At the Baxter Building rooftop.
Beneath a white parasol sat three figures deep in conversation. Taking a sip of his chilled drink, Sean flashed a brilliant smile and said, "I read many of your papers during college. Back then, you were already a genius at Columbia University, holding multiple doctorates. Everyone said that Reed Richards was an undisputed, absolute genius!"
The young man seated opposite him was rather shy, his movements and mannerisms carrying a restrained air. Only his bright eyes gleamed with intelligence. In Mindy's words, he was the textbook image of a scholarly intellectual.
"Thank you for the compliment, Sean." The young man called Reed smiled and said softly, "I'm nowhere near as outstanding as you say. Science is a towering mountain whose summit can never be reached. Copernicus once said that man's duty was to bravely seek the truth. I enjoy studying and unraveling unknown things, lifting their mysterious veils and finding the answers within..."
"Ahem... Sean, to be honest, I really didn't know we lived in the same building." The broad, powerfully built Ben interrupted his friend's lengthy speech.
He also shot Reed a meaningful look. This wasn't some academic debate conference. Who wanted to listen to those dry, obscure theories?!
The future Mister Fantastic awkwardly stopped, only to find no impatience on Sean's face. Instead, Sean quoted another great scientist: "The ocean of truth lies before me, with all things undiscovered waiting for me to explore them."
"The road of scientific exploration is dry and tedious to those standing outside the door, but full of interest and joy to those who step inside."
Sean gestured with his hands, displaying a gentle manner that made others feel at ease. "I'm not the sort of financier or speculator Dr. Richards thinks I am, someone who sees nothing