Chapter 171 The Focus of All
Michael hesitated slightly after hearing Sophia's request.
He already had concerns about not letting her attend the AI Tech Summit.
The Medical Commerce Association was truly a gathering of all the big shots in the pharmaceutical world. The formula theft incident had just happened not long ago, and he was really worried that if Sophia went, she would be attacked again, dragging the Johnson Group down with her once more.
After thinking it over, Michael still politely declined, "If that senior from Medica Vitae Sect really shows up, I'll find a way to talk with them and extend an invitation. When it comes to negotiations, you're not necessarily as good at it as I am."
Sophia's expression stiffened.
She could hear the refusal in Michael's words.
But she just wasn't willing to stay silent like this.
The Brown family had fallen, yes, but she was still Michael's woman.
In the future, she would be Michael's wife.
In Emerald City's high society, there would eventually be a place for her. Sooner or later, she had to go out and show her face.
Recently, people in their circle had been putting her down quite a bit.
She wanted to go out and show everyone that even without the Brown family backing her, she was still more noble than them!
Thinking this, Sophia grabbed Michael's sleeve, looking pitiful, "Michael... do you think taking me out is embarrassing? Don't worry, I'm attending this time for one reason only - to find you medical help.
I believe in your negotiation skills, but that senior from Medica Vitae Sect is truly an exception. He has a strange temper and an unpredictable personality. Conventional negotiation tactics might not work.
However, I've found out about some of his preferences. He really appreciates people with outstanding medical abilities, and he's quite knowledgeable about ancient medical techniques and rare medicinal herbs.
Although I accidentally messed up the company project before, I'm definitely better than you at identifying medicinal herbs. Maybe after making contact, I can cater to his interests and make him happy. Then it'll be natural to get him to treat your leg - definitely no problem.
So... please take me, okay?
If that still doesn't work, I can pretend to be a server."
By the end, her voice was tinged with tears, and she looked completely wronged.
No matter how many concerns Michael had, he wavered.
For the sake of his leg, Sophia was willing to go this far. Setting everything else aside, at least this sincerity made it impossible for him to refuse.
Soon, Michael gave in, "You don't need to pretend to be a server. I'll just take you. If there's any gossip, I can handle it."
Sophia's face lit up with joy, "Really? You'll take me? I knew you're the best to me."
With that, she threw herself at him, kissed him, and solemnly promised, "Don't worry, no matter how difficult they make things for me, I'll work hard to persuade them and won't let down your trust in me!"
Michael nodded and pulled her into his arms, being affectionate.
Sophia could feel that his coldness toward her seemed to have dissipated somewhat. She became even more determined to invite the divine doctor from Medica Vitae Sect.
As long as Michael's leg could heal, then marrying into the Johnson family would be a sure thing!
Thinking of this, Sophia served him even more diligently, while feeling extremely smug inside.
Olivia, so what if you've pushed me down temporarily?
In the end, I'll still be the winner!!!
...
After Bianca started school, Olivia devoted all her attention to the research institute.
The data she had collected from the special forces team in the mountain area all came in handy, giving the team's research and development a good start.
The team members were simply amazed at the suddenly reduced workload.
"I'm suddenly glad I chose to join Miracle. Ms. Smith is just too amazing - not only is she efficient, but she's taught us so much!"
"Exactly! How does she have such research and development capabilities? There was a set of formula data that I couldn't mix properly no matter what, and she just adjusted it a few times and solved it directly."
"Never mind us - even my university professor thinks highly of her and hopes to meet her someday."
"Forget it, I'm sticking with her for life. I'm not leaving!"
"..."
Outside the door, Olivia and Daniel, who happened to be passing by, heard the entire conversation.
Daniel smiled, "Not bad - your work even earns you a bunch of fans. How does that feel?"
Olivia smoothed her skirt and laughed, "Well... it feels pretty good. They're excellent too. My eye for talent won't be wrong. With a bit more experience, they'll all be pillars of our research institute in the future.
Once they can handle things independently, I can relax a bit too!"
With that, she checked the time, "Let's go. The summit starts in two hours, and the roads will probably be jammed today. We don't want to be late."
Daniel nodded and immediately quickened his pace.
After they left the research institute, the driver was already waiting. Once in the car, they headed straight for the summit venue.
As they approached, just as Olivia had predicted, there was a long traffic jam outside the venue.
By the time they got in, they were already considered late.
Today's summit had gathered hundreds of companies from across the country, plus media - the crowd was truly spectacular!
Daniel knew Olivia wasn't too comfortable with this kind of occasion, so as soon as they entered, he led her away from the crowd to their seats first.
However, he underestimated Miracle's presence at this summit.
Not only had the organizers arranged their seats in the first row, but they were also in a fairly central position.
When the two sat down, countless eyes turned toward them.
Olivia instantly experienced what it felt like to be the "center of attention."
Her scalp tingled as she asked Daniel, "Did we... sit in the wrong seats?"
Daniel looked puzzled and stood up to check, "No, we didn't."
"Hehe."
A light laugh suddenly came from ahead, followed by a somewhat familiar voice, "Miracle created such an incredible system - quite a few people came today specifically for you. They're looking at you because they want to get to know you."
As the voice fell, a sharp and capable figure appeared before them.
It was Beatrix!
"Ms. Miller?"
Olivia greeted her with delight, "You were invited too?"
Beatrix nodded, "Yes, and not only that, I'm sitting next to you."
Olivia was a bit happy.
Having someone familiar nearby meant she wouldn't feel so uncomfortable!
Soon, Beatrix sat down and chatted with her in a friendly manner.
Although they had only met a few times, because of their connection through Joseph, their conversation wasn't awkward at all.
On the contrary, it was like a long-overdue chat between close friends.
Seeing this scene, the people around who had been hesitating about whether to approach couldn't hold back anymore and began crowding over to say hello.
"Hello Mr. Wilson, hello Ms. Smith. I'm from Jianzhang Group in Silverlight City. I've heard so much about you both. Now that I have the honor of meeting you, I wonder if I might have the privilege of becoming friends?"
"Ms. Smith, I'm from Southeast Group. The system you developed is truly remarkable - everyone in the industry speaks highly of it. Our company has been dedicated to research and development in this area for many years. Although we haven't achieved such brilliant results as yours, we've had some small successes. If there's an opportunity, I hope we can interact more."
"Before coming, I heard that Ms. Smith, you're very young. I didn't expect you to be so beautiful too. You're truly a role model for the younger generation - those of us from the older generation should be learning from you..."
"..."
In just a few minutes, Olivia was surrounded by everyone.
It was at this moment that Michael arrived at the venue with Sophia.
As soon as they entered, they saw this scene.
Olivia stood at the center of the crowd like the moon surrounded by stars, wearing a formal business suit, her capable and elegant demeanor outstanding and eye-catching.
Around her were people who regularly appeared in financial news.
Normally, others would find it difficult to even meet them once, let alone establish connections.
But now, this group of people was doing the opposite - actively trying to befriend Olivia, their expressions extremely eager!