Chapter 1276
The drunken haze in lan’s eyes had vanished at some point, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness. He was about to say more.
The elevator dinged as it reached their floor, interrupting their conversation. Eleanor walked out first, with lan following close behind.
When Eleanor reached her room and was about to use her key card, lan’s low voice sounded from behind her. “Good night p>
Though she hadn’t answered his earlier question, he was clearly in a good mood- one might even say pleased.
Eleanor replied with a polite, quiet, “Good night p>
“The flight is at ten tomorrow morning,” lan added, implying she didn’t need to arrange her own travel back and could take his private jet.
She opened her door and went inside. After she closed it, a small smile touched lan’s lips before he turned and entered his own room.
After a quiet and restful night, Eleanor came out with her luggage packed. Ian’s tall figure was leaning against the hallway wall, and it was impossible to tell how long he had been waiting there.
“Let the driver take your luggage to the car first. We can go get some breakfast,” he said.
Eleanor was carrying her bag and pulling a small suitcase. Ian reached out with a long arm and, before she could react, lifted the suitcase and walked ahead.
Eleanor frowned but followed him.
lan handed the luggage to the driver waiting at the restaurant entrance, then turned back to Eleanor. “Let’s go in and get some breakfast p>
Eleanor entered the restaurant first. She picked up a plate, chose a few of her favorite items, and sat down at a table by the window. Ian came over shortly after and naturally pulled out the chair across from her to sit down.
Last night, Eleanor had come to a realization. Ian’s help with Mansfield wasn’t without its own rewards. From Garth’s remarks, it was clear that the technology held great promise for both tech and biotech sectors. With lan owning a top-tier tech company and several biomedical firms and labs, it was a sound investment for him.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to do after this project wraps up?” lan asked, narrowing his eyes at her.
Eleanor had considered it. The Neural Interface Project was too vast, with many research directions, and her energy was limited. So, she had decided to specialize in her recent discovery and conduct in-depth research specifically on treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Eleanor took a sip of her coffee, thought for a few seconds, and then looked at the man across from her. “I want to focus on research into neurodegenerative diseases. I might need to step away from the current Neural Interface Project p>
After a pause, she added, “If you don’t think this project is worth investing in, I can leave Goodwin & Co. and find another platform p>
lan was slightly taken aback, then a smile flickered in his eyes. “You want me to let you go p>
“So, will you let me go?” Eleanor looked at him calmly, adding, “After all, my current research direction might not align with Goodwin & Co.’s overall strategy p>
“Goodwin & Co. was never meant to keep you trapped. You can leave whenever you want,” lan said, letting her go with ease.
Eleanor looked up at him, astonished. “You’re really willing to let me leave p>
“It’s your right,” lan nodded. “I will transfer the subsequent research of the Neural Interface Project to the military. Goodwin & Co. will only retain the development rights for civilian applications p>
This had been a condition of their strategic cooperation from the beginning; lan wouldn’t use the core brain-computer technology for commercial profit.
Eleanor looked at him with some surprise, though she knew this was a decision lan was bound to make.
Seeing her surprised expression, lan spoke seriously. “However, I have a proposal that might help with your future research p>
Eleanor asked curiously, “What proposal p>
“The Guild of Commerce is planning
to establish an independent
neuroscience research foundation dedicated to supporting
cutting edge brain science
vel.
exploration,” lan said, pausing for a
moment. “The foundation will
provide ample funding, and its research scope includes the neurodegenerative diseases you mentioned. Of course, the foundation only provides support and will not interfere with any research. You can consider it p>
Eleanor frowned at him. “This foundation p>
“Will be operated completely independently, free from any commercial interests,” lan added.
Eleanor was stunned. Such terms were incredibly tempting. She knew very well how rare it was in academia to have such a free research environment.
“Why is The Guild of Commerce suddenly setting up a foundation like this?” she couldn’t help asking.
lan looked at her with a steady gaze. “As the chairman of The Guild of Commerce, I have the right to decide the direction of its funds. Investing in cutting-edge technology is not- only the Guild’s responsibility, but also the best investment in the future p>
His answer was impeccable, but Eleanor still had a sharp feeling that things weren’t
that simple.
“Is it really that simple?” she asked, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.
“If you turn down the Guild’s funding, it will be very difficult to carry out your
research. Just securing the funds would consume a great deal of your energy, not to mention practical issues like purchasing equipment and assembling a team p>
Eleanor had to admit that he was right.
“Right now, there aren’t many places
in this country that can back
research at this level. Besides The Guild of Commerce, you’d be hard-pressed to find another platform that offers such substantial funding and complete freedom,” “fan: said, his eyes narrowed on her as he
precisely targeted her concerns.