Chapter 230

Chapter 230
Vivian’s POV

 

The conference room at OmniFront Labs was packed that day. Brian had come, too.

 

I stood in front of the projector, with the feasibility report for my AI project, which I’d stayed up all night to finish, displayed on the big screen behind me.

 

After finishing the presentation, I sat back in my office chair, scanning the room.

 

"I propose that OmniFront Labs officially launches the AI project."

 

My voice was calm and firm. "In the future market battle, AI is not an elective; it’s a prerequisite. If we don’t start now, we’ll be discarded by the era by tomorrow. Now, will the core members please cast their votes?"

 

Jensen was the first to raise his hand in support.

 

Quinn nodded along.

 

The core members looked at each other, then raised their hands one by one.

 

In the end, it was a unanimous vote.

 

After the meeting, people left one by one.

 

Brian didn't leave. He sat in his chair, flipping through my report, stopping on the last page and staring at it for a long time.

 

"Regarding the AI robot section, how do you plan to break in?" He closed the report and looked up at me.

 

I leaned back in my chair, my slender fingers tapping lightly on the desk.

 

"I want to take a two-pronged approach. First, develop AI software to build an intelligent system that can integrate with our Brain-Computer Interface technology for brainwave control. Second, AI robots, starting with housekeeping services to assist with chores and caring for the elderly and children."

 

Brian nodded thoughtfully.

 

"The direction is good. But with current technology, it’s still very difficult to perfectly simulate the flexibility of human joints and muscles. To make a robot walk, grasp objects, and climb stairs as naturally as a human, you need extremely precise control systems and micro-motors. The R&D investment will be astronomical, and the cycle will be long."

 

I lowered my eyes. "I know."

 

I took a sip from the water glass on the desk, and when I set it down, my tone was beyond doubt:

 

"Money is not an issue. Once the project is approved, I will officially launch fundraising. The OmniFront Labs brand effect combined with Sentience BioTech’s clinical data is enough to attract investors. On the technical side, we can recruit globally, regardless of the cost."

 

No matter what, this project was going forward.

 

Brian watched my serious demeanor, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

 

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject. "Are you free tonight? Dinner together?"

 

I glanced at the time on my phone and shook my head.

 

"Not today. I promised Allen I’d go home to be with him. I have to take him to the amusement park tomorrow."

 

I paused, remembering something, and turned to Brian.

 

"Are you and Serena coming to the amusement park tomorrow? Didn't you say Serena missed me a lot?"

 

Brian’s lips curled into a smile. "Of course. I’ll tell her when I get back; she’ll be thrilled. See you tomorrow, then."

 

"See you tomorrow."

 

Brian walked out of the conference room.

 

The next morning was bright and sunny.

 

I set off early with Allen.

 

"Mom, are you ready? Come on, come on!" As soon as we stepped out, Allen was jumping with excitement, tugging at my hand toward the door.

 

I locked the door and took him to the car.

 

The car slid out of the residential area and merged into the flow of traffic.

 

Allen sat in the back, buckled up, his legs dangling, humming some unknown nursery rhyme.

 

At the entrance to the amusement park, Brian was already there.

 

He was wearing a dark gray casual jacket, standing on one side of the entrance, holding a small pink figure.

 

Serena was dressed up today, wearing a fluffy dress with floral embroidery, her hair tied in two pigtails, each with a small flower clip.

 

She had been kicking at small stones, but the moment she heard the engine, she looked up. The second she saw me getting out of the car, her eyes lit up.

 

"Ms. Wilson!"

 

She let go of Brian’s hand and rushed toward me.

 

She hugged my neck tightly, burying her face in my shoulder, her voice soft and sweet, carrying a hint of grievance and pleading.

 

"I missed you so much. Dad said you were busy and wouldn't let me call you, so I stared at the calendar every day, counting down when you could come out and play with me."

 

I hugged her back, patting her gently. "I missed you too."

 

Serena lifted her head from my embrace and pulled an exquisite little gift box from her bag. She held it with both hands and offered it to me, her eyes clear and earnest. "Ms. Wilson, I picked this gift for you. I chose for a long time; I hope you’ll like it."

 

I took the box and opened it. Inside was a heart-shaped gemstone bracelet, the chain delicate, reflecting a gentle halo in the sunlight. I could tell at a glance that they were real gems; though small, they were of excellent quality and worth quite a bit.

 

"Serena, this is too expensive. I can’t accept it." I closed the lid, intending to return it to her.

 

Serena put her hands behind her back, shaking her head stubbornly, her eyes slightly red, her voice soft. "This is a gesture from me. I didn't give you a gift for your birthday last time, so this is to make up for it. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be very sad."

 

Looking at her expectant eyes, I sighed helplessly.

 

Brian stood behind Serena, watching us with a gentle gaze. "This is the child’s sincerity; you should accept it. The weight of the gift doesn't matter; what matters is that she holds you in her heart."

 

I glanced at him and didn't refuse again, putting the box in my bag. I crouched down and gently touched Serena’s forehead. "Okay, I accept it. Thank you, Serena."

 

Serena broke into a smile, revealing a row of neat little white teeth.

 

Allen stood a few steps away, watching Brian and me talk. His originally happy face darkened. He pursed his lips, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his hoodie. Seeing his silent state, my heart tightened, and I reached out to hold his hand.

 

Allen looked up, a glimmer of light in his eyes, and his mouth slowly curved upward as he gripped my hand tightly in return.

 

I led him to Brian and said softly, "Allen, say hello to Mr. Richardson."

 

Allen looked at Brian and said politely, "Mr. Richardson."

 

Brian bent down, smiling as he patted his head. "Good boy, Allen." He looked at Allen again, his tone soft. "Allen, this is Serena. You’ve met before, remember? You can play together from now on."

 

Allen glanced at Serena. Serena was smiling sweetly at him, her eyes curving into crescents. Allen didn't speak, just gave a polite nod.

 

Just as we were about to walk into the amusement park, a black sedan parked steadily by the roadside.