Being surrounded and hunted by the system was the most bizarre and darkest thing Xuan Ming had ever encountered.
He had originally thought that these parasitic creatures that could inhabit the human brain were extremely terrifying. But now it seemed that they were nothing more than that. Even the main god behind them sounded just so-so.
Xuan Ming's anger had not subsided, but his anxiety and fear had completely dissipated.
Faced with these invasive species from other dimensions, he did not completely sit idly by. At least he could hear the conversation between the system and the host and intercept their movements: at least there was such a magical curly-haired young man sitting next to him.
Xuan Ming glanced at the other person seemingly casually, and a hint of smile appeared in his originally dark eyes.
Zhuang Li was completely immersed in his own world, but he did not forget to devote some attention to taking notes of the meeting.
Stripped to its very core, 7480 was in dire straits. But it was a machine, and its programming couldn't be altered. The Lord God needed it to complete its mission, so it wouldn't give up until the very last moment, when it was reduced to ashes.
"Hehe, hehe..." 7480 suddenly laughed nervously.
Zhuang Li was still typing away, his expression very calm.
Xuan Ming suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. This laughter was perverse. Could the system be causing trouble again? Was it driven mad by Curly?
"Hahaha, I remember the host!" 7480 said in a vicious tone: "Although I can't escape your mind, I can wait! With the level of technology in your world, you have no way to dismantle me! By the time your technology develops to the point where you can dismantle me, you will be long dead!"
"Do you know what happens when you die?" it asked mysteriously.
Zhuang Li was typing away, too lazy to pay attention to it.
Xuan Ming's heart was lifted.
7480 wants to lead the young man step by step into the abyss of fear, but if the young man does not accept it, the atmosphere it wants to create will not be able to sustain.
This isn't what the script says! You ignored me when I should have been cooperating with you. You're so unkind, host!
7480 was furious, but he had to continue. "When you die, your consciousness will weaken, and I will devour it in one gulp, gaining enough energy to break free from your control and find my next host. You see, although you have trapped me temporarily, you will never be able to defeat me!"
Zhuang Li was still typing, too lazy to even hum.
Xuan Ming took out a cigar and knocked it on the table with some force, his expression darkening.
Qiao Yanan paused for a few seconds, and only continued his speech when his boss gave him no further instructions. The attendees straightened their backs, their nerves rising.
7480 excitedly awaited the host's reaction, but the outcome once again disappointed it. The host showed no fear or panic, but instead acted as if nothing had happened.
Could it be that he couldn't hear me? No, communication within the mind doesn't involve hearing. So he was deliberately ignoring me!
7480 gritted his teeth in anger and said viciously, "Not only when the host is dead, but also when the host is seriously ill or in a coma, I can devour the host's consciousness. So host, you'd better pray that you will never get sick or fall into a coma in this life, otherwise you are doomed! Hahaha..."
"System, how long do you think it will take for this world's technology to develop before it can produce the technology to dismantle you?" Zhuang Li suddenly spoke.
7480 was stunned for a moment before saying, "You won't be able to do it in at least three hundred years."
Three hundred years—that was too long! Xuan Ming closed his eyes, feeling despair at this answer.
Zhuang Li, however, remained calm. He pushed his laptop aside, took out a blank sheet of paper, and placed it before him. He said slowly, "Then you must be very familiar with the history of technological development in this world."
7480 snorted coldly.
"Then do you know how many technological revolutions the world has experienced?" Zhuang Li picked up the ballpoint pen.
7480 was too lazy to speak. Its current state was beyond the reach of its host.
But Zhuang Li did not need its cooperation. He wrote down five numerical numbers on the paper and wrote behind each numerical number in order: the first scientific and technological revolution, the second scientific and technological revolution, the third scientific and technological revolution, the fourth scientific and technological revolution, and the fifth scientific and technological revolution.
"The answer is five times," Zhuang Li recounted calmly. "The first scientific and technological revolution started with the invention of the steam engine, which enabled universal mechanization."
"The second scientific and technological revolution started with the invention of the generator, which achieved universal electrification."
"The third scientific and technological revolution was marked by the invention of atomic energy, electronic computers, space technology and bioengineering, and achieved the comprehensive application of information control technology."
"The fourth scientific and technological revolution is marked by the rise of systems science and the formation of systems bioscience. The main achievement of this stage is the establishment of a new energy system, which lays a solid foundation for the further liberation of productivity."
"The fifth technological revolution begins with IT and information and communications technology and ends with all devices being connected to the internet. It will be an era of interconnectedness and highly developed information."
Zhuang Li summarized these five stages with a single merge symbol and chuckled, "Haven't you noticed? Every technological revolution took humanity only a few decades to complete. It took them just over a hundred years to shake off ignorance and embrace technology. And each revolution was heralded by the birth of a genius."
