Even though the temptation was immense, after the excitement, Lu Xun quickly calmed down and didn't let his mind be clouded by profit.
Because behind the exorbitant surgery fee lies immeasurable risk!
This is a deal that could cost lives!
And just a little thought reveals how bizarre the whole thing is:
Military-level prosthetics, which should be strictly controlled, appearing in civilian hands;
The prosthetic holder, with assets of over a billion, clearly not an average person, yet seeking help at a black market clinic;
This person is also in a hurry, demanding the implant surgery be completed within four days, as if desperately grasping at straws.
Because prosthetic doctors running black clinics mostly only have civilian-level skills and are half-knowledgeable about military matters.
It's like asking someone who only knows how to modify tractors to work on a fighter jet.
The likelihood of surgical failure is astronomically high, most likely resulting in death on the operating table.
He knows and still dares to come.
If he's not crazy, then he's out of options.
He has no other choice.
...
The more Lu Xun pondered, the more tightly he frowned.
The matter was full of eerie and dangerous mysteries.
The cervical vertebra in front of him was like a ticking time bomb.
The very fact it could appear here indicated the countdown had already begun.
Either throw it out or stay far away.
Even one more glance could trigger an explosion!
'Although I don't need to pick a fight with money, there's even less need to gamble with my life.'
'Missing this chance to complete the illustration is a bit of a pity, but I already know the direction of genetic fusion, I can totally find Ogre Race remains myself.'
Lu Xun thought.
He turned to Old Octopus and said:
"The temptation is indeed great, but the risk is beyond what I can accept, I can't do it. You should return this cervical vertebra to its owner as soon as possible, or we'll easily get dragged into this, unable to retreat when the time comes."
"Don't think of eating a meal until you're overstuffed, eat small meals more often, take it slow."
Too risky, so can't do it?
Old Octopus was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up with excitement as he gripped Lu Xun's shoulder and said:
"So you really can do the surgery? Hahaha, I guessed that military-grade prosthetics wouldn't stump you. Kid, you sure have skills! Great, after this job, each of us gets fifty million!"
Lu Xun widened his eyes, revealing an incredulous expression.
He looked Old Octopus up and down, shocked as he said:
"Are you a real octopus? Are we having an interspecies conversation here? I said the deal is off, give the prosthetic back to the owner, can't you understand?"
"Hey, no need to shout so loud! I get what you mean, it's just concerns about risk."
"Don't rush, let me analyze it for you."
Old Octopus said nonchalantly: "It's precisely because of the risk that you should do this surgery."
Lu Xun frowned, not understanding his point.
"This is a black clinic, practicing medicine without a license. Every surgery carries a risk."
Old Octopus said seriously: "If you constantly walk by the river, how can your shoes remain dry? Even the smallest singular risk, carry out a thousand times, becomes substantial!"
"Although you've hidden your identity well and been cautious, making no mistakes in three years. But can you assure you'll never make one again? As long as you haven't stopped, you can't be sure."
"Why don't we just hit it big once, and then quit?"
Lu Xun was shocked again.
Because it was hard to believe the words "quit" would come from Old Octopus's mouth.
Logically, with his greedy nature, his pursuit of money would never end.
Unexpectedly, he actually knows when to call it enough?!
It seems Old Octopus thinks his ten million, plus the fifty million from this job, would be sufficient for his retirement.
"Tsk tsk, looks like you're not beyond saving."
Lu Xun curiously asked: "Are you really willing to close this clinic?"
"No choice, the offer is just too big." Old Octopus chuckled, "Once we finish this gig, we'll never lack money again."
"I'm not agreeing yet." Lu Xun shook his head, "Even if we quit right after, the risk is still high. You need to be alive to spend the money."
"You're just too timid, actually, the real risk-taker is me, not you. The risk you bear is far less than mine."
Old Octopus gave him a disdainful look and said: "Neither the slaughterhouse workers nor the clinic clients know your second identity, or have seen your face. I'm the only one in the world who knows."
"But it's different for me. Clients know me as Lin Sheng, know what I look like, know where I live."
"Even many colleagues recognize me."
"If something really happens, I'd be the first to go down."
That was indeed the case.
Lu Xun nodded, acknowledging.
The reason he collaborated with Old Octopus to make money, instead of going solo, was mainly due to safety concerns.
With Old Octopus upfront, handling client acquisition, prosthetic procurement, and drug wholesaling, which required frequent public appearances, it allowed Lu Xun to hide his identity better.
If something really happened, Old Octopus would surely be done for, but Lu Xun would have a way out.
"No more hesitating, my dear ancestor!"
"The longer you hesitate, the more likely to miss out!"
Old Octopus slapped his thigh in agitation and shouted urgently: "We need a decision by tomorrow, or else the billion-dollar deal will go to another clinic! You know how pressed for time that client is."
"Then we'll talk tomorrow, you're so noisy."
Lu Xun said impatiently: "I'm heading home first. Worked a surgery from day to night, then got stuck with this crap till dawn, didn't even get a bite to eat."
"I would've forgotten if you didn't mention it… I haven't eaten either!" Old Octopus's electronic eyes widened, incredulous, "With a billion-dollar deal at hand, and you're only thinking about food?"
An enormous fortune lay right before them, within reach.
But Lu Xun's attitude was ambiguous, dismissive, which frustrated Old Octopus greatly.
"Anyways, I'm heading home."
Lu Xun slung his bag over his shoulder and said lightly: "If you're desperate, you can modify it yourself."
With that, he turned and left, casually walking out the door.
He disappeared in a flash at the corridor's end.
"Damn! If I had the skills, would I have wasted time talking with you? I wouldn't have told you about this at all, I'd silently enjoy the billion myself! Why share fifty million with you?!"
Old Octopus kicked the wall in frustration, venting his impotent rage.
His anger drove his blood pressure high.
Military-level prosthetic implantation is not that simple.
It's not just about pulling out the client's spine and stuffing in the "War Ghost Type 8," and connecting the necessary points.
The real situation is much more complex!
Military-level prosthetics are designed to be difficult to install, with many critical points designed as hidden.
First, you need a manual, to understand the internal structure of the prosthetic, clarify the operation principles of various modules and systems, and find the locations of each access point.
Next, you need to implant not only the prosthetic itself, but also to integrate other support materials as "scaffolding."
Finally, you must tailor a specific surgical plan based on the client's physical condition.
Old Octopus didn't have a manual, the client said he didn't have one either.
A completely unfamiliar prosthetic, with no manual to understand, how is he supposed to install it?
"I've come so far... just one step away... it's clearly a heaven-sent opportunity..."
Old Zhang slumped into a chair, his six mechanical arms hanging limply, touching the ground.
His expression changed unpredictably, as he stroked the metal pendant around his neck, muttering deliriously:
"A single job can earn five million clean. This might just be the only chance of my life."