Max had spent many years working at the research institute, and his talent in the field was exceptional. At the age of 18, he had become the youngest tutor among the graduate students.
Due to his work at the research institute, Max had signed a non-disclosure agreement and kept his identity there a secret. He rarely went home and dedicated himself to the research and development of lithography machines. The absence of lithography machines meant that the country was dependent on others, and countries possessing such machines often took advantage to manipulate prices.
With limited funding at the research institute, Max decided to seek a joint venture with the current technology group after conducting an investigation. This technology group was a domestic technology beast with numerous advanced talents who could bring fresh perspectives to the research institute and facilitate breakthroughs.
However, Max never expected that the company’s CEO would suggest the idea of developing the entire house.
Max's expression turned serious as he replied, “I have already stated that there is no room for negotiation, and it is not a matter of money. Do you think | can build this house if | don’t have money?” Lilly shook her head and interjected, “You don’t know anything about Uncle Max!” Josh sneered, “How shameless.” Hanhan chimed in, “Get lost! Get lost!” Stacy, upon receiving the instructions, prepared to act. However, being a virtual assistant, she could not physically cross the boundary.
But...
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Woosh!” Suddenly, a belt emerged at the door, similar to a treadmill’s moving belt, lifting Mr. Martin and Mr. Young and dragging them outside.
“Boom!” After being forcefully expelled from Max’s house, Mr. Martin and Mr. Young stood outside, feeling frustrated and angry. Mr. Martin clenched his teeth and exclaimed, “Max is incredibly ungrateful!” Mr. Young suggested, “Well, let's investigate his background. It’s not easy to come up with 200 million dollars for these developments. We need to find out how he managed to do it.” Mr. Martin agreed, and Mr. Young immediately called Darwin, who was eagerly waiting for updates at home.
Darwin was taken aback by the request, saying, “Max’s background? He doesn’t have any special background. | know him quite well, and he mentioned that these were his own savings...” Mr. Young shook his head, pointing out that it was impossible for Max to accumulate such a large sum solely from his annual salary of 5 million dollars over ten years.
Darwin then recalled that Max had sought investment outside, but he was unaware of the specific investors involved.
After ending the call, Mr. Martin and Mr. Young left the premises reluctantly, feeling dissatisfied with the situation. Mr. Martin commented, “He managed to attract investment because of our laboratory. Now he’s turned his back on us.” Mr. Martin added, “Max couldn't have accomplished this project on his own. He must have utilized the laboratory's staff and resources without authorization.” Determined, Mr. Martin stated, “Regardless, | have made up my mind about the virtual assistant project!” Being present in Max’s room made it evident to him that the entire space was brimming with technological designs and advancements.
When the children came out of their rooms, they were filled with astonishment and shocked at the interior design.
The crucial point was that Stacy's virtual persona is incredibly lifelike. Those unfamiliar with her believe she had a soul, one extracted from a deceased human being. Max must ensure that Stacy was not sentient.
The progress of science and technology benefits humanity, and any research and development with a transformative impact on human civilization’s advancement should be shared by all people.
“We need to head back and look through his background.” “If he lacks any background, simply remove him and expel him from the laboratory. | want to see how he can attract investments without the laboratory's reputation.” Meanwhile...
After Mr. Martin and Mr. Young left, his expression turned extremely displeased.
Lilly asked, “Uncle Max, how did they find out that you have Tracy at your place? Have they ever been inside?” Max shook his head, saying, “They haven't been inside before. The laboratory recently formed a joint venture with a technology group last month. | rarely bring guests here...” He had another 1000-square-foot house allocated to him, which he would utilize for hosting guests.
“Except for Darwin.” Max stated, “l met him during college. He attended the University of Science and Technology. | joined the research institute before graduating, and he followed suit after completing his studies.” As their understanding of things deepened, their conversations grew more engaging. Max and Darwin cherished their connection and enjoyed their discussions.
So, he invited Darwin to visit his home.
“When | was constructing the Stacy Chef system, | encountered some difficulties, so | asked him to have a look together. After discussing and reaching a conclusion, | granted Stacy access to the network’s data...” Consequently, Stacy gradually began creating exquisite cuisine by utilizing the chef skills system and acquiring knowledge from the Internet.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLilly sighed, displaying a maturity beyond her years, “Then it's Uncle Darwin. He must have informed those two rude dummies about Uncle Max's futuristic house.” Max felt a profound sense of disappointment as if he had been betrayed.
“He doesn’t look like... he would do something like that.” “I've known him for so long, and | only brought him here because | trusted him...” Lilly's smile gradually faded away.
She saw too many scenes recently.
The complexity of human nature... How could one ever be certain? People were intricate. The more she experienced the world, the less she understood the depths of people's hearts...
At that moment, Darwin felt a tinge of unease.
Max... couldn't have leaked my secret, could he? Having observed Max. He brought him home as a guest, and Darwin overheard their conversation clearly in the laboratory.
Gritting his teeth, Darwin called Max.
“Hey... Maxie, it's me!” he exclaimed anxiously. “Are you alright? What's going on? Mr. Young just called me to ask about you.”