When Chen Mo heard this, he frowned slightly.
He knew Tian Tian's personality very well. She was passionate about her role as CEO. Unless something significant had happened, she would never bring up resignation on her own.
Then—
He typed a message on his phone and sent it to Red Queen, instructing her to investigate. Very soon, the results came back. Red Queen sent the investigation data to Chen Mo's phone.
Chen Mo took one look and instantly understood. So it was an issue with the Tian family in the imperial capital. He hadn't expected this cute girl to be willing to sacrifice herself for Black Domain Technologies.
"You don't have to hide it anymore. I already know," Chen Mo said with a smile.
"What do you know?" Tian Tian's eyes flashed with panic, a trace of helplessness on her face, but she quickly composed herself.
How could Chen Mo possibly know?
Don't scare yourself.
She hadn't told anyone about this—how could he know?
"Of course I know. Your parents are forcing you to return and inherit the family business. You're sacrificing yourself to protect Black Domain Technologies, right?" Chen Mo said calmly, looking straight at her.
"How do you know that?" Tian Tian's expression changed dramatically—from surprise, to reflexively questioning, then to panic. She really didn't want to drag her personal affairs into Chen Mo's life.
"Don't forget what I do best. Learning the truth is easy for me."
"... AI? Artificial intelligence is really amazing. I guess I don't have any secrets in front of you anymore. Then let's be honest. My family pressured me, so I have to return to the capital. If you don't want Black Domain to be crushed by the Tian family, then you'd better cut ties with me," Tian Tian finally spoke from the heart in one breath, visibly relieved. Keeping secrets had weighed on her like a mountain; now that she had spoken, she felt physically and mentally lighter.
"You're such a silly teacher," Chen Mo chuckled, his voice tinged with amusement.
"What did you just say?" Tian Tian immediately snapped. Though she was no longer a teacher, being called a "silly teacher" by a student still stung.
"Nothing important."
"But that kind of thinking is just wrong. You are the CEO of Black Domain, the face of the company, an irreplaceable figure. Do you really think we'd abandon you? Or that Black Domain is afraid of the Tian family?" Chen Mo's voice remained calm and composed.
"Chen Mo, maybe you don't understand how terrifying the Tian family is. Their Dihao Group is one of the Global Fortune 500, with power in both legal and underground spheres. Crushing a fledgling company like Black Domain is as easy as squashing an ant."
"Then you've seriously underestimated Black Domain." Chen Mo said, still recharging. His hands were tired, so he placed the phone on the table and turned on the speaker.
"Underestimated? Then tell me—what gives Black Domain the confidence to defy them?" Tian Tian asked curiously.
So far, she only knew that Black Domain was an internet tech company that had recently bought a nearly decommissioned nuclear power plant. That was it. What confused her even more was that the company was registered offshore, and the legal representative wasn't Chen Mo, but someone named Red Queen.
"I'm not telling you the specifics. Gotta maintain a little mystery. I'll just say that we're not afraid of Dihao Group. You should stay on as CEO. If you resign, the company could fall apart. As for Dihao Group? If they dare make a move, I'll make sure they regret it."
Listening to Chen Mo's calm and confident tone through the speaker, Tian Tian's expression grew confused. Even though he was five or six years younger, his steady voice and unshakable presence were infectious—like a general leading his troops into battle. It made her want to follow him.
Tian Tian hesitated. She really didn't want to give up her CEO position.
Then Chen Mo looked at her again and calmly said:
"Miss Tian, just trust me. Since you're the CEO of Black Domain, we should face the storm together. Don't abandon Black Domain—face the challenge with courage."
"We've never feared anyone. Stay and continue as CEO. We'll face whatever comes together."
Tian Tian was silent for a moment, then asked, "You really aren't afraid of Dihao Group?"
"Why should I?" Chen Mo replied with a smile.
"Then I'll stay on as CEO. Don't regret it later."
"I'd only regret it if you went back to the capital."
"Fine! I'll stay then."
Chen Mo finally breathed a sigh of relief at her decision.
Although Black Domain Technologies had started to gain recognition, it still needed a sacrificial opponent—a "flag to be raised in battle"—to make its name nationwide.
And now, Dihao Group had delivered itself as just that—a sacrificial flag. If he could defeat them, Black Domain would become a household name in China.
Reputation meant everything for a company.
Although Chen Mo hadn't yet obtained a military-industrial license and didn't even know how to apply, he was sure the requirements were extremely strict.
Now was the time to build a reputation. With fame, gaining access to military channels and licenses would become easier.
After reassuring Tian Tian, Chen Mo ended the call, then closed his eyes and continued recharging. Since the Xuanwu Division and the black-clad group had both left Haicheng, he didn't need to be so cautious. He often recharged for an entire night, turning off the thermal generator only at dawn.
He checked the energy bar again. It had increased significantly. So satisfying!
"Master, I can see you're quite pleased. But I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"
Suddenly, Red Queen's projection appeared like a ghost—red dress, red shoes, red hat. Quite a striking appearance.
"..."
"Red Queen, playing mysterious isn't a good trait. Just pick one and go." Chen Mo smiled.
"Alright then."
"Master, I'll give you the good news first."
Red Queen simulated a girl's bright smile, her laughter echoing in Chen Mo's ears.
"Go ahead," Chen Mo said.
"The video we released of the superpowered mechanical arm has attracted the military's attention. An academician named Li Aiguo has requested that we submit the technology for the military's exoskeleton armor program."
"This was completely unexpected."
As she spoke, a pale blue beam of light projected in front of her, displaying a window like a TV screen.
Chen Mo glanced over. It was indeed a formal invitation from the military requesting Black Domain Technologies to submit the superpowered mechanical arm for a technology review.
Then Red Queen's voice sounded again:
"Master, should we submit the intelligent mechanical arm technology to the military?"