novelaction Chapter 334 Not a Good Bird
Chapter 334 Not a Good Bird
Arthur, ever the supporter, suddenly turned to Bai Li and asked, "Speaking of innovation, Bai Li, how's your film project going? The one Cedric mentioned? It seems to be about... sentient machines?"
Cedric, also known as Zhou Chengjing.
"The Craftsmanship of Heaven" is of extraordinary significance, and its official attention and recognition are naturally inseparable from this man. Bai Li only learned later that Zhou Chengjing had given her a push when she applied for the priority commercial rights for the "Lingxi" project. No wonder the approval was so swift.
Upon hearing this, Silas frowned almost imperceptibly.
Movie?
A machine with perception?
In his view, this sounded more like science fiction entertainment than a serious technical discussion.
The assessment in his gaze toward Bai Li had faded somewhat, as if he were categorizing her as a "successful entertainment industry investor," rather than a true tech peer.
Bai Li noticed Silas's subtle change in expression, but she maintained a polite smile, neither denying nor admitting it: "The film is progressing smoothly. We are pushing the boundaries of visual effects and striving to make the images appear realistic and believable."
She cleverly limited the topic to science fiction and visual effects, avoiding sensitive parts that might touch on the "spirit resonance".
“Authenticity in fiction is always a noble pursuit,” Silas commented casually, his tone polite but inevitably carrying a condescending tolerance, as if to say: You entertainment industry people are happy to have fun.
Just then, a calm and familiar voice broke the delicate atmosphere: "Bai Li".
Bai Li and Arthur turned their heads at the same time.
Zhou Chengjing was walking over from the other side of the lobby.
He wore a well-pressed dark overcoat over a crisp suit, and walked with a relaxed gait, like a cheetah traversing its own territory.
The cold air of Davos seemed unable to penetrate his calm and powerful aura.
His gaze landed precisely on Bai Li, a hint of warmth barely perceptible in his deep gray eyes, before turning to Arthur and Silas, nodding slightly: "Arthur, Silas."
“Cedric!” Arthur smiled broadly. “Just in time! We were discussing Silas’s new product.”
Silas's attitude softened considerably when facing Zhou Chengjing; the arrogance he had unconsciously displayed faded considerably, and he said seriously, "Cedric." He was clearly well aware of Zhou Chengjing's background and abilities.
Zhou Chengjing's gaze lingered on Silas's face for a moment, and he nodded slightly without saying anything. He seemed not to be very interested in Silas's new product. He naturally walked to Bai Li's side, his intention to get close to her was very obvious.
Silas's eyes narrowed slightly, while Arthur beside him looked completely unsurprised.
Zhou Chengjing turned to Bai Li, his voice lower and more familiar: "Everything is arranged, let's go."
Without any further pleasantries, they announced their departure.
This is Zhou Chengjing's style; he never drags his feet when doing things.
Zhou Chengjing smiled apologetically at the other two and said, "Please excuse us for leaving now. We are very much looking forward to Mr. Silas's lecture on Prometheus tomorrow."
Arthur blinked, his expression meaningful.
Silas nodded politely: "It's my pleasure, Cedric."
After a brief farewell, Zhou Chengjing's hand naturally rested on Bai Li's lower back, leading her to turn around and walk towards the elevator.
As they walked towards the elevator, Bai Li could sense that the two people behind them were still watching them.
Bai Li tilted her head slightly and said in a voice that only Zhou Chengjing could hear, "Arthur just introduced me to Silas. He told me a lot about Prometheus, and it sounded... quite interesting."
Zhou Chengjing's lips curled into a very shallow smile as he glanced at her, a knowing glint flashing in the depths of his gray eyes.
It's obvious that Bai Li is lying.
According to his understanding, the patent and technology she currently possesses represent the true future direction.
Bai Li said this mostly as a joke.
Imagine talking eloquently in front of a junior you've overlooked, "showing off" your achievements and dreaming about the future, only to be utterly humiliated by that junior a few months later. How would that feel?
Bai Li understood people better than he had imagined, which was also what fascinated him.
Zhou Chengjing chuckled and said in a low voice, "Silas is not young anymore, don't make him so angry that he has to take stress medication."
The elevator doors slid open silently, revealing the two figures against the cold, metallic sheen.
Zhou Chengjing gentlemanly let Bai Li go first.
The elevator ascended smoothly, and the two remained silent, as if by unspoken agreement.
Remaining silent in situations where there may be surveillance or radios is a consensus.
The elevator stopped in the exclusive area on the top floor.
The dark walnut flooring stretched endlessly, and Zhou Chengjing's suite occupied the best view. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the snow-capped peaks of the mountains gleamed with a cold blue light in the twilight, like silent behemoths overlooking the brightly lit town in the valley.
This seemingly ordinary town is now gathering people from the very top of the global pyramid.
The suite was warm and cozy. Zhou Chengjing took off his coat and handed it to the waiter who appeared silently, gesturing for Bai Li to sit on the sofa by the window.
He walked to the bar and poured two glasses of whiskey himself; the amber liquid made a crisp sound as it hit the ice balls.
“Try it, Islay 25-year-old, the peaty flavor is unique.” He handed a glass to White Pear, then sat down on another single sofa, crossing his long legs in a relaxed posture.
Bai Li took a sip, and the intense smoky peat aroma, mixed with the salty fragrance of sea salt, exploded in her mouth, followed by a honey-like sweet finish.
Unique, intense, and complex—just like the man before me.
Once indoors, we could finally continue the conversation that had been interrupted.
"Was Arthur's introduction of him to me intentional?" Bai Li asked, raising an eyebrow.
It just so happened that she was checking in at the hotel lounge, and the person she was dealing with was her future potential rival... At first, she thought it was a coincidence, but now, recalling the look in Arthur's eyes when he left, she felt increasingly suspicious.
“Arthur is enjoying watching the show,” Zhou Chengjing said bluntly. “He knows about you, and he also knows that Prometheus’s technological barriers may not be insurmountable in your eyes. He wants to see Silas’s reaction.”
Zhou Chengjing paused, looked into Bai Li's eyes, and continued, "But more than anything, I wanted to see your reaction. Unfortunately, you held your temper and didn't let him have his way."
"Trade secrets, losing your temper will ruin things," Bai Li said frankly.
She will not allow industries like Silas to sense the threat before Lingxi technology is fully unbanned and forms an absolute, overwhelming advantage.
Making a fortune quietly is the best approach.
Dealing with such a group of people at the very top of the pyramid requires careful consideration; otherwise, you won't be able to succeed.
Arthur may seem sunny and harmless on the surface, but he's not exactly a saint either.
Zhou Chengjing nodded, clearly agreeing with her strategy.
"How's it going on your end?" Bai Li asked with concern.
Zhou Chengjing put down his wine glass and leaned forward slightly, instantly dispelling the relaxed atmosphere.