{T/N: Here's a little rant from your beloved TRANSLATOR...
I, as the TRANSLATOR of this fic, wrote a Warning in the Synopsis pointing out what the reader should expect of this fic... I even concluded by advising, "Read at your own risk" ... Why then do some of you complain about the very things you were WARNED of before you even read the fic? I don't get it...}
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Warm sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the expansive lawn where researchers in casual attire mingled, enjoying champagne and barbecue from the long buffet tables...
This outdoor celebration which was proposed by Sean himself marked the official establishment of the laboratory.
Waiters had arranged tables and chairs, set out tableware, and erected numerous grills. On this fine day, Umbrella employees enjoyed the generous benefits provided by their young boss with cheerful spirits.
The brand-new laboratory stood as a towering pyramidal structure resembling an ancient Egyptian Pharaohs grand tomb.
It was constructed entirely from high-strength glass panels supported by steel beam frameworks resembling spinal columns... On clear days, sunlight streamed through the glass dome, transforming it into a glittering crystal palace.
External facilities were equally comprehensive; underground parking, a spacious helipad, along with various recreational amenities, all fully equipped.
This laboratory named Umbrella had nearly exhausted all of Sean's available funds. Were it not for Wesley controlling Hell's Kitchen's various businesses and the Hand's covert support, New York University's youngest billionaire might have already faced a financial crisis.
Sean aimed to build a world-class research institution, which required a world-class scientific team. He delegated recruitment to Dr. Connors while providing a list of outstanding scientists he remembered.
The net had been cast... how many big fish would be caught remained to be seen.
The substantial investment yielded satisfying returns. Standing impeccably dressed on the lawn with a champagne flute in hand, Sean gazed up at the dazzling laboratory building as if admiring a masterpiece painting.
A profound sense of fulfillment welled up within him. This pyramid-like magnificent structure was entirely Sean's private palace, from where he would take the first step in his grand enterprise.
Dressed formally, Dr. Connors drained his champagne glass, then said, "It feels like watching your own child; from its first cry at birth, to learning to walk, gradually growing into a strong young man..."
Usually reticent, the middle-aged scientist became uncharacteristically talkative, whether from alcohol's influence or inner excitement.
"Doctor, I thought you'd be hiding in the lab. I heard the cross-species genetics research has reached a critical stage?" Sean asked warmly, patting Connors' shoulder.
"I never adapted well to such occasions before, but today is different, the proudest moment of my life demands my presence." Connors gazed at his empty sleeve, his voice thick with emotion, "And thank you for recommending Dr. Helen Cho... She's truly the most outstanding biologist I've met. With her participation, cross-species genetics will progress much faster."
"Besides Dr. Cho from Korea, did we get any other responses?"
Sean and Connors sat under a white canopy, the air rich with wine aromas as soothing music played softly. Bathed in afternoon sunlight, one couldn't help but revel in the idyllic atmosphere.
"That young genius from Columbia, Reed Richards, declined Umbrella's offer. Truthfully, he wouldn't fit anyway... Observing cosmic storms, collecting chaotic radiation data to crack human genetic codes... Regardless of the project's potential, initial investments are astronomical. Not only does that require unimaginable funding, but also leasing a spacecraft from NASA for space missions..."
Connors shook his head, thoroughly unimpressed by the famous genius's project proposal. It had too many variables, extremely high failure probability, and from an investor's perspective, limited profit potential.
"Alright, Mr. Richards is out." Sean smiled faintly.
It was a pity to miss recruiting the future Mr. Fantastic, "What about Dr. Otto Octavius? As an independent scientist, he should be interested in joining a rising research institution."
Independent scientists typically lacked funding and equipment, rarely refusing offers from emerging labs.
"Dr. Octavius is still considering. Are you planning to enter energy fields?" Connors asked curiously.
Currently, Umbrella focused on biomedical research; gene therapy development, and cross-species genetics.
Dr. Octavius was a renowned nuclear physicist specializing in atomic energy. He recently theorized about artificial suns to develop cheap and efficient new energy sources.
"No, I'm just interested in his new energy concepts." Sean said softly.
Mr. Fantastic might be dispensable, but Doctor Octopus was essential.
In the original timeline, in his obsession with creating new energy, Dr. Octavius lost his beloved wife in a failed fusion experiment and merged with AI-controlled mechanical arms, which lead to him gradually losing his sanity.
That's how the brilliant scientist Octavius became the dangerous super-villain, 'Doctor Octopus'...
"I'll keep contacting Dr. Octavius. But the people on your list cover too many fields... even if they joined Umbrella, they couldn't contribute effectively." Connors tactfully cautioned.
He was worried that sudden fame and praise might corrupt the modest young man's humility.
Science valued consistent results... temporary fame or achievements couldn't sustain long-term standing...
Why was Tony Stark called a genius? Because he continuously produced innovative theories across fields like advanced weaponry and AI, establishing absolute authority.
"Take Dr. Maya Hansen, a botanist. Or Erik Selvig, an astrophysicist. Both are outstanding in their fields, but unsuitable for Umbrella."
This fledgling lab remained an unsteady infant... Overambitious steps might cause painful falls.
Listening to Connors' well-intentioned advice, Sean didn't elaborate. The one-armed man who was once destined to become "The Lizard" was already aboard Umbrella's chariot.
Sean's task was gathering more talents, harnessing their exceptional abilities to serve his visions.
In this dangerous, wondrous world, technological power couldn't be ignored. Future Iron Man proved this best... A mere mortal Tony Stark, through genius intellect alone, designed continuously upgraded armor capable of battling monsters like the Hulk.
"Doctor, they're all exceptional talents. Our goal is making Umbrella the world's premier research institution, which requires the finest team. Everyone on this list forms the foundation of our future blueprint."
Sean gazed across the bustling lawn, his vision piercing beyond the distant wooded horizon... With profound eyes, he concluded, "Don't think about stopping, we can possess so much more..."