"Denis Papen, who invented the steam engine; Siemens, who invented the generator; Albert Einstein, who proposed the theory of general relativity; Pierre Curie and his wife Marie Curie, who first discovered nuclear energy; John von Neumann, who first invented the computer; Max Planck, who proposed quantum mechanics..."
“It is these super geniuses who, with their own strength, drive the wheel of the times.”
Zhuang Li raised his eyebrows and smiled with interest. "Right now, the fifth scientific and technological revolution has just begun, but I believe the sixth will arrive soon, because the birth of geniuses can greatly advance the development of an era."
Zhuang Li pointed at himself and spoke slowly, "And I am that genius. Condensing hundreds of years of technological development into a few decades or even a few years is not an unattainable dream for me."
7480 immediately sneered: "Just you?" But inexplicably, its core program began to tremble.
Xuan Ming gripped his cigar tightly, letting a thousand thoughts race through his mind. These words were arrogant, but they ignited his passion.
"Yes, I can." Zhuang Li took the question as a matter of course, and then said, "I can tell you with certainty that the Sixth Technological Revolution will be led by neobiology, a celebration of bionics and regenerative technologies. Nanorobots like you, combining life with mechanics and intelligence, will enter mass production. The technology you possess will soon be surpassed."
Zhuang Li meticulously scrawled the following sentence on the paper: [Leader of the Sixth Technological Revolution—Zhuang Li]. He raised an eyebrow at the end and said, "System, I'm glad you've perked up. This game would be quite boring without you. In the days ahead, let's see who dies faster, you or me."
7480: Ying!
Xuan Ming picked up a pair of scissors, neatly cut off the end of his cigar, lit it with a lighter, and took a puff. He was also looking forward to this game.
By this point, although the battle hadn't yet concluded, Zhuang Li was completely on top. He pushed the paper aside and returned to taking notes.
Xuan Ming slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, and his gloomy expression was replaced by pleasure.
"Okay, this is my immature idea about 5G construction. Does anyone want to ask questions?" Qiao Yanan, standing on the podium, scanned the audience.
Two engineers raised questions one after another, and both received satisfactory answers.
A major shareholder glanced at Xuan Ming and said, "Minister Qiao's concept is very mature. If we continue at this pace, our 5G technology will be ready soon. Mr. Xuan, I propose that Minister Qiao be appointed as the head of the R&D department. What do you think?"
Xuan Ming smoked his cigar slowly and did not answer. His eyes, filled with indifference, flickered in the swirling smoke, as sharp as a knife.
Being looked at by him with such eyes, Qiao Yanan's mouth twitched slightly, and she couldn't even smile.
"System, why do I feel like there's something wrong with the way Xuan Ming looks at me? It's like he's measuring an object." She complained silently in her heart.
"I'm sorry, I can't understand the meaning of human eyes. I only know that he is looking at you. Isn't that a good thing? If you want him to fall in love with you, you must first keep his gaze." 248 read out the golden sentences in the emotional tweet.
However, as soon as he finished speaking, Xuan Ming looked away and lowered his head to look at the information in his hand.
Qiao Yanan frowned, feeling relieved but also nervous.
"No matter what, I must get the position of R&D director today. That's an annual salary of 30 million!" she said to herself.
"You can do it. If you get rid of Zhao Zhensheng, there is a 100% chance that you will become the minister." 248 said proudly.
"Of course. In this critical moment, who else but me can lead the R&D department? Who has better scientific research capabilities than me?"
After lying for so long, Qiao Yanan even fooled herself. She raised her chin slightly and scanned the audience with a proud gaze, as if she had truly become the most outstanding scientist in China.
Many engineers raised their hands and said, "Mr. Xuan, I also propose that Vice Minister Qiao take over Dr. Zhao's position."
"Mr. Xuan, only Sister Qiao has the ability to lead us in building the 5G framework."
"Boss Xuan, the R&D department is demoralized. Let Sister Qiao take over. We all respect Sister Qiao."
"Someone else might not be able to shoulder this burden."
"We're all researchers, and we know who's capable and who's not. We all agree that Sister Qiao should take the reins. Mr. Xuan, if you choose someone else to lead our R&D department, I'm afraid it will be a mess. Those in administration can't manage us researchers; they can't even understand our reports."
"Yes, we are a highly professional team, and our leader must be the one with the best professional skills."
All the engineers stood on Qiao Yanan's side and admired her in every way, but no one knew that Qiao Yanan's scientific research results were actually stolen from others. She killed Dr. Zhao and obtained the 5G algorithm just for this day.
Xuan Ming had no way to deal with Qiao Yanan and the 248 system. In order to stabilize the company, the best strategy he could adopt at the moment was to praise Qiao Yanan and coax her to come up with the 5G algorithm.
But Xuan Ming just didn't want the other party to get his wish.
