"It'll be free," Chen Mo said with a smile.
He had already thought carefully about how to handle the needle-targeted antivirus tool—either charge for it or give it away for free.
Although charging would rake in a huge fortune—even pricing it at just ten or dozens of yuan would still have masses of people rushing to buy it to get rid of the Skullhead Virus.
But charging money would bring serious complications.
For example, people might start investigating: how did a specialized antivirus tool appear so quickly after the outbreak of a supervirus? Isn't that too much of a coincidence? Did you perhaps orchestrate this whole thing yourself?
Never underestimate human nature.
People tend to assume the worst.
Even if you eventually prove your innocence and show that you had nothing to do with the virus's creation, just the suspicion alone would bring a lot of trouble. Once you're under the spotlight, every part of your life gets scrutinized under a microscope—hiding any secrets becomes nearly impossible.
He had the power to break through the barriers of space and retrieve items from movie worlds. With the help of the Red Queen, a super AI, he could methodically build a tech empire. There was no need to risk everything for a little money.
First, offer the antivirus tool to everyone for free. Then, use the opportunity to promote Black Domain Technology by embedding ads into the tool itself. That alone would be worth it.
"You're really giving it away for free?" Tian Tian froze for a moment, looking at Chen Mo in surprise.
In a city like Haishi with over ten million residents, even charging just one yuan per tool would mean millions in revenue. That's practically falling into riches overnight! Chen Mo was just a student—how could he resist that kind of temptation?
Such noble values???
Giving it away for free to the public was genuinely admirable.
As she thought about it, Tian Tian found herself increasingly impressed by Chen Mo.
"That's right," Chen Mo nodded with a smile, flashing a mouthful of white teeth, his eyes full of innocence. Then as if remembering something, he added:
"Well, technically it's not completely free. I embedded my newly-founded company's name and logo into the antivirus tool—it's got ads."
"Black Domain Technology?" Tian Tian recalled the tool's disinfection process and suddenly remembered.
"That's the one," Chen Mo nodded, then looked at Tian Tian intently. He wasn't going to miss the opportunity to recruit talent and began introducing his company.
"Starting a top-tier tech company has always been my dream."
"I've thought about it for a long time before making this decision. I want to start a company while I'm still a student. Now I finally have a chance to advertise and raise awareness, so of course I won't miss it."
"Why?" Tian Tian couldn't help but ask.
Suddenly, she realized that the boy in front of her—several years her junior—was radiating a kind of captivating charisma.
"Because it was my original dream. Never forget why you started, and you'll go far. Even if I have to give it everything I've got, I want to light the fire of my dream. Life is long, but youth only happens once. Maybe it seems naïve to start a company as a student, but if you don't dare to dream, are you really young?"
Chen Mo looked her in the eyes, speaking slowly and sincerely.
While his words were a bit idealistic, they truly reflected his innermost feelings.
Genuine emotion is the most powerful way to move someone.
If he wanted to recruit Tian Tian, he'd need to show sincerity. If he could awaken her long-lost ambition and ignite her spirit, he'd be halfway to success.
Tian Tian heard his words and felt as if someone had plucked a chord deep in her heart. She looked at Chen Mo and saw a reflection of her younger self.
Bold. Fearless.
Willing to give it everything for a dream.
He was young and brash—but isn't that exactly what being young is about?
Tian Tian suddenly found herself deeply appreciating Chen Mo. He really spoke to her soul.
At the same time…
Seeing Chen Mo speak so passionately also stirred her own buried memories.
Her first dream was to build something of her own too.
Unfortunately—
Reality had crushed that dream.
Her family ostracized her. She had no connections, no funding, and no way to realize her ambitions.
If her family hadn't cut her off back then, would things be different now? Could she have become a true CEO, commanding her empire, a sword in one hand, pointing and leading across the land? This world is vast, and so full of splendor.
Chen Mo glanced at her and saw the long silence in her eyes. He knew he had struck a chord. If her heart was stirred—if her dream still lingered—his chances of recruiting her had just gone way up.
"Professor Tian,"
"Black Domain's primary focus is AI in the neural field. I know your specialty is also artificial intelligence—our expertise lines up perfectly. Why don't you come work at Black Domain? I'll take care of the big-picture stuff, and you can handle the rest. Let's build something amazing together."
Tian Tian's eyes lit up for a moment and her heart was moved. But she was an adult—she wouldn't make decisions based on impulse. Adults consider many variables. After all, hearing a student say he wants to build an AI company? It sounds like a joke. Even if it isn't, it's hard to believe they'd stand out among countless unicorn startups.
So, she wasn't very optimistic.
"Chen Mo, I don't mean to discourage you. But AI is a field with high input and low return. It's a tough industry. You need to be prepared to fail."
"As for your invitation…"
"I'm not considering it right now."
"I think teaching is just fine."
But as she said that last sentence, her heart suddenly ached—because deep down, she didn't really want to be a teacher. She just had no other choice.
"Professor, I believe the opposite. I'm certain I'll succeed. Black Domain already has its first product. No rush to make a decision now—let me send you some materials tonight about our product. Then you can decide."
Chen Mo was confident that once she saw the Red Queen's AI assistant, she'd be impressed.
If she still didn't join him after that—well, he couldn't force her.
It's a society governed by law, after all. He couldn't exactly kidnap her.
"You sound so confident. Fine—I'll wait for your materials. But just so you know, I'll probably still say no," Tian Tian said with a smile, then gave him her personal email. The truth was, she hadn't forgotten her dream—she was just too afraid to start again. But if Chen Mo's project really had the potential to dominate the industry, why not take a gamble and give it her all?
Also—
Tian Tian was truly curious. Where did this kid's confidence come from?
"Heh," Chen Mo chuckled but didn't reply. Then he said, "Well, that's all for today, Professor. You should package the antivirus tool and release it."
"Got it," Tian Tian nodded.
Just as Chen Mo was about to leave, he stopped at the door, turned around, and looked at her with a smile.
"Professor Tian, I have a strong feeling that our fate is only just beginning—and it won't be in this way."