Seeing Grete's incredulous expression, Charles couldn't help but let out a hearty chuckle. "You know," he began, "Alex may look like a playboy, but beneath that suave exterior, he's a professor of genetics and the youngest one at Oxford University. Not to mention his remarkable achievements in scientific research and development. Would you believe me if I told you he calculated the most crucial formula for producing neutron bombs?"
As Charles painted a vivid picture of Alex's intellectual prowess, Grete's eyes widened in astonishment. Who would've thought that the debonair playboy had such substantial accomplishments to his name?
Charles wasn't done yet. He continued, "And that's not all. Alex has delved into the realms of medicine, chemistry, geography, mathematics, history, and philosophy, excelling in each of these fields. His talent surpasses mine, I must admit."
Charles spoke with a solemn demeanor, clearly in awe of his friend. "Even Raven has been influenced by Alex and has become an expert in genetics. Jessica, whose parents are both PhDs, is a national gymnastics champion and an accomplished chemist. Emma, well, she's an expert in psychology. But that's not the most impressive part of this group."
He paused and then added, "Alex has been my friend for nearly two decades. Despite my deep affection for you, Grete, I can't help but hold him in the highest regard."
However, Grete couldn't help but be shocked at Charles's earnest description. "Professor, your words are quite a tough sell!"
Just then, Alex entered the room, impeccably dressed in a suit. He cast a nonchalant glance at Grete and said, "Miss, even though your world might be mysterious to me, don't underestimate my knowledge. Do you know the nature of human beings, Miss Grete?"
Perplexed, Grete asked, "What are you getting at?"
Alex's expression turned serious as he declared, "Repetition."
The three women who had followed Alex into the room couldn't contain their laughter as they witnessed Alex's playful teasing of the CIA agent.
Grete, clearly annoyed, implored, "Sir, please stop joking, will you?"
Alex maintained his seriousness and said, "I'm not joking, Grete. Remember how you learned language? When your father said 'dad,' you repeated. And when he pointed to an apple and said 'apple,' you echoed the word 'apple.' But there came a time when you started to mix things up. You'd see a pear and still say 'apple.' That's when he corrected you, saying, 'This is a pear, not an apple.'"
"You begin to recognize this distinction. Furthermore, in the context of contemporary physicalism, we reject supernatural forces, and a more radical approach is to reject both the 'connotation' and the mind. In this context, we only acknowledge that what is physically present is worth discussing."
"So, the essence of human beings is that of Repetition." Alex poured himself a glass of wine, swirled it gently in the glass, and spoke softly.
"Alright, these ideas that Alex is discussing may sound abstract, but there's a certain logic to them." Grete nodded thoughtfully, finding merit in what Alex was saying.
"Miss Grete, what are your thoughts?" Alex asked Grete with a light smile. The room buzzed with a mix of amusement and contemplation, as Alex effortlessly shifted the conversation from playful banter to a philosophical exploration of human nature.
"Charles is right; you are indeed a respectable scholar," Grete replied, acknowledging Alex's unique perspective.
Despite the somewhat perplexing nature of Alex's discourse, it held a certain power that Grete couldn't deny. The CIA, usually concerned with practical matters, found itself navigating philosophical waters—a departure from the norm.
Grete found herself pleasantly surprised by the unexpected depth within the group. Initially seeking Charles, a genetics expert, she discovered a wealth of expertise among Alex, Raven, Emma, and Jessica.
Subsequently, Charles, Alex, Raven, Emma, and Jessica followed Grete's agent onto the plane, setting foot on American soil.
"Charles, from this moment on, all five of you are consultants to the CIA."
Upon arriving at the CIA building and entering an office, Grete handed out documents to Alex and the others.
"Well, as for the salary…" Alex picked up his ID, glanced at it, then looked back at Grete with a playful smile.
"Alright, Alex, let's not put Miss Grete in an awkward position. I'm afraid the salary won't be enough to live lavishly for even a day," Charles chuckled.
Examining their IDs, Raven, Emma, and Jessica expressed dissatisfaction with the photographs.
"Can I have a word with the photographer? My photo looks terrible!" Raven quipped.
"I'd like a word with the photographer too!" Emma exclaimed, visibly displeased with her aged appearance in the photo.
Grete, sharing their sentiment, remarked, "That photographer's skills leave much to be desired. The photo he took of me makes me look twenty years older!"
"The photography is dreadful; they should consider replacing the photographer," Jessica suggested.
Observing the three women making a fuss about their photos, Alex sighed and addressed them, "Well, you all volunteered for this, so let's not make too much of it. I didn't force you to come."
(End of this chapter)*
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