107

The news of the Lei-Song alliance sent shockwaves through the capital, stirring a frenzy of gossip. Yet the key players, Lei Zhengyang and Song Yingfei, didn't even meet, each engrossed in their own pursuits.

Song Yingfei was consumed with boosting Tianding Group's market edge, including a collaboration with Tianhua Group. Lei Zhengyang, meanwhile, poured his energy into assembling a research lab, scouring for computer prodigies. Perhaps someone was already tinkering with a proto-superbrain, hindered only by a lack of intelligent application, unable to take form.

Countering beastified warriors required a superbrain's success to launch the Golden Dragon Project, using tech to unlock the brain's potential and harness ancient power. For Eastern nations, this was the best defense against beastification—but for now, no amount of urgency could hasten it.

As year-end approached, a visitor arrived at Southern Longteng Company.

She was likely stunning, or she wouldn't have worn oversized sunglasses and a woolen hat concealing half her face. At first, the receptionist mistook her for a celebrity, but after staring, realized her beauty didn't match any known star.

"I want to see your boss. Don't tell me I need an appointment," the woman said coolly. "Give him this card. I'm sure he'll meet me." Her casual confidence carried an undeniable charm. The receptionist promptly delivered the card, and soon, Longteng's lady boss descended.

The boss was Wang Jiansheng, making Lei Xinping, his wife, the lady boss.

"Hello, I'm General Manager Lei Xinping. Our boss will see you. Follow me," Lei Xinping said, intrigued. She'd met all sorts, but this mysteriously dressed woman was a first. Even more shocking: she was the famed leader of Genius Haven, a global tech syndicate.

Anyone familiar with Genius Haven knew it housed the world's elite software talents, representing the pinnacle of tech prowess—a key reason Wang Jiansheng agreed to meet her.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're Mrs. Wang," the woman said. "I'm Hua Yunxia. Call me Xiaoxia. I'm here to propose a partnership."

Though Lei Xinping managed the company, partnerships were Wang Jiansheng's domain. With Longteng's meteoric rise toward conglomerate status, every deal demanded scrutiny, requiring his personal approval.

"I can't help with partnerships, but you can discuss with my husband," Lei Xinping said. "Miss Hua, this way." Escorting her personally was already a courtesy, though Lei Xinping doubted this young, enigmatic woman could truly lead Genius Haven.

Wang Jiansheng awaited in his office, skipping pleasantries beyond a handshake. "I'm Wang Jiansheng. Pleased to meet you, Miss Hua."

"I'm Hua Yunxia. Thank you for making time," she replied.

"Let's cut to the chase, Miss Hua," Wang said. "Your purpose? I've always been intrigued by Genius Haven. Perhaps we'll find mutual interests."

Sensing his directness, Hua Yunxia didn't waste words. She produced a compact laptop. "Mr. Wang, take a look at our latest terminal—or rather, mainframe brain. Unlike current terminals, it has learning capabilities."

Wang's eyes widened. He leaned in as Hua Yunxia activated the terminal. After issuing a command, a program launched, displaying a moon-like, humanized face. A voice chimed, "Master, welcome back. There's a salt-buying frenzy in the market. Shall Moonchild order some, or we'll run out next week?"

The lifelike voice startled Wang, who chuckled at the childish tone reporting a salt panic. Moonchild's face showed genuine concern—human emotion. Lei Xinping and Wang were stunned. Wang stepped forward. "Hello, I'm Wang Jiansheng."

"Wang Jiansheng, 37, Tsinghua '02 computer science graduate. Wife, Lei Xinping, Tsinghua '03 management graduate. Founded Southern Computer Development in '04, renamed Longteng in '11. Developed a super-system, per Moonchild's analysis, 20 years ahead, uncrackable."

The terminal's instant recitation of Wang's profile shocked them. A conscious, learning terminal was humanity's dream—capable of managing billions of data points, even directing a flawless war if paired with robotics.

Visibly moved, Wang asked, "Miss Hua, how do you propose we collaborate?" Longteng's system was the world's best; only supreme sincerity could sway him. Hua Yunxia knew this. Defying her father's warnings to return East, she sought to enhance Moonchild's intelligence, and Longteng's system was the key.

"I request access to Longteng's source code to advance Moonchild's upgrades," she said. "We guarantee no commercial use of your system. In return, over the next decade, we'll deliver one trillion USD in profits to fuel Longteng's global expansion."

It was an irresistible offer.

Though Longteng was profitable, its global share lagged, facing resistance in many nations. A trillion was tempting, but worldwide expansion thrilled Wang more. Given their terminal's sophistication, he didn't doubt their promise.

Nearly agreeing, he paused as Lei Xinping coughed softly. "Miss Hua, this is significant. I need three days to consider. Fair?"

As if expecting this, Hua Yunxia didn't object. She closed the laptop and stood. "I'll stay in the South three more days. Mr. Wang, I hope for good news."

"Safe travels, Miss Hua. I'll contact you in three days, deal or no deal," Wang said, shaking her hand. Hua Yunxia left briskly.

As she exited Longteng, Moonchild's voice piped into her earpiece. "Lovely master, Moonchild acted well, no? Sadly, I scoured Longteng's servers—no trace of the source code. They likely use disc-based transfers. Master, you miscalculated."

Behind her sunglasses, Hua Yunxia's brow furrowed. "What else did you find?"

"Moonchild spotted an anomaly," the terminal replied. "Longteng's lab has no trace of system programming. A new system requires trillions of calculations, leaving data trails. Even deleted, remnants remain. Moonchild's analysis suggests: 15% chance Longteng has a super-genius surpassing master's left-brain development; 8% chance they possess pre-civilization relics; 20% chance Longteng's a front, with system research elsewhere; 51% chance the system wasn't developed by Longteng. The remaining 6% is fate, uncalculated."

To most, Moonchild's humanlike chatter might amuse, but Hua Yunxia didn't smile. Her face turned pensive. "Monitor Longteng Group immediately. Report any anomalies," she ordered.

"As master wishes, Moonchild's already on it," the terminal replied.

Truly in sync, Moonchild was like Hua Yunxia's child, mirroring her personality—a virtual clone.

After Hua Yunxia left, Wang Jiansheng didn't hesitate, dialing Lei Zhengyang on a secure line. This was critical, requiring immediate report. Days earlier, Lei had asked him to scout computer talent, and Hua Yunxia fit the bill perfectly.

"She held a super-terminal, like a virtual human with learning ability," Wang said. "I asked for three days to decide. Zhengyang, should we collaborate?"

"Her name's Hua Yunxia, right? Pretty, but mysterious—kept her sunglasses on. She's the leader of Genius Haven, likely brilliant."

Lei Zhengyang, grappling with lab setup, hadn't expected such fortune. This super-terminal was a superbrain prototype—far from his envisioned model but a promising start. He had to secure this woman and her tech, not just for the Leis but for the East-West showdown. Failure wasn't an option.

But Hua Yunxia—her name echoed Hua Yunyue's. Were they related? Uncertain, Lei Zhengyang resolved to head South immediately to meet this woman.