Bai Qi's objective for visiting the woman was straightforward: to persuade her to join the Umbrella Corporation. Her combat skills and wilderness survival experience made her more than qualified to be a member of the expedition team. As for her inability to stand, Bai Qi considered it a minor issue.
In this world, there was no illness that the Ma Charm could not cure, and if there was, it would take two applications.
However, Bai Qi, adept at persuasion, did not immediately reveal the condition that could heal the woman's legs. Instead, he first used the lure of a superior salary.
"Don't be so quick to refuse," Bai Qi said. "I imagine you're very aware of your current situation: a dilapidated house, a chaotic neighborhood. Even if you don't think of yourself, you should think of your child."
A child was always a mother's soft spot, especially a mother who had lost everything else.
Hearing Bai Qi's words, the woman's resolute gaze began to waver.
Seizing this opportunity, Bai Qi pressed on. "Think about it. With this money, you and your child can have better living conditions, and your child can receive a better education. After all, you wouldn't want her to end up walking down the same path as you."
"Enough!"
Just as the woman was becoming increasingly moved, Artemis suddenly spoke, interrupting Bai Qi.
"We don't need your dirty money. I like my school and my friends, and you're not welcome here. I suggest you and your subordinates leave immediately, don't force me to act."
As she spoke, Artemis stood up, assumed a fighting stance, as if she were about to engage Bai Qi and his entourage in a brawl.
Harry, accustomed to such disrespect, was particularly incensed by a mere girl.
"Harry?"
Just as Harry was about to make a move, Bai Qi's voice instantly calmed him down.
Bai Qi stood up and said, "I think we've talked enough today. But before we go, I want to say one last thing: the Umbrella Corporation has always been at the forefront of human gene research. We have extensive experience and success in helping paraplegics stand up again, and they stand up on their own two feet."
With that, he signaled Harry, and they left without hesitation.
In the car, Harry, seated opposite Bai Qi, asked with confusion, "Master, why did you stop me from acting? That Artemis fellow was clearly challenging your authority."
Seeing Bai Qi remain silent, Harry continued, "If you'll permit me to say, Master, I could tell that the woman was starting to be swayed by your offer. A little more pressure, and she might have agreed."
Bai Qi asked calmly, "So, you're implying that I've made a mistake?"
Harry waved his hands repeatedly as he met Bai Qi's gaze, explaining, "No, Master, how dare I question you? I just feel that returning empty-handed like this is..."
"Who told you we're returning empty-handed?"
Just as Harry was pondering Bai Qi's words, the car suddenly stopped.
Bai Qi's lips curved into a smile. "See? Our guest has arrived."
Bai Qi opened the car door, and Artemis appeared before them.
"Get in. I think we have a lot to talk about."
Artemis frowned. She held no good feelings for this arrogant fellow, but for her mother's sake, Artemis still chose to get into Bai Qi's car.
The car started moving again. Seated opposite Bai Qi, Artemis said, "Alright, let's get straight to the point."
"Does the Umbrella Corporation really have a cure for paralysis?"
"Of course," Bai Qi nodded. "Umbrella's technology is at the forefront of all humanity."
As he spoke, Bai Qi winked at Harry. Understanding his cue, Harry produced a tablet and handed it to Artemis.
The tablet displayed a video of Umbrella Corporation researchers treating a patient who had been paralyzed for many years.
In terms of severity, the patient in the video was clearly in a much worse condition than Artemis's mother. Except for her eyes, every other part of her body, even a finger, was immobile.
Yet, after the researcher injected the patient with a certain liquid, within a minute, the patient, who had been paralyzed for years, miraculously stood up. With the assistance of equipment, she was able to take a few steps.
"This is impossible!"
"Nothing is impossible," Bai Qi said, taking back the tablet. "We are aware of your mother's condition and are one hundred percent confident in our ability to cure her, with no side effects."
Bai Qi's words resonated with Artemis. In fact, Artemis had been moved the moment Bai Qi mentioned being able to heal her mother's legs.
In Artemis's memory, her mother's paralysis was the root cause of their family's disintegration. Artemis, who had lacked a sense of security since childhood, had always relied on her mother as her sole support. Now that there was a chance to heal her mother, Artemis was unwilling to let it slip away.
Therefore, after Bai Qi left, Artemis secretly followed him, without her mother's knowledge.
Bai Qi was not surprised by Artemis's appearance. His target had never been the woman herself. An experienced woman like her would not be easily fooled by simple tricks. The ideal target was Artemis, her naive daughter.
If he could bring her into the fold, the mother, no matter how reluctant, would agree for her daughter's sake.
Moreover, Artemis would eventually become a member of the Teen Titans. If he could control her, it would be like planting a spy, his own spy, within the future Teen Titans.
For now, however, Bai Qi maintained a friendly demeanor and showed considerable sincerity to gain Artemis's trust.
"Alright," Artemis said, choosing to compromise under Bai Qi's dual assault. "What are the conditions? If it's still about my mother joining your Umbrella Corporation, I can try to convince her, but the chances of success are slim."
Artemis's meaning was clear. She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, and she also knew that they desperately wanted to recruit her mother into the Umbrella Corporation. However, Artemis knew her mother best; she had long grown tired of fighting and only wished for a peaceful, ordinary life.
"I'm very grateful. I can see you're a filial child," Bai Qi said, nodding and affirming Artemis's words. "The Umbrella Corporation does indeed hope your mother will join us. However, we have an exploration plan in progress. If you can represent your mother, join the expedition team, and sign this contract, we can consider prioritizing your mother's treatment. The rest can be discussed later."
He then presented a contract.
Artemis took the contract and began to read it. Some of the terms were indeed harsh, but Artemis knew she had no other choice.
Her mother's condition was terminal, beyond cure. Now that an opportunity had finally presented itself, regardless of its reliability, she had to try.