Following the principal's address, various school staff and organizations delivered their speeches. Finally, it was Lucien's turn. He returned backstage, ensuring he arrived ten minutes before his scheduled speech to prepare.
When he stepped onto the stage, he commenced his speech with unwavering confidence. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and fellow graduates, today we gather to celebrate not only the culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also the commencement of a new chapter in our lives. As the top student at Alderbrook University, I am deeply honored to stand before you, representing the incredible talent and potential that reside within this graduating class..." Lucien continued to speak, delivering his speech with eloquence and poise.
During his speech, he couldn't help but notice two sharply dressed men in the audience who were observing him intently. They seemed as though they were trying to determine if he was the person they were searching for.
Once all the speeches had concluded and the graduation certificates were distributed, the ceremony drew to a close. People began to disperse, creating a tumultuous scene as they made their way to their next destinations.
Lucien chose to remain seated. He preferred to wait until the majority of the crowd had departed to avoid getting caught up in the commotion.
As the crowd thinned, he noticed the two men who had been eyeing him during his speech making their way toward him. They appeared determined and clearly wanted something from him.
When they reached him, they executed slight bows and wore expressions of respect and astonishment.
Dr. Alexander Blackwood, an authoritative man in his early fifties with salt-and-pepper hair and a custom-tailored suit, stepped forward to speak first. "Hello, Mr. Lucien. I am Dr. Alexander Blackwood, the director of the Echelon Research Institute, which you have recently acquired. I hope our unannounced presence here today did not cause any offense. We refrained from notifying you in advance to avoid disturbing you during your final exams and decided to introduce ourselves at your graduation instead." He bowed again, this time with an apologetic and nervous expression.
The other man stepped forward and introduced himself as well. "Greetings, Mr. Lucien. I am Mark Johnson, the Manager of NovaTech Labs. I sincerely hope you do not perceive our presence as an intrusion and hope you can pardon our unconventional approach."
Mark, in his early thirties, exuded a friendly demeanor. He sported a neat crew cut and was dressed in a casual office suit.
Lucien studied their expressions and sensed their genuine nervousness and respect. He deduced that they might have mistaken him for a heir of a wealthy family due to his ability to purchase the two labs outright.
Lucien met their gazes and offered a polite smile. "Please, rest assured. You need not be concerned. You have not overstepped any boundaries, and I have no intention of making your lives difficult, as long as everything with the laboratories remains in order, and you won't betray me." As he concluded, his eyes turned cold, and an aura of authority enveloped the two men, sending a chill running down their spines.
After retracting his imposing aura, Lucien noted that both men quickly composed themselves. They now regarded him in a different light, perceiving the same level of authority they might expect from CEOs of other prestigious companies.
Lucien glanced around and realized that most people had already left. With the path now clear, he stood and addressed the two men, "It would be better to speak in private. If you have a suitable location in mind, please lead the way." He gestured toward the exit.
Following a brief discussion, they decided to head to the Echelon Research Institute, which was conveniently located nearby and offered enhanced security.
Alexander took the lead and escorted them to his car—a Lexus RX 350. He had chosen the vehicle for its practicality and comfort. With courtesy, he opened the door for Lucien, who, although appreciative, felt a twinge of awkwardness at the deferential treatment. Nevertheless, he knew that, as the new owner, he had assumed a different role, and he entered the car without showing his inner thoughts, maintaining a composed demeanor.
Alexander occupied the driver's seat, while Mark settled in the front passenger seat. As they embarked on their journey, an air of quietude enveloped the car. Lucien, lost in thought, contemplated the luxurious comfort of the vehicle. 'Investing more money certainly results in superior quality. This car is remarkably comfortable and spacious. A wise choice.'
Upon their arrival at the laboratory, they promptly entered the facility. Staff members acknowledged Lucien with bows, indicating that Alexander had ensured his picture was circulated among all employees to prevent inadvertent offense. 'Now that I think about it how do they know how I look, System?'
[ When the documents were signed, the system also sent a recent picture of you to the companies. ]
'ahh, that makes sense. Thank you."
They made their way to an elevator, ascending to the top floor, which housed Alexander's office. Lucien took a moment to admire the panoramic view of the surroundings. The office was designed with a minimalist yet modern aesthetic, dominated by a polished black marble desk with a glass surface. Other functions embedded in the desk piqued his curiosity, but he set that aside for later exploration.
