Long Yue'er?
Her name was as unique and resolute as her personality. She had short, jet-black hair, neat and crisp, with slightly curled strands that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Her facial features were sharply defined, with strong lines that exuded unyielding determination. A high, straight nose gave her an air of decisiveness. Her lips were tightly closed, firm and resolute, as if always ready to issue a command or shout a battle cry. Her skin, weathered by harsh military training and exposure to the elements, appeared tanned and healthy, full of strength and vitality.
Her figure was tall and well-proportioned, with smooth, powerful muscle lines.
Dressed in a green military uniform and a black belt around her waist adorned with various military gear, Long Yue'er had a heroic and commanding presence.
She was unlike any woman Chen Mo had encountered before—radiating a uniquely commanding aura.
Like a modern-day Hua Mulan—valiant and awe-inspiring—she carried the bearing of a general, even a queen. She easily evoked a desire for conquest in others.
"Master, are you falling for Long Yue'er? You haven't taken your eyes off her," Red Queen's voice chimed in teasingly, her projection showing a mischievous grin.
"Nonsense!"
"I'm observing the military's demeanor to prepare for negotiations," Chen Mo flatly denied.
"Master, don't try to hide it. Long Yue'er is the military's top beauty—and she's a major. If you could win her heart, she could pull strings to get you that military production license. As a purely rational super AI, I recommend that you pursue Long Yue'er. It's a shortcut—win her over, and you're halfway there." Red Queen crossed her arms, sounding like a know-it-all.
"…"
Chen Mo pondered for a moment.
Although Red Queen's suggestion was theoretically viable, it wasn't reliable. Winning over Long Yue'er would be extremely difficult—and sacrificing his own future happiness was not something he was willing to do.
Sigh…
She's leading me astray again.
Chen Mo clicked his tongue, withdrew his gaze, and sat upright in his private lab, quietly waiting for the military's arrival. He hadn't prepared any welcome ceremony—on the surface, Black Domain Technology didn't know the military was coming.
He couldn't afford to appear suspicious. Any sign of foreknowledge could raise red flags with the military.
So he waited patiently, fiddling with the smart mechanical arm prototype while preparing for the meeting.
He didn't have to wait long.
About half an hour later, He Xiaoxiao rushed in, clearly flustered, her chest heaving with each breath.
"Chen Mo—uh, boss! Big news! Some people claiming to be from the military are here asking to see our CEO, but… but…"
"It's fine."
"I'll handle this. You come with me to receive them," Chen Mo waved her off calmly. He had been anticipating this visit for some time. Like a good hunter, the best strategy was to appear as unsuspecting prey.
The military had no idea they were already walking into Chen Mo's game.
"Chen Mo—er, I mean Boss! You're going to meet them in person?" He Xiaoxiao immediately relaxed, clearly relieved to have found someone she could rely on.
"Yes."
"You're not familiar with the company's affairs. Just follow me and speak as little as possible." Chen Mo nodded.
"Understood. I'll follow your lead," He Xiaoxiao responded with a small nod and led the way.
While she wasn't as beautiful or curvaceous as Tian Tian, her cheerful personality was quite endearing. She did have some charm, which made her a good fit for the front desk and guest reception roles at the company.
With someone like He Xiaoxiao at his side, meeting with the military felt more presentable.
Meanwhile…
Long Zhan, Li Aiguo, and Long Yue'er had been brought to the conference room by the reception staff. The room was spacious, featuring a large oval table surrounded by office chairs, and above it hung the Black Domain Technology logo.
The three took their seats and waited.
Long Zhan and Long Yue'er remained composed. Though they were aware of the smart mechanical arm's significance, their primary mission was to protect Li Aiguo. The tech was secondary to that.
So, they weren't in a rush.
Once inside, they pulled the curtains shut and took positions to either side of Li Aiguo, quietly standing guard.
Li Aiguo, however, could not sit still. After a few minutes, he jumped up and began pacing the room anxiously like an ant on a hot pan.
As a lifelong researcher in intelligent machinery, Li Aiguo had devoted his entire career to the development of exoskeleton armor—but had made no significant breakthroughs. Now in the twilight of his life, he felt a deep sense of regret and frustration.
He had dreamed of creating functional exoskeletons that would become a new Great Wall of China—armor to protect the nation.
Just as he was about to give up hope, the prototype from Black Domain Technology reignited his passion. If the smart mechanical arm technology could be applied to full-body exosuits, then real exoskeletons might not be out of reach.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. It was as if the future of exoskeleton armor was within reach—and he couldn't sit still.
"Why hasn't the person in charge of Black Domain Technology come yet?" Li Aiguo asked impatiently, pacing so much that it made everyone else dizzy.
Long Zhan sat still as a pine tree, unmoved. Seeing Li Aiguo so agitated, he offered a few words of reassurance, then returned to his silent vigilance.
Long Yue'er scanned the room, her sharp eyes falling on the surveillance cameras in each corner of the conference room—four in total, covering every angle.
She frowned.
"General Long, something's wrong with those cameras. I think someone is watching us."
Long Zhan followed her gaze and noticed the blinking red lights on the cameras.
Hmm?
They were definitely active. He even noticed one adjusting its focus earlier—someone was watching.
Long Zhan frowned and discreetly tapped his earpiece, instructing the team outside to run a cybersecurity check.
Hopefully, it was nothing.
After all, this was Black Domain's own facility.
They had every right to monitor their own conference room.
Even the military couldn't interfere with that.