A New Boss in Town
Past the security gate was the main laboratory.
There weren't many people in the lab, only twenty-three: nine were elderly, and the rest were young engineers.
The person in charge was a white-haired old man named Donny Cooper, a professor of mechanical engineering who graduated from MIT. Seeing Luke, he immediately frowned in displeasure.
"Carol, the R&D center is not an exhibition hall. Don't bring outsiders in here casually."
Just as Carol was about to explain, Luke stepped forward first.
"Old man, I'm no outsider..." His gaze swept around, and to everyone's astonishment, he smiled lightly. "Listen up, everyone. From this moment on, I am in charge of this lab. I am the boss here, and you will all listen to me."
Carol: "..."
Everyone else: "..."
The air was silent for a few seconds, then erupted in awkward laughter.
Everyone was amused. Where did this kid come from? Has he graduated from university? He probably hasn't even finished high school, and he wants to be the boss of the lab? Does he think this is a marketplace where the one with the biggest fist is king?
Cooper's face turned green, and his eyes were hostile. If the setting weren't inappropriate, he would have slapped the audacious kid who dared to sh*t on his head.
Carol was incredibly embarrassed; she hadn't expected Luke to pull a stunt like this.
"I apologize, Mr. Cooper. Luke, he..."
"Don't apologize for him. There are too many people getting paid not to work these days."
Luke lit a cigarette and casually walked to the main computer. He expertly brought up the engine design blueprints, shaking his head and clucking his tongue as he examined them.
"Boeing's KN series."
"The internal framework is identical. No, four areas have been modified."
"After modification, stability increased by 4%, but power decreased by 3%."
"I have to say, you people are something else. You take twenty-year-old technology, modify it slightly, and call it a blueprint for a new-generation engine. Even stranger, the modified blueprint is worse than the original."
Hearing this, the few researchers who knew the truth immediately changed expression. Carol, too, looked suspicious, sensing something was wrong.
Donny Cooper's face was dark enough to drip water. He walked to the computer, shut it down directly, and stared at Luke with the eyes of an angry bear.
"The R&D center is a core department. The technology here concerns the company's future, and suspicious personnel are absolutely forbidden to leak it."
"And you, kid, if you don't know anything, don't talk nonsense! This design blueprint is the culmination of my life's work! It is the most advanced turbofan engine design in the world today, and the engine built from it will be the standard for top-tier fighters. Don't think you're impressive just because you looked at a few diagrams. How could you possibly understand the key points of a turbofan engine? Did you even graduate from high school?"
Luke dug some earwax out of his ear and flicked it aside.
"Are you finished?"
Donny Cooper took a deep breath and turned to Carol.
"He must apologize to me, or I will leave the company."
This was a clear threat. Donny Cooper was an engine expert Carol's father had paid heavily to hire. If he left, the entire research lab would grind to a halt.
Carol was in a bind, unsure what to do. Seeing Luke give her a mischievous wink, she seemed to understand something and said seriously,
"Mr. Cooper, thank you for your contributions to the company over the years. I will give you a generous compensation package as per your contract."
As her words fell, everyone was dumbfounded. They never expected this outcome. Based on a few words, Carol had fired the head of the lab. Who gave her such audacity? Was it this kid who looked under eighteen?
Hal Jordan, witnessing this scene, was also stunned. He had planned to get revenge on Luke, but now it seemed like he should wait.
The situation changed too quickly, far outside Donny Cooper's realm of acceptance. He was stunned for a long time before finally snapping out of it. Without a word, he ripped off his lab coat and stalked out.
This matter wouldn't end here. He planned to demand an explanation from Carl Ferris about what kind of daughter he had raised—someone so unreasonable shouldn't be the CEO of Ferris Aircraft.
Carol hurried after him. Donny Cooper was her father's friend; he could be fired, but he absolutely could not be treated disrespectfully.
The Grand Announcement
With the obstacle gone, the rest was easy.
Luke extinguished his cigarette butt and tossed it into the trash can.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Luke Shaw. As you can see, I'm young, not yet eighteen. I haven't attended university, or even middle or elementary school. Yet, I am the world's top engine expert. For the immediate future, I will be taking over Donny Cooper's position as the lab director, which makes me your boss."
"I personally believe in a 'lean elite' system: I only want talent, not dead weight. Therefore, I will conduct a comprehensive test of your professional knowledge and creative abilities. Those who pass will have their salary doubled and benefits doubled, and their rank will automatically be promoted by one level. Those who fail..." He gestured toward the main door. "...you leave through here. The lab doesn't keep idle hands. Of course, you are also free to resign and leave right now."
"I've said my piece. Who is in favor? Who is opposed?"
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, completely confused by Luke's bizarre behavior. His way of speaking was strange, giving off an aura of the criminal underworld.
A few who knew the truth were considering leaving, but the thought of double salary and double benefits made them reluctant. They couldn't make a decision immediately, and the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward.
A young researcher stepped forward.
"You don't have any position in the company. Why should we believe you?"
Luke slapped his forehead. "Look at me, I forgot the most important part! I am Carol's boyfriend. Barring any surprises, I'll be your future boss. Do you understand now?"
The crowd: "..."
So, he relies on his looks to get by! No wonder his demeanor is so low-class!
Immediately, there were those who were contemptuous, and even more who were envious, with countless people feeling bitter jealousy.
Luke watched them silently, noting every expression. When the atmosphere calmed down, he said unhurriedly,
"Since no one is leaving, let's begin!"
"Angus Neal, you're a veteran here and the most senior engineer. We'll start with you. Don't worry, I'll give you plenty of leeway."
Angus, whose name was called, snorted.
"Young man, if you test me, I will also test you. If you fail, I will call Mr. Ferris."
Luke shrugged. "Suit yourself."
The two entered the lounge and closed the door and windows. The test officially began.
The others gathered outside, whispering among themselves.
Bad news travels fast, and what happened here quickly circulated. By the time Carol saw off Donny Cooper and returned to the lab, the entrance was crowded with spectators who had rushed over to watch.
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