Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

“I’m glad you’re alright, Mr. Executive Director. Seria, thank you for your help. I’m sorry, Rhine Labs doesn’t have anything to repay you with right now.”

“It’s nothing.” Saria shook her head. “I’ve received a lot of help from Rhine Labs. I’m already very grateful that you allowed me to take away the technology samples of the charging suit and charging unit.”

"That was originally your achievement." The head of the department smiled helplessly.

While the charging unit technology originated from Rhine Lab scientists, the initial energy storage technology was limited by the precision of the spell conduction components, making long-term charging impossible and resulting in significant energy loss. A single charge could only power a single Originium lamp for one night. Compared to directly using processed Originium, this was not only expensive but also prone to malfunctions. It was Saria who modified the charging unit using her Originium Arts, resulting in its current functionality. This should be considered Saria's invention.

Just as people only remember Watt for improving the steam engine, not for inventing it, the widespread use of power unit technology in Colombia owes 80 percent of the credit to Celia. She rightfully has the right to take this technology with her.

Despite this, the Commander-in-Chief had one more request. She looked at Saria, the former head of the Defense Department with whom she had never gotten along, but who had only recently become more than acquaintances but less than friends, and made her request:

"Ms. Saria, if it's possible, would you please continue to serve as the head of the defense department at Rhine Labs?"

Saria was slightly taken aback: "Rhine Labs still needs a Defense Section? Does she have anything left that's worth stealing?"

Menes's face stiffened for a moment. Although she knew Saria was telling the truth, it still sounded a little painful.

But what Saria said next made her overjoyed.

"However, if you insist, I happen to be unemployed as well, Miss Chief."

Saria scratched her head:

"Let me make it clear beforehand that I am currently the only person in the Defense Section. My capabilities are limited, and I may not be able to handle all the troubles. Please be careful."

Menes nodded.

Henry breathed a sigh of relief. To be honest, when he heard Menes offer Celia a re-employment invitation, his heart was in his throat.

He was well aware of Saria's strength; it was fair to say that her protection was crucial to his safe return to Silicon Valley and Rhine Lab's headquarters. Without her, he would likely have been killed three times along the way by those drifting dump trucks that suddenly appeared on city streets.

But he still didn't understand why Menes dared to rehire Saria. Just as Saria said, Rhine Lab had nothing left to protect. Although Defense Chief Saria was strong, she couldn't protect anyone at all, because there was no one left.

Seemingly noticing Henry's confusion, Menes asked proactively:

"Mr. Executive Director, do you think we have failed?"

"What do you mean?"

Henry frowned.

Did we fail? Isn't it obvious? The more glorious Rhine Life was in the past, the more desolate it is now. Can the commander, looking at Rhine Life today, still comfort himself with the words, "We haven't failed"?

But the commander shook his head and said firmly, "We lost, but we did not fail."

"Indeed, in this technology expo that we thought would be Rhine Lab's moment of fame, only Rhine Lab became a complete joke. We were nothing more than a pawn in the game played by the higher-ups, losing everything we had accumulated over the years. But we did not fail."

"Because ideals never fail."

She spoke slowly and deliberately, her eyes seemingly shining.

"Mr. Executive Director, please remember that Rhine Lab did not make any mistakes. Were we wrong to develop Oripathy inhibitors? Were we wrong to sell Oripathy inhibitors at low prices? Were we wrong to save the lives of infected people? No, we were not wrong. Our dream of using technology to save this land was not wrong at all. It's just that our blades were not sharp enough, so we failed to pierce the high wall of the Columbia conspiracy."

"But a broken sword can be reforged, but a fencer's heart must never give up. We have not failed; the only thing that can truly defeat us is ourselves. If one day Rhine Life begins to abandon its principles, turns a blind eye to heinous projects such as price gouging, market manipulation, illegal experiments, and human modification, or even participates in them, then that will be when we have truly failed."

"At that time, I will use my fists to wake you up."

Seria added righteously. This is also why she has returned to Rhine Lab.

Rhine Life went bankrupt, and she intended to seek a job at Loken Tank, a fellow life science company, since people need to eat, and eating requires work. But on the way, she encountered Hermer, the researcher favored by Mr. Wayne, whom she had met once before, and Fiona, a little girl who looked somewhat sickly, beside her.

Out of sympathy and pleading, after taking Fiona to the hospital, she saw the critical condition notice and the shocking examination report issued by the hospital. She also learned about the secret of the Loken tank from the helpless Hermer.

She abandoned the idea of ​​going to Loken Tank. Compared to going to a company with no bottom line, where she would feel disgusted just by breathing the same air, she would rather stay at Rhine Life, even though she might not even be able to get enough to eat there. But there are always things more important than food.

Although she is a bit serious and old-fashioned, she is by no means an old woman who has lost her fighting spirit and aspirations. She is still young, and she has dreams too.

One cannot have both fish and bear's paw; one must choose the latter.

Menes smiled upon hearing this, extended her hand, shook hands with Saria, and solemnly said:

"If that day ever comes, please do everything in your power to wake me up, Ms. Seria."

"Of course, the commander-in-chief."

Releasing her grip, the CEO looked at Henry. To be honest, seeing a middle-aged man with tears streaming down his face was rather awkward. She had to swallow the chicken soup she was holding back, afraid that she might accidentally overdo it on the surprisingly sentimental CEO and choke on it.

