Principal Wang Qin of Qingmu University sat stiffly in his office, facing three men in black suits. Despite his reputation as an accomplished educator who had nurtured many successful scientists, he found himself struggling to speak clearly with a gun pressed against his back.
"Last night's city-wide blackout originated here at your university," the lead operative stated coldly. "We require an explanation."
"I swear I don't know anything about it!" Wang Qin protested, sweat beading on his forehead. "If I had information, I would certainly tell you."
The black-clad men exchanged glances before the leader spoke again. "Remember this - if we discover you're lying, not even the Xuanwu Division can protect you."
As Chen Mo watched the surveillance footage through the Red Queen's systems, a chill ran down his spine. The power surge required to activate the AI had blacked out the entire city of Haishi. Worse, the mysterious investigators clearly operated outside normal government channels - their ability to threaten a university principal with impunity suggested terrifying authority.
"Red Queen, analyze their identities through facial recognition," Chen Mo ordered.
After processing through China's Tianhe-2 supercomputer, the AI responded with unusual hesitation. "Master, I've searched every database, including top-secret archives. These men have no digital footprint whatsoever. It's as if they don't exist."
This revelation forced Chen Mo to reconsider his plans. Two separate groups were investigating the blackout - the official Xuanwu Division, and these unidentified operatives who could apparently operate above the law. While neither group knew about the Red Queen yet, the risk of discovery was too great.
Working quickly, Chen Mo disguised the AI's mainframe under layers of newspaper and transported it to a discreet apartment in Xingfu Community. As he settled into the new safehouse, he formulated three key objectives:
First, establish Darkzone Technologies as an offshore company to provide legitimate cover for his operations. The Red Queen would handle the registration, including authorization for biochemical research that could facilitate T-virus development.
Second, thoroughly test the limits of his movie-extraction ability. Determining how to recharge this power would be crucial for future acquisitions.
Third, maintain his student cover at Qingmu University while gradually building his corporate empire. A public profile as an ambitious young entrepreneur would make the perfect disguise for his more clandestine activities.
"The company's primary focus should be biotechnology initially," Chen Mo mused aloud. "But we'll structure it to expand into other advanced fields as needed."
The Red Queen's voice carried a note of enthusiasm as she responded through the apartment's speakers. "I've already prepared several shell company frameworks in tax-friendly jurisdictions. Once funded, we can begin operations immediately."
Chen Mo nodded, exhaling slowly. The game had begun - a dangerous balancing act between ambition and secrecy, with unknown players already watching from the shadows.