As Shang Yunyan retreated to a safe distance, the flying robot's large head suddenly cracked open. From within, eight claws and four massive support struts slowly emerged, each equipped with fan-like blades.
"Whoa! Is this a monster? How did it get so big all of a sudden? Where were all these things hiding? That head surely couldn't fit all this stuff!"
"Host, that's why I told you—this is the most advanced technology from the future! And the quality is unbeatable. Each one has a unique ID number and chip. All you need to do is download a locator onto your computer, bind it with these flying machines, and you can control them to take off directly from your computer! These machines have no operating costs—they can charge with solar power, wind energy, or even cosmic radiation!"
"Wow, I gotta try this! I have to try it no matter what!!"
"Well, if you insist, the button you pressed earlier can shrink it back to its original size, making it more compact! Once this technology hits the market, it will disrupt industries like delivery, logistics, and even food services!"
"Yes! I get it! I'm feeling an entrepreneurial urge right now!" Shang Yunyan said, excited, as he pressed the button on the flying vehicle again. The flying machine shrank down, and now, to Shang Yunyan, it seemed almost cute.
He took the flying machine back to his villa's garden under the cover of night. There, he found a large stone—an ornamental piece placed in the center of the garden.
"This stone weighs about 400 kilograms. I don't believe this little thing can lift it!" Shang Yunyan thought.
Following the instructions, Shang Yunyan used the flying machine's camera to scan the stone. He then set the path and distance and pressed the start button.
In an instant, the flying machine expanded and took off. It was Shang Yunyan's first time seeing it fly, and though it resembled a helicopter, it worked differently from a conventional airplane.
Next, the flying machine gently landed on the stone. The eight claws wrapped around the massive stone, and right before Shang Yunyan's eyes, the machine effortlessly lifted the stone off the ground and flew away.
"This…"
"Now do you believe me?" the system said.
"I believe! Can this thing carry a person, too?"
"Theoretically, yes, but it would be uncomfortable!"
"Got it!" A moment later, the flying machine flew to the other side of the garden and then returned along the route Shang Yunyan had plotted, circling above his head.
Inside the villa, Linger and Lily saw the massive stone hovering above Shang Yunyan, and they screamed in shock.
"Ahhh!!! Young Master is in danger! Everyone, hurry outside!"
At Linger's shout, the butler and staff jumped through windows or ran through the main door to reach Shang Yunyan.
"…What's going on?"
"Young Master! Are you alright? What is that thing? A UFO?!"
"Calm down, it's not a UFO! It's a new invention of mine, a patent that's going to be launched in the future. It's a new type of logistics tool. It has a lot of uses, and it's fast, with a large weight capacity!"
As Shang Yunyan spoke, the flying machine slowly landed on the villa's lawn, without making a sound. The safety of the machine impressed him deeply.
"System, can this thing be patented?"
"Host, the Tech Key registers the patent directly with Earth's official patent office as soon as you use it! Your manual's last page is the patent document!"
"I see! Thanks, system!"
"You're welcome! But now, the problem is, you don't have any reliable people to operate it yet!"
"Yes! I have an idea, but it's a huge project, and there's no one reliable to help!"
"Right! Keep at it! If you manage to upgrade and unlock the next function key, maybe you'll find a solution!"
Hearing the system's words, Shang Yunyan smiled. The system was always thinking ahead and helping him plan his next move.
"System, how can I upgrade again?"
"Those employees who embezzled your company funds, didn't they owe you over 100 million? That should be coming in next Monday!"
"Got it! My precious system! Muah!"
Hearing Shang Yunyan's playful words, the system responded with a hint of disdain.
The next morning, as Shang Yunyan woke up, he immediately noticed that something felt off with the atmosphere among the servants.
Duan Yurou, who was preparing his breakfast, spoke up, "Young Master, there's something you need to know! I need to tell you, but please don't get angry!"
"What's going on?"
"Young Master, after you attended the auction, some photos from the event were leaked today. You knew and agreed to those, but last night, someone also posted some older photos of you and some private ones…"
"Wait—what? Private photos?" Shang Yunyan was stunned. When did he take any private photos?
"They're pictures of you while you were sleeping, and the person who posted them wrote a completely fabricated story, saying you were some loser who used women to climb to power and then abandoned them! Young Master, should we investigate this?"
Shang Yunyan narrowed his eyes. He hadn't expected Yan Yongqing to be so bold, challenging his bottom line once again.