Girls' Frontline: My Apocalypse with Dolls

Page 258

Morito hurriedly hung up the phone, looking somewhat lost.

This was the first time Gray had ever seen Morido in this state.

"I never imagined that after working for my father for so long, being a spy for so long, I would be stumped by an ordinary girl..."

For some reason, she found it inexplicably funny.

“That’s normal, teacher. We never thought we’d have to deal with this type of person from the beginning. Generally, we would choose to deal with them directly rather than answer their questions.”

"Indeed, in other words, she asked too many questions..."

However, how should I put it, spending too much time in such an environment will inevitably influence one's temperament and so on, not to mention that they, as advanced Nirvana beings, are already modified living things with self-awareness.

As for Yingque, it wasn't just Luo Fan's order to protect her. After spending too much time in an environment filled with hypocritical rhetoric and rampant materialism, she inevitably longed to return to simplicity and accept certain beautiful and pure things.

The concept of abundance and scarcity, as an object of observation and as a friend, is certainly excellent.

It's not that she asked too many questions, but rather that they did so much that they didn't even know where to begin...

My heart is not made of wood or stone; how could it be without feeling? I swallow my sobs, hesitate, and dare not speak...

Go take a mock exam

Today is Sunday, and we still have to make up for lost time by attending classes...

I have a mock exam next Tuesday, so I'll come back after I finish it. Besides, the college entrance exam isn't far away, so I need to prepare for it.

I hope everyone can be understanding. After all, I'm still a high school student here, so I'm bound to be busy.

I also hope that all the seniors preparing for the college entrance examination will get into their desired universities. If you're tired, you can come and visit us here.

By the way, how many people are still reading this far? Can you say something? No need to say anything, just say something.

363 Albert Wesker

The call ended in just five minutes, and I thought I could finally settle down and get back to work, but like taking a big gulp of alcohol, there are always times when you choke on it.

"dong dong dong"

There's never a perfect opportunity for a knock to sound, and no matter when it happens, it always affects the mood of the room's occupant.

"go ahead."

Mrs. Grey did not close the numerous unofficial web pages on the screen; she already knew who the visitors were.

The two sisters from the HR and Finance departments entered the office with great seriousness, carrying a stack of documents that had not yet been processed.

"Sister Morito, we have a guest."

Although they were addressed as guests, their expressions and attitudes showed absolutely no intention of being hospitable hosts.

Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, Moriarty had already seen the black van on the street, and several men in suits were walking slowly toward the company entrance.

"If it's not someone you absolutely have to see, then forget it. Outsiders aren't welcome here for the time being."

During the development stage, nobody likes outsiders interfering, especially since what they're doing isn't exactly good...

"But that's the key point..."

Nemokin was not affected by Morido's attitude, which piqued Morido's interest.

"Alright, so, who's here?"

She turned around, eagerly awaiting an unexpected answer, and Nemokin, of course, wouldn't disappoint her...

"Albert Wesker, Head of Research at Umbrella's New York office."

......

"Hello, Mr. Wesker, what kind of development prospects does our company have that have attracted the giant Umbrella to our side?"

Mrs. Grey still chose to personally greet them, or rather, she had no choice but to accept. Given the influence and financial resources of the other company, imposing sanctions on them would be nothing more than a matter of news reporting.

This was supposed to be a trap, but this time, it was the guests who went to the host's front hall to host the banquet.

Sitting on the sofa was a handsome man in a black coat and sunglasses, who seemed to want to show friendliness, but his clothing and behavior made it difficult to assume he was well-intentioned.

Wesker extended his hand and smiled at Mrs. Grey: "Please sit down. You are the hostess; how can I let you stand while I entertain guests?"

The tone was very polite, but it was extremely inappropriate for a guest to say such things.

Gray slowly sat down, while Morido, acting as his secretary, stood behind the sofa to observe and record the conversation.

The receptionist poured two glasses of water and placed them on the table; the crisp clinking sound signaled that this dirty and hypocritical conversation had begun.

"So, what brings you here, Mr. Wesker?"

With her standard business smile, Mrs. Grey was already in character.

"It's just an invitation. The goal is to bring together biotech companies across New York to form a large consortium and work together to tackle the challenges in Raccoon City and even the whole of Colorado. Now, on behalf of Umbrella, I'm inviting you to join us."

His friendliness disgusted the two men, and besides... what kind of conglomerate was this? The Colorado disaster was caused by Umbrella. Forming a conglomerate was nothing more than a means of monopolizing the market. Umbrella would never want other biotech companies involved in this matter...

Mrs. Grey chose to continue playing dumb, trying to extract more relevant information: "I think a group is quite wary of incompetent people, and even more worried about people who lack ability but keep eroding the collective benefits. Moreover, we are just a small company that has only been listed for three days, merely engaged in this industry and earning our own profits. Why does your company think we are capable of participating in this?"

“No, no, no…” Wesker shook his finger, denying the other person’s question.

"It's not that only the most capable people are qualified to join; rather, companies in this industry will receive invitations. What we need is to pool our wisdom and work together, not to try to make a profit at such a critical time. Furthermore, we will not interfere with the work of any company, but we will need talent from other companies to participate when necessary."

After saying that, the man took a contract from his entourage and placed it on the table.

A quick glance at the profits revealed that this was premeditated; the contracts were already drafted shortly after the company went public, and they were likely not even the first victims...

Moreover, the purpose is really... They say they want to join the group and only need talent without interfering with operations, but what's the difference between poaching talent and being acquired?

Once a monopoly on technology and talent is achieved, few people will be able to interfere in matters concerning Colorado, and naturally, the truth will become insignificant.

Wesker then leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed and comfortable.

