Lynch was discussing industrial development with Mr. Wardrick, mentioning a machinery exhibition that took place in a southern city in early March.

At the exhibition, a company showcased a semi-automated production line, which reduced the demand for many positions compared to ordinary lines.

With fewer people, more tasks could be accomplished, but people were temporarily uninterested.

Because of the cost.

The expenses for the design, production, and maintenance of the production line were too high, and no one placed orders, not even much media coverage.

However, Lynch and Mr. Wardrick were aware of this matter.

It’s normal for the media not to be sensitive to this, but as capitalists, it’s unreasonable not to be sensitive.

"It needs more development time; once costs are reduced, perhaps someone will be willing to try these new production lines."

"But in the short term, people won’t do that, even if we all know this is an inevitable trend in future industrial development."

Lynch elegantly cut his steak, and Mr. Wardrick affirmed his opinion.

"Reducing workforce demand by about twelve to twenty percent, but production costs have increased by two hundred percent, giving it no practical value in the short term. However, from a long-term perspective, this becomes the mainstream..."

As they spoke, the butler appeared beside them and relayed to Lynch that he had a phone call.

Mr. Wardrick expressed curiosity, "If someone can call me here, it must be important."

He set down his knife and fork and poured himself some wine, indicating he’d wait for Lynch to return. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Lynch nodded, "Excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back."

Leaving the dining table during a meal is impolite, but something important surely came up, and neither man overly fretted about such trivialities.

Lynch entered a room, set aside for the host or guest for resting.

It’s over thirty square meters, featuring comfortable sofas, two small bookcases, chairs and a table by the window, and a phone.

The butler explained briefly, then gently closed the door as he left.

Lynch sat on the sofa and picked up the phone, pressing a yellow button, followed by a somewhat unfamiliar voice on the line.

"Mr. Lynch, I’m from the Ministry of Defense Strategic Command Room..." The person first introduced his position and name, then explained the reason for the call.

"Just a while ago, there was a plane crash..."

"Darkstone Security Company couldn’t reach you. They’re seeking our assistance; if you have time, please contact Darkstone Security Company promptly."

The call soon ended, Lynch lit a cigarette and pondered for a moment before dialing Darkstone Security Company’s number, learning what had transpired prior.

"Find a way to retrieve the plane wreckage. It can provide us with vital data. Additionally, find out how they managed to shoot down our plane."

"This is a battle unlike any before, facing an enemy more vicious, cunning, sinister, despicable."

"There will be sacrifices in war, but justice shall never falter."

"Use special ammunition; against these mad foes, there’s no need to justify."

"I’ll await your good news."

Subsequently, Lynch hung up the phone. After finishing the cigarette, he tidied his appearance before opening the door to leave.

Returning to the table, Mr. Wardrick closely observed Lynch, finding nothing exceptional on his face.

Being able to call him here indicated the caller had significant energy, knowing Lynch’s whereabouts any time and able to dial in here.

Given such analysis, Mr. Wardrick had enough evidence to deduce who called.

But he didn’t do so, merely curious if Lynch could truly conceal matters.

Perhaps sensing Mr. Wardrick’s gaze lingering on him, Lynch asked, "Is there something on my face?"

Mr. Wardrick shook his head, "I was just wondering what happened. If it’s crucial, you may leave first; it wouldn’t be rude."

Lynch pursed his lips, "The northern offensive encountered some minor obstacles. Some small rodents think they can resist the tide of the times—they’re pitiful!"

Saying this, Lynch seemed to recall something, "I remember previously giving you two blueprints; has the prototype been manufactured?"

It was a very leap in thought, but Mr. Wardrick kept pace; he picked up the knife and fork again, "Certainly, sixteen units have been produced. Do you want to see them?"

Speaking of this, Mr. Wardrick’s smile became more genuine. He privately contacted the Ministry of Defense, and their special envoy went to inspect those vehicles, giving high praise.

