"20%?" Norman's expression darkened with anger. "Young man, do you have any idea how much 20% of Osborn is worth? At least a hundred billion dollars. Do you really believe your research is worth that much?"
Ye Hai maintained a calm demeanor. "This is to save your life, isn't it? Moreover, I will provide other technologies to make Osborn more competitive in the biotech field."
However, Norman clearly didn't believe him. He trusted his own experience more. He shook his head. "20% is impossible; the most I can offer you is 5%. Doctor Ye, 5% is already quite generous; I doubt any scientist in the world would consider that too little."
Seeing Norman's deeply troubled expression, Ye Hai smiled. "5% is indeed not low, but you will only gain my solution to your genetic issues. Mr. Norman, you should think carefully and not regret this later on."
Norman said seriously, "Doctor Ye, I'm a businessman. I don't believe in promises without proof; I need to see real products. As long as you can produce good experimental results, we can discuss further. Otherwise, it's just a waste of our time."
"It seems Mr. Norman still doesn't trust me," Ye Hai nodded and chuckled. "Alright then, I will first solve your genetic problems. Mr. Norman, please provide me with a small sample of your blood, and I can solve your issues within a month."
Ye Hai was not in a rush to obtain 20% of the shares; he planned to attain it gradually. Sooner or later, Norman would agree, as he had a comprehensive plan in mind.
Ye Hai's gaze fixed on Norman like a wolf, making Norman uncomfortable. He felt a foreboding sense that dealing with this person might ultimately lead to his ruin, but he had no choice; he valued his life and didn't want to die.
"Let's hope so," Norman eventually relented, allowing Ye Hai to draw a small sample of blood.
Ding! Mission activated: Host to solve Norman's genetic issue, mission duration 10 days. Successful completion reward: 2000 science points; failure will result in a 1000-point deduction.
After returning to the lab, Ye Hai continued his research.
Later that afternoon, he and Gwen drove to a remote area in New York, where there was a little-known school. Even the locals didn't realize it was a school; they just knew it was the estate of a wealthy landowner.
When they arrived at the entrance, a young woman with chocolate-colored skin and white hair stepped out. Politely, she said, "I'm Ororo Munroe, also known as Storm. The Professor sensed your arrival and sent me to welcome you. Please, come in."
Seeing the real-life version of Storm, Ye Hai couldn't help but stare a bit longer. She was indeed striking, but Ye Hai knew that although she appeared youthful, she was likely in her forties or fifties. The mutant X-gene has properties that slow aging, so most mutants live longer than average.
"Thank you, Miss Munroe. I'm Ye Hai, a scientist, and this is my girlfriend, Gwen Stacy." Ye Hai introduced himself, then followed Storm into the school.
Once inside, Ye Hai felt a mental energy enveloping the school. This was likely Professor X's telepathic ability, protecting the school from ordinary people. If a regular person stumbled upon the place, their memories would be altered to remember only an abandoned estate.
The school was originally the Professor's family estate, retaining a pastoral beauty with lush greenery. Young students were running around in the courtyard, some even carefree in using their abilities while playing together.
Gwen remarked, "This place is like a paradise."
Storm smiled and said, "You're right, Miss Stacy. The Professor has always wished to provide a safe haven for mutants, an environment where they can live in peace."
"I think the Professor has achieved that now," Gwen replied with a smile.
Storm shook her head. "He's still working hard at it."
Ye Hai, however, noticed another aspect: the school was large, and there were many students—far more than those depicted in movies. There were about four or five dozen students just playing in the courtyard.
He couldn't help but ask, "Miss Munroe, how many people are in your school?"
Storm glanced at him and replied vaguely, "About three or four hundred."
"Are they all mutants?"
"Yes."
"How powerful are their abilities? Are they all impressive?"
"They're all quite ordinary."
…
The three entered a building resembling an ancient castle, where a bald man in a wheelchair awaited them. He appeared to be about fifty years old, with healthy, tanned skin and eyes filled with wisdom and experience.
Upon seeing Ye Hai and Gwen, he greeted them in a deep, magnetic voice, "Welcome, Mr. Ye and Miss Stacy!"
His demeanor radiated the charm of old Western nobility, and his words were slow yet captivating.
Ye Hai smiled back. "Professor, it's great to finally meet you. Your school is impressive!"
"Thank you. Please, follow me," the Professor said with a slight smile, leading them into a parlor. Storm served them tea.
Ye Hai sat calmly, while Gwen was quite tense. She knew from Ye Hai that this Professor possessed powerful telepathic abilities and was afraid that her thoughts would be read. If so, the Professor would discover their secret—that they weren't mutants but had transformed through genetic fusion, causing her to regret coming along with Ye Hai.
In fact, Ye Hai had brought Gwen along specifically to prevent the Professor from reading her thoughts. He believed the Professor, being a good-natured person, wouldn't invade his friends' minds under normal circumstances, so he wanted her to be acknowledged and become a friend of the Professor. Avoiding the Professor would be ineffective; even without using amplification instruments, he could blanket all of New York City with his mind. Hiding would only pique the Professor's curiosity and risk exposing their secret.
Ye Hai's strategy was a gamble, betting that the Professor wouldn't intrude on Gwen's thoughts.
Seeing the Professor's demeanor, it was clear that he had won the bet; otherwise, this kind-hearted man wouldn't be so relaxed.
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