sleep all night.

The next morning, Mr. Scott and the Harris brothers each went about their tasks according to what was discussed the night before, while Eric Thompson went to school. After all, he was now a prospective warrior, and his training couldn’t stop.

“Master, I’ve detected that your Force index is hovering between 0.95 and 0.97. If nothing unexpected happens, after today’s training you’ll reach the standard for a junior warrior,” Colin said to Eric Thompson.

“Really? Then I’ll take your good wishes!” Eric Thompson said excitedly.

“According to information I found on the StarNet, there’s still a big difference between an ordinary person and a Force warrior. I’ve already prepared a training plan for you today. Don’t do any training that’s too physically exhausting—save all your energy for the cultivation room. That way, you’ll reduce the pain when you break through.”

Eric Thompson nodded slightly. Colin, StarNet—these really were his treasures. Even ways to reduce the pain of breaking through, Colin had already prepared for him. Where else could you find such a thoughtful little robot?

When he arrived at the Ninth Advanced Tactical Academy, Eric Thompson followed Colin’s advice and didn’t do much physically demanding training—just a light jog to warm up, then some agility exercises. He even skipped the afternoon’s group training. As a perennial underachiever, Eric Thompson felt no guilt at all about skipping class.

Not only did he skip class, but Eric Thompson also splurged a bit, spending ten yuan on a sauna and staying in the steam room for three hours straight, not coming out until he felt his bones were about to melt.

“Colin, are you sure this is okay? I’ve been in there so long, I don’t have any strength left,” Eric Thompson asked worriedly.

Colin replied nonchalantly, “Your main task today is to break through smoothly, not to use up all your energy on training. Facing the storm of Force release in the most relaxed state is the best way. That’s what all the cultivation guides on StarNet say.”

“Trust me, you can do it!”

Chapter 8: Junior Warrior

Eric Thompson rode his bike back to the Advanced Tactical Academy on time, then headed straight to the Force Cultivation Center, not noticing a girl in the distance quietly watching him.

Skipping class was simply unthinkable for Ashley White. She had never done anything so outrageous in her life. She always arrived at school on time every day, completed the training tasks assigned by the instructors, and was never late or left early.