The more Russell spoke, the more Norman Osborn felt that he couldn't easily hand over these two projects to him.
There's a conspiracy!
There must be a conspiracy!
Although Norman Osborn wasn't speaking at the moment, his current expression revealed his thoughts to Russell.
Russell couldn't read minds, but Norman Osborn's suspicion was a result of his deliberate misdirection.
Norman Osborn hadn't realized from the beginning that his target wasn't these two projects but rather the project leaders, Dr. Connors and Dr. Octavius.
After thinking for nearly half a minute, Norman Osborn finally said, "Both of these projects have already consumed a significant amount of the Osborn Corporation manpower and resources."
"Although there haven't been any results so far, transferring the projects to you like this wouldn't be in the best interest of the Osborn Corporation shareholders."
"How about this: if Mr. Bradley doesn't mind, the Osborn Corporation is willing to collaborate with you on these two projects. As for the symbiotes, you can have one unit. What do you think?"
Norman Osborn wasn't willing to give up the symbiotes, but he also didn't want to relinquish the projects currently being researched by Dr. Connors and Dr. Octavius. Given the circumstances, he could only compromise.
After Norman Osborn's proposal, Russell didn't immediately respond. He pretended to be deep in thought, considering the offer carefully.
He maintained this pretense for about ten seconds before finally speaking, "Since Mr. Osborn is unwilling to fully transfer these two projects to Octopus Monster Industry, then let's collaborate on them."
"Considering that the Osborn Corporation has already invested a substantial amount of resources, we'll let Octopus Monster Industry provide the research funding for the next phase. Once both parties' contributions are roughly balanced, we can jointly fund the project's development. How does Mr. Osborn feel about this?"
Although Russell wasn't particularly interested in cross-species genetics and nuclear fusion projects, he didn't want Norman Osborn to suspect that his true goal was something other than the project's final results. Thus, he continued with the act.
"No problem, that works for me!" Norman Osborn replied with a smile.
"Great, then! Cooperation it is!" Russell stood up and extended his right hand towards Norman Osborn.
Without hesitation, Norman Osborn shook Russell's hand, and they reached a preliminary cooperation agreement.
After their discussion, the project details and data verification were handed over to Dr. Connors and Betty, two professionals in the field. Although Norman Osborn was a frontline researcher, his primary role was still the chairman of the Osborn Corporation, not the project leader. Therefore, the discussions about the project's specific details and data verification were delegated to Dr. Connors and Betty.
Since Dr. Octavius wasn't present, the initial understanding of the nuclear fusion project couldn't take place at this time. However, that wasn't a problem, as long as Dr. Octavius needed the financial support from the Osborn Corporation and Octopus Monster Industry, he would undoubtedly choose to cooperate.
After Dr. Connors and Betty finished their discussions on some specific project details and scheduled a visit to the Osborn Corporation to review the project's progress, Norman Osborn left the office with Dr. Connors.
Once they had left, Betty couldn't help but ask, "Both of these projects are still in the early stages, and it's uncertain whether they will reach the final validation phase. Isn't it a bit impulsive to decide on joint development with the Osborn Corporation right now?"
Octopus Monster Industry and Octopus Monster Lab were different from other large companies; they were Russell's private property. In simple terms, he didn't have to answer to any so-called shareholders or directors. If he wanted, even if Octopus Monster Industry suddenly transitioned to charity work starting tomorrow, there wouldn't be anyone to stop him. However, even so, Betty still felt that Russell's decision was too impulsive.
"Safety isn't a big deal. If the projects fail, consider it an investment mistake."
"Oh, by the way, when you go to Dr. Connors' lab, remember to bring back a few cross-species genetics spiders."
Russell smiled as he spoke to Betty and playfully patted her well-rounded and perky buttocks.
Perhaps it was because Betty was wearing a polka-dot dress today, but Russell felt that her derrière seemed even rounder than yesterday.
Feeling Russell's unreserved gesture, Betty gave him a playful glare but didn't pull away from his right hand.
Although there was a bedroom right next to the office, Russell had no intention of playing a game with Betty now.
After Betty left, he returned to his desk, took out his phone, and dialed Kara's number.
Kara and Hulk had been enjoying themselves in Los Angeles for some time now. If he were still cocooned in the "chrysalis," there would be no need to contact Kara. However, he had been awake for two or three days, and if he didn't contact her soon, who knew if the little girl would throw a tantrum when she returned.
To avoid such an unpleasant situation, Russell decided to call her in advance.
After waiting for twenty or thirty seconds, the call was finally answered.
He hadn't said a word, but the phone was filled with background noise and Kara's slightly excited voice.
"How's it going with you and Hulk right now?" Russell asked directly.
"We're having a great time!" Kara replied cheerfully.
"Once you're done having fun, come back early. I need to talk to you about something."
"Is it about Diana's approval for us to continue being a couple? Diana already told me."
Kara immediately guessed Russell's intentions.
Uh...
"Now that you know, forget about it. You two continue to have fun. Keep an eye on Hulk and don't let him lose control."
Russell reminded Kara.
"Don't worry, I'm here, and the big guy won't lose control."
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, the big guy has been cast by a film crew and is currently shooting a movie. Moreover, he's playing a supporting role with a significant amount of screen time. We might need to stay a little longer before we can come back."
Filming?
Russell was taken aback by Kara's words. He had originally thought that Kara was just taking Hulk to casually roam around Hollywood, do some shopping, and such. He hadn't expected that Hulk would be recruited to participate in a movie.
It couldn't be some weird movie, could it?
Just as he was about to ask what movie it was, Kara casually mentioned, "Don't worry, it's not some strange movie. It's a standard Hollywood action blockbuster."
Upon hearing Kara's words, Russell furrowed his brow.
While Hollywood blockbusters might make script changes during filming, adding a supporting character with a significant amount of screen time on the spot was quite unusual. This wasn't something reputable film crews and production companies typically did.
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