After the meeting concluded, the attendees exchanged formalities and began filing out of the conference room.
President Ellis lingered near the doorway, waiting for Lucas to emerge.
"Lucas," he called, "do you have a moment to talk?"
Lucas had anticipated this.
He gestured toward a nearby lounge.
"Let's talk over there."
Soon, the four of them entered the lounge:
President Ellis and Secretary of State Evan on one side,
Lucas accompanied by his chief executive, Johnny, on the other.
As they took their seats, an elegant female voice echoed softly through the room.
"Gentlemen, would you like any beverages or refreshments?"
"I'll have lemon water with rock sugar."
"Coffee for me."
Ellis and Evan showed no surprise. As figures at the top of American leadership, advanced AI systems were nothing new to them.
In fact, Ellis had a basic intelligent assistant installed at home—purchased from Stark Industries.
Within ten seconds, a service robot entered and placed the requested drinks before them.
After taking a sip of coffee, Ellis began.
"Lucas, I'd like to discuss Los Angeles."
Lucas set down his glass calmly.
"I'm afraid that isn't my matter."
He had no intention of involving himself in the struggle between California, the White House, and Congress.
Evan quickly clarified.
"Mr. Lucas, perhaps there has been a misunderstanding. The President isn't referring to Los Angeles."
"We would like to discuss Washington, D.C."
Lucas immediately understood.
Johnny spoke on behalf of Saiyan Corporation.
"Secretary Evan, if I may clarify—are you suggesting that our company undertake a reconstruction of Washington?"
"Precisely," Evan confirmed.
Now the exchange shifted naturally between the two subordinates—Secretary of State and corporate CEO.
"Secretary Evan," Johnny replied thoughtfully, "you understand this is no small undertaking—especially for a fully functioning capital city."
"Los Angeles was completely destroyed. Rebuilding it meant we faced minimal legacy complications."
"But Washington remains intact."
"If reconstruction were initiated, the federal government would need to relocate large populations temporarily. That alone presents enormous political resistance."
"In this country, even a presidential or congressional order can be fiercely opposed if it disrupts too many vested interests."
"We cannot begin such a project only to encounter unpredictable legal or political obstruction."
Evan smiled slightly.
"We are not suggesting immediate action."
"When New Los Angeles is fully operational, the entire nation—indeed, the world—will witness the power of a true supercity."
"At that point, the public themselves will begin asking: 'Why can't our city be like that?'"
"When demand rises from the people, what appears politically difficult will resolve itself."
He paused, then added with a faint smile:
"A butterfly flapping its wings across the ocean can create a storm elsewhere."
Johnny's eyes lit up.
"In fact, you could frame it as a citizen-driven modernization initiative."
"Public fundraising. Full financial transparency."
"If contributions are insufficient and progress is slow, it becomes a matter of public enthusiasm—not governmental failure."
"That keeps public opinion firmly in your hands."
Ellis laughed.
"Johnny, was it? If you ever decide to leave Saiyan Corporation, I'd gladly offer you a cabinet position."
Johnny smiled politely.
"Mr. President, I appreciate the offer. But my employer is sitting right here, and I am quite satisfied where I am."
Ellis raised both hands lightly.
"My apologies—I spoke too suddenly."
Johnny understood the gesture.
Ellis was strengthening his standing in Lucas's eyes while extending goodwill.
Such acknowledgment from the President of the United States was not something Johnny would have imagined in his earlier years.
But now, his position allowed him to accept it calmly.
Lucas chuckled.
"Ellis, that's unfair. I'm not chaining Johnny to my company. If you can match his salary, he's free to go."
That sparked Ellis's curiosity.
"Now you've made me wonder—what exactly is his annual salary?"
Johnny answered before Lucas could.
"Mr. President, perhaps this is inappropriate for someone in my position—but I must say it."
"Working under my boss is worth more than any salary."
Ellis nodded slowly.
Lucas stood and lightly clapped Ellis on the shoulder.
"Very well. When the timing is right, contact Johnny. He'll handle the arrangements."
Ellis rose as well and embraced him briefly.
"I'll hold you to that."
After the White House delegation departed, Lucas turned to Johnny.
"Can you handle what comes next on your own?"
With state and federal contracts increasing, the pressure on Saiyan Corporation would only grow.
Johnny answered without hesitation.
"Boss, this is nothing."
"They may have financial conglomerates behind them. Or an entire nation."
"But I have you behind me."
Lucas shook his head with a faint smile.
"Enough flattery. Focus on expanding the team."
"We're only just getting started."
"When the business truly scales up, you won't be able to manage it alone."
"Recruit talent. A lot of it."
Johnny's mind accelerated instantly.
Saiyan Corporation already operated across America.
Soon, it might expand globally.
And if this was merely "the beginning" in Lucas's words—
Did that mean… beyond Earth?
Interplanetary markets?
The thought struck him like lightning.
If Saiyan Corporation became the first human enterprise to conduct business across the cosmos—
That would be written into history.
As long as human civilization endured, that achievement would never fade.
Johnny's heart surged with excitement.
The future suddenly seemed limitless.
...
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