Gray showed no emotion whatsoever, but she had already placed the man in front of her, Wesker, on her list of top threats.

Nevertheless, she maintained perfect control over her expression.

"May I ask how many companies in New York City are currently involved with Umbrella's large conglomerate?"

"About half, we are still trying to negotiate with other companies and invite them to join."

......

Well, there's still time. The situation is a bit more optimistic than we thought. As long as Umbrella hasn't achieved a de facto monopoly, it can't pose a threat to them in any direct form.

As long as they are not isolated, they will always have more opportunities.

"Well... okay, I need a week to think about it. After all, we're still in the early stages, and I need to plan and coordinate for the future, right?"

Delay it as much as possible...

What they need now is time, not any prospect.

"Of course, I'm sure joining us is the best choice. We won't treat anyone unfairly, and sometimes, our choices don't just affect ourselves, but can also impact the people and things around us. I believe you, Madam, will make the wisest choice."

Wesker had already stood up, seemingly intending to leave as well.

"Let's leave the contract here for now, Madam. It's getting late, so I won't disturb your work any longer."

"It's alright, let me see you off."

The play has to be played out to the very end, and neither of the two old foxes wanted to tear off their mask now.

After seeing Wesker to the door, Gray and Morido stopped and nodded slightly to each other.

"That's enough for now, goodbye, madam, have a nice day."

"You too, please be careful on the road, the roads are slippery in snowy weather."

The final act finally arrived, and the two watched Wesker until he drove away...

364 Maester Nekitija

Under the black umbrella, the swirling snowflakes resembled a curtain; each time they were lifted, brushing against Mrs. Grey's face, her business smile grew increasingly indifferent.

After a long pause, she suddenly turned around, returned to the company, and said in a deep voice, "Teacher, I would like to trouble you to take over the operation for a few days. I need to stay at the research institute with Miss Pascal for a while."

Morido understood perfectly well what she meant, and simply nodded: "Is there enough time? Perhaps it's a bit rushed..."

"It should be enough for most of us. If it's not enough, there's nothing we can do. We need to have a competitive product to effectively counter Umbrella's monopoly within a week. Otherwise, we'll face economic and public opinion sanctions."

She never underestimated Umbrella's methods. This might just be a minor skirmish, but in a war of public opinion, the side that lasts longer always has the advantage.

"After this, if we succeed, we will become an outlier in this monopolistic system. There will be struggling companies trying to befriend us and form a new group around us to counter Umbrella. All of this is on the condition that Umbrella has not yet achieved a true monopoly within this week."

They could only hope that the remaining businesses would be resilient enough to hold on for another week, two weeks, a month, until they succeeded, and that Umbrella's advance wouldn't be so rapid...

A week might be enough time for her and Pascal's knowledge; as for the more pressing issues like equipment, they'll just have to work on that gradually...

......

Sena returned to the gates of Valhalla once again.

After adjusting her expression, Se-na checked herself again to make sure she wasn't covered in snow, and only after confirming several times did she step inside.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere inside the bar seemed less lively than usual. A low-pressure atmosphere permeated the air, like the cold air outside the window, making one feel uncomfortable when inhaled. The only difference was the usual faint, pleasant scent of wood that permeated the bar...

Several familiar faces noticed this special guest, but they didn't bother to greet him and just went about their own business.

She was puzzled, but didn't show it. She simply walked around the tables without disturbing them.

The person standing behind the bar wasn't just a familiar man, but one of the white-haired women who had doubted him last time.

"Hello, Ms. Sena, what would you like to drink?"

Where is Mr. Luo?

"He went on a business trip and won't be back for a while."

With Lofan absent, RPK took over the bartending duties.

Clearly, Shina was somewhat surprised by Luo Fan's departure.

"He went on a long trip?"

"Yes."

RPK continued wiping the cups, waiting for Se-na to explain her purpose.

"This is a bit tricky. I was thinking of taking Mr. Luo to meet a friend today since I had some free time..."

The girl with long pink hair placed the violin case on the bar, seemingly accepting the regrettable fact quickly.

"friend?"

RPK remains wary of Se-na and the forces behind her.

This wasn't the first time she'd mentioned this "friend," but it was clear that this "friend" had a great interest in the commander.

Even though the guest didn't make any requests, RPK proactively poured a glass of fine red wine to show that he was willing to have a friendly conversation with him.

"Valandreu Winery, 1995... Hmm... Mr. Law has been very busy lately and may not be able to come back for some time. Since your friend is interested in visiting, why not pay him a visit in person while Mr. Law is here? I will make an appointment for you and prepare the wine in advance."

It seems that RPK has lowered his profile considerably compared to his teammates.

The agent was on break, so she took over the job of "agent" and treated any visitor, whether friendly or unfriendly, with courtesy.

Clearly, RPK was much more accommodating than the other three, and Se-na chose to enjoy the red wine poured for her.

“I hope so too, but she has health problems and doesn’t always have the opportunity to go out, so I also have to consider her ‘safety’.”

Is it because you have difficulty walking?

"No, she is blind."

As expected, RPK nodded thoughtfully.

"May I know her name?"

"Of course, you may have already heard of this name."

Se-na took out her violin from her bag and casually played a section of "Passing By".

The girl's smile was somewhat mysterious, as if it were hinting at something...

"Mastiro Negidia, conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra, a regular at various banquets."

To Shina's surprise, RPK shook his head.

"Sorry, I haven't heard of her, but since she can attend such grand banquets, her musical talent must be very high, right?"

RPK was already trying to strike up polite conversation, and how could Shina not see that? Besides, that was the purpose of her trip. Even if Luo Fan wasn't there, it wouldn't hurt to say a few more words to his little followers.