Chen Mo smiled as he made his decision. "I'll release it for free."
He had carefully weighed his options. Charging for the antivirus tool could generate significant revenue, even at a modest price. But monetization would raise uncomfortable questions about how he developed a solution so quickly after the virus emerged. People would suspect some elaborate scheme.
Human nature tends toward suspicion.
Even if eventually cleared, the investigation process would be problematic. Under intense scrutiny, his secrets might be exposed - his ability to extract items from films, his possession of Red Queen. With these extraordinary advantages, he could build Darkzone Technologies methodically without risking exposure for short-term gains.
The free release with Darkzone branding provided perfect advertising without suspicion.
"Free? Are you certain?" Tian Tian stared at him in disbelief. In a city of millions, even minimal charges would generate substantial profits. Yet this student chose to give it away?
"Not entirely free," Chen Mo clarified with a smile. "The tool displays Darkzone's name and logo. Consider it embedded advertising."
"Darkzone Technologies?" Tian Tian recalled the brief branding during disinfection.
"Yes." Chen Mo seized the opportunity. "Building a top-tier tech company has always been my dream. After careful consideration, I decided to establish it during my student years. This visibility opportunity is too valuable to waste."
"Why?" Tian Tian found herself asking. The young man before her radiated unexpected magnetism.
"Because it's my original dream," Chen Mo said earnestly. "Stay true to your beginnings to reach your end. Life is long, but youth comes only once. Starting a company as a student might seem presumptuous, but if we don't dare to try, can we call ourselves young?"
His words, though polished, carried genuine conviction that resonated deeply.
Tian Tian felt something stir within her. Chen Mo reminded her of her younger self - bold, ambitious, willing to risk everything for her aspirations. Wasn't that reckless courage the essence of youth?
Simultaneously, his passion unearthed long-buried memories. Her original dream had also been to build something great, before reality defeated her. Family restrictions, lack of connections and funding - what might have been different? Could she have become that formidable executive shaping industries?
Seeing Tian Tian lost in thought, Chen Mo knew his message had landed. As long as her ambition still flickered, his recruitment chances remained strong.
"Professor Tian," he pressed gently, "Darkzone focuses on neural network AI - your exact specialty. Why not join me? You'd handle operations while I steer strategy. Let's build something extraordinary together."
Tian Tian's eyes showed momentary interest, but adulthood had taught her caution. A student-founded AI company competing against established unicorns? The odds seemed slim.
"Chen Mo," she said carefully, "I don't mean to discourage you, but AI demands massive investment with uncertain returns. You should prepare for challenges. As for joining Darkzone... I'm content teaching."
The words tasted bitter. Teaching had never been her dream.
"Professor, I believe we'll succeed. Darkzone already has its first product. Don't reject me yet - let me send you our materials tonight, then decide."
Chen Mo knew his ace - Red Queen's revolutionary AI assistant. If that didn't sway Tian Tian, nothing would. In this lawful society, kidnapping talent wasn't an option.
"Such confidence!" Tian Tian chuckled, sharing her private email. "I'll review your materials, but expect my refusal."
Her words belied her curiosity. If Chen Mo's project showed true potential, perhaps she would gamble on her dreams after all.
As Chen Mo turned to leave, he paused at the doorway, locking eyes with her.
"Professor Tian, I strongly suspect our story isn't ending here - and not in this format."