Max Dillon was an ordinary electrical engineer at Osborn Enterprises.
Every day, he dealt with electrical networks, worked diligently, and loved his job. But... life was always difficult.
For example, today, he was late for work again because of the crowded subway.
"Dillon, you're late again." A bespectacled senior engineer bumped into Max.
"Oh, I'm very sorry, sir... the subway was just too crowded..."
"Stop. Haven't you realized that the project has entered a critical stage? The future is here, and no one wants to be late."
"Ah, sir, speaking of that, I uploaded quite a few power grid designs. I was wondering what you thought..."
"Power grid designs?" The senior engineer stopped and looked at Max. "I saw them. They were all garbage."
"Sir..."
Just as Max was about to say something else, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.
"Osborn Enterprises has reached an important partnership with the military. Osborn Enterprises is a thing of the past, and the Osborn Group has risen from the ashes!"
"At only seventeen years old, Harry Osborn has taken over the Osborn Group. Is he the second Tony Stark?"
Making the headlines felt wonderful, but facing a huge crowd of reporters at the company was unbearable.
"Mr. Harry Osborn, what role did you play in the formation of the Osborn Group?"
"I believe I merely did some insignificant work. What mattered was that my father laid a solid foundation for me."
"Mr. Harry Osborn, some say you are the second Tony Stark. What do you think of that?"
Harry smiled but said nothing.
"Mr. Harry Osborn, why did you choose to transform the company into a military contractor? Don't you know your actions will kill countless XX people?"
Harry took a breath. After thinking it over, he decided to say something.
"In fact, the Osborn Group has not transformed into a military contractor. We merely expanded our business scope slightly. Besides, the EXO Series will be used more for civilian purposes, such as underground operations. I suppose a reporter like you has no idea how terrible working conditions are for workers, right?"
The reporters were left speechless.
"How about this? You've all been blocking me at the company entrance since early this morning, and that must have been hard work. I'll reveal something to you: the Osborn Group's next step will be to delve deeply into the energy sector. In fact, we started this project long ago, and we are almost seeing results."
After saying that, without waiting for the reporters to react, Harry turned and entered Osborn Tower.
"Seriously, what an annoying bunch... Good morning, Miss Heli."
The moment he walked in, a blonde, blue-eyed secretary with a curvaceous figure was waiting at the entrance with a smile. Harry greeted her and took the opportunity to cop a feel—after all, they were old friends, so there was no sexual harassment involved.
"Harry, the Department of Energy submitted a new city power grid design yesterday. It needs your review..."
"Right, I was just about to mention that. Call Max Dillon over..."
As Harry passed the stairs, he noticed two people standing frozen, staring straight at him. One of them was holding a large stack of engineering blueprints.
"Is there something you two need?"
"Nothing!" the bespectacled employee suddenly said loudly.
"Oh... Harry, this is Max Dillon. If there isn't another Max in the company, he should be the one you're looking for," Heli said from the side.
Harry looked Max over. So this was... Electro. He had only confirmed yesterday that such a person existed in the company, yet he had run into him today.
Max was Black, and his expression was somewhat timid. He looked like Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man. If that was the case, he should be a decent engineer.
With that in mind, Harry continued toward the elevator and waved Max over.
"Perfect, Max. Come with me."
"Yes, sir!"
Bang!
After closing the office door, Harry and Max sat facing each other.
"I heard you submitted quite a few power grid designs. Tell me about your ideas."
After Harry spoke, Max remained motionless like a wooden statue, as though he had been frightened.
Seeing no response, Harry frowned. Then he suddenly remembered that the movie version of Max seemed to be a minor figure with an extreme lack of presence. Having been looked down on and treated unfairly at work, he had even developed some psychological issues.
He couldn't have developed some kind of grudge against me, could he? Harry shuddered. Thinking of how Max's admiration for Spider-Man had turned into hatred in the movie, it was indeed rather frightening.
"Max." Harry tapped the desk. "We're talking about work."
"Yes, sir!"
Max then began speaking nonstop. From their conversation, Harry felt that Max truly was an electrical engineer with plenty of ideas. Harry compared Max's designs with the Global Power Grid Design Outline the system had rewarded him with and discovered that the two had quite a few similarities.
"Not bad... It seems you really are... well, a very talented employee."
Max did not reply. Harry had not hidden the Global Power Grid Design Outline; it was projected onto the office screen, and Max could see those exquisite designs.
"However... I think you've noticed as well that compared with the version in my hands, yours still has some issues."
Harry's words made Max lower his head.
"So, I have some ideas regarding power grid design. Take them back and study them. After a while, submit your next design to me."
"Okay... Wait, Mr. Osborn, should I submit it directly to you?"
"Yes, directly to me. Actually, my father has already reached an agreement with New York City Hall. The Grid Improvement Project will begin soon, and I intend to make you the Chief Engineer."
"That's wonderful... What? What did you say you wanted me to be?"
Max sprang up like a madman, startling Heli beside him.
"Sit down." Harry waved a hand. "You're about to become the Chief Engineer. Although you'll only be in charge of the technical side, I still hope you can be more composed. Do you understand what I mean? The Group has high hopes for the power grid project."
"I-I-I-I... I... thank you, Mr. Osborn!"
Max stammered so badly he could barely speak. He nodded and bowed to Harry again and again, nearly crying. No, he was already crying.
Harry sighed. Electro in the movie could not really be considered a bad person. Since Max had this talent, having him take charge of this for the company was just right. Harry only hoped Max could change that personality of his and stop getting so jumpy all the time.
After all, the system had just issued a major mission, and barring any surprises, he would still need Max's assistance.
[Mission: Energy Monopoly] [First Ring: Establish and Control the New York City Power Grid]
The moment Harry saw the words "First Ring," he knew this mission would be a long one.
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