"Life and death are in the hands of God, and riches are a gift from above. If someone's time is up, it’s not on us," the old man said.Upon hearing this, Eric became displeased. 'These old geezers clearly don't care about the lives of their fellow countrymen.'The Combat Department's quarantine measures were highly effective, but if the virus spread, who knew how many people would perish?However, Eric didn't show his anger. Instead, he asked, "Sir, have all your people returned? Are there any more coming back? If there are, we need to be prepared to receive them."Hearing this, the old man laughed and pointed at Eric. "Young man, you are quite considerate!"There are no more of our people coming back, but many others like us are eager to return. If we establish a foothold here, they will surely follow!"Eric understood. These old men were just the vanguard. More people would return, regardless of their nationality, as long as they had connections here. "Heh!" Eric stood up.
At King City Airport, even the duty officers belonged to the Combat Department.When the two men entered, the crowd immediately pointed at Eric."It's him! They didn't say anything, and he started barking wildly, criticizing everything!"He wants to create chaos here and spread the virus! His intentions are heinous!"The two Combat Department officers had no idea that Eric had already arrived. Judging by his attire, he appeared to be medical personnel. Such a person risking their life to come here was indeed worthy of respect. However, this did not grant him a license to act recklessly.They looked at Eric, while the rest sneered."Arrogant fool, untouched by society's harsh realities.""How dare he behave like this here!""He must be severely punished to quell public anger!"Eric glanced at the old men. "You people consider yourselves the public?"As he spoke, he removed his protective suit.The two new arrivals were shocked."Lieutenant General Johnson! What are you doing
People were always afraid of death, especially accomplished older individuals. They feared it even more. In the academic and scientific communities, they held considerable status. Wherever they went, people revered them, and they wanted to enjoy such days a little longer."Without borders? Homeland?" Eric sneered. "Who told you that science knows no borders? When the Innova Group was blacklisted by the three major international companies, why didn’t anyone tell us that science knows no borders?"And about the great contributions you claim to have made to scientific research—sorry, I don’t see it. No one in Naturia sees it either. Those contributions were made for your own country. What does that have to do with us?"In my view, you are a bunch of disrespectful, unkind, and unjust old folks! During these times, I think you should go back and stand with your country, live or die!"Follow the procedures, deport them!"If they were not citizens of this country, they would have no reas
Public opinion could be terrifying. Once something spread, few people would know the truth, and even fewer would understand what was truly hidden behind it.Distortion of facts and blurring of right and wrong were commonplace. When interests were involved, things were rarely pure, especially when lives were at stake. Without a safe environment, it was often a matter of life and death.Thus, those old experts wanted to manipulate public opinion. They planned to use its pressure to force their way back. Their calculations were clear.Many people wanted to return but couldn't. Having someone take the lead was advantageous for them. They could use this opportunity to stir things up. If it worked, everyone could return together. Naturia was safe—no virus, peaceful and harmonious—truly a paradise on earth!How dangerous was it abroad? One slip and you could catch the virus—the odds of dying were high!Eric and Sylvia glanced at the so-called public opinion and understood the implication
Eric smiled. "Uncle Alexander, why worry about this? To be honest, I was the one who had them deported."Alexander was taken aback. He then remembered Sylvia asking Eric if he had finished his business earlier. So, it was this matter that Eric was handling!There was oversight after all!He said, "It's not just this. Public opinion also needs to be managed. These scoundrels love to create negative images of us, and it's infuriating!"Eric nodded repeatedly. The Combat Department would not let this slide.Soon, the Combat Department issued a statement through other departments, revealing the old experts' identities. They were deported for illegal entry, and there was nothing wrong with that!After this was settled, Alexander looked at Eric and Sylvia with curiosity. "Did you really develop a special vaccine? I heard they used your vaccines at the airport's quarantine area..."He knew Eric had inherited Orion's expertise. But the virus was a problem that foreign countries couldn't
With someone capable of handling these matters efficiently, Alexander felt reassured.In the evening, Grace returned from the company. Over the past few years, she had gradually delegated power to Sean, though not entirely. Certain situations still required her presence to maintain control.It wasn't that Sean was incompetent. He had the ability but was simply too young, lacking experience and decisiveness. After a few more years of gaining experience, Grace could confidently step down.When Grace arrived home, Sylvia greeted her. "Mom, you're still working so hard? You should really rest more!"Grace smiled. "I can manage. It's not a big problem. Sean isn't fully ready to take over yet. I'll work a few more years to solidify his foundation."Eric chimed in. "Mom, Vee is right. You've worked hard for most of your life. It's time to enjoy some peace. When we started our company, we were inexperienced too, but we managed. There's nothing to worry about."The three founders of the I
It turned out that Grace had already planned her future. After retiring from Montgomery Corp., she would leave King City and move to Salt City."That's great, Mom!" Sylvia said with a smile. "You've said it now. Our home is big enough, and Yvette often talks about how much she misses her grandmother. She'll be thrilled when you move in!"Eric and Sylvia were delighted to welcome Grace to Salt City permanently.Years ago, when Eric ended up in Salt City, it wasn't Grace's fault. However, she always felt a sense of guilt. She sometimes wondered whether the Hernandez family would have dared to say anything if she had the status and ability she had now. It would have been a great favor not to show them her anger.That incident had profoundly impacted Grace, transforming her from a gentle woman into a formidable figure in King City's circles. Truly, a mother's love knew no bounds.Those days were behind them, and now neither Eric nor Grace talked about it much. The only difference was
With their business in King City concluded, Eric and Sylvia didn't linger. They quickly returned to Salt City.The entire world was on edge due to the virus, and for the Innova Group, Eric and Sylvia were the key figures who could stabilize the situation. Although Michael was also in Salt City, he was responsible for the company's overseas operations, so he didn't need to oversee anything at the headquarters.As overseas business had come to a standstill, Michael found himself with little to do.-Arriving back in Salt City early, Eric and Sylvia decided to visit the Innova Group first.Upon seeing Jacob sighing in his seat, Eric couldn't help but be curious. "What's wrong? Did someone break into the Innova Group without laying a hand on you?"Eric quickly grasped the situation. Jacob actually enjoyed it when someone came to cause trouble. He wished for more people to slap him a few times.Who would reject money falling from the sky while sitting at their post? After all, a few