Nobody Messes with the Code Master

---- Chapter 9 Aweek before the International Artificial Intelligence Competition, I was in the office reviewing my team's final submission when a strange email from Jason popped into my inbox. (Dear Rex, I apologize for the audacity of this message. I would like to apply for a junior programmer position in your department. I deeply regret what happened before and am willing to start from the very basics. I sincerely hope for a chance to redeem myself.] I stared at the screen, unsure how to react. Oliver knocked and walked in.

Seeing my expression, he asked curiously, "What's up?" I forwarded the email to him. Oliver sucked in a sharp breath. "Talk about nerve! Isn't his uncle in jail now?" Inodded. "Ten years for embezzlement and bribery. His family fell from the clouds to rock bottom overnight." Oliver snorted. "Serves them right. Jason's blacklisted in the industry. I heard he sent out dozens of resumes and never even got areply." Iclosed the email without responding, "Let's just focus on preparing for the competition. Don't let distractions get in the way.

A week later, our team arrived at the competition venue. The arena was packed with the world's top tech teams-Google, ---- Microsoft, and Facebook had all sent elite squads. After three grueling days of competition, the host finally announced, "Team Nextech takes the championship!" We erupted, cheering and jumping with joy. The million-dollar prize was impressive, but more than that, our algorithms had earned global recognition. At the awards ceremony, a well-dressed foreigner handed mea business card. "Mr. Bart, I'm head of Google's AI division.

I'd like to discuss a potential opportunity with you." Later at the reception, he got straight to the point. "We're offering a 2 million dollar annual salary plus equity options. We want you on our core R&D team." My heart raced at the figure, but I only smiled politely and said I would consider it. Back in my own country, the company hosted a grand celebration for our victory. Media outlets competed to report, "Nextech AI Team Defeats Global Giants". Overnight, my name became widely known. But the very next day, I accidentally overheard a conversation I wasn't supposed to hear.

Thad arrived early to prepare for a speech, only to catch the CEO and several executives talking in the adjacent boardroom. ---- "Rex's new algorithm is worth at least 500 million, We need to file a patent quickly exclusive to the company." "He's an employee, after all. The technology belongs to the company. We just give him a small stake to keep him happy." "Right. Don't let him know the algorithm's real value, or he'll demand more." I stood outside the door, my chest tightening. History was repeating itself.

My hard work was once again at risk of being stolen Back in my office, I quietly tried to collect my thoughts, unsure of what to do next. Just then, my phone rang, It was an unfamiliar number. "Rex, I'm Zac Zimmerman, founder of the venture firm Moonshot, I'd like to invite you for coffee." Thesitated for a moment, then finally agreed.