Is This a Pig-Butchering Scam?

Marty said slowly, "At least he wouldn't tear the whole laboratory apart over a blood draw."

"Of course, I'm not talking about destructive power."

Frank turned to Vogelbaum and voiced his concerns.

"Lin Mo is remarkably mature for his age. He hides his true emotions and adjusts his behavior to match what the observers expect."

"He's even actively shaping Joanna's judgment. He teaches her to question orders, assess people's motives, and distinguish company arrangements from her own wishes."

"Intellectually, he may be more dangerous than Joanna."

Everyone's attention shifted to Vogelbaum. Edgar looked over as well, clearly waiting for his answer.

They had made good progress with Joanna, but Lin Mo was the real focus.

After all, Vogelbaum had confidently promised that Lin Mo would listen to Vought. Nearly six months had passed, though, and they seemed to have made little progress with him.

Vogelbaum folded his hands on the table.

He did not deny it. Lin Mo certainly did not behave like an ordinary four-year-old. Even allowing for enhanced neural development from Compound V, some of his behavior exceeded expectations.

He knew how to wait and how to conceal his intentions. He also knew how to guide Joanna toward her own understanding without directly disobeying orders.

But Vogelbaum did not believe that invalidated the plan.

"Lin Mo has unusual physical abilities, but he hasn't shown aggression on Joanna's level."

He continued, "More importantly, his feelings for Joanna are genuine."

"Those feelings let him influence Joanna, but they also give her a hold on him."

"Besides, what you're worried about is his intelligence. You fear that once he learns what we really are, he'll take Joanna with him and cause irreversible damage."

Edgar nodded in agreement. That was exactly what they feared. But after all this talk, Vogelbaum still had not offered a solution, and the others were growing impatient.

Having made his point, Vogelbaum smiled.

"Why do we have to rely on control and deception?"

"Why not try another approach? Lin Mo is smart. If we treat him sincerely and tell him the truth ahead of time, then eventually bring him into the heart of Vought or make him a member of The Super Seven, why would he walk away from the money and power Vought gives him?"

"And if he does rebel, we can make sure he understands what that would mean for Joanna."

Someone immediately spotted the flaw. "You mean tell him the truth about the research? What if he still refuses to accept it?"

If Lin Mo turned out to be the sort of person who could not stomach any of it, he might still take Joanna and rebel.

At that point, Vogelbaum produced another report and placed it before them.

"A psychological report on Lin Mo?" Edgar turned to the first page, read the heading, and looked back at Vogelbaum.

"That's right. I commissioned world-class psychology experts to assess him from several angles. This is their conclusion."

"Based on his personality, Lin Mo will not attack Vought. As long as Vought treats him sincerely, he won't rebel."

Vogelbaum spoke with confidence. No one else said a word, including Marty.

Marty had originally supported the psychology experts' isolation plan because he feared Lin Mo might go out of control or rebel. With this report on the table, he had nothing left to say. He could only look to Edgar.

As a Vought executive, Edgar alone could approve the plan and decide how Joanna's research would proceed.

After reading the report, Edgar fell silent for a moment. Then, under Vogelbaum's expectant gaze, he nodded his approval.

They would tell Lin Mo about Vought ahead of time, though some parts would certainly be presented in a better light.

Before the meeting ended, however, Edgar added one requirement.

"We need an unannounced stress test."

Vogelbaum looked up, curious.

"What are we testing?"

"Whether Joanna will prioritize protecting Lin Mo when a threat appears without warning. More importantly, whether Lin Mo can stop her attack."

Marty spoke at once. "We can stage an assault."

"Have security personnel wear the highest-grade protective gear and enter suddenly during their shared activity time."

Frank's expression shifted. "Lin Mo won't be able to tell a staged threat from a real one."

"Then tell him beforehand. He's smart. He'll know what to do."

Edgar said it casually.

After a moment's thought, Vogelbaum nodded slowly.

"Security's actions must be restricted to grabbing them. No real weapons. Have anesthetic gas and high-frequency sound waves ready as well."

Marty nodded.

"The test personnel will wear full protective gear."

Barbara could not help speaking up. "You've considered the walls and equipment. Have you considered whether the people carrying out the test will survive it?"

Marty gave her an odd look.

"They'll receive hazard pay."

As if hazard pay settled the risk to their lives. That was Vought as usual.

Edgar had no interest in discussing it further.

"Arrange it for their next shared free period."

The projector in the meeting room was switched off, and the screen went black.

Lin Mo had no idea what had happened in the meeting. His Super Hearing had not fully manifested yet. Lately, though, he had noticed the Vought researchers acting strangely.

Had they replaced the research staff? Why was everyone absurdly nice to him now, granting practically anything he asked for? They had even given him much more time in the sun. Apart from his time with Joanna, he could stay aboveground for hours.

It did not make sense. Lin Mo watched them whenever he had the chance and noticed that their attitude toward Joanna had not changed. It was only him.

What game was Vought playing now? Was this some kind of pig-butchering scam?

The afternoon sun shone directly on his head. Lin Mo basked in it leisurely, feeling the power growing inside him day by day. Vought had even thoughtfully provided a lounge chair so he could lie there in comfort.

He kept thinking about the recent changes. By his reckoning, he had been spending time with Joanna for almost a year.

After all the care he had put into guiding her, Lin Mo felt sure Joanna would change at least somewhat. How much was up to her.

Before long, a caregiver came to remind him that it was time to see Joanna.

Lin Mo rose slowly from the chair and headed underground to find her. That was right: he could now wander almost anywhere in the research bunker, and no one stopped him. Someone used to follow him around to keep him from roaming, but now they had practically given him free rein.

That did not mean no one was watching. Someone was bound to be monitoring him through the cameras.

Vought was treating them awfully differently. It was almost as if he were Vought's own son and Joanna were the one they had picked up off the street.