Chapter 40

In the eyes of ordinary people, William Douglas was an unknown name, one that couldn’t even compare to some third-rate minor celebrities.

But in the eyes of successful men like Ye Nan, and researchers like Dr. Axiford, this name was more shocking than any star—even Michael Jackson, the man called a god, couldn’t match it.

William Douglas was the patriarch of America’s oldest family, owning countless enterprises; this family had become inseparable from the entire United States, permeating every facet of the nation.

When Ye Nan uttered this name, Dr. Axiford finally understood the source of Ye Nan’s confidence.

Yes, Umbrella Corporation was indeed a giant—on the surface selling medical equipment, but in truth a multinational arms dealer, especially notorious for trafficking bio-viruses and extorting vast sums from nations worldwide. Yet compared to the name William Douglas, it meant nothing. Arms were profitable, but energy was even more terrifying; above energy stood one other thing: the printing press.

“You really have William Douglas backing you?” Dr. Axiford suddenly grew excited, as if a man on the brink of despair had just seen a ray of hope, his whole body trembling.

Ye Nan looked at Dr. Axiford in confusion. Logically, the man should have been pleased, but not to this extreme. Still, he replied: “Yes, I have some dealings with William Douglas. Well, you could say we’re quite close. If Umbrella Corporation moves against me, he will definitely help.”

“Good.” Dr. Axiford shouted “Good!” then said: “Wait here. I’ll give you something.”

Dr. Axiford turned and wheeled himself into a room, vanishing from Ye Nan’s sight in an instant.

“What do you think Dr. Axiford will give you?” Alice gazed at Ye Nan with envy. Dr. Axiford was a world-famous scientist—his gift must be tied to his research. This was surely something valuable, even if she didn’t yet know what it was.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Ye Nan said casually. His purpose for coming had already been fulfilled. What came next was a bonus—if there was nothing, he didn’t care. He never demanded more.

The sound of wheels gliding across the floor returned. Dr. Axiford reappeared before Ye Nan, this time holding a silver-white briefcase in his hands, his eyes still filled with reluctance.

“This is...” Ye Nan’s pupils shrank sharply. He suddenly remembered—the AI Mother in Resident Evil 1, the little girl no older than a few years, said to have been modeled after Angela, an AI with intelligence rivaling that of an eight-year-old child.

As he thought of it, his heart pounded. What impressed him most about Red Queen was her appearance in Resident Evil 5—manipulating zombies, deceiving Alice. In that form, she had clearly evolved, grown older, and developed ambition.

At the time, she commanded zombie armies against humans, just as Skynet commanded machines. That power made Ye Nan crave it.

If he could obtain Red Queen, he could build an impregnable underground research facility, a safe haven in times of crisis. After all, no one knew when a bio-hazard outbreak might strike. This world held too many secrets—he had to prepare.

“This was originally meant for Angela. Now that you’ve become Angela’s Guardian Knight, she will eventually be yours. Let me give it to you early. I hope you’ll bring her happiness in the future.” As Dr. Axiford spoke, he opened the silver briefcase and connected it to the laptop’s power source.

“Power detected... charging... please wait... please wait.”

“This is an AI I created, modeled after Angela. It was meant to be my daughter’s treasure, capable of absorbing both solar and electrical energy,” Dr. Axiford said, his eyes filled with reluctance.

This AI had accompanied him for eight years. When Angela wasn’t there, it was this program that kept him company. He had watched it grow step by step, like another daughter of his. Today, he wasn’t just giving away his biological daughter—he was giving away the daughter he had built with his own hands. But for Angela’s sake, he was willing to give up everything.

“5%, 6%... 25%. Base power reached. System auto-initiating.” A cold voice echoed. A virtual figure of a little girl suddenly projected onto the floor, her voice bright with delight: “Daddy, why are you only coming to see me now?”

The AI Angela rushed into Dr. Axiford’s arms, hugging him gently. Her ethereal body didn’t pass through him—it held perfectly.

“Daddy’s been busy with work, so he hasn’t come to see you. But Daddy wants to introduce you to a friend. Come, Smila, this is Ye Nan. He’s Angela’s Guardian Knight—and yours too.” Dr. Axiford pointed at Ye Nan, his expression doting.

“Guardian knight? What’s that?” Smila tilted her head, studying Ye Nan, her data streams scanning the vast internet. Suddenly, her face flushed red. She pouted: “No, I want to stay with Daddy. I don’t want to leave Daddy.”

“Foolish child, you will have to leave me someday.” Dr. Axiford reached out to stroke Smila—but of course, his hand passed through her. “Smila, forgive me for not giving you a physical body.”

“I like being like this,” Smila smiled to comfort him. “Sister, did she go to school again?”

“No, your sister is at home. She’s just shy,” Dr. Axiford smiled, serene and content. “Go on. When your sister grows up, she’ll be sent away too. Good child.”

Ye Nan watched them both, feeling an eerie sense of finality—as if they were saying goodbye forever.

Whir! The sound of tires on pavement came from outside. Four cars suddenly pulled up. Eight men in black suits and dark sunglasses stepped out, then a man in a black leather jacket and mirrored shades walked in. He strode straight into Dr. Axiford’s room, stared at Ye Nan, removed his sunglasses, and wore a mocking expression.

“Mr. Ye Nan, what are you doing in one of Umbrella Corporation’s employees’ rooms? Dr. Axiford, the mother of Red Queen—whom are you giving her to? Are you planning to betray Umbrella Corporation?”