Come to California

After giving it a simple look, he forwarded it to Uncle Kurien. He was reading it while Aric spoke up.

"So, you want me to teach you all the machinations inside the software, including the vulnerabilities, and also for Google to receive all updates for the next ten years. Additionally, if I create any more image processing software in the future, Google will be notified first. Do I understand the stipulations correctly?" Aric asked, leaving the lawyers and everyone present dumbfounded.

They had noticed how Aric had casually looked over the whole agreement and was only waiting for the negotiation from his lawyer, who, to be honest, didn't look like he was up for the job. But the moment Aric spoke, their jaws dropped.

"Uh... Yes, as you can see, our technical team couldn't bypass the vulnerabilities, and honestly speaking, we would like to know more about the software's security as we haven't seen any software so unbreakable," said the future CEO of Google, who had also come with Eric.

"Hmm. There is no problem in handing over the source code of the software, but the language I used is self-created, and your IT guys will have to learn a whole new language to understand how it works. Are you up for the challenge?" Aric smirked and asked.

"You... You... You invented a new language for this software?" Everyone was even more dumbfounded. They thought creating such sophisticated software was already the ceiling, and this guy just went beyond that. Aric just shrugged.

"Our team will accept the challenge and learn the new language to understand the software's workings," the future CEO replied confidently.

"Then I can share the source code with instructions too. But I will not agree to the stipulation that I must offer Google all image processing software I invent in the future," Aric replied.

This might seem like a simple deal, but it wasn't. If he agreed, he would have to legally offer them many of his future inventions. Image compression comes with many additions, from image processing to AI. Signing this deal would mean he would be tied to Google for the rest of his life.

"Uh... How will Google believe you won't come up with better software in the future and use it to gain an advantage and subvert the company?" one of the lawyers representing Google said.

"Oh, please! Google isn't even in the image processing business; all processes come from a third party, and this software will significantly reduce your expenses. So let's not talk about your company sliding down just because of one image processing software," Aric retorted. It was a negotiation, not a charity.

"But it will be a loss for us, and we can't accept it," the lawyer didn't back down. This time Uncle Kurien came forward. He might not be knowledgeable in IT, but he knew how to negotiate.

He started negotiating not only on the everlasting 'relationship' with Google but also on other points in the deal. Aric didn't bother negotiating on other points because he didn't care. At this point, he cared about the money from this world and getting himself out of his current situation.

Other things didn't bother him at the moment.

The talks went on for at least two hours before the lawyers on the opposite side decided to take a lunch break. Eric didn't waste the moment and invited Aric and his entourage for lunch together.

Eric was interested in Aric and wanted to know more about him and, if possible, his future plans.

"What are your plans, Aric? You don't mind me calling you Aric, right?" Eric asked.

"I am almost a third of your age, and you calling me Mister is already too much respect. You can call me by my first name," Aric replied. Everyone here was calling him Mr. Aric More, and in a place like India, it was a bit awkward for him.

"Hahaha... I like your directness. So, as I was saying, what are your future plans?" Eric asked.

"Ummm. Complete my studies and maybe move to Europe and research things I like," Aric said.

"That's not a bad idea at all. How about coming to California and, you know, opening your business and researching there? Google will fund your future endeavors," Eric said. The moment Eric learned that Aric had invented his own language, he wasn't ready to let him go. He was a vast treasure trove waiting to be explored.

"Uhh... I haven't decided on America yet. It's a good place, though," Aric replied. Though America was a good place, Aric felt being neutral would be better for him.

"We would love to have you in California. Don't worry, the current deal won't impact future funding for your research. Those are two different topics," Eric assured him, sensing Aric might feel Google was trying to cheat him.

The lunch went smoothly, and his father and Uncle Kurien looked satiated. For Aric, it was normal because he had tasted better things in Echorysia's delivery food than in this star-studded hotel.

The negotiation went on for more than an hour, with Uncle Kurien asking for a better deal and the lawyers on the other side refusing. He knew it would go on for a few days, so he wasn't in a hurry. In the end, Eric was very adamant about them moving to this hotel so they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of traveling back and forth.

It went on for 2 more days, before Google finally gave in. The new deal was, Aric wouldn't be allowed to make a image processing software on the same language, and if he does, Google would be informed before. Aric was allowed to make on on other languages. Actually, Google had underestimated Aric too much. They didn't have any idea that Aric himself was carrying more than 100 different types of languages in his mind and each of them were better than any of the languages humanity could come up with in the next 100 years at least. 

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