Due to Norman Osborn's series of strategic blunders, the stock of Oscorp plummeted, pushing the entire conglomerate to the brink of bankruptcy.
Among the upper echelons, the calls to oust Norman had long been brewing, but they hesitated to act, constrained by his lingering influence.
Kraven pondered for a moment before speaking, "According to whispers, the Osborn family suffers from a rare hereditary disease, and Norman Osborn's days are numbered."
Bai Qi replied, "He won't die that easily."
Indeed, the Osborn family did have a rare genetic disease, but that was before Norman Osborn developed the Super Soldier Serum.
After ingesting the serum, Norman's hereditary disease was completely cured. However, it was replaced by Norman becoming an extremely unstable ticking time bomb, with the devil lurking within him ready to consume him at any moment.
Norman Osborn currently appeared sickly, as if he could collapse at any moment, but this was all an act.
Aware that his time was running out, Norman Osborn deliberately feigned a dying demeanor. This was to pave the way for his son, Harry Osborn.
Having fought his way to the position of chairman, Norman understood the members of the board better than anyone. They were eager for his demise so they could seize his company after his death.
Therefore, Norman intended to purge the entire senior management before he completely lost control, and then promote some ambitious newcomers to assist Harry.
However, Norman could not act overtly, as it would alienate his subordinates. Thus, he deliberately put on a frail appearance, leading the old guards, who were intimidated by his residual influence, to believe he was nearing his end and would begin to act. This way, he could legitimately eliminate them. Su Dan Novel Network.
Norman's plan was sound, but an unforeseen obstacle emerged.
After listening to Kraven's report, Bai Qi said, "Don't concern yourself with anything else. Acquire as much Oscorp stock as you can. I will have the Shadow Ninjas assist you. Whether through coercion or enticement, I only care about the result."
Bai Qi continued, "Of course, we cannot act rashly. Find a way to win over an elder of the Oscorp board of directors and transfer all the shares to that person, making them the controller of Oscorp. We will merely operate from the shadows."
Kraven asked, "Master, do we need to be this cautious?"
Bai Qi replied, "It is essential. Prudence ensures safety."
Although Kraven said nothing, he secretly felt Bai Qi was being overly cautious. What could easily be resolved, he insisted on making so complicated.
However, since his master had instructed him so, Kraven was not afraid of wasting some time.
Bai Qi had his reasons for acting this way. First and foremost was his righteous path. As the sole trump card for the dark forces to make a comeback, he was easily targeted, making caution necessary. Furthermore, the Green Goblin had an intricate connection with Spider-Man. If he openly attacked Oscorp, the Green Goblin would surely seek trouble, which would inevitably lead to Spider-Man's involvement.
Now, by installing a puppet in the forefront and operating from behind the scenes, even if the Green Goblin sought revenge, he wouldn't be able to reach Bai Qi. As for Spider-Man, it was even less likely.
Bai Qi's keen interest in Oscorp was not solely for the acquisition of a 'white glove' operation. To be honest, Oscorp's dealings were likely not entirely clean. If his goal was simply to establish a legitimate front, acquiring smaller companies and nurturing them would have been a more sensible approach.
What Bai Qi valued most was Oscorp's biotechnology. The fact that they could create multiple supervillains indicated that Oscorp possessed extremely advanced cutting-edge biological technology. Moreover, under Norman's leadership, Oscorp had consistently pursued the direction of Super Soldiers. Although not yet successful, it was showing promising development.
Bai Qi's idea was to combine Oscorp's biological technology with his own mastery of dark magic to create a batch of super-powered warriors.
Of course, this was merely Bai Qi's fantasy. Whether it would succeed depended on the specific circumstances after acquiring Oscorp.
This matter was temporarily concluded, and Kraven proceeded to report the next item to Bai Qi.
"Master, an organization on the dark web has proactively contacted us, expressing a desire to collaborate."
Bai Qi's interest was piqued.
He had previously instructed Kraven to disseminate information on the dark web, casting a wide net in hopes of some luck. However, it had been a long time ago, and he had almost forgotten about it if Kraven hadn't brought it up.
"Tell me, what kind of organization is it?"
Kraven replied, "This organization is very peculiar; its members are all codenamed after alcoholic beverages."
"Codenamed after alcoholic beverages?" Bai Qi mused over Kraven's words, his mind recalling an organization of spies engaged in a battle of wits with a certain elementary school detective.
"Continue," he urged.
Kraven elaborated, "The person who contacted me claims to be Rum. He stated that his organization is present worldwide and wishes to collaborate with us, expressing great interest in immortality magic."
Bai Qi chuckled. Immortality magic? They had quite the audacity.
Hearing Kraven mention the name Rum, Bai Qi suddenly remembered. This was precisely the "Alcohol Factory" from the elementary school detective series – an organization of spies from various countries.
[Task Triggered: Collision of Black and Red]
Description: Gain actual control of the "Alcohol Factory."
Reward: Random Draw x2
Hooray! The system is alive!
Speaking of Bai Qi's system, it was by far the most unreliable system. Apart from assigning him a main quest at the beginning, it had been dormant. He never expected that Kraven's words would reawaken it.
"Master, how should I reply to them?"
Bai Qi contemplated for a moment. "Their immediate demand for immortality magic is clearly a test of our capabilities. First, try to arrange a meeting with them. Then, have the Shadow Ninjas scout their headquarters."
A flicker of understanding crossed Kraven's eyes. "I understand, Master."
"Don't rush the 'Alcohol Factory' matter. They need something from us, so they won't leave until they get what they want. Your primary task now is to find a suitable puppet."
"Understood, Master."
One had to admit, Kraven's speed of action was truly remarkable.
Before long, he found an excellent candidate.
This person was named Dutt, a member of the Oscorp board of directors, holding a significant portion of Oscorp's shares. More importantly, he had a son who was gravely ill.
In a villa in the suburbs.
After a long day, Dutt drove home. As he pushed open the door, his wife approached to get his slippers and help him change.
Handing his cane to his wife, he asked, "How was Little Dutt today?"
His wife sighed, "Still the same. Unconscious. The doctor visited this afternoon and said they couldn't determine the cause of his illness and could only maintain his life with medication for now."
"Quacks! Quacks! A bunch of incompetents! What else can they say besides that?"
After a burst of rage, Dutt sighed again, "I'll go up and see him."
With that, he dismissed the servants and ascended to the second floor alone.