Chapter 38 Work Arrangements

"Ah, the laboratory... Chairman Lin, why do you need to establish such an institution, and why did you choose me as the person in charge?" Zhang Wen looked at Lin Feng with curiosity.

"I chose you because I trust you. As for why a new laboratory is needed, the company has become too conspicuous. I want to move our research projects outside, conduct the real research elsewhere. The company's R&D department is merely a façade," Lin Feng explained to Zhang Wen patiently.

"Oh, then I..." Zhang Wen hesitated, not giving an immediate answer, and sat quietly in thought.

"You don’t have to agree right away. Once you realize the scale this laboratory will reach in the future, you won’t feel so relaxed. I can tell you now, I possess all the technology related to computers, and it’s all more advanced than what’s on the market now. The operating system is just the first step. Display screens, hard drives, graphics cards, CPUs—these are all future projects that need to be tackled. I already have the technology; whether or not we can turn it into finished products will depend on the researchers in the lab. Moreover, computer components are but a small part of my business empire. When the time is right and the technology matures, there will be more products in other fields." As Lin Feng spoke to Zhang Wen, he revealed some secrets in advance, considering Zhang Wen would be managing the lab and should know a few things ahead of time.

"What? Chairman Lin, is what you’re saying really true? The technology for all these things is already available, and you’re willing to let us research it?" Zhang Wen was so excited that he gripped Lin Feng’s hand tightly, words tumbling out in his agitation.

"Stop, stop, calm down. Let’s talk this over properly—no need to get so worked up." Lin Feng freed his hand from Zhang Wen’s grasp and tried to soothe him.

"Alright, I’m calm. I’ll compose myself," Zhang Wen said, taking deep breaths.

"Don’t worry, I’m not a scientist, just a businessman. Since I have these materials, of course I’ll hand them over to you for research. I need finished products to sell and make money, after all. You can be at ease on this point. As for the authenticity of these things, you have nothing to worry about. The new operating system I’ve revealed already proves it’s all real and can be developed. Now, I just need someone to oversee the lab’s operations—if you lack people, money, or equipment, you can let me know at once," Lin Feng reassured Zhang Wen.

"Chairman Lin, say no more. I’ll go. As long as I can participate in the development of these things, I’ll do anything!" Zhang Wen hurried to declare his stance, afraid Lin Feng might refuse him. For a scientist, nothing is more tempting than having materials to create new products.

"Don’t be so hasty. If you agree to help with the lab, I’ll certainly let you go. But I also need to make the consequences clear. Maybe you haven’t felt it yet, but as the lab develops more projects, you’ll need more and more talent. With more achievements, more people will covet them—some from the government, some from abroad. As a scientist, you should understand the dangers. For the sake of profit, some people won’t hesitate to resort to extreme means. Your lives may be at risk. Are you still willing to go?" Lin Feng continued, almost warning him.

This time, Zhang Wen didn’t hesitate as before. He nodded firmly and said, "Chairman Lin, rest assured. Since I began my scientific career, I’ve been mentally prepared. I’m an orphan, have spent all these years on research, and never married or had children—I have no attachments and nothing to fear!"

"Good, as long as you’re prepared. When you go back today, arrange your affairs and decide whom you want to take to the lab. Remember, choose only those you can truly trust. Tomorrow, I’ll take you there and bring you some materials. As for staff and equipment, you’ll have to handle that yourself. All I can provide are technical documents and financial support," Lin Feng instructed, patting Zhang Wen’s shoulder.

"Don’t worry, Chairman Lin, I’ll do my utmost," Zhang Wen promised, thumping his chest for emphasis. Then, eager to get started, he hurried out, anxious to return to his department and begin assigning responsibilities. Clearly, for him, scientific research mattered more than life itself.

Once Zhang Wen had left, Lin Feng told his secretary outside to keep the office door shut and not let anyone in before the end of the workday—not even General Manager Xia. After giving these instructions, he returned to his own office and sat down at his desk.

"Mo Tian, I’ve taken care of everything outside and have arranged the lab personnel. All that’s left is your data," Lin Feng said, holding the jade pendant to his chest.

