Chapter 20: Chapter 20: A 30 million mansion?!
Upon hearing Lincoln's words, Henry, who had been silent since entering the room apart from introducing his name, suddenly spoke up.
"It's not too high at all. For all these years, our technology has been transferred to the civilian sector, and now that civilian technology is finally feeding back to us, we must set a good example. You are the role model, so feel free to take as much money as you want."
"Okay." Only after hearing these words did Lincoln feel at ease and agree to the deal.
Only when he confidently took the money would those who follow be more inclined to share their technology.
"Is there anything else?" Lincoln asked after signing the paperwork.
"Yes, there's also a house as a reward for you. Although you don't have to move in, we still suggest you move as soon as possible, preferably pack up your important stuff and move tonight," Lorin said, surprising Lincoln.
"What a great deal! You get a house for applying for a patent?"
"Of course, just applying for a patent doesn't come with a house, but for those who have made significant technological breakthroughs and contributed to the development of Daxia, they receive one. It's a longstanding policy. However, because the location is somewhat special, it can't be traded or sold."
"That's great, I'm worried that my current place is too small, I can't stretch out in any way. But why the rush to move tonight?"
Lorin showed a rather interesting expression on his face, "Why don't you go out and see what's going on outside your community?"
Upon seeing his expression, Lincoln had a hunch in his heart. Could it be...?
He walked outside and looked towards the entrance of his community. Only then did he notice that there were already a lot of people gathered outside, just blocked from entering.
He could understand those carrying cameras and holding mobile phones for recording.
Some people had nothing in their hands and didn't say anything. They just stood outside, staring straight at his floor, completely baffling him as to their purpose.
He retreated subconsciously, immediately realizing that he couldn't stay in this place any longer.
"Let's move! Right now! You guys came by car, right?"
Lorin smiled and told him, "The moving company is downstairs. You can pack up your important things, and we'll help you carry them. They will take care of the rest overnight and move everything for you first thing tomorrow morning. Don't worry, they're professionals; they won't miss a thing."
Lincoln turned around and began packing his belongings.
Henry left first with the technical documents, and Lincoln could easily guess that many people would be staying up late studying the files tonight.
Lorin and Yue Pengju helped Lincoln pack his computer, virtual reality equipment, and some disassembled devices into boxes before going downstairs with him.
They didn't leave through the main entrance but directly through the underground garage.
Lincoln left swiftly and decisively, without any reluctance.
He had only stayed in this small house for less than a week. Most of the time, he was busy day and night in the virtual world, making it impossible to feel any sense of belonging.
Yue Pengju was driving, and Lincoln sat in the back seat. He pulled out his mobile phone, pointed the camera toward the window, and admired the thousands of city lights of Xiajing City with Mavis.
"Buzz—" The phone vibrated.
The screen in front of Lincoln showed a message automatically appearing on a note: "Master, will we have our own home soon?"
With Lorin nearby, he had to type in the following response: Yes, and Mavis's big house is coming soon, too.
"Buzz—"'Yay! It's a supercomputer!'
'No Yays!'
"Buzz—"'No Yays, No Yays!'
"Cough, cough." Lorin coughed a few times, interrupting Lincoln and Mavis's interaction.
"What's wrong, Director Lorin?" Lincoln turned around and looked at Lorin.
"There are two more things while we're on the way, I'll just tell you now, so we won't waste your time when we get to the new place."
"What else is there?"
"The first thing is Yue Pengju will be responsible for your security in the next half a year."
"Security?" Lincoln was a little surprised. He was so focused on technology that he hadn't had time to think about such things.
"Actually, it's not very necessary now. The domestic situation is very peaceful, and the technology you developed won't directly affect the strategic balance, so the chances of accidents are minimal. You don't have to worry too much about that," Lorin reassured Lincoln.
"But providing top-notch protection for scientific research talents to ensure their personal safety has been a tradition in Daxia for nearly a hundred years. So we think it's better to observe for at least half a year to ensure your absolute safety. What do you think?"
"I think it's great." Free security, better not to refuse it.
"The last thing is quite simple; you want to start a company, right? We have relevant support policies for senior scientific research talents to start businesses. The more advanced the talent, the better the treatment they can receive.
Considering your significant achievements and your preference not to join a research institute but to focus on personal business development, we will try to make the process as smooth as possible. We will also provide you with a large amount of interest-free loans through bank channels."
"How large is this loan?" Lincoln was genuinely delighted with the news. His biggest problem right now is the lack of startup capital, isn't it?
He even planned to collect prepayments before producing the equipment. He could imagine what kind of rhythm big companies like NetDragon would follow if they did that, definitely trying to bring him down.
But without doing so, the initial 10 million licensing fees were enough to make only a few devices?
Netizens would definitely scold him for being stingy.
If he could get enough interest-free loans, all these problems would be solved.
"The bank people will discuss this with you, but considering the huge market potential of virtual reality devices, it should be no less than 100 million."
Excellent, Lincoln nodded, as long as the costs were well controlled, 100 million could produce nearly 20,000 devices.
The car drove quite a distance before reaching the destination: a residential complex in the South City District that was not for sale to the public. The security guards at the entrance had determined eyes and stood in perfect military posture.
Lincoln looked at Lorin suspiciously, "Are these really security guards?"
"Yes, they are." Lorin nodded and added, "They just retired last month."
Alright, whatever you say! Lincoln followed Lorin to his new residence.
As soon as he walked in, Lincoln was stunned.
He had thought that the free house would be no more than 100 square meters. So he originally planned to use it as a temporary residence, move into a bigger house when he had enough money.
But as soon as he walked in, he was struck by the spaciousness and brightness of the place. There were four bedrooms, three studies, two living rooms, a sizable storage room, and even a maid's room! It seemed to be more than 300 square meters!
He had never seen such a place before. In his previous life, he had only watched others display their mansions in videos on Little Video Station; he had never even seen one in person.
In a place like Xiajing City where land is as precious as gold, this house would probably cost around 30 million if you wanted to buy it.
Is this house really for me? From today onwards, am I going to be living in a mansion too?
Lincoln immediately dismissed the idea of moving out and buying another house. Only a fool would go out and spend tens of millions on a new house!
Lorin didn't say much; he put down the equipment he was holding, left his contact information, and left.
As for Yue Pengju, he directly opened the door to the next room...
This was a two-apartment-per-elevator-floor layout. One floor had two apartments, one for Lincoln and the other for Yue Pengju. Lincoln was dumbfounded.
Only then did Yue Pengju explain that this arrangement was to facilitate security work, and he would only live here during his protection of Lincoln.
Lincoln sent them off, and, by himself, hurriedly set up the equipment.
It's not that he had something important to do so late, but he was more worried about Mavis getting angry.
Without a computer, even swiping for gossip on Spiritual Rhinoceros became slower on her mobile phone.
After getting everything done, Lincoln turned on his phone, recorded a simple 10-second video, and sent it to his Fans group chat.
"I'm in Xiajing. I just got off a fancy car."
"My teacher always said there's gold in books, and it's true! Look, I just got assigned a house! So everyone should listen to the teacher and study hard!"
He didn't even bother with the students in the group chat who were suddenly getting lively; he just took a shower and went to bed.
From today, I am part of a homeowner class too!
Get some rest and make sure to swindle the bank people who come tomorrow!
Not only am I going to make them give me more money, but they should also thank me for it!
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