The next day, at the research institute.
Matthew sat in a swivel chair in the lab with his hands in his pockets, while a researcher stood beside him, reporting on their progress.
"How is it? With your technology, can you smelt that piece of metal in his head?"
"No problem, boss," the researcher answered earnestly.
"Although the peculiar metal you brought back is almost non-conductive to heat, as long as the temperature is high enough, it will still deform and show ductility."
"As of 8:15 this morning, the weapon you requested has entered the manufacturing process.
Based on current smelting progress, it is estimated that it will be completed within fifteen days." Hearing the researcher's report, Matthew nodded with satisfaction.
The 'peculiar metal' he referred to was, in fact, the Vibranium from Hammerhead's head.
After planting him in the ground, Matthew had very mercifully let him rest in peace, without any pain during the process.
What? You're asking how I know he didn't feel pain?
Of course I know!
If Hammerhead were uncomfortable, he would have run away; since he didn't run, it means he was very comfortable.
And under the premise that he was very comfortable, Matthew had the lab personnel remove the steel plate from his head, smelt it, and craft it into a dagger.
Of course, Matthew also wanted a larger weapon, but unfortunately, the Vibranium plate was only so big. Making a normal-sized dagger was already stretching it; it was impossible to make anything else.
Back in the top-floor office.
Matthew leaned lazily back in his office chair, scrolling through the tablet used to approve departmental task assignments.
The tasks on the computer were all monotonous; it was either a venue needing security personnel, or escorting some VIP to an important location.
Matthew didn't care about the content of these tasks at all; all he needed to focus on was whether the price was reasonable.
After all, so many people under him needed to eat. Matthew had to ensure high pay and good benefits while keeping the capital chain intact, which was actually a very difficult task.
"Sigh... Usually, this kind of work is handled by Eleanor. Now that Eleanor has been sent away on assignment, these tasks have fallen back into my hands..."
"It's incredibly boring."
Just as Matthew was muttering about when Eleanor would return to take over the work, his phone, which was placed to the side, suddenly popped up a message.
[Eleanor: Sir, I considered that during my absence, internal company affairs might pile up, potentially causing you unnecessary burden and trouble.
Without your permission, I have paid out of my own pocket to hire a temporary assistant for you.
After my investigation, I found that this assistant has outstanding work capabilities. You can entrust some of the non-core company tasks to her.]
"..."
It must be said, as an assistant, Eleanor was truly too qualified!
She had looks, and she had work capability!
Not only that, but based on Matthew's observations, it was highly likely that Eleanor was also quite capable of fighting...
This was also why, during the last street conflict, Eleanor was the first to block in front of Matthew, ready to take action.
Most importantly! Even while Eleanor was on a business trip, she was still worried that Matthew might not be able to handle the internal work alone at the company!
What diligence!
Not only that! To share Matthew's pressure, she even paid out of her own pocket to hire an assistant!
This was simply the existence every boss dreamed of!
He let out a long sigh—
Matthew picked up his phone and replied.
[Matthew: Hmm, you've thought this through very thoroughly. By the way, what is your current salary?]
[Eleanor: My salary? My annual salary is around 1.7 million.]
[Matthew: Double it.]
[Eleanor:!!!]
[Eleanor: Thank you, boss!! You're the best, boss!!]
[system points +50, Eleanor's favorability towards you has increased! And she is now prepared to devote herself entirely to the company, even until death!]
[Matthew: However, Eleanor... while I appreciate your action of hiring a new assistant, I still hope you will return quickly after finishing the tasks I assigned.
I'm somewhat unaccustomed to you not being by my side.]
Eleanor, who was speeding along the highway, saw the last line of text on her phone and almost lost control of the steering wheel...
Two minutes later, Eleanor, having pulled the car over to the side of the road, sent a reply.
[Eleanor: Sir, company policy. Romantic relationships between employees and their superiors are not allowed.]
[Matthew:???]
[Matthew: That is exactly what I wanted to say. So, finish up your business and come back to work quickly.]
[Eleanor: Oh...]
He turned off the screen again.
Matthew curled his lip in helplessness.
He remembered Eleanor being an ice queen, always strictly professional in front of anyone...
Today, there was this 'glitch.' Hopefully, this situation wasn't caused by the salary increase.
If that were really the case, it seems he would have to give smaller raises in the future... to avoid creating a bad atmosphere.
Hmm... how much less would be appropriate?
Just as he was pondering how much less he should raise salaries in the future, the office door was suddenly knocked on.
Knock, knock, knock—
"Come in," Matthew said calmly.
As soon as he finished speaking.
A woman wearing an OL uniform with short black hair and a face with distinct Oriental beauty pushed the door open and entered, holding a document tightly wrapped in kraft paper.
"Hello, I am the assistant hired by Ms. Eleanor. You can call me Jessica."
"This is Ms. Eleanor's employment offer and letter of recommendation. Please take a look."
'Jessica' handed over the document in her hand.
Matthew looked at the document handed to him, then glanced at 'Jessica's' face.
"...You said your name is Jessica?"
"That's right." 'Jessica' nodded earnestly.
Seeing this scene, Matthew almost laughed out loud.
You call yourself a damn Jessica!
Don't think I won't recognize you just because you changed into an office uniform!
— — Ada Wong!
Seriously, why aren't you out there seducing Leon, and instead running to my company to be a secretary?
A flash of confusion crossed Matthew's eyes.
If someone said Ada Wong was really hired by Eleanor, he wouldn't believe it even if he died.
Given Eleanor's nature, it was impossible for her to plant a spy in the company right now.
Because if she wanted to, he would never have been able to sit in this position; he likely would have died in some accident before even taking office.
Ada Wong being able to come meant that the real assistant Eleanor hired might have already been kidnapped to who knows where.
The documents in her hand must also be forged.
Just like how she tricked Leon back then.
"Mr. Lawrence, these are my credentials and the employment offer..." Ada Wong pushed the kraft paper envelope forward with a straight face.
Matthew looked at the envelope in front of him and pushed it back to her: "No need to look... I trust Eleanor, and since you were personally hired by Eleanor, then naturally, I trust you too."
"As the saying goes, if you employ someone, don't suspect them; if you suspect them, don't employ them. Wouldn't you agree, Ms. Jes—si—ca?"