"Now that we've covered the conceptual stuff, let's get to the practical stuff. Rhine Life is ready to be acquired, Mr. Executive Director, you should know that."

“I know… sob.”

The commander took a pack of tissues from his pocket and handed it over, then said:

"We just received a notification from the acquiring company, Victoria General Health. They are aware of our current situation and have officially decided to invest in us. The amount is this much..."

The young lady, beaming, held up one finger. Henry and Seria were both taken aback, then guessed:

"One million?"

The young lady shook her head.

"Ten million?"

The young lady shook her head again.

Henry gasped.

"One hundred million?"

"And it's Victoria gold coins! The most valuable common currency besides Lateran gold coins. Rhine Labs will be saved soon."

"Then, what's the price?" Saria suddenly asked.

The young lady paused for a moment, her smile fading, before replying:

"He made us move to Victoria."

"When?" Henry asked.

The commander spread his hands:

"I don't know either. They said someone would come to pick us up and take us to Victoria with a very important person. I don't know exactly who it is. What do you two think?"

Big man?

Henry racked his brains but still couldn't figure out who this important figure from Victoria could be. Was it a wealthy tycoon from the heart of Londinium? Or some Victorian nobleman?

However, a name flashed through Saria's mind. But she frowned and didn't mention Wayne's name.

Rhine Labs' desire for rebirth necessitates a move to Victoria, a decision that is no longer open to discussion. Furthermore, those who were not loyal or had traitors left Rhine Labs during this crisis, resulting in a rare level of internal purity within the company.

This may not be a bad thing. Although the future is uncertain, Rhine Life will never fail.

Let technology become the driving force for the renewal of this land.

Chapter 58 Columbia Rescue Wayne

Columbia, New York.

The chief referee jogged down the aircraft's boarding steps, his middle-aged body bursting with astonishing speed and strength. He ripped open the door of the vehicle that was already waiting at the airport and roared at the stunned driver:

"What are you standing there for? Let's go!"

"Ah...yes, Mr. Chief Referee!"

The driver answered hastily.

"Should we go to the state government building or the military camp first...?"

"What's the point of going to those places?! Do you expect me to issue a few orders in the state government and get those crazy military bastards to release His Highness the Prince of Wales?"

The referee roared, pointing angrily at the driver:

"Go directly to Wall Street and drop me off at the entrance of the financial exchange. I will personally pick up His Highness the Prince of Wales, understand?"

"I...I understand!" The driver slammed on the gas and drove off toward Wall Street.

Three days later, the impact of the military's blockade of Wall Street had gradually spread throughout New York State and even radiated to several states along nearby shipping routes. Amidst the widespread panic, the once bustling intersections were now deserted. Drivers were even speeding through empty intersections without waiting for red lights, taking shortcuts against traffic towards Wall Street.

After this trip, he'd probably have to give up his driver's license at least three times. But the driver didn't dare complain at all, let alone slow down. He saw undisguised murderous intent in the judge's eyes in the rearview mirror. He had no doubt that if he dared to slow down even a little bit, the judge would tear him apart.

Whether to give up your driver's license or risk your life, drivers know the difference.

Meanwhile, the chief referee, sitting in the back seat, was not idle either. He gazed for a while at the somewhat quiet street and the New York State citizens who were peering out from the high-rise buildings and watching them. After a moment of contemplation, he took out his cell phone and made a call.

"Hello, this is the New York State National Guard. Please describe your situation and we will help you resolve your problem."

The National Guard operator's voice came through the phone. The chief referee cleared his throat and said:

"This is the chief judge of the Colombian Federal Congress. Get your boss on the phone!"

"Chief Referee? Okay, coming right away."

A busy tone came from the microphone, and shortly after, accompanied by hurried footsteps, the microphone was picked up again, and a gruff voice rang in the referee's ear:

"Mr. Referee, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Take your men and head to Wall Street, the financial exchange. Fully armed, remember live ammunition."

The referee spoke without changing his expression. But on the other end of the microphone, the head of the security force who received the order instantly changed his face.

Armed with live ammunition, heading to the financial exchange? Everyone in Colombia knows what's going on at the financial exchange. He doesn't believe the judge sent the National Guard there to conduct an anti-terrorism exercise with the military.

This looks like a bloodbath is about to break out!

"Wait, Chief Referee, what did you just say?"

Slightly frightened, the guard captain scratched his ear and asked again.

The chief referee repeated impatiently:

"Get your men ready and head to the Wall Street financial exchange! Understand?"

"But why... isn't there an army stationed over there?"

"They weren't there, so I wouldn't have called to inform you! That's an order, execute it immediately!"

The chief referee reprimanded.

The National Guard is a product of the political establishment to check and balance the military. At the beginning of Colombia's independence, the military held considerable power—military, financial, and even law enforcement authority. It was only through the tireless efforts of the political forerunners that they finally regained the power to declare war and control the treasury through constitutional legislation, establishing the National Guard as a unique armed force belonging solely to the political establishment and granting them law enforcement powers.

The saying goes, "An army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one." Our predecessors went to great lengths to control the military and create a "private army" disguised as the National Guard, so that one day, when the military remained obstinate, they could take the lead and have the power to strike first.

It's time to exercise this power!

Before arriving in New York State, he had already used surveillance data from the state government to ascertain the number and location of the troops stationed on Wall Street and blocking the financial exchanges. The deployment of the National Guard is a precautionary measure.