12 Introductions 3

A sudden realization hit JJ. He was so very used to everyone around him pointing blame at others, or calling his thoughts childish and unprofitable, that he almost fell out of his chair at Ci-ci's answer.

"If we create a video game, it's true that I can work behind the scenes and never put my name on it. That way, Petrov Technologies won't take a hit. But, I have bigger goals than that, and I'm sure our team leader also has bigger goals too, right?"

Milana involuntarily nodded, being swayed by Ci-ci's words. Although she knew she could never be an Inventor, that didn't mean that she didn't want to succeed, and Milana didn't think that video games were something she wanted to spend the rest of her life on.

She wanted Petrov Technologies to expand and one day reach the influence of some of the largest technology companies in existence now. She wanted to reach a place where Petrov Technologies could have a sector devoted to video game development, and still have another that could help with city planning and yet another that helped with communication. She didn't want to be put into a box.

"However," Ci-ci continued, "I'm your handicap."

They all looked at Ci-ci with confusion clear on their features. It was clear that Ci-ci was self-aware about the hole he had put himself in, so why did he do it? Why did he anger the world?

Right now, millions were assuming that Ci-ci had turned down the Grandbell Award thinking he was above reproach. And yet, Ci-ci was making it very clear right now, that he knew there was punishment in store for his actions.

"At the same time, though." Ci-ci eyes flashed with something imperceptible, "Without me, Petrov Technologies will always be stuck at this level."

At that moment, they all thought the same thing, 'How dare you?!'

Who was Ci-ci to say that they couldn't succeed without him?! But, Ci-ci's next words were like a blanket over the flames of anger.

"JJ. Orphan. You're a near unmatched genius. Honestly, if I wasn't so conceited, I'd probably feel a bit inferior." Ci-ci's words came off like he was joking, but the seriousness in his eyes couldn't be ignored.

"Admitted to Grandbell university at 12 years old, two years younger than I was admitted. There were many times I wanted to meet you, and yet you're a recluse. You never went to class, never took a test, and never showed any interest in any subjects not pertaining to computer engineering despite having the IQ necessary to become an Inventor.

You were kept on despite your failing grades because of your genius, until you hacked into the wrong servers and got caught. After spending four years in juvenile detention, you were released just two years ago. Your name was washed from history and even the Grandbell records no longer speak of you. Now that you're nineteen years of age, with no degree, the only company willing to allow you to practice is a place like this."

JJ trembled at Ci-ci's words, having no idea how he knew all of this. And yet, before he even had the courage to look up, Ci-ci had already continued.

"Nicholas. Bastard son of the Ivanriche family."

"You!" Nicholas stood in a rage.

But, Ci-ci seemed completely unperturbed by Nicholas' sudden outburst.

"Because you refuse to change your last name and cut ties from the Ivanriche family, all of your accomplishments have been downplayed and tempered. In fact, even I have no real idea of how well you did in school. All I know is that you went to a college not even ranked among the top 100 because it was the only one that would accept you.

You were turned down from every job. Your inventor's application was rejected without reason. And once again, a company like Petrov Technologies is the only place that would hire you."

Nicholas' eyes reddened, staring daggers at Ci-ci's calm features. But, he knew he was right. There was not a single falsehood.

"Lily."

Despite what was going on, Lily still maintained her flirtatious smile. In fact, she was very much interested in what Ci-ci could know about her past. But, as Ci-ci spoke, that smile only became more and more frozen.

"That, of course, is not your name. You were given a name befitting the ancestry of your family, but you cast it away."

"That's enough." Lily grit her teeth, her low-cut tank-top threatening to burst in her agitation.

"I don't know why you hate your family. They did quite a good job in covering that up. But, what I do know is that Saito Visuals is a lot more powerful than Petrov Technologies, no?"

Tears threatened to spill out of Lily's eyes but Ci-ci somehow still remained cold to it all as his gaze finally landed on Milana.

Milana's delicate features darkened as she noticed Ci-ci's gaze. 'If he knows so much about them, things even I didn't know, how much does he know about me?'

"Milana. Your father used to be on a straight and narrow path, quite promising, to be honest. Unfortunately, things seem to have taken a turn for the worst with the death of your mother – a death that doesn't seem natural and yet remains unsolved. In the end, Petrov Technologies is all that's left to show for it and it's likely the only reason you haven't become an inventor is to protect your father."

Silence.

The room didn't know how to respond Ci-ci. He said they needed him, and then proved with facts why. There was nothing they could say…

"I know I said that I was your handicap. But in fact, that's only a handicap added to the ones you all have placed on yourselves. All we can do is work through this, no?

Now that we've thrown pleasantries out of the window, we can continue with this quarterly plan."

Nicholas sat down with a depressed plop, defeated along with the rest.

"First, let me explain why starting with VR hardware, instead of VR games, is the best way to start to deal with this handicap of ours."