Chapter 492 Founder
Another day on the bus.
Thankfully, Lab Graveyard was so remote that no one else got on here.
The bus was pretty quiet.
"Violent Bear."
"Yeah?"
"Leonard said you had a UFO. Guess he was full of it."
"But I forgive you."
"Tell me about Willow."
"Does it really grow by absorbing radiation?"
"What does it eat?"
"Can I give it a bath?"
"How do we bond?"
"Is it okay for it to leave its young for a whole morning?"
Dennis sat cross-legged on the seat, firing off a barrage of curious questions.
Elbert crossed his arms. "Why are you so interested in Willow?"
Dennis replied, "It's natural for kids to be close to animals!"
Elbert chuckled. "Being close to animals is natural for other kids. With you, there's always some scheme, right?"
Dennis looked at Elbert's twinkling eyes.
He knew if he kept asking, he'd give himself away.
"Sigh... I'm too young to be burdened with such suspicion!"
He turned to look out the window. "Violent Bear, where are you taking me? If it's some place like an amusement park for little kids, count me out."
Elbert chuckled. "My shop."
Dennis's eyes lit up. "The smart shop is open? How's business?"
Elbert just nodded toward the window.
The bus had just arrived at the stop!
On the roadside stood a sleek three-story building with glass walls!
Videos introducing the shop were projected onto the glass walls!
Most impressively, even though it was already dusk, two long lines stretched out from the shop's entrance!
The lines were at least a thousand feet long, extending far down the road!
The crowd buzzed with excitement, eagerly peering into the shop!
Three or four wheeled robots, holding trays, busily handed out free drinks to the waiting customers!
Elbert and Dennis got off the bus, and Dennis was stunned!
The service robots were sleek, almost silent, and moved with perfect precision!
They carried numerous drinks back and forth without spilling a drop!
"These are mass-produced robots!"
Dennis stared, wide-eyed, through the glass at the shop's interior.
Every new customer was immediately scanned by a camera for facial recognition!
They were registered as electronic members!
Their preferences were analyzed instantly!
They were assigned seats they would like!
Books they might enjoy were recommended!
If the system detected they hadn't eaten, it suggested a few sumptuous dishes!
Then a smart guiding robot led them to their booth.
It adjusted the lighting and played their favorite music!
Then a drone delivered their drinks and food!
Everything was automated and smart!
Every customer's face was filled with surprise, comfort, and admiration!
Dennis's gaze shifted to the shop's sign!
It was a set of high-tech, glowing letters!
'TO Smart Chain Store NO1—Coffee, Light Meals, Book Bar!'
Dennis was dumbfounded. "Violent Bear, you really made it happen!"
Elbert smiled knowingly.
TO was a name Melissa had come up with for the smart shop!
It meant a place with a soul, that could analyze you and meet your needs!
Back then, Elbert had been quite pleased with the name!
It was elegant and creative, fully reflecting Melissa's brilliance!
The shop in front of them was TO's first store in Wavehaven, a comprehensive and experimental shop!
As soon as it opened, it drew crowds, went viral online, and attracted countless visitors, forcing it to stay open 24/7!
Elbert felt a surge of pride. "Kid, take a good look. Before you is the pioneer of smart technology!"
"The leader of the tech explosion!"
"In the future, TO will go global and become the largest smart retail group!"
"And I, yours truly, am the founder and tech provider of this shop!"
Dennis was thrilled!
He loved this kind of stuff!
The shop's wall projections reflected Dennis's excited expression!
His eyes sparkled!
In the projection, a butler in a tailcoat with a handlebar mustache was making an enthusiastic announcement.
'TO, a subsidiary of Witness Group.'
'A world leader in AI and robotics.'
'Committed to changing and serving humanity through technology!'
'Helping humans achieve their best state.'
Dennis was beyond excited.
He grabbed Elbert's arm and shook it. "Take me inside, quick!"
Elbert walked ahead, smiling. "There's even more to surprise you inside! Get ready to be amazed by me!"
The two figures approached the shop entrance.
A cute big-headed robot blinked and smiled. "Sir, please wait in line."
Elbert smiled calmly.
He was about to override the program.
But suddenly, he felt a chill!
His combat instincts kicked in!
Elbert squinted and turned sharply!
He found himself facing hundreds of resentful eyes!
"Who is this guy?"
"So rude!"
"Why isn't he waiting in line?"
"Does being handsome give him a free pass?"
"Setting a bad example for his kid?"
The crowd's scolding was relentless!
Elbert was stunned!
Cutting in line had triggered such an outburst?
Elbert had no choice but to smile. "I'm an employee here."
"Oh, really?"
"Where's your badge?"
Elbert was taken aback. "Badge? I don't have one."
"Yeah, right..."
"I've seen plenty of people pretending to be employees!"
"I'm the owner of this shop!"
"Get in line!"
Elbert took a deep breath!
The shop had only robot employees, no badges!
Cutting in line would indeed be rude and damage his image!
Dennis blinked his big eyes. "Elbert, what's going on?"
"Don't worry."
Elbert, under the crowd's disdainful gaze, softly called, "Waiter."
A virtual butler appeared on the wall, bowing slightly. "Mr. Perry, would you like a king-size bed..."
"Stop!"
Elbert's face stiffened. He abandoned his previous plan and asked, "How many people are in line?"
"Mr. Perry, there are 872 people."
Three minutes later.
By the flowerbed across from TO.
Two figures squatted.
Dennis licked his ice cream cone, exasperated. "Violent Bear, is this the world you wanted to show me?"
"What's with the attitude?"
Elbert covered his face with his hand. "We need to follow the rules! Especially in our own shop!"
Meanwhile.
The waiter continued the announcement.
'TO...'
'A company dedicated to AI and robotics...'
'Founded by a brilliant mind, leading the world in tech innovation...'
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