From American Internet Celebrity to God Among Men

1. Pay a record-breaking, massive compensation (the specific figure is confidential, but enough to make Attorney Lauren reveal a rare, completely relaxed smile), covering all legal costs, losses for Alex’s side, and establishing an independent trust fund for long-term assistance to the confirmed victims of the NT-7 incident and their families.

2. Release a carefully worded public statement in media mutually agreed upon by both parties, acknowledging ”shortcomings in communication and procedures” in the subsequent handling of the NT-7 material, expressing ”sincere apologies” to those affected, and promising to strengthen internal compliance and safety reviews. (This statement avoided directly admitting to ”intentional concealment,” but the apology and admission of shortcomings were already a huge concession.)

3. Immediately withdraw all procedural motions aimed at delaying the lawsuit and cooperate to quickly complete the final legal procedures.

In exchange, Alex Su and his affiliates agreed to:

1. Accept the compensation and withdraw all related lawsuits against Northrop.

2. Not initiate new legal actions or public accusations against Northrop regarding the NT-7 incident.

3. The ”Voice of Truth” platform and related partner media would stop pushing special public opinion content regarding this incident after the agreement took effect.

On the afternoon of the day the agreement was signed, Alex was in the studio, listening to Attorney Lauren report the final result in the most concise language. Marcus, Hank, and others were present. There was a moment of silence in the room, followed by low, relieved cheers.

”It’s over?” Marcus still couldn’t quite believe it.

”Legally and in public opinion, it’s over.” Attorney Lauren nodded affirmatively, looking at Alex. ”You used a... very unconventional way to force a giant to a draw.”

”Not a draw,” Alex corrected, walking to the window, the sunlight spilling onto him. ”It’s making them calculate the costs and realize that the cost of continuing the confrontation is far higher than bowing their heads and paying.”

He felt a slight dizziness, not from exhaustion, but a sense of emptiness after a long-taut string suddenly slackened, immediately filled by a solid sense of accomplishment. He checked the system; he hadn’t directly gained a large amount of popularity from resolving this long-term conflict (popularity mainly comes from broad influence, not specific event settlements), but he knew that with this matter settled, a huge potential risk and mental burden had been cleared, making his public image even more solid and flawless. This was crucial for all his future plans—whether it was his entertainment career or the accumulation of extraordinary power.

The shadow of Northrop had dispersed. It might still be lurking in some corner, but at least on the surface, it would no longer appear on Alex Su’s path in the form of direct confrontation.

”Do we need to celebrate tonight?” Taylor walked in at some point. She clearly already knew the news from Attorney Lauren.

Alex turned, looking at her concerned eyes, and smiled: ”No, no need for a big fanfare. This matter deserves a quiet period.”

He walked over and hugged her gently. ”However, to thank my excellent lawyer and team, a best private chef dinner is a must. You are invited.”

The dust had settled. The entanglement with Northrop had finally been cleanly severed. Alex felt unprecedentedly relaxed. His gaze crossed the city skyline, looking toward a broader, more creative, and promising future.

There, there were new songs waiting to be released, tours about to depart, visual projects in the works, and that extraordinary path only he could see, which required more ”fuel” to continue climbing.

The obstacles were cleared, and the road ahead was smooth.