After complimenting the hostess, Lex smiled and released Mrs. Glynn's hand, stepping back to create distance, showing respect for the host.
As the host, Luke naturally stepped forward and made an inviting gesture: "Come, let's go to the back garden. Today, I'm hosting an afternoon tea party and have invited the mentors and students from Tingen University's laboratory project team as guests, so they can relax a bit after their research."
Upon arriving at the back garden, they indeed saw personnel from Tingen University's laboratory, including Professor Newman, who wore glasses and had white streaks in his black hair, and Melissa, whose face was a bit thin but exuded youthful vigor.
Klein's sister was indeed there, and she was fiddling with a small but precise mechanical device. Among her companions, who were laughing loudly and indulging in food, she appeared so independent and unconventional.
Luke, seeing Lex's gaze fixed on Melissa for a long time, chuckled: "Mr. Lex, are you thinking of your sister again?"
Lex controlled his expression, showing no embarrassment. He responded calmly and frankly: "No, I just find this young lady very special. Look, what she's holding isn't cake, it's not black tea, but a piece of machinery."
"Hmm."
Luke agreed and said: "Her name is Melissa. She's from the Institute of Technology, a student in the Department of Steam and Machinery. Professor Newman believes she has a great Genius for machinery and is helpful to his research, so he has made her one of his assistants."
"She isn't even a university student yet, so I think this young lady has a bright future ahead of her."
After Luke finished speaking, he took a few steps forward and loudly announced Lex's arrival, which drew a round of enthusiastic applause.
Lex smiled in response to every gaze. When the black-haired girl looked over, he no longer flinched as before; the 'black night embrace' on him was his courage to respond to Melissa.
He nodded slightly.
The girl returned his smile.
Next, Luke led Lex and Kyle to a quieter corner, where they sat on a long bench. Luke pulled out a cigar and glanced at Lex.
Lex smiled and shook his head, indicating he didn't smoke, then said: "Mr. Luke, allow me to introduce Kyle Gaden. He is my Great Master and friend, and he will be my representative in Tingen City from now on."
"Representative?"
Luke was slightly surprised, put down his cigar, and looked at Lex: "You won't be living in Tingen permanently?"
Lex maintained a polite smile: "I wish I could, but as the eldest son of my family, the matters I need to handle are clearly not limited to Tingen."
Luke showed an understanding expression and nodded: "Then what industry was Mr. Kyle involved in before?"
Here it comes!
Lex had also thought that Luke would ask some questions, as he wasn't familiar with Kyle. Even with Lex's introduction, he wouldn't accept an outsider as Lex's agent.
Therefore, Lex had already designed this role for Kyle.
As a former hunter, Kyle met Luke's eyes without fear: "I've been a worker, and I've also been on adventures at Sea. My experiences at Sea allowed me to accumulate some savings."
"I used them for some investments. I was optimistic about the steel industry and participated in a fundraising. But unfortunately, some problems arose, causing me to lose nearly a third of my assets."
"While I was looking for new investment projects, Mr. Lex found me and told me about his project. I was very interested and willing to invest my remaining two thousand pounds into your project."
Luke first nodded, then frowned: "In that case, how will we distribute the shares? With me included, there will be three partners."
Lex smiled: "Kyle's investment will be merged with my funds. His profits will be paid by me, so Mr. Luke doesn't need to consider his issue."
"In addition, my team has already started drafting the contract and evaluating risks. I believe it won't be long before we can officially cooperate with Mr. Luke."
Luke smiled and nodded: "No problem. I will also hold a shareholders' meeting in the next two days to explain this matter internally to the company."
Lex extended his hand and said: "I hope we can cooperate happily."
"Absolutely!"
At this moment, Professor Newman walked over, laughing heartily: "Mr. Lex, the students all want to talk to you. I wonder if you can grant them this whimsical request."
Lex naturally wouldn't refuse and moved to where the students were. Professor Newman announced: "Alright, say whatever you want. But one thing, don't ask too outrageous questions."
"We know." A freckled girl was the first to respond, "Mr. Lex, where are you from?"
A short, stout boy next to her giggled: "Lillian, you shouldn't ask, 'Mr. Lex, are you married?'"
The freckled girl immediately blushed and kicked her classmate hard.
These students asked various questions all at once. Lex responded patiently and humorously, creating bursts of laughter.
Suddenly, a hand was raised, and Melissa, dressed simply with brown eyes, asked: "Mr. Lex, who is your teacher? Which university professor is he?"
"I'm very curious, which Great Master led you into the realm of physics?"
No, you've misunderstood, young lady.
I'm not as learned as you think.
Lex found this question difficult. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he smiled, saying: "This Great Master, I believe everyone knows."
"He has a manuscript with drawings of his imagination for various future mechanical devices. He is an outstanding Genius with foresight, because many things in it have already become reality!"
Melissa paused, then said: "Are you referring to Emperor Roselle?"
"Precisely."
Lex smiled: "He is my spiritual mentor."
And also the Great Master I've seen who is best at showing off, absolutely 360 degrees without blind spots, the kind who leaves no room for others!
Melissa showed an expression of delight: "So, you're also very interested in various machines?"
Lex was certain that the young lady's delight was the joy of meeting a kindred spirit, unrelated to anything else.
He originally wanted to nod and say 'yes,' but facing the young lady's pure and innocent gaze, he felt a pang of guilt, so much so that the words reached his lips but couldn't be spoken.
Fortunately, Luke appeared in time, gently patted Lex's shoulder, and said: "If you don't mind, I'd like to borrow this handsome and witty gentleman and take him to see my collection."
"Of course, if you also want to visit, you can come along. I still have an original telegraph machine, which you won't see in museums."
Immediately, Melissa looked at the shareholder, clearly the charm of the telegraph machine surpassed that of a certain young man.