With the help of the robotic arm on his workbench, Nelson wrapped the entire mech in a red cloth before loading it onto the truck.
Committed to absolute discretion for his client, he didn't want anyone to see the mech before it reached its destination.
A few minutes later, Nelson drove the rented heavy truck out of the warehouse.
In a flash, he disappeared into the night.
---
Starsea City, Yunlai Mountain.
The Cloud Peak Estate was perched halfway up the mountain.
This was the private estate of Mason, a well-known entrepreneur in Starsea City.
It was also the venue for the 70th birthday celebration of Mason's father.
A legally modified heavy truck passed the identity verification and entered the estate gates.
Pavilions, towers, waterfalls, and streams—this estate had it all.
After the truck stopped, Nelson noticed some peacocks and ostriches, which were startled and ran away in panic.
Nelson parked the mech on the open ground in front of the estate villa, still tightly covered with the red cloth.
After working tirelessly for two days and nights, the task was finally complete.
He needed to put his phone on silent and get a good night's sleep.
---
The Ryan Family in Starsea City was highly prestigious.
Besides the patriarch, Patricio, a giant in the scientific community, his two sons were also renowned figures in the business world.
---
Early the next morning...
The entire estate began to buzz with activity. Rolls-Royces, Maybachs, and other luxury cars drove into the Cloud Peak Estate. Business moguls from Starsea City arrived one after another to celebrate the birthday.
Assuming it was a birthday gift arranged by one of the old man's sons, no one dared to touch it.
As noon approached, three military vehicles entered the estate and parked on the open ground. Soldiers from the front and rear vehicles disembarked first, all armed and vigilant, guarding the area.
An elderly man dressed in a traditional suit stepped out of the middle armored vehicle. "What are the eldest and second sons up to? I said to keep things simple, and yet... sigh!" The old man frowned and walked steadily toward the villa.
---
Inside the villa, Mr. Patricio frowned as he spoke. "Why must they complicate my birthday celebration again? Did you lose track of time while tinkering with something?"
"Huh?" Mr. Patricio's eyes suddenly brightened upon hearing the familiar voice.
"Mr. Princeton, you old rascal, what brings you here?"
A white-haired elderly man, dressed identically to Mr. Patricio, walked out of the villa. Clearly, the two old friends recognized each other immediately and began chatting away. Behind them followed a middle-aged man with a bit of a belly.
Guests around immediately recognized Mr. Princeton and showed their utmost respect.
---
Both Mr. Patricio and Mr. Princeton were towering figures in the contemporary scientific community, deserving of heartfelt admiration. They were the true pillars of the Starsea City Military Research Base, having made significant contributions to the field of mechanical intelligence in the Xia Kingdom. They were national treasures!
Mr. Patricio and Mr. Princeton walked side by side into the villa's banquet hall, which was already filled with guests. However, their minds were far from the birthday celebration.
"Mr. Patricio, I actually came here to discuss something with you in person. We need to speed up our exoskeleton armor development," Mr. Princeton said urgently.
"What's the rush, Mr. Princeton? Did you hear something?" Mr. Patricio asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I got word last night that the Northern War Zone is also developing exoskeleton armor, and they've already entered the testing phase!"
"That fast? How are their functionality and strength tests?" Mr. Patricio inquired, frowning.
"Very strong!" Mr. Princeton replied gravely.
Mr. Patricio's frown deepened. They were still in the first phase of development. The results of their research would directly determine the focus of future resource support and funding. If the Northern War Zone took the lead, Mr. Patricio—Mr. Baxter—would lose face.
---
At that moment, a petite girl, around eighteen years old, walked briskly toward Mr. Patricio.
"Grandpa, the birthday banquet is about to start. Everyone's here except for Uncle John and Cousin Regine," she said with a sweet smile, pulling out a gift box with a mysterious air.
"This is my gift for you, Grandpa!"
Mr. Patricio's face lit up with a smile as he took the gift box, looking at Molly with a kind and affectionate gaze.
"This is an exoskeleton armor model I got from the Lachlan military," Molly said proudly, lifting her chin.
At the mention of the exoskeleton armor, a gleam flashed in the eyes of the elderly couple.
Back when the Xia Kingdom was developing nuclear submarines, they had verified their designs using a model obtained from the Lachlan military. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the seemingly insignificant model had played a significant role.
Similarly, this exoskeleton armor model might also provide them with some inspiration.
Mr. Patricio unwrapped Molly's gift. It was exquisitely crafted, with each joint and structure intricately designed.
Mr. Princeton, too, immediately recognized its value.
"Indeed, this model must have been made with reference to the actual equipment from the Lachlan military."
"Hahaha, Molly, you've truly given Grandpa a wonderful gift!"
Mr. Patricio laughed heartily and gently pinched Molly's nose.
"Grandpa, I'm glad you like it."
Hearing her grandpa's praise, Molly's face beamed with pride. She took out her phone, snapped a couple of pictures of the model, and posted them on her social media. Feeling it wasn't enough, she forwarded them to Regine.
---
"Beep—"
Just as she was about to enter the house, Regine's phone buzzed. She pulled it out and saw it was a message from her cousin, Molly.
Molly was only two months younger than her and had always been competitive. Whether it was school exams, piano competitions, or even fashion, Molly always wanted to compare.
But Molly had never won.
Seeing the message, Regine smiled wryly. Her cousin hadn't changed a bit. Molly was boasting about the gift she gave their grandpa and how pleased he was with it. Even birthday gifts had to be a competition.
Regine didn't mind and just laughed it off. What she was really concerned about was whether the 20-inch mech model she had commissioned from Master Nelson had been delivered to the estate. She had sent messages and called, but there was no response.
---
The Rolls-Royce rolled into the estate. Mason and his daughter Regine finally arrived just in time for the birthday celebration.
"Dad, I wish you happiness as vast as the ocean and a long life as enduring as the mountains!"
Mason proudly presented a 200-year-old ginseng root from the Changbai Mountains, something he had spent a small fortune on.
"What am I supposed to do with this? Just like your boss, always wasting money!" Mr. Patricio grumbled, though he wasn't truly upset.
After all, it was a gesture of respect from his second son.
"Hey, Regine! It's been a while, and just like Molly, you've grown into such a fine young lady," Mr. Patricio said, his face lighting up with a smile. Apart from his research, his two granddaughters were his pride and joy.
Mason chuckled from the side, "Dad, you still think of her as a little kid!"
"Haha..." The room filled with laughter from relatives and guests, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
"Regine, you got a gift for Grandpa too, right? Don't keep us in suspense, show us already!" a voice called out.
Molly peeked out from the crowd, smiling but with a hint of challenge in her tone.
Mr. Patricio's eyes sparkled with interest as he joined in, "Regine, your dad mentioned you prepared a special gift for me. Where is it?"