Aaron said, "Your eyes tell me that you are not content to remain subordinate."
"You and I are the same kind of person. You are proud and quite confident in your intellect and abilities. I don't think you intended to apply for a department head position, did you?"
Reed's expression shifted slightly.
The smiles of Johnny and the others froze slightly.
Susan asked, confused, "Richards?"
Reed took a deep breath, instinctively avoiding Aaron's gaze. Those eyes were like a devil's, seeming to peer straight into his heart. This made Reed quite uncomfortable.
Reed said, "Alright, actually, I've always had an idea. Do you remember when I told you I wanted to build my own tower?"
"The Baxter Building! I always thought you were joking." Johnny was full of shock.
Reed said, "I wasn't joking. I want to establish my own company and use my mind to create a brand new kingdom."
"Just like Mr. Aaron and Mr. Stark."
Reed was full of confidence. Although he didn't reveal his underlying ambition, there was no doubt he was aiming directly at Stark Industries and Aaron Industries.
At the same age, Tony had already inherited Stark Industries, become a playboy, and was worth trillions, rich enough to rival a nation.
Aaron was even more powerful, having single-handedly created Aaron Industries and surpassed Tony in the same year to create the strongest corporation.
Originally, Reed wanted to pursue further studies and acquire more knowledge. But Aaron, also twenty-two years old, made him feel immense pressure.
He couldn't afford to study any longer. He needed to immediately convert his intellect into wealth.
He was confident that, in terms of intelligence, he was absolutely no worse than Tony and Aaron.
Susan and the other two exchanged glances.
They had agreed to apply to Aaron Industries but Reed wanted to strike out on his own.
They nervously looked at Aaron.
Aaron was not surprised. People like Reed were difficult to recruit. He also didn't want too much contact with him.
This guy was too good at causing trouble.
No one knew when he might suddenly get a crazy idea, invent some strange thing, and trigger a major event. Or suddenly decide to perform a craniotomy on himself.
In this regard, he could rival Doctor Strange.
Aaron slowly sat down, crossed his legs, and said meaningfully, "You didn't just come here for this, did you?"
Reed hesitated for a moment and then said, "Alright, actually, I have one more thing."
"I recently came up with an idea. My research suggests a relationship between high-energy cosmic storms generated by coronal solar winds and the evolution of early planetary life."
"Simply put, it's about the deep connection between high-energy radiation and human evolution."
"You are an expert in genetics, so you should understand my hypothesis. Its probability of success is very high."
"As long as we figure this out, we can achieve further breakthroughs in understanding the human genetic structure, and then we can create medicines that cure diseases, extend life, and strengthen the body."
Aaron interrupted Reed's elaborate plan. "Wait, do you think I need these things? What is Aaron Industries doing right now?"
Reed was startled.
After thinking about it, his expression involuntarily darkened.
Healing potions, anti-cancer potions, anti-aging potions, limb regeneration potions...
Aaron Industries didn't need his research proposal at all. They were already on this path and had achieved major success.
His idea, for Aaron, held no appeal.
"Um... perhaps we could still achieve a major breakthrough in human evolution." Reed said, unwilling to give up.
Aaron was even more disdainful. "Why do you think I need this?"
Reed's heart sank.
At this moment, Ben spoke, "Boss, perhaps you can consider Reed's idea. If he achieves perfection with the help of others, then Aaron Industries might face its most formidable challenger."
Johnny said, "That's right, boss. The Space Agency and Stark Industries both possess aerospace capabilities. They might become our most threatening competitors."
Aaron nodded noncommittally at the remark.
From a realistic perspective, they were right. With Reed's intelligence, it wouldn't be difficult to create a similar serum with the help of other companies.
However, Tony or the Space Agency would never agree.
Because there is only one 22-year-old Aaron in this world.
They would never spend billions of dollars for Reed to squander.
Reed was absolutely clear about this, and he knew it was impossible. That's why he came to Aaron Industries today.
In this world, only Aaron could help him complete this project.
"I can personally fund you with two billion dollars, and Aaron Industries' aerospace department can provide you with all the help you need." Aaron said slowly after careful consideration.
Reed's face lit up with joy.
Aaron continued, "Don't be happy too soon. Seventy-five percent, plus all application results and patent rights for this project. These are my conditions."
Reed's smile gradually faded as he began to weigh the pros and cons.
Ben opened his mouth to say something.
Aaron said leisurely, "Twenty-five percent of two billion dollars is enough for you to enjoy slowly."
"You can even build your own Baxter Building and establish your own company."
"You know, besides me, no one would offer you such great support for the first time, and the cost is only seventy-five percent of the shares."
Aaron did not intend to take Reed in, mainly because this guy was very good at causing trouble.
So he settled for the next best thing: as long as he controlled the other party's company, even if Reed had any new achievements, he could get his hands on them immediately.
Everyone fell silent upon hearing this.
In fact, Aaron was right. Reed had no research achievements before, and even though he was incredibly knowledgeable, who would dare to take the risk before he could turn that knowledge into wealth?
Not everyone is Aaron.
Two billion dollars, plus the subsequent support from Aaron Industries... this was news big enough to shake the entire world.
Even Tony couldn't afford to be so "reckless."
Reed finally nodded in agreement.
He needed this money, and he also needed the support of Aaron Industries.
Especially the latter, which in some ways, even surpassed the value of those two billion dollars.
As long as this project succeeded, he would leap from an ordinary person to an entrepreneur with his own company and building. He would be on equal footing with Aaron and Tony in terms of status.
It was truly a meteoric rise.
As for later... he would rely on his own abilities to build the company into the strongest technology company.
Surpassing Stark, surpassing Aaron Industries.
"Deal." Reed extended his hand, and Aaron shook it.
"Regarding the resources needed for the plan and the crew, you can communicate with Norman later. He will prepare everything for you." Aaron gave a few simple instructions.
The domain of Aaron Industries covers various aspects. Aviation is just one part of it.
He even has several private satellites exclusively for the group.
What Reed needed was just a phone call away for him.