Finished writing.
Andre took the small notebook, looked up, and sighed, "Kid, what you just mentioned is not a small sum of money. Are you sure you've thought this through?"
"I am sure."
Six hundred billion to support seventy thousand people; even after setting aside two hundred billion for various research and development, each Soldier can still receive 5.7 million.
That's plenty.
William crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Andre seriously, "One of Umbrella's manifestos is that life is business."
"This doesn't just refer to clients, but also our own Agents."
"If not for the Agents' willingness to face death, how could the clients be safe?"
"Besides, the company is truly not short on money now. Andre, go ahead and do it."
"Mm, alright." Andre nodded solemnly.
This old colonel had personally organized the vast majority of containment operations and had witnessed those young children heroically sacrifice themselves, so he was completely in favor of equipment upgrades.
He then asked, "Is there anything else besides this?"
"Nothing else..." William rubbed his chin, mused for a moment, and then said to Andre:
"In fact... it seems I don't need to run around the World anymore. The company's expansion has reached saturation."
"And we're not short on money."
"Is that so..."
Seeing William lost in thought, Andre first put the notebook and pen into his pocket, his eyes gleaming.
The sturdy old man walked up to William, spread his arms, and wrapped them around his neck in one smooth motion.
Using the tone of the older generation, he looked up at the ceiling and sighed:
"Kid, back in the day, My Lord Russell led us to make the family flourish."
"High-ranking officials from Britain, France, and the United States, and even Minister Helier from Canada, had all received favors from My Lord Russell."
"But (his tone suddenly sharpened)."
"My Lord Russell only had your father as an heir, which led to the family's rapid decline, Damn it!"
"So (looking at William who was being held in a headlock)."
"You need to hurry up..."
"Stop! Cut it out!"
Before Andre could finish, William hurriedly made an 'X' with his arms and broke free from the restraint, shouting:
"I have someone I like, don't rush me."
"Oh?"
Andre revealed a look of a scheme fulfilled and said, "When are you taking little Catherine to get married, hm? What about kids?"
"You're like this every time, and you always say I'm not serious." William was a bit embarrassed and angry.
"Sigh."
Seeing that the aggressive tactic wasn't working, Andre immediately changed strategies. He sat back in his office chair and feigned melancholy:
"Kid, I'm fifty years old."
"I took care of you as you grew up, witnessing your transition from your former decadence to your current net worth of hundreds of billions."
"Putting aside My Lord Russell's last request, I have long since regarded you as my own son."
"At my age, what I hope for most is..."
"To hold a grandson or granddaughter."
"Andre..."
Seeing the increasingly aged face of the other man, even though William knew this was a tactic, his nose still felt a bit sore.
Afterward, he walked to the table and promised, "Don't worry, I know I shouldn't drag this on anymore. I'll give you an answer by the end of the year."
"Very good!"
Having received the assurance, Andre nodded with satisfaction, his face looking refreshed.
"Heh." William really couldn't do anything about his 'old father' figure, smiled, and said:
"The five warships of Forward Unto Dawn will launch next August. Before that, the company shouldn't have any major moves."
"The only things worth my attention are the premieres of Iron Man and starship troopers 2, as well as the Xbox launch event."
"Then, how do you want to arrange your free time?" Andre asked.
"Hmm..." William thought for a moment and said:
"I plan to stay in Troy and let Hank and the Alphas teach me combat and shooting. Anyway, there's no harm in learning more self-defense skills."
"That works." Andre didn't object, but as if suddenly remembering something, he reminded William:
"By the way, St. Marys contacted me two days ago, saying you haven't attended class for a whole year."
"If your student account isn't unfrozen, you'll be expelled soon."
!
Hearing that he had to attend class, William felt a headache.
With nearly a trillion in family assets, what classes are there to take?
He raised his hands to rub his temples and said lazily, "Andre, just buy St. Marys..."
———————
...
Evening. New York.
Looking down from the sky, the setting Sun stretched the shadows of various high-rises, covering large areas of Manhattan's blocks.
Even though night hadn't fully fallen, the bustling city was already brilliantly lit.
It was worthy of being the economic center of North America, and even the entire World.
The camera zoomed in.
In Midtown Manhattan, home to the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and the New York Public Library, the streets were bustling with traffic, highlighting that this was the liveliest and most prosperous area.
42nd Street, which runs through Midtown.
A motorcade consisting of ten black SUVs, led by local police, was driving westward unobstructed.
The motorcade was driven by Hank and the Alphas, with the destination being the Empire 25 Theater.
Inside one of the vehicles;
William, sitting on the rear left side, had his hairstyle and outfit slightly styled, making his face look much more dashing.
And beside him was...
"Bo... Boss, does this look good on me?"
Hearing the shy voice, William couldn't help but curl his lips and cast his gaze beside him.
He saw Halsey also sitting on the rear right side of the vehicle.
Her face was flushed, and she looked very bashful.
Her light blonde hair had been meticulously styled by the stylists William hired, making her look elegant and graceful, not like the little girl she was before.
More importantly...
The black evening gown she wore revealed the snow-white skin of her back, and its form-fitting design perfectly interpreted what a devilish figure was.
Seeing Halsey looking so charming, William was stunned.
After a long while, he nodded and affirmed, "You are the most beautiful today."
Hearing this.
Halsey was so shy she covered her face with both hands and murmured softly, "Then, do you... like it?"
"Of course." William laughed softly, "I like it."
At this moment, seeing through the front windshield that they were about to arrive, he picked up his trench coat and draped it over Halsey.
After all, Christmas had just passed. It wasn't exactly bone-chilling outside, but given Halsey's attire, she would definitely be cold.
"Screech—!"
As the vehicle came to a sudden stop, Hank, who was sitting in the passenger seat, immediately unbuckled his seatbelt, preparing to get out and open the rear door to escort Halsey and William out.
"Boss."
Seeing this, Halsey felt very nervous, and her small hands involuntarily gripped William's thigh.
"Alright."
William, who was accustomed to outside occasions, reached out to pat Halsey's back and encouraged her:
"Show your usual domineering aura; I'll handle the rest."
"Hoo... ha..."
With William's comfort, Halsey forced herself to calm down, took a deep breath, and tried hard to maintain her cold and beautiful expression.
"Click—"
Hank opened the door, held the handle firmly with his right hand, gestured toward the red carpet with his left, and said calmly to Halsey:
"Miss, please."
"..." Halsey was slightly hesitant and fearful.
But in the end, she nodded at Hank, clutched William's trench coat with both hands, and stepped out of the car to face...
The 'army of reporters'.
-------------------------------
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