Chapter 7: The First External Exhibition

The New Century Genomics Evaluation Review and Supervision Agency, a cornerstone institution in the Alverez Kingdom, held the sole authority to regulate and certify genetic species, both familiar and novel. With stringent protocols, only species with the agency's certificate could be sold publicly.

The agency offered two types of applications: a regular one, which required a small fee and took about three to five days, and an expedited option, which, for a higher fee, halved the processing time.

"Pokémon Biotech?" Megan Dowe, auditor No. 118 from the Yunhai City Branch, scanned the expedited application form with curiosity. This form, submitted by Pokémon Biotech the previous day, had landed on her desk, and with an open slot in the schedule, her team was set for an inspection that afternoon.

"I haven't heard of this company before," Megan murmured, her eyes catching on the lab address. "Wait... isn't this where Lulu Biotechnology is based?"

A shared look of resignation passed among her colleagues. Lulu Biotechnology had a notorious reputation, and its owner, Ethan Grave, was often dismissed as a "pretender" due to past controversies.

Double-checking online, Megan confirmed her suspicion: Lulu Biotechnology had rebranded itself as Pokémon Biotech, with Ethan still the sole shareholder. She scoffed. "He really thinks a name change can bury his past scandals? Naive thinking."

As they prepared to leave, one auditor joked, "Looks like we'll have to be extra thorough today."

At the lab, a security guard led them to Ethan, who welcomed them with a calm, confident smile.

Megan gave him a skeptical look. "So, you're Mr. Ethan Grave?" she asked, with her tone sharp.

"Yes, I am," he replied, unbothered by her attitude. He was well aware of the skepticism surrounding him, especially since Jerry's recent public appearances had cast even more doubt on his character. Still, he hoped for an objective evaluation, but he was ready to stand his ground if necessary.

Megan eyed him coldly. "You know, a public apology to Mr. Fowler would do a lot more for your company's reputation than simply changing its name. Reputation matters after all."

Ethan's patience thinned. "With all due respect, that's irrelevant to today's review, isn't it?" He paused, meeting her gaze steadily. "And how do you know I was at fault? Did you ever consider that maybe Mr. Fowler took the research data from my lab?"

Megan raised an eyebrow. "Quite bold of you to say. Mr. Fowler's company recently introduced the 'Spirit Dog,' which is already making waves in the market. Can your company say the same?"

"If you'd prefer to skip the evaluation, I'm happy to discuss that with your superiors," Ethan said, keeping his composure. "Otherwise, shall we proceed?"

A tense silence followed, broken when one of Megan's colleagues stepped forward, silently urging her to refocus on the task at hand.

"Right this way," Ethan said, leading them to a spacious breeding room filled with gentle, rhythmic sounds of "Pichu, Pichu" from dozens of small, fluffy creatures. The auditors' eyes widened in surprise.

"Pichu, Pichu…" One particularly curious Pichu hopped toward Ethan, who chuckled as he picked it up. "Timmy, you're always the first to say hello, aren't you?" he said, gently rubbing the soft fur of the little creature. Pichu's fur was now fully developed, warm and plush to the touch. The tiny creatures tottered around, inspecting the room and the new visitors with wide, curious eyes.

Megan's composed expression faltered. "What… species is this?" she asked, trying to mask her amazement.

"It's adorable!" another auditor remarked, unable to hide their surprise. "Much more appealing than the usual small mammals we see."

Several Pichus chirped in unison, "Pichu, Pichu," while others cautiously approached, their curiosity overcoming any initial hesitations. One even bounced forward to nuzzle an auditor's leg, prompting a delighted smile.

A senior auditor in his forties, usually reserved, couldn't help but exclaim, "Goodness, they're charming little creatures. It's hard not to love them." His open enthusiasm drew laughter from James, the lab director, who was pleased that Pichu's natural charm had captivated even the evaluators.

'Their inherent cuteness and gentle disposition would undoubtedly be major selling points' James thought, satisfied that Pichu was making a strong first impression on the agency team.

As Ethan observed the auditors' reactions, a deep sense of satisfaction settled in. This was just the beginning; he knew that Pichu had the potential to charm even the most skeptical of critics.

...

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