Chapter 139: Biotech's Clones!
"Polymers, massive neural networks, cold nuclear fusion devices, plant cultivation... the time to completely dominate the cyber world is just around the corner!"
While Li Ang was silently planning his next moves, his secretary Lucy suddenly called him via holographic phone and asked:
"Mr. Francis Young has arrived at the company headquarters. Should I let him come up now?"
"Yes, let him come up. You and Morgan should come along as well."
With that, Li Ang ended the call.
Francis Young was one of the key executives in the biotech company, overseeing the cloning technology project.
As a senior figure in the biotech field, his reputation within the company was unmatched.
His exceptional intelligence and emotional intelligence allowed him to dominate not only the realm of biological research but also surpass other top executives in managing corporate operations.
Under his leadership, the biotech company grew from a research institute in Rome, Italy, into today's biotech giant.
This alone demonstrated Francis's extraordinary capabilities!
Today, Francis had traveled all the way from the company headquarters in Italy to Night City specifically for LA Company's AI consciousness-cutting technology!
Soon, accompanied by Lucy and Morgan Blackhand, Francis, his white hair contrasting with his spirited demeanor, stepped into LA's headquarters office.
With him came a pair of identical twin sisters.
However, judging by the expression of these beautiful, youthful twins, they appeared somewhat lifeless—like puppets controlled by unseen strings.
"Are these artificial humans…?"
The thought of the biotech company's cloning project led Li Ang to suspect that these almost identical twin girls were likely artificial products of their cloning technology.
"Mr. Li Ang, it's a pleasure to finally meet you!"
Francis approached, extending his hand. Though he was over 70, the effects of gene therapy made him look like a man in his prime.
"Hello, Mr. Francis, please have a seat."
Li Ang had spoken to Francis several times over the phone before. After some brief pleasantries, the two settled into leather sofas in the meeting hall.
"Mr. Li Ang, I believe there's no need for us to waste time with unnecessary words. I'm already well aware of your and Arasaka Yorinobu's needs."
Francis, not one to beat around the bush, got straight to the point as soon as he sat down:
"The Soulkiller technology that Ms. Hanako is offering is very tempting. If you want my support, you'll need to prove the capabilities of your AI technology."
Since the Arasaka tower incident, the power struggle between Arasaka Yorinobu and Arasaka Hanako had become increasingly public.
The Hawk and Pheasant factions within Arasaka were fiercely clashing, trying everything except outright violence.
As a result, almost every corporation was aware of the siblings' open and covert battles. To protect their interests, these companies were backing their preferred representatives within Arasaka.
This internal conflict within Arasaka had grown so intense that it could escalate into armed violence!
"Mr. Li Ang, I'm sure you know what Ms. Hanako plans to do with cloning technology. And I believe you wouldn't want Arasaka to obtain the cloning project."
Francis locked his gaze on Li Ang, attempting to gain the upper hand in the negotiations.
Backed by LA Company, Yorinobu aimed to intercept Hanako's deal with Biotech, preventing her from using cloning technology to resurrect the seemingly indestructible Saburo Arasaka.
Fully aware of the current situation, Francis was patiently waiting to see who would make the better offer. Hanako's Soulkiller technology was already her best bargaining chip.
But LA Company still had room to maneuver!
"Our AI technology is beyond question. On this point, I believe Ms. Miriam, CEO of Night Corporation, can vouch for us."
"Furthermore, I've already agreed to share the consciousness-cutting technology of AI White Queen with your company. The detailed procedures and methods will all be provided. Mr. Francis, are you still expecting more projects?"
As Li Ang spoke, he tried to deduce Francis's true intentions.
For a biotech company to demand advanced AI technology seemed peculiar. AI wasn't a critical necessity for bioengineering experiments—basic AI sufficed for most tasks.
Facing Li Ang's doubt, Francis was candid. He revealed that he needed LA Company's AI capabilities either to help save his daughter or to secure more technological projects as leverage in supporting Yorinobu.
Clearly, saving his daughter was Francis's primary goal.
"I've always wanted your consciousness-cutting technology. We lack the funds and resources to develop AI systems ourselves."
"The real reason I need advanced AI is to have your engineers help restore my daughter Adriana to her former self."
After speaking, Francis cast a sorrowful glance at the twin sisters and said:
"My daughter Anna passed away more than 30 years ago. Ever since, I've been using her genetic samples to work on cloning."
"From initial animal cloning to human cloning, I've poured all my time and energy into this. Only now have I managed to produce these two samples, identical to my daughter."
"They have no fatal flaws, and their physical conditions meet the standard of normal human clones."
Hearing this, Lucy and Morgan Blackhand exchanged astonished looks, disbelief evident in their eyes.
No wonder rumors depicted the biotech company as a haven for mad scientists.
Cloning—an experiment long condemned for its ethical violations and officially banned—was something they had pursued for decades!
Li Ang, however, remained calm. From the moment he saw the twins, he had guessed they were likely cloned humans.
But the company's cloning technology seemed lacking. The twins looked soulless, devoid of vitality—a stark contrast to real humans.
"With all due respect, Mr. Francis, your daughter doesn't appear to resemble a real, living person. She looks more like a puppet devoid of emotions."
"Are you certain they're the daughters you've envisioned?"
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