As Lucien prepared to take a seat in one of the chairs, Alexander insisted that he sit in his own chair. Lucien couldn't help but note the extent of the hospitality being extended to him. 'He is determined to make me feel welcome,' Lucien thought, acknowledging Alexander's efforts.
Their conversation initially revolved around general topics, including the current income and standing of their respective organizations in the medical industry. Lucien concealed his surprise at their impressive financial performance, maintaining an indifferent expression throughout the discussion.
Once they had completed their reports, Lucien broached the subject of his vision for the laboratories. He shared his intention to integrate them under a new business conglomerate he planned to establish. His goal was to expand into various sectors once he had secured the necessary capital, with the two laboratories serving as the foundation, but he didn't tell them that he didn't have the necessary capital right now.
Under his proposal, they would retain their managerial rights while adhering to a uniform structure, essentially operating as two branches of his organization. They would continue as branch managers, with the responsibility of providing monthly reports on income, completed experiments, and any encountered issues.
The revelation of his ambitious plan left both men astonished. Despite Lucien's youth, they realized he possessed grand aspirations. Initially skeptical, they were convinced by the unwavering determination and seriousness he displayed.
"I will provide you with further details once the plan has been refined and initiated. However, I wanted you to be aware of it early on to facilitate a smoother transition as we progress," Lucien concluded, his gaze unwavering.
Both men exhibited enthusiasm and determination, seemingly aligned with Lucien's vision. Unbeknownst to him, they harbored thoughts that their laboratories would either flourish under his leadership or wither away and ultimately fail. They were resolute in their commitment to give their best effort, not willing to jeopardize everything they had built.
Lucien then turned to Alexander and inquired, "Could you show me the laboratory? It remains shrouded in secrecy, and would like to get a general overview of the laboratory."
Mark also expressed his interest; NovaTech Labs, being a smaller organization, was intrigued by what set Echelon Research Institute apart.
Alexander consented, "Since we are already on the highest floor, we can simply work our way from top to bottom." He exited his office, leading the way. The tour commenced with visits to meeting rooms and the offices of prominent scientists. Most offices were vacant, suggesting that the researchers were deeply engrossed in their experiments.
Their journey continued to an Observation Lounge—a room adorned with large windows offering a captivating view of the city. The space featured comfortable couches, a snack bar, and a drink station. Alexander elaborated, describing it as a sanctuary for staff members facing challenges in their work who needed a respite to clear their minds.
Returning to the elevator, Lucien's attention was drawn to another elevator he had noticed earlier. It appeared to be equipped with additional security measures, piquing his curiosity about its purpose.
Alexander responded, "I will elaborate on that matter later, after we have explored the accessible areas that are open to most personnel. This particular elevator provides access to a restricted area reserved exclusively for high-ranking personnel." He glanced at Mark to emphasize the point.
Lucien comprehended the need for confidentiality and continued their descent to the lower floors. They visited laboratories on floors 2 to 4, each specializing in distinct disciplines. To gain entry to any floor, one had to undergo fingerprint and retina scans. Lucien noted the stringent security measures, which impressed him and gave him confidence in the laboratories' integrity.
As they toured the facilities, Lucien observed abstract scientific art and holographic displays lining the hallways, creating an enigmatic ambiance that added to the allure of the institute.
The researchers they encountered were fully immersed in their experiments. When they laid eyes on their new boss, they appeared surprised by his youth. Among the female researchers, another thought lingered, 'He is really handsome.'
Lucien paid close attention as some scientists described their work, recognizing the promising foundation of their research but also acknowledging that they had a long way to go before achieving presentable results.
Their exploration culminated on the ground floor. They had passed the main lobby, where a holographic receptionist and digital directory that highlighted the institute's various departments stood. Further inside the building, administrative offices, a reception area, and a visitor check-in desk were present. To proceed to the elevator, they had to navigate a high-tech security checkpoint equipped with biometric scanners. Only authorized personnel or visitors with special authorization cards could pass through.
Having completed their tour, Alexander turned to Mark and inquired, "I am unable to show you the remainder of the facility. Would you prefer to wait in the reception area, or do you have another preference?"
Mark turned to Lucien and responded, "I will return to NovaTech Labs since I still have some pending work. You can reach me through the contact information we exchanged if the need arises." He bowed, and Lucien acknowledged his decision with a nod.
After Lucien nodded in acknowledgment, Mark left the Echelon Research Institute.