Chapter 9: Chapter Nine: The William Family

The beautiful William Garden, situated on a hilltop north of Richmond in Charlottesville, Virginia, displayed meticulous design in every elliptical flowerbed and winding path.

The entire William Garden had over one hundred fifty rooms, filled with servants; every major chamber, whether in lighting or spatial layout, was designed by renowned architects to ensure each room had a unique style.

The jade-white marble floor made Ye Nan walk cautiously, afraid of soiling it; gazing at this luxurious villa, he couldn’t help but murmur, “Rich people.”

“The William family has existed since the founding of America—extremely ancient, and their wealth is not to be underestimated,” Dr. Ma Xiu said, smiling as he watched Ye Nan’s careful movements.

When he first came here, wasn’t he just like Ye Nan? Now, seeing Ye Nan’s actions, he was reminded once again of his own youth.

“So how did you meet them?” Ye Nan asked curiously. If Ma Xiu knew such wealthy people, he wouldn’t have been expelled from the Hughes Medical Research Institute in the first place.

In America, the rich are heaven, the rich are earth; one could say the U.S. government exists solely to serve these wealthy conglomerates.

“Because the William family has always invested in my research—he’s my biggest patron,” Dr. Ma Xiu said with a grin. “Otherwise, how do you think I got so much funding to build my underground lab in New York?”

“On the day I got into trouble, the William family got me out. The CIA agents who came after me? Sent by the William family. Poor James from the FBI—he’s done for. They’ll definitely pin a crime on him and throw him in prison.”

Dr. Ma Xiu spoke with glee, already picturing James’s expression inside prison.

“That damn Ma Xiu has a grudge that runs deep,” Ye Nan thought inwardly, deciding he’d keep as far away from him as possible.

“Dear Dr. Ma Xiu, welcome back to William Garden,” said an elderly man in gray casual wear, embracing Dr. Ma Xiu warmly, then turning to Ye Nan. “This is your assistant, Mr. Ye Nan? He looks young—truly, heroes emerge in youth.”

Dr. Ma Xiu embraced the elder firmly, then introduced Ye Nan: “This is the current head of the William family, William Douglas.”

“Respected Mr. William Douglas, hello,” Ye Nan said respectfully; the elder’s wealth had earned Ye Nan’s deference.

“Just call me Douglas,” the man laughed heartily. “I heard you’ve acquired Little Godzilla—I’m very interested. This old bones of mine, I wonder if I still have time left to live.”

“Naturally,” Dr. Ma Xiu declared confidently. “Little Godzilla’s cells are extremely active. If I can decipher their secrets, I can activate your cellular vitality and extend your life.” He added, “But you know my lab was discovered by the government—it’s no longer safe. I need to relocate. I humbly ask, Mr. Douglas, for your assistance so I may continue my research.”

Hearing this, Ye Nan stared in shock. He remembered Dr. Ma Xiu telling him earlier that Little Godzilla’s cells were meant for implantation to enhance strength—now they were suddenly about extending life.

But when he caught Dr. Ma Xiu winking at him, he immediately understood: this old fraud was deceiving the elder, using the one thing the old man desired most to win his support.

“Of course,” Douglas said cheerfully. “I hold great respect for scientists. Extending life is humanity’s ancient dream—and that dream rests on your shoulders. As for money, speak to my butler. The William family never hesitates to spend.”

As William Douglas spoke, he summoned his butler inside.

The William family’s butler was a middle-aged man with immaculately styled white curls; he stood before Dr. Ma Xiu and Ye Nan, glaring at them with disdain.

“Butler, whenever Dr. Ma Xiu comes again, if the amount doesn’t exceed ten billion dollars, you don’t need to report to me—just disburse it directly.”

The butler stared in shock at his master, bewildered by this madness—but he dared not question his lord’s decision. Instead, he vented all his fury on Dr. Ma Xiu, and Ye Nan naturally suffered the fallout.

“No need for ten billion—five billion is enough,” Dr. Ma Xiu said awkwardly. “Mainly to build an underground lab; we can reuse the old equipment.”

“No,” Douglas waved his hand. “Though I don’t understand how scientists conduct experiments, I know the equipment must be brand new. Dr. Ma Xiu, rest assured—I can get you any equipment you want. I trust you completely. Do you need more assistants? I can find you anyone—domestic or foreign. Even if I have to kidnap them, I’ll bring them to you.”

“No, no, no—really, Mr. Douglas, scientific research requires inspiration. Too many mediocrities only disrupt my thinking. I’m sufficient alone. But if more funding is needed later, I beg you to remain generous,” Dr. Ma Xiu said, blushing as if embarrassed by his repeated requests for money.

But Ye Nan, knowing him well, understood this was an act. This old conman had the audacity to target an ancient family for research funds—Ye Nan had to admire his sheer nerve.

If William Douglas discovered Ma Xiu was lying, his network could easily bury Ma Xiu at the bottom of the Pacific.

“Of course I’m generous. I’ve always held scientists in high esteem. My greatest pleasure is providing ample funding for your research—just like Dr. Ashford in Raccoon City. I’m certain you’ll bring me surprises.”

Dr. Ashford! Ye Nan’s heart jolted. If it were just an ordinary name, he wouldn’t have thought twice—but “Dr. Ashford” paired with “Raccoon City” instantly triggered his memory of Resident Evil.

“May I ask, does Umbrella Corporation exist?” Ye Nan asked hesitantly.

“Oh, you mean Umbrella Corporation? A pharmaceutical company. If so, I believe it does exist,” William Douglas smiled. “Funny enough, I hold shares in it. Need any medicine? I can make a call.”

“No, no thank you,” Ye Nan shook his head, his thoughts in chaos.