Why should I support a murderer and offer her so many benefits? Xuan Ming's eyes grew even colder. He shook off the hot cigarette ash and announced slowly, word by word, "I will personally invest 60 million to stimulate your research and development enthusiasm. From now on, whoever derives the 5G algorithm first will take the 60 million, plus the position of Head of R&D at Haiming Group, a villa worth 300 million, and an annual salary of 40 million."
He swept his sharp eyes over everyone and said in a cold tone, "This decision is not only valid for those within the company, but also for those outside. Sun Jingshu——"
He instructed his chief secretary: "Go to the company website immediately and publish this news."
Sun Jingshu immediately nodded in agreement: "Okay, Mr. Xuan." The laptop was right next to him, and with just a flick of his finger, the news was announced.
The major shareholders looked at each other, feeling that this decision was sudden, yet also that it was understandable. Haiming Group's growth from a small electronic component workshop to a leader in the high-tech field was due to its massive capital investment.
Investment in R&D cannot be reduced in any way.
The engineers who had just been clamoring for Qiao Yanan to be the department head were now excited. They secretly decided to work on the 5G algorithm right after the meeting. Who knew they could be one step ahead of Qiao Yanan if inspiration struck?
The whole audience was excited because of the reward worth up to 400 million, including Qiao Yanan.
"System, did you hear that? A 60 million bonus, a 300 million villa, and a 40 million annual salary, I'm rich!" She shouted excitedly in her mind, but her face was full of pride.
"Host, you have to stay calm! If you take out the 5G algorithm now, Xuan Ming will pay much less attention to you than originally planned. Remember, you have to be the one who saves him in the critical moment of life and death, not the deputy who helps him in his glory days." 248 persuaded hurriedly.
"That's four hundred million!" Qiao Yanan's voice trembled.
"Can four hundred million be compared to eternal life? Don't forget, you have already failed two missions. If you fail this one again..." 248 didn't finish his words.
Qiao Yanan was so frightened that he fell silent.
She was silent for a long time before she said reluctantly, "Okay, I'll hold on."
248 immediately consoled him, "Don't worry, host. I'm constantly monitoring scientific research around the world. Currently, no one other than Dr. Zhao has been able to derive a 5G algorithm. This means that even in three to five years, you'll still be the king of this field. You don't have to worry about others surpassing you."
"I've already sold the news of Dr. Zhao's death to several newspapers," 248 said coldly. "Even with the government's help, Haiming Group won't be able to suppress this news. I will create public opinion online to drive down Haiming's stock price and guide foreign forces to launch a financial attack on Haiming. Host, you must seize the opportunity."
"Okay, I understand." Qiao Yanan made up her mind.
The police and the government helped Haiming Group suppress the news of Dr. Zhao's death. Currently, only the backbone of the R&D department and several major shareholders of the company know about it.
These people all hold shares in the company and naturally will not harm their own interests, but Qiao Yanan is different. Her goal is to win over Xuan Ming's heart. For this, she can kick Haiming Group into the abyss.
She clapped her hands and smiled, "Please rest assured, Mr. Xuan, our R&D department will not let outsiders take this reward."
"Yes, the reward will definitely be ours!" Several software engineers clamored.
After listening to Qiao Yanan and the system's plan, Xuan Ming wanted nothing more than to kill these two inhuman creatures. He gritted his teeth and smiled, "Then you should do your best. Today's meeting ends here, everyone can disperse."
Everyone left the table one after another, but Zhuang Li, who had been quietly taking notes at the meeting, poked Xuan Ming's arm with his slender index finger.
Xuan Ming's fake smile melted away like snow, and his usually dark and cold eyes immediately showed some warmth: "What do you want?"
He had no idea how intensely he was filled with anticipation. This bounty wasn't meant to provoke Qiao Yanan, nor was it meant to inspire other engineers. It was simply for the young people around him.
For some reason, Xuan Ming firmly believed that if anyone could come up with a 5G algorithm, it would be Curly, the boy next to him. Curly himself had said that he was a genius who would drive the wheel of time.
Zhuang Li covered his nose and said, "Look at what's written on it."
Xuan Ming looked in the direction of his finger, and saw a notice board posted behind the door panel, with big red words written on it - Smoking is strictly prohibited in the meeting room.
Xuan Ming: ...
Zhuang Li frowned and coughed twice, then walked away leisurely with a briefcase under his arm, his fluffy little curls bouncing with his brisk steps.
Xuan Ming's anticipation melted into a bubble of embarrassment. His face remained frozen, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up. If the little curly-haired kid whose brain was parasitized by the system wasn't anxious, why should he be? He'd just take it one step at a time.
He immediately extinguished his cigar and said to Sun Jingshu who was waiting beside him, "Remember to remind me when I feel like smoking next time, especially when Curly is around."
Sun Jingshu immediately realized who the curly-haired boy was talking about. He nodded and couldn't help but think to himself: Who is that person that even President Xuan has to accommodate him?
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