Life at the Top

The following day, Jasper sat in his Bentley that he had greatly missed and arrived at the provincial Research Institute of Sciences.

While Southeast Province had contributed a lot to scientific research, the small run-down building before him revealed a very real issue.

The country was in dire need of economic development, so most of the money would go into construction or investment. Thus, it resulted in a grave decrease in investments in scientific research.

After instructing Julian to wait for him in the car, Jasper entered the run-down building that seemed to have three or four decades’ worth of history.

Following the address Dawson had given him, Jasper arrived outside an office and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” A man’s raspy voice sounded from inside the office.

Jasper walked in and saw a man in his 50s wearing a white lab coat. He was tinkering with a chip behind his office desk.

What was supposed to be a clean lab coat was now dirty, and the man’s hair that looked like a bird’s nest greatly aged his appearance.

The man paid Jasper no attention once he entered. Instead, Jasper found him murmuring something as if he was trying to solve a hard problem—all while fiddling with the chip in his hand.

Jasper did not rush him, opting to wait patiently by the side.

Jasper took in the decor of the office. It was simple and very messy. Equipment could be found all over the place and most of them were rather old. It was evident that they had not been keeping up with the times.

The most eye-catching part of the room were the certificates and awards that covered the better half of the wall. Those were all testaments to the owner of this office’s success and glory.

did he put the chip down, speaking slightly apologetically, “Sorry, I can’t

“Don’t worry about it. You must be Professor Elbert McGee, I

replied, “I am. You must be the

introduced himself after seeing how

knocked his forehead with his palm and replied, “Ah, yes.

I help you?”

come to invite

Elbert shook his head. “No way. I just want to do my research in peace. I

him were completely different. Businessmen were willing to do anything for the sake of profits. His research that he had spent time and effort on would only become money-making tools once

it crossed your mind that no matter how capable a researcher you are, what new technology can you come up with in such

attitude, and he debated

Elbert opened his mouth a few times only to

was already the lowest possible amount needed after

than there was supply. After splitting the funds among everyone, he only had less than half of what he needed. There was nothing anyone could do about

can provide you with sufficient research funds and the respect you’re worth. Plus, please take a look at this, Professor McGee.”

at Jasper doubtfully but took the piece of research. Upon opening it, Elbert found himself deeply entranced by the treasure in his hands.

a parched man finding water, Jasper

…

Jasper was negotiating with Elbert in the Research Institute of Sciences, in a villa on