Chapter 89: Chapter 89

"Then what does Miss An Ning mean by this?"

"If I said I want to establish my own independent laboratory after returning to China, I wonder if Mr. Fu would be willing to be the investor?"

Dispensing with unnecessary pleasantries, An Ning chose to get straight to the point.

Hearing this, Fu Sheng was clearly surprised at first, but this surprise quickly turned into immense delight.

Almost unable to contain his eagerness, he quickly responded:

"Of course I'm willing. In fact, having Miss Xu's favor is an honor for me."

"Even if it requires you to invest considerable money and effort throughout, yet all I can offer in return is 10% equity and priority rights to future patents?"

And even these usage rights wouldn't be free of charge.

Holding the still-warm cocoa in her hands, An Ning continued speaking with a smile.

"But even so, given Miss An Ning's capabilities, I believe I won't be at a disadvantage, will I?"

In fact, to some extent, Fu Sheng already felt flattered by this opportunity.

While establishing a research facility meeting her requirements from scratch would indeed require substantial funding, the truth was others might lack money, but this woman before him - just her patents from the past two years alone represented a considerable fortune.

No one understood this better than him as her close collaborator.

Even currently, two of the most profitable software programs in his Fu Corporation Technologies originated from her.

However, considering her usually lazy disposition outside research, Fu Sheng quickly understood her reasoning. His eyes unconsciously filled with amusement as he immediately assured:

"Rest assured, Miss Xu. Apart from all laboratory equipment, I'll naturally take care of all external communications and management affairs."

To this, An Ning merely nodded calmly.

As he said, being an excellent businessman, this man clearly wouldn't suffer losses.

Nor would An Ning feel guilty.

Fame and fortune - in fact, the benefits brought by reputation could be just as substantial as material gains.

"But An Ning, are you really certain about this? While Fu Corporation has some foundation, certain equipment isn't easily obtainable," Fu Sheng hesitated:

"The research environment and experimental conditions will hardly compare to here."

This was true, and An Ning naturally understood. After all, what could compare to the most professional laboratories at the world's top universities?

Especially since An Ning's advisor Decker was a true authority in computer science, with annual government support and abundant technical resources...

Truthfully, if possible, she wouldn't want to switch locations so soon.

As Fu Sheng said, the experimental conditions and academic environment in America had suited her quite well so far.

But thinking of the frequent disturbances recently...

She felt if she stayed much longer, even basic personal safety might become questionable.

Despite having multiple firearms stored in her space.

An Ning clearly knew the valuable assets she possessed weren't limited to just this intelligent system, nor would Xiao Ba be the only one in the future.

If she didn't make her escape soon, in a couple years she might truly be unable to leave.

Considering the terrifying security environment and what could only be called culinary darkness here, An Ning couldn't help shaking her head.

A few years were tolerable, but a lifetime? No thanks!

Establishing a private laboratory wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Although Jing University had contacted her about returning, seniority-based systems existed everywhere.

Obtaining an independent laboratory there could take who knows how long.

Moreover... thinking of the energetic dog still bouncing around in her consciousness...

Both now and in the future, she needed a more private research environment.

As for the equipment issues:

Considering this man's background, An Ning lightly tapped her fingers, her usually cool eyes revealing a hint of amusement:

"Actually, I currently possess another technology. I just wonder if your Fu Corporation can handle it!"

Fu Sheng was about to inquire when he saw the email she sent. Even for someone as worldly as CEO Fu, his pupils couldn't help but constrict at that moment.

Watching the slowly descending business helicopter and the clearly special-forces-style "bodyguards" before her, An Ning showed no surprise, cooperatively handing her suitcase to one of them.

"Thank you, comrade!"

"Professor Xu, you're too polite!"

Perhaps vaguely aware of something, the two young comrades remained exceptionally cautious throughout the journey.

Only the accompanying bright-eyed young woman proved exceptionally lively and talkative.

Her constant chatter successfully helped An Ning sort through much of last night's data coding.

By landing time, they'd even exchanged contact information.

Only then did An Ning learn this young woman was named Han Miao - a name suggesting water-like softness, but reality...

Watching the girl effortlessly lift a massive package weighing dozens of kilograms with one hand while maintaining a brisk pace,

What kind of new super-strength supplement was this?

An Ning nearly lost control of her facial expression.

This package contained books and materials she'd mailed days ago - easily thirty kilograms!

Perhaps noticing her bewilderment, the girl flashed a bright smile, her sun-kissed face revealing a row of white teeth.

Her otherwise delicate, pretty features now exuded a straightforward honesty:

"Sister A-Ning, don't worry! Just a few dozen kilograms - no problem at all! Our family's had legendary strength for generations. From grandfather to father, none lacked strength. You should see my brother - now that's real power!"

"Actually, my brother was supposed to come today, but that guy..."

Mid-sentence, she seemed to remember something and scratched her head sheepishly:

"Sister A-Ning, don't misunderstand! It's not that he didn't want to come..."