Chapter 385

Chapter 385: The Little Hands Are Not Very Clean

After the meeting concluded, the second batch of researchers who had been kept behind left the conference room one by one.

Now, only three people remained in the vast room.

Seated in the center was the golden giant, flanked on either side by the Director and Deputy Director of the research institute.

Thanks to Ji Yongxing, Lin Qingliu was somewhat familiar with Zhou Zhuo, the Deputy Director.

In an era where technology largely depended on archaeological discoveries, this Deputy Director was regarded as one of the elite among ordinary people.

Lin Qingliu roughly estimated that he likely belonged to the second batch of embryos nurtured in Wencheng’s memories.

At this moment, the middle-aged Deputy Director was slightly furrowing his brow, as if he had something to discuss with Lin Qingliu.

However, he remained silent, as the Director was still present.

The Director was a middle-aged man with a somewhat vulgar appearance; his slightly protruding belly was the result of years of alcohol consumption, and his receding hairline suggested that this trait had been overlooked during genetic screening.

He, too, seemed to have something to say, but he paid no attention to Zhou Zhuo’s presence, simply waiting for the right moment.

Arthur, seated between them, observed their behavior. As the last person exited the conference room, he turned to the Director with a natural smile and said:

“This is our first meeting, isn’t it?”

The man nodded eagerly:

“Yes, yes, it’s an honor to meet you. Your impressive presence at the medal ceremony is still fresh in my memory…”

Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly:

“Are you from Zhong Ding?”

“I am from Hope City.”

A bit too slick… Lin Qingliu thought to himself; the man’s fearfulness was almost palpable.

Am I really that intimidating?

“What I meant was, did Zhong Ding promote you to this position?”

“Uh, no. His Excellency Haines promoted me.”

The directness of the question momentarily stunned the man, but he quickly regained his composure.

Arthur nodded, thinking that the man’s swiftness in groveling was truly reminiscent of Zhong Ding, a stark contrast to Haines’s cold and detached demeanor.

But upon considering the division of responsibilities between the Director and Deputy Director, he felt a sense of relief.

Anyone who held this position couldn’t be that kind of person; such individuals naturally wouldn’t take on this kind of work.

Although the issuance of information coins was controlled by the Council, they had managed to keep inflation in check reasonably well over the years.

After all, under Kande’s greed, all precious metals had ended up in his hands. If inflation were to spiral, it could lead to disastrous consequences.

Since the printing press couldn’t be operated recklessly, the annual budget couldn’t be inflated without limits.

Looking at the Director’s physique, Lin Qingliu couldn’t help but wonder if the man’s superpower was drinking.

“We’ve at least been introduced. I’ve gone through the institute’s records from the past few years, and overall, you’ve done quite well.”

Just as a look of relief began to spread across the man’s face, the Speaker’s next remark made his knees go weak:

“Compared to those parasites in the factory, your greed is indeed not excessive…”

The Director’s face stiffened, uncertain whether the Speaker was complimenting him or sentencing him to death.

“Don’t be nervous; I have no intention of punishing you.”

Arthur’s tone softened suddenly, making the Middle-aged Man before him feel as though a burden had been lifted.

“The year is nearly over, and next year, I will personally push through a proposal to increase funding for the research institutes. You won’t need to negotiate with anyone anymore.”

Hearing this, the Director’s face lit up with genuine surprise and relief, not feigned but heartfelt.

“So, remember to keep your hands clean.”

The Speaker’s meaningful remark made the Director fully aware of his current position.

Since this man could speak to him in such a manner, he must already know exactly what kind of person he was.

As long as his performance hadn’t disappointed the other party, he should seize this opportunity…

“I understand, sir.”

“Go on and get back to work.”

Arthur waved his hand lightly, and the Director turned to leave as if granted a pardon, his expression not only relieved but also carrying a faint glimmer of anticipation.

After watching the Director exit the conference room, Lin Qingliu turned to Zhou Zhuo, who sat on the other side:

“Ask whatever you wish.”

He always treated loyal and grounded members of humanity with a certain gentleness.

“What I want to ask is… are you planning to remove the implants from the members of the first team through surgery?”

“Oh? You know about this?”

Arthur looked at Zhou Zhuo with a playful expression.

Logically, someone of his rank shouldn’t be privy to such classified information…

“It was just a suspicion, but now I can confirm it.

“I’m acquainted with a Holy Shield, and through limited exchanges, I’ve come to understand their general situation.”

Zhou Zhuo seemed to recall an old friend, his gaze lowering slightly:

“His every move is like that of a programmed robot, as if surrounded by an invisible barrier.

“He has to constantly avoid any hint of suggestion when speaking, even writing with his dominant hand requires extra caution, and any action that defies common sense is strictly forbidden…

“From that moment, I realized something was wrong with them. I didn’t conduct any further investigations, relying only on normal channels to gather information that was publicly available within the organization.

“After a long time, I could roughly guess their predicament, but I was powerless to help them…”

Zhou Zhuo looked at Arthur, who sat across from him:

“In Hope City, no one but the Council could accomplish such a thing.”

“But I am part of the Council. Why are you telling me this?”

The golden giant wore a meaningful expression.

“Perhaps it’s some kind of instinctive intuition, but I believe you are different from them.

“Forgive me for not having concrete evidence, but in my eyes, your way of thinking seems distinct from that of the other Council members, almost like… a sage from the Old Era.”

Arthur nodded:

“I wouldn’t call myself a sage, but you’re essentially correct. I intend to free them from that invisible yet deadly constraint.

“Those devices were designed for artificial intelligence; placing them on humans clearly inflicts extraordinary suffering.”

“But the other Council members may not agree with your plan.”

“What other Council members?”

Arthur chuckled, a hint of killing intent in his smile, as if facing a man-eating extraordinary beast:

“They’re only Council members because we give them face. Those old bones who can’t survive without nutrient solution—I wouldn’t even bother turning them into wetware.”