The envoy even deemed these had equal value with planes—they will ultimately shape the way warfare unfolds!

This also means the Ministry of Defense is willing to pay for it; an essential factor.

Lynch gestured to the middle of the table where the sour egg yolk dressing salad was placed, and the server added some to Lynch’s plate.

The steak was initially appetizing, but the high fat content made it cloying.

The sweet-sour essence resolved this issue well; alongside the salad’s taste, it maximized overcoming the grease.

He placed some sour egg yolk dressing salad on a cut piece of beef, then consumed it in one bite.

First came the refreshing acidity and salad, then slightly charred beef cut open by teeth, crushed in the mouth, with juices oozing without burdening Lynch excessively.

After finishing, he used a napkin to dab the leftover sauce at his mouth corners, "Why not send them to the front lines?"

"In a maximum of three days, they can demonstrate their value on the battlefield. The Ministry of Defense isn’t keen on models; they need to see it proves its combat value."

Lynch’s words greatly aroused Mr. Wardrick, albeit with some difficulty. His consortium lacked military infrastructure like Darkstone Security; when it comes to war, Federation citizens instinctively harbor fear.

Lynch didn’t continue persuading him; smart individuals need not be coaxed, as persuasion often proves ineffective or even counterproductive.

After Lynch ate two more pieces of beef, Mr. Wardrick posed a question, "If it appears on the battlefield, confronting Gafura, individuals from other nations, including domestic Military Industrial Groups, we’ll lose competitive advantage."

Lynch’s plane barely came to fruition, yet other companies’ planes already have prototypes entering small-scale production.

Estimating his combat vehicle debuted on the field, others could imitate rapidly, thus his vehicle wouldn’t maintain exclusivity.

Lynch shook his head, "Your worry is pointless; understand, even hiding it and unveiling only at the outbreak of war, those people can still imitate first-handedly."

"Moreover, they’d utilize their experience and technological deposits effortlessly to surpass our combat vehicle performance."

"Therefore, hiding it lacks significance; conversely, I prefer to prove my value in warfare."

"The Ministry of Defense prefers choosing military gear proven effective in battle; this is why those Military Industrial Groups, despite knowing I extort them, must still pay me!"

Mr. Wardrick hesitated hearing this before bursting into laughter.

He understood Lynch’s extortion of those Military Industrial Groups, who must allocate substantial military finances if they desire to test weaponry concretely in combat, with results separately accounted for.

This is blatant extortion, yet everyone must pay, as Lynch holds firsthand user experience.

If he informs the Ministry of Defense certain weapons proved severely impractical, with heightened failure rates, they’ll exclude it from their plans.

Darkstone Security’s feedback and recommendations become crucial references for the Ministry in choosing armaments.

Charging for this isn’t excessive, is it?

Once Mr. Wardrick finished laughing, Condenser Cox continued, "We need competitive strength from competition; amidst falling behind technically, we must invigorate a spirit of challenge and perseverance."

"Our advantage lies in acquiring equipment feedback instantly, favorable or unfavorable, all can be adjusted promptly."

"We’re better positioned to receive firsthand feedback from weaponry, which we must leverage effectively, or we won’t compete proficiently!"

Mr. Wardrick pondered briefly before nodding, "You’ve reasoned well; comparing technical deposits, we’re infantile. The only feasible action is occupying leadership in actual application fields."

The two clinked glasses, essentially settling the matter; yet subsequent issues from the first bomber’s destruction and crash continued fermenting.

Some issues are hard to conceal, compounded by Gafura’s covert propaganda; enthusiasm around aircraft ownership is waning.

Previously, diplomats clustered around Lynch’s Flight Research Institute, hoping their orders would be fulfilled first; now, suddenly, they’re less enthusiastic.

Invincible warfare equipment remains the ultimate pursuit; those easily shot down... perhaps?

If valid countermeasures exist against aerial weaponry, where lies the aircraft’s value?

An expensive aerial toy?