As soon as he finished, the pendant emitted a faint green light, and a small cluster of glowing points drifted out, forming Mo Tian’s soul form before Lin Feng.

"Mo Tian, I have to say, your way of showing up is pretty startling. If I weren’t used to it by now, you’d scare me to death!" Lin Feng joked when he saw Mo Tian appear.

"Tch, your luck is unbelievable. You just said you couldn’t find anyone, and now the problem is solved?" Mo Tian asked curiously.

"Heh, it’s luck. There’s someone ready in the company. Didn’t Xia Ruoxi poach an expert from the Academy at a high price? I’ve put him in charge," Lin Feng replied cheerfully.

"Not bad. That Zhang Wen is indeed talented. You’ve struck gold, first with Xia Ruoxi, now with Zhang Wen," Mo Tian grumbled, a touch of envy in his tone.

"Alright, enough of that. Mo Tian, I’m taking Zhang Wen to the lab tomorrow—get those documents ready for me. Otherwise, if I show up empty-handed, he might tear me apart! You have no idea how obsessed scientists are with research!" Lin Feng pressed.

"Bastard, of course I know—I used to be a scientist myself! There’s so much material, I don’t even know which project to develop next!" Mo Tian replied irritably.

"Sorry, I forgot your background. If there’s too much, may I suggest we start with display screens and hard drives? For the second generation of Future Tech Company’s computers, let’s use our own screens and drives!"

"Display screens and hard drives? That works. These components aren’t as demanding as CPUs or memory modules. Let’s let the researchers build up technical experience with these first. Once they're done, we’ll tackle the others," Mo Tian agreed.

"Great, if you agree, let’s go with that. I’ll leave the technical documents for display screens and hard drives to you. Go ahead!" Lin Feng spread his hands with a gesture of surrender.

"Enough with the theatrics. I’m a man and a soul—I have no interest in that. I’m just going to control your body to copy some documents, nothing more," Mo Tian retorted with distaste.

With that, he turned back into a point of light and entered Lin Feng’s mind, taking control of Lin Feng’s body to operate the computer at his desk, deftly copying all the lower-end computer component files from the Federation onto Lin Feng’s machine.

This continued until nearly the end of the workday. Then, Mo Tian, controlling Lin Feng’s body, stretched and relinquished control back to him.

"Thank you, Mo Tian," Lin Feng said gratefully once he regained command of his body.

Mo Tian shot him a glance and replied coolly, "Sentimental," before returning to the jade pendant. Lin Feng glanced at the time on his computer—it was nearly the end of the workday. He quickly packed up his things and left his office for Xia Ruoxi’s, not forgetting that tonight he was to bring her home for dinner and introduce her to his parents.

Xia Ruoxi was still at her desk reviewing reports when the door opened without the secretary announcing anyone. She looked up, saw Lin Feng enter, and frowned. "Don’t you know to knock? Barging in like that is startling!"

"Hehe, I was just excited to see you and forgot to knock. Next time, I’ll remember," Lin Feng replied with a cheeky smile, showing no sign of embarrassment.

"Such a smooth talker. I doubt you were only thinking of me—it was probably your ex-girlfriends you chased before! So, what brings you here?" Xia Ruoxi was clearly immune to his charm and got straight to the point.

Lin Feng didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he sat opposite her, picked up her cup, took a sip of water, and finally said, "Have you seen the time? It’s almost the end of the workday. Didn’t I tell you this afternoon I’d take you home for dinner?"

"Uh, you’re serious? Not joking?" Xia Ruoxi asked, a little uncertain.

"Look into my eyes—I’m being completely serious. I’m inviting you to my parents’ house for dinner," Lin Feng replied earnestly, standing up, gently cupping her face and looking into her eyes.

"Alright, I believe you—just sit down and talk properly," Xia Ruoxi said, a little embarrassed, brushing away his playful hands.

Once Lin Feng was settled in the chair opposite her again, Xia Ruoxi hesitated and said, "But isn’t it too abrupt for me to just show up? I don’t know what your parents will think."

"Don’t worry, my parents are open-minded. Besides, you’re so beautiful, and now the general manager here—what’s there to fear?" Lin Feng comforted her.