Chapter 253: A Perfect Match
[TN: Hey guys sorry for missing yesterday's chapter so here are two chapters to make it up, now I'm not gonna name any names but please don't put advances chapters in my comment please, while I don't mind you guys translating your own chapter and reading ahead please don't post them in my comment, that just rude and disrespectful as I'm doing this for free and unlike many translators I don't lock my content under a Patreon which is fine for them but not just for me i already delete it but please don't do it again thank you]
Family waiting room.
Mrs. Newsom and her children waited anxiously nearby. They had been waiting for hours, and the journey from California to New York had already taken a toll, especially after the disappointment they faced at the hospital back in California.
With dark circles under their eyes, they leaned wearily against chairs and walls, the air thick with silent anxiety.
The hospital in California had given them grim news: Governor Newsom's condition was dire. Even if he survived, there was a high chance he would end up in a vegetative state.
If not that, then possibly brain-damaged—essentially, he would be left severely impaired.
In such a desperate situation, they had no choice but to trust the proposal from the International Genetic Cooperation Company: an experimental technique involving aggressive treatment targeting brain nerves.
However, experimental technology was still experimental. This was more of a last-ditch effort, and no one could predict the outcome.
Snap.
The door to the operating room opened.
Dr. Connors, masked and looking tired, nodded towards the family, signaling them to enter.
This gesture hit Mrs. Newsom like a thunderbolt—
She thought it meant they were being called in for a final farewell!
"Doctor…"
"Keep your voice down. The patient's nerves are still recovering; avoid any intense stimulation."
A twist of fate, and the eldest son quickly walked into the operating room.
Governor Newsom opened his eyes, met by the bright surgical lights—
This was intentional. As soon as he opened his eyes, the lights softened.
In his memory… he was hit by a car… hit by a car!
Suddenly, he became anxious!
He had been hit but hadn't died! More attacks were sure to follow!
Or… where was he now?!
His rising tension caused rapid brainwave fluctuations until he saw his wife and eldest son enter—
"Dad!" "Arnold!"
Leo gestured to calm the excited pair, and Governor Newsom finally noticed this young man, seemingly a doctor?
The voice sounded familiar, though he couldn't recall where he'd heard it. Maybe on the news?
"Everyone, I understand you're excited, but we're using electrical stimulation therapy to repair nerve damage. Please try to keep the patient calm."
"I understand, doctor." The governor's eldest son quickly composed himself, speaking respectfully. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Lee."
Although appearing calmer, his outstretched hand betrayed his excitement.
Leo raised his gloved hand, signaling it was fine. "Don't worry, I guess we'll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate. For now, let's all get some rest."
The man withdrew his hand without showing any embarrassment. "Understood. But regarding this attack…"
"More could follow, right? Don't worry, we've already hired Heart Peace Security to handle safety here. There won't be any issues.
Is your whole family here? At least in New York?"
"Yes, everyone is here—those people are audacious."
The man seemed angry, though he kept his emotions well-contained, hinting at his political aspirations.
"I understand." Leo removed his gloves and mask. "If necessary, you can use the secure line to communicate externally.
Trust me, having a secure communication channel is crucial, and it happens to be my specialty. We'll discuss other matters tomorrow."
The man looked surprised, glancing at his father.
Arnold, now more composed and with memories clearer, nodded gently to his son. The latter spoke again:
"…Alright, we'll talk tomorrow. Thank you again for your help."
Leo nodded, leaving the operating room with Dr. Connors and the others.
As they exited, several heavily armed security personnel entered, taking positions outside the operating and waiting rooms.
Their expressions were hidden behind half-face tactical masks, their eyes showing no emotion, projecting a professional demeanor that was almost intimidating.
But in the current situation, their presence was reassuring—
Arnold blinked: it was just him and his family in the room. Leo had made decisions without asking, seemingly impolite but actually…
He thought it was well-handled.
Sometimes, not asking is better than asking, depending on the situation.
By the next day, all the cables connected to Arnold were removed, leaving only a small incision sealed under a medical dressing.
"So, my brain is now equipped with... a miniature computer?"
"You could say that. It's essentially a collection of electronic devices. You can remove it if you want, but I suggest you think it over.
I'm guessing you've noticed some numbness and weakness in your lower body. That's due to significant damage to your spine. Unless you replace your spine entirely—"
"Otherwise, I'll be stuck in a wheelchair for life?"
"Not necessarily. You'll need a cane to walk, but you can still move around slowly."
"Damn. Can this small incision be fixed?"
"To some extent. We're working on a high-sensitivity prosthetics technology based on that small incision.
It can block the damaged spinal nerves and use other functional nerves to transmit signals to assistive mobility devices."
He added, "Medically, this is called..."
"Essentially a form of functional compensation?" Governor Newsom interjected. "My mother underwent a similar surgery before she passed. The doctors recommended exercise to promote functional compensation.
But your technology sounds a bit too sci-fi, you know? I once acted in a movie where I was a..."
Leo's expression turned odd. "A killer robot, yes, I'm aware. Anyway, we have the technology."
"Great, I'm willing to try it out." Governor Newsom, though unable to shrug, gave a corresponding facial expression. "Let's get down to business.
Your technology is even more impressive than what the news reported. I heard the experts at California State Hospital said I'd end up in a vegetative state, but you saved me in a day.
Come to California. We'll roll out the green carpet for you, with all the resources you need."
"Sure," Leo nodded. "But I'm not abandoning New York."
"I understand, and we'll support your endeavors in New York too. You're aiming to back a mayoral candidate, right?"
"Correct," Leo affirmed. "But that's my business. I have my own plans."
"Quite a pity."
Arnold shook his head slightly.
He implied that he wanted Anthony, the union leader supported by Leo, to join their party. Unfortunately, Leo wasn't interested.
Leo continued, "It's not a pity. We can still collaborate."
"Go on."
"For instance, the chip used in your treatment was developed solely by us. The mass production technology will be ready soon—
With the right land and policy support, the first production line can start next week."
Arnold was momentarily stunned, then nodded in admiration.
California has a renowned high-tech industry base, Silicon Valley.
It's also the birthplace and hub of the semiconductor industry, but now all capacity is being diverted to military industries, with most orders coming from there—
This is a troubling trend. Soon, those companies will naturally gravitate towards policies that bring them profit, from shareholders and CEOs to workers.
San Francisco is already showing signs of spiraling out of control due to the surge in military orders, which isn't good.
Now, a turning point has appeared.
"Explain in detail—I want to know the specifics. Actually, we want to know the specifics."
Leo nodded and activated the projector on the wall—
The opposing forces were numerous, and their influence far exceeded Leo's side.
The good news was that Leo had countermeasures for nearly every strategy they employed.
[TN: Hey guys sorry for missing yesterday's chapter so here are two chapters to make it up, now I'm not gonna name any names but please don't put advances chapters in my comment please, while I don't mind you guys translating your own chapter and reading ahead please don't post them in my comment, that just rude and disrespectful as I'm doing this for free and unlike many translators I don't lock my content under a Patreon which is fine for them but not just for me i already delete it but please don't do it again thank you]