The dinner at the general's ho began at 6:30 PM...
Sean was dressed in well-fitted casual attire, carrying a carefully prepared gift in his left hand... a bottle of Crown Vodka, which he was certain the cigar and liquor-loving General Ross would appreciate.
In his other hand, he held a bouquet of white tulips, symbolizing purity and beauty... a gesture unlikely to be too abrupt for his first eting with Betty.
The door was opened by a tall, elegant young woman with smooth brown hair and delicate features. Her striking azure eyes exuded an intellectual and reserved charm.
"Pleasure to et you, Miss Betty." After stepping inside and setting down the gift, Sean extended his hand for a handshake.
Following a brief self-introduction, he presented the bouquet of white tulips.
Having been abruptly summoned back to New York from Virginia by her father, the general's beloved daughter seed slightly disgruntled. Since the incident with Banner, her relationship with General Ross had been strained.
Out of good upbringing and social etiquette, Betty reluctantly shook Sean's hand, her cold deanor tinged with reluctance. It was clear she understood what the presence of an unfamiliar young man at this family-style dinner implied.
"I believe Miss Betty holds a Ph.D. in genetic biology from Culver University. When Umbrella was first established, we actually extended an invitation to you." Sean didn't take the young woman's dismissive attitude to heart.
He wasn't so walking pheromone magnet where every woman would throw themselves at him.
If that ever happened, all he needed to do was clutch his wallet tightly. As Harry often said, when a stunningly beautiful girl smiles at you, the first thing to worry about is whether you've brought enough cash.
Never flatter yourself into thinking it's your charm or handso looks... what really attracts them is usually the luxury watch on your wrist or the sports car key in your pocket.
If you didn't have those things, it was best to stay on guard. Otherwise, you might find her 'boyfriend' kicking down the door, abruptly ending what seed like a passionate night.
"At the ti, I wasn't in the right fra of mind. And compared to research, I prefer teaching."
Betty was montarily taken aback, only now recalling that the young man before her had founded Umbrella, an organization with remarkable achievents in biological research.
"Really? I'd have thought any ambitious scientist with drive wouldn't refuse an invitation from a well-funded research institution."
Sean remained composed, his attitude toward the general's daughter neither overly warm nor cold, "I'm not disparaging the noble profession of teaching. But for a researcher, rather than dedicating energy and ti to educating students, why not actively engage in more practical experintal work, especially while your mind is still sharp and agile? After all, you can beco a teacher at any ti, but scientific research has higher thresholds and demands."
The faintly mocking undertone in the young man's words made Betty frown. She could clearly discern his implication that she lacked the talent and ability, hence her retreat into academia.
"Oh, I forgot... you're the celebrated genius who took New York by storm." Betty scoffed.
It wasn't as if she hadn't encountered brilliant high-achieving prodigies before. Take Bruce Banner, for instance... had he not vanished after his accident, perhaps the man sitting at this dinner table wouldn't be the young man before her.
"So, proud genius, what are your thoughts on the future of the biological sciences?" Perhaps inheriting her father's competitive streak, Betty tossed out the question challengingly.
"Needless to say, the future belongs to the bioeconomy. By every tric, current data and trends indicate it's one of the most growth-driven industries, especially with advancents in foundational fields like genomics and molecular biology. Umbrella has always been committed to staying at the forefront…"
"...We have a strong interest in multiple biotech applications, including cross-genetic research, cell cultivation, and life sciences, and have established dedicated research teams… Our 'Hive' biotech park is already under construction and is expected to be operational by year's end…"
Sean spoke fluently, outlining a grand vision that combined future trends in biology with Umbrella's strategic roadmap. What began as a debate soon evolved into a lively discussion, expanding beyond bioscience into broader territories.
Erging from his study at so point, General Ross watched the scene with a satisfied smile.
After Banner's flight, he had introduced his daughter to nurous accomplished young elites in hopes of steering her away from the dangerous scientist, all to no avail.
Now, it seed Sean was hitting it off splendidly with his beloved daughter, though had the general been able to follow their conversation, he might have thought differently.
"Ahem~" As the clock struck seven, the general reluctantly interrupted their animated exchange.
"Miss Betty, let's call it a day. You're welco to visit Umbrella anyti." Sean shrugged, smiling.
At the dinner table, the young man didn't resu his earlier lively chat with Betty. Instead, he turned his attention to General Ross, and the two n delved into discussions about the nation's future and fortunes.
The old man, laughing heartily, cracked open the gifted bottle of Crown Vodka. Under the fiery liquor's influence, the family dinner grew even more boisterous.
By the ti the clock chid ten, Sean offered Betty an apologetic smile before helping the thoroughly drunk general to his room. His steps were steady, remarkably so for soone who had downed half a bottle of vodka.
Out of basic courtesy, Betty saw the young guest to the door. Under the shimring lights of the deep night, she complained lightly, "You shouldn't have let him drink so much."
"That wasn't exactly up to ." Sean feigned helplessness.
Refusing a toast from an elder at the dinner table was practically unthinkable... especially one as strong-willed as General Ross.
In under an hour, the bottle of Crown Vodka was emptied, and the man had even demanded Betty fetch his aged treasured collection, insisting on getting Sean drunk.
"Still, your alcohol tolerance is impressive. I've never seen anyone outdrink my father." Betty covered her mouth with a light laugh.
Her initial dislike for the young man before her gradually faded. Earlier, her resentnt had unfairly extended to Sean, but after their pre-dinner discussion and his effortless rapport with her father at the table, her bad impression had quietly dissipated.
"My offer stands... Umbrella's doors are always open to you." Sean smiled as he bid farewell, then stepped into the night.
Before playing any romantic gas with the general's daughter, he still had to et with Blonsky.
According to a ssage from Yuriko, the power-seeking soldier had called. It was obvious that the other party had made his decision.
Sean was deeply curious... would the "Abomination" born from his hands be able to defeat the